Scenic Ciders and Fat Cats

What a great week for business and events.  The weather has been phenomenal, but we all knew it would be didn't we?

Scenic Road Cider Co. has just opened their doors to the public.  Harvinder and Marina Johal had amazing grand opening with appies that paired perfectly with their Nearly Dry and Dry Ciders.  The tasting room is open from 1pm-6pm Friday through Sunday for the rest of the summer.  I suggest joining their Facebook page and watching for upcoming farm to table dinner series being hosted by Kitchen Sync Catering.  Four courses and a dessert buffet, wow.  They had me at cider. 

With the summer weather here Kelowna Cruises is back in full swing.  Captain Mike Reddicliffe is back on the water and has already been hosting some fabulous dinner cruises.  You can see the Boardroom and the Lake Lounge cruising the lake all times of the day.  Louise Fleming from Ok Corral Cabaret and Bowie’s entertainment have partnered with Amanda Steadman and Heith Martin of FSH (Flask Social House) bringing you the Tuesday night Paradise Party Cruise.  Rain or Shine, Party starts at 7pm.  www.kelownacruises.com

Drew Vincent of OYP (Okanagan Young Professionals) has out done himself with announcing that Saturday July 9th will be the date of the "SugarPlum Ball".  Mayor Colin Basran is the host and thinks this could be the event of the summer! Dress to impress, grab a drink then step into their green room for make up and wigs.  Wouldn't it be great if Nathan Flavel brought Hannah out!  Get your tickets at www.rotartycenterforthearts.com 

Metabridge is currently underway.  Yesterday 15 companies gave their pitch and in between there were some very informative panel sessions.  Kelowna’s own Chris Priebe pitched ‘Community Sift’ which is has developed technology to filter our destructive content and safeguard against common issues of online safety.  As a Dad this was my favorite speech and I can’t thank him enough for what he is accomplishing.  The winner of Metabridge 2016 was RentMOOLA.  They presented a dashboard that allows renters to start paying their rent easily with credit card, debit and more plus you can set up monthly recurring payments.  As a landlord I thank them very much.  Simply Impressive!  Kelowna I can stress enought to get involved in this tech industry here in the Okanagan, it’s extraordinary! www.metabridge.ca

I ride my bike to work most days and it is amazing on how so many drivers don't pay attention to bikes.  I am so happy to see that Pat Rosen of Kelowna Cycle and a team of local business leaders have started a new road safety campaign called "My Driving Pledge".  Post a picture of your pledge to be entered into some great prizes.  "Hands on the wheel, eyes on the road" #mydriving pledge or "plan better, leave early, no need for speed" #mydrivingpledge.  Plus go join in their 5th annual Crawford MTBO Kick Off Ride at Myra-Bellevue Sunday June 12th at 9am.  www.kelownacycle.ca

If you have any children or you need a reason for your inner child to come out, go check out the Fat Cat Festival happening this weekend at Water Front Park.   The parade starts at 10am on Saturday with the park opening at 11am.   There will be lots of stage performers, even more street performers and a lot of craft tables.  I will see me there with my face painted like a cat because that’s all I have time my kids will give me.

Congratulations to Kelowna Fit Body Boot Camp for launching their second location.  Steve Gronick is extremely passionate about fitness and is a successful business man but I am sure it is Asha Tremblay that keeps everyone coming back with her muscle burnout or Rocky Balboa inspired workouts.    They have ‘the eye of the tiger’ for sure. Check them out at www.fitbodykelowna.com

Once you’re fit, or even if you not that fit, come out and support MOGA for Mama’s 5k Charity Run on Saturday June 25th.  All proceeds are going to Mama’s for Mama’s, which is a wonderful organization that connects families in need with families who want to help.   Shannon Christenson has also started Mama’s for Papa’s and Papa’s for Papa’s so everyone can is taken care of.  You just need to ask and it brings a smile to your face to see the amount of people willing to help out with toys, clothes, furniture or just a litre of milk.  Check the event out at https://www.facebook.com/events/264139187261205/ 
 
A very big shout out to Chris and Sarah Barker who tied the knot at WedStock 2016.  Outdoor venue, live bands, DJ’s, short speeches, great food and firewalkers made this the best wedding ever.  Sorry Amy (my wife) I mean the second best wedding ever.  We wish you all the best!

Make it a great week everyone!

Kevin Lavigne is a local financial advisor specializing in comprehensive financial plans for individuals and small business.  Email him at [email protected] and visit his website at www.planfirst.ca 

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.