The ribbon will finally be cut at Stuart Park.

Kelowna's newest downtown park, situated across from City Hall, will officially be opened Friday, September 3.

The much-delayed park was finally complete in the spring and opened for public use June 15.

According to city officials, the grand opening which will include dancers, bands and other entertainment will take place between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

Dignitaries will speak at noon.

The opening will include the unveiling of an 8'2" bear sculpture which will sit atop four pedestals already in place overlooking the ice rink.

The $160,000 sculpture was produced by Brower Hatcher of Providence, Rhode Island.

"The inner layer is a powder coated, welded stainless steel frame. Onto this framework is bolted, using stainless steel and brass hardware, an inner level of tetrahedral geometry, also of powder coated stainless steel," says Hatcher in describing the piece.

"Within the structure are referential images of bronze, glass and found objects that represent Kelowna's history from early artifacts of Okanagan people to contemporary times."

Design work on the $3.5 million park began back in 2004. It was originally scheduled to be complete as part of the city's centennial in 2006.

Following the afternoon ceremonies, Festivals Kelowna will present an evening of entertainment in the park from 6:30 p.m. until 9 p.m.