More than 50,000 people are expected to take in some or all of the Canada Day festivities in and around Waterfront Park and Prospera Place in Kelowna Thursday.

Festivals Kelowna Executive Director, Renata Mills, says more than 50,000 people have attended Canada Day the past two years and she expects the same this year.

"There are three ways to get into Waterfront Park on Canada Day so every half hour we will do a tally. Last year alone we had 52,132 people through those gates," says Mills.

"The previous year was pretty close to that as well. Half of Kelowna comes through the park at one point. That's pretty phenomenal."

Mills says with so many people in the one area, parking can be at a premium.

For those that wish to drive, parking is free all day at the Chapman Parkade while at the Library Parkade, the cost is $3 for an all day parking ticket.

She says transit is also offering extra transit service on Canada Day for people who wish to leave their vehicles at home.

"People are getting smarter. I would recommend if you can bicycle, you could do that. If you can walk a little distance, stay healthy, get healthy, be Canadian."

Along with the regular activities including Folkfest, outdoor stage entertainment, the cutting of the Canada Day cake, Kelowna Pop's Orchestra performance and fireworks, Mills says there are a few new activities lined up.

Mills says new features include a Canada Day Bizarre in Waterfront Park featuring local small business, an expanded Canada Day Marketplace and a display by Canadian Blood Services.

"It sort of plays into the whole Canadian Heroes angle and the symbols of Canadian pride. Donating blood and saving lives and that is one of the ways we can help."

Canadian Blood Services will have information on how to donate blood and will do 'blood typing' for those curious as to their own blood type.

Activities run in Waterfront Park from 10 a.m. until 10:30 p.m. Folkfest takes place from 10 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. at Prospera Place with the cake cutting scheduled on the arena floor at about 1:30 p.m.

The Kelowna POP's Orchestra performs at Prospera Place from 7:30 until 9:30 with the fireworks scheduled to begin at 10:30 p.m.