Photo: Contributed

Canada Day is just one of the events the City of Penticton is hoping a non-profit will step in to run.

The City of Penticton has put out an official call for expressions of interest to take over and run yearly civic events after the Downtown Penticton Association backed out of the responsibility earlier this year. 

The city stepped in and ran or will run Canada Day, BC Day, Rock the Sun and the Santa Claus Parade for 2019, costing them over $100,000. They are now seeking applications for a non-profit, community-minded organization to step in for 2020. 

The city found it difficult to attract grants and sponsorships, collecting just $5,500 rather than the budgeted $27,500. A non-profit organization, the thinking goes, would have an easier time earning those grants. 

Council voted to put out a call for expressions of interest at the beginning of October, and the request went live on Oct. 10 and will close on Oct. 31.

“We look forward to receiving creative submissions for hosting any or all of these civic events, along with any other events that the respondent may deem important to the community,” reads an Oct. 15 city news release about the EOI call.

“Submissions should emphasize inclusivity and innovative ways of engaging our residents.  These events are a great opportunity to help shape Penticton as a fun and vibrant place to live.”

Interested organizations can download the EOI form here.