Thrill-seekers test out the Ring of Fire at the Rutland Centennial Park as soon as the carnival opens at 3:00 p.m. on Friday afternoon.

(JULIE WHITTET / iNFOnews.ca)

If gas prices have you cringing or last-minute camping plans fall through, there's an event-packed weekend to be had right here in the city.

Thrill-seekers of all ages can head to the carnival grounds at the Rutland Centennial Park. In addition to the amusement park, you can taken in live music tributes to Johnny Cash, Elvis and KISS. Through to Sunday May 19 the 2013 Rutland May Days will be offering carnival-goers classic concession fare, parades, wrestling shows and lawn mower racing. 

Watch a car race wind its way up 800 vertical feet at Knox Mountain. On Saturday and Sunday the Knox Mountain Hill Climb will bring professional car racers out to compete for the title of 'King of the Hill.'  From open wheeled formula cars to powerful large engined GT cars, each will get their turn to set the fastest record for reaching the hill top. Gates  open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Gear down a notch at the World of Wheels Show and Shine on Sunday to check one of a kind cars, trucks, motorcycles and antique boats all at strolling pace. Over 500 cars will be lining Beach Avenue in Peachland for this lakefront event that draws crowds from all over the Okanagan, Vancouver, Washington and Alberta. The show runs Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

A brand new playground facility is now open to young explorers at the Mission Creek Regional Park. Enhanced play equipment, landscaping and ramp access have been installed by the Regional District for the Central Okanagan. Children of all ages can enjoy a more engaging and sensorial experience through a mix of natural and manufactured equipment. The new play area can be accessed near the existing parkade off Springfield Road

Skip the supermarket and head straight to the Kelowna Farmers' and Crafters' Market for the fresh harvest of spring crops. Just behind Orchard Plaza Mall on Springfield Road local growers will be selling asparagus, radishes, peppers and spring salads. Crafters will have their artisanal work for sale out on display. Hot food vendors and buskers make the shopping experience worth the while. The market runs Saturdays and Wednesdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.  

There's still time to turn your own backyard into a vegetable garden, conditions are ripe for planting more tender crops like tomatoes and cucumbers. Greenery Garden Centre manager Kirsten Segler says working in the yard is a great way to get your family off their iPhones and computers.

"Gardening is a great long weekend activity, getting out in the yard and digging in the dirt, kids can see a bug or two," Segler says. "Vegetable gardening is really picking up popularity, helping you become more aware of what you're doing with your edibles."

To contact the reporter for this story, email Julie Whittet at jwhittet@infotelnews.ca or call (250)718-0428.

News from © iNFOnews, 2013