Old-fashioned summer fun

This summer is full of what we didn’t expect and absent of what we normally expect for the season.

Even the weather has been cool and rainy.

But amidst the craziness that has become 2020, there are chances to have some good old-fashioned fun.

Have you been to the drive-in movies yet this year? There are two choices in the Okanagan this summer.  

In Kelowna, there is Outside Cinema. They have films on Fridays and Saturday nights, generally one of those being a kid-friendly film. Or you can go classic and visit the Starlight Drive-In outside Enderby. It’s the largest screen in North America, currently running some great classic favourites in their usual double-feature format. 

Both places are selling tickets online for carloads of two to six people. Outside Cinema has no concession, but Starlight does, with safety protocols and the lowest prices of any theatre around.

Please support them if you go. And bring a boombox radio that receives an FM signal if you don’t want to use your car battery (an app won’t work to receive the soundtrack).

Perhaps you would prefer a daytime activity… how about a walk or a bike ride? The Myra Canyon Trestles are open again in Kelowna. The 12 kilometres of trail allows numerous views and historical signage for reference.

Please remember to use standard trail protocols for safety. Dogs on leash are allowed, but I’d recommend only taking furry friends on a cooler day as it can get hot up there.

If you need something for the kids to do and they like acting, singing and/or dancing, a great opportunity is the roster of kids’ classes at Kelowna Actor’s Studio.

They have postponed their live shows till next year, but have implemented numerous protocols to make workshops safe for kids. 

When all else fails, our region is a wonderful place for a picnic. I mentioned picnics a few weeks ago (scroll down if you missed it). Some of my favourite picnic spots:

• At Okanagan Falls on the shores of Skaha Lake. You can stop for ice cream at Tickleberry’s after.
• South of Summerland, Sun-Oka Beach Provincial Park has a number of picnic tables, plenty of grass and even a dog beach.
• On the Westside, Gellatly Nut Farm has lovely shade trees to sit under and a tranquil setting by Okanagan Lake.
• In Lake Country, Kaloya Park is an idyllic little spot on the shores of Kalamalka Lake. (Note: this one can get busy and it isn’t as big as other areas.)
• In Kelowna, the whole stretch of lakefront from City Park through to the Rotary Marsh Park is beautiful, with plenty of parking and spots to stop for a snack that you bring or buy.

If you’re looking for places to pick up goodies to go, or other summertime treats to enjoy, check out fellow columnist Allison Markin with her Okanagan Taste ideas.

Make some time this summer to get out and enjoy. It is important that we remember how to stay safe and respect others in this time even more than usual. Some of how we can do that is to enjoy the space and breathe deep in the sunshine.

It will help us all get through this far-from-normal summer.

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