West Kelowna

A little bit of rain -- okay, at times a lot of rain, didn't dampen the enthusiasm of residents of the westside during the first full day of Westside Daze.

Photo: Wayne Moore - Castanet

MLA Ben Stewart spins upside down on on the many activities during kids's day at Westside Daze Saturday

Some heavy rains early Saturday morning threatened to make for a soggy parade, however, skies cleared just minutes before the scheduled 10:30 start of the annual parade.

Several thousand people dotted the parade route, many arriving even before the rains stopped. Some were setting up an hour before the parade at the height of the rain storm.

Rains returned again during the opening ceremonies and also during presentation of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medals.

His Honour, Steven Point, Lieutenant Governor of BC led Saturday's parade and also gave the keynote address to those in attendance at the opening ceremonies.

The Lieutenant Governor paid tribute to veterans who have fought and laid down their life for Canada and also to the thousands of volunteers who make Canada a better place to live.

He expressed his regret at being unable to stay for the medal presentation due to a previous engagement.

Okanagan-Coquihalla MP, Dan Albas used the Westside Daze stage to recognize seven well deserving people from around the area for their contributions to their communities.

Photo: Wayne Moore - Castanet

(l to r) West Kelowna Mayor Doug Findlater, medal recipients Peter Klein, Nelson Stromgren, Leah Thorderson, MP Dan Albas, medal recipients Claire Sokoloski, Andrew Deans and Adam Less and MLA Ben Stewart

These included:

• Peter Klein - Peter dedicated many hours to crafting and baking his awe inspiring cakes for local communities and various events (including Westside Daze) and bringing joy to so many young and old.
• Claire Sokoloski - Ms. Sokoloski's work with children has touched and influenced so many individuals in a positive way whether it's organizing events and planning trips as the local district commissioner for Girl Guides or helping raise funds for a new school playground.
• Nelson Stromgren - Nelson has over the past decade, contributed over 10,000 hours of volunteer service to his community including working with the BC Crime and Prevention Association, Community Policing and Okanagan Alumni Association.
• Andrew Deans and Adam Less - Together, they were cop-chairs of the West Kelowna Hockeyville organization. Their hard work and dedication helped West Kelowna place runners up in 2011, receiving a $25,000 cheque to go towards arena repairs and 50 sets of hockey equipment for the community.
• Chris Taneda - Sensei Chris Taneda is a seventh degree Black Belt and was a six-time Canadian National Kumite Champion and four-time Chito-Ryu World Champion. He has taken his love of martial arts and used it to positively impact youth and adults in the area for many years.
• Leah Thorderson - Leah has put in countless hours volunteering to organize some of our community's most beloved event including the one we are at today, Westside Daze.

Photo: Wayne Moore - Castanet

Blaze of Glory rocked the house at Westside Daze Saturday night

The weather didn't keep about 2,000 or more dedicated fans from venturing to the Johnson Bentley Memorial Park to hear Blaze of Glory, a Bon Jovi band.

The raucous crowd more than made up for any deficiency in heat.

Several thousand more took in Saturday's fireworks as well.

Canada Day Sunday will begin with a pancake breakfast at 8 a.m. followed by the Classic and Antique Care Show from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. The Canada Day cake will be cut and served shortly after 3 p.m. while the evening concludes with a free concert put on by Rann Berry and Random Act at 7:30.

Everything takes place at the park below the Johnson Bentley Memorial pool.