Kelowna News

It will be a very busy birthday party in Kelowna.

Artistic director for Festivals Kelowna, Janet Anderson, says they have a day's worth of Canada Day events scheduled for July 1 at Prospera Place and Waterfront Park.

“Festivities this year will include the 36th Annual Folkfest in Prospera from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., where people can enjoy live multicultural performances and sample foods from different cultures. During Folk Fest, the community is invited to attend the official ceremonies and share in the giant 'Happy Birthday Canada' cake at 12:30 p.m. in Prospera Place,” says Anderson.

Other activities scheduled to take place in Waterfront Park and Cultural District include:

• 10 a.m. - 3 p.m....Model Sailboat Regatta
  
• 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m....Citizenship ceremonies at Kelowna Community Theatre
  
• 10 a.m. - 12 p.m....Apple Bin Paint-in
  
• 11 a.m. - 3:30 p.m....Tim Horton's Kids Stage
  
• 11 a.m. - 5 p.m...Downtown Kelowna Kids Zone
  
• 11 a.m. - 5 p.m....Made in Canada Marketplace
  
• 11 a.m. - 5 p.m....Beach Volleyball demo and drop-in games
  
• 1 p.m. - 5 p.m....Selah Outdoor Exploration Canoe Rides
  
• 11 a.m. - 10:30 p.m....Taste of Canada Food Fair
  
• 1:30 p.m. - 10:15 p.m....TD Canada Trust Music Stage
  
• 2 p.m. - 9:30 p.m....Parks Alive! Power Stage
  
• 10:15 p.m....HSBA Bank Canada Day Kelowna Fireworks.

Activities taking place in Prospera include the Folk Fest, the Official Ceremonies and Canada Day Birthday Cake at 12:30 p.m. and the Kelowna POP's Orchestra Canada Day Spectacular from 7:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m.

There is no charge to attend any of the events, however, donations are appreciated and will go towards festival expenses.

Ron Cannan, MP for Kelowna-Lake Country, says $16,500 in has been awarded to organizations including the Festivals and Special Events Development Society of Kelowna which will get $12,000 and the Rotary Club of Lake Country which will receive $4,500, to help fund the Canada Day celebrations.

Meantime, Westside Daze kicks off on July 1 -- Canada Day -- with the car and motorcycle shows and shines. Dignitaries and special guests will cut and serve the Canada Day cake in the afternoon.

The Rock Band, Rock On teenagers' music contest will run all afternoon and evening on July 2, while the Westbank First Nation's "Okanagan Day" goes on July 3 with entertainment, cultural presentations and food.

Friday's entertainment is highlighted by Double Diamond, a tribute to Neil Diamond, starting at 7:30.

The annual parade kicks off on July 4 at 10:30 a.m. to launch a full day of fun and activity, with the popular Kids Fair running from 12 noon to 4, and winding up with the annual fireworks show on the beach at 10 p.m.

West Coast Amusements will have its classic midway and its biggest rides on site all four days.

Link: Festivals Kelowna website