Drivers start your engines for Okanagan Dream Rally 2024
Drivers start your engines and prepare for the return of the sixth annual Okanagan Dream Rally.
Over 250 volunteer drivers and co-pilots are prepared to cruise around Kelowna and surrounding areas in a variety of high-end cars giving children undergoing medical treatments to a day of excitement.
Co-pilots are children from the Ronald McDonald house or Kelowna General Hospital who are deserving of a day full of excitement and energy.
Volunteer drivers come from across Canada and U.S. to take part in the event.
“They’re just doing such an amazing thing for so many amazing co-pilots that are so deserving of a day of smiles... It puts them on cloud nine, they feel like rockstars because all these people are out cheering them on and waving flags,” said Matt August, founder of the event. “It’s a really special day and it affects so many people in so many different ways.”
The cars range from sports cars, vintage classics and many others that are considered dream cars. People from all over the area volunteer their cars and dedicate their time to driving in the event to escort the co-pilots.
Roads on the route will be closed to the public throughout the duration of the event. The cars will be escorted by RCMP and firetrucks to ensure the group stays together and is safe.
About 20,000 spectators are expected to watch the event and cheer drivers and co-pilots as they make their way through the Okanagan.
“The spectators are a huge part of it. They cheer everyone on and it really makes the kids feel as special as they’re driving the cars and seeing people waving the race flags and cheering,” event coordinator Patrick Morgenthaler said.
Drivers will begin in downtown Kelowna, make their way over the bridge into West Kelowna, through Peachland and back to Kelowna. Spectators can watch drivers and co-pilots on the whole course, including while on the water from boats out front of the Peachland yacht club.
Checkered flags will be available for spectators to wave as drivers go by to add excitement to the event.
To date, August and his team have raised $3.3 million for children in need are hoping that total rises to four million after this year's event.
“The more people we can get out cheering them on, the better it is,” August said.
The fun begins at 10:15 a.m. Saturday, July 27, when the drivers start their engines in downtown Kelowna. Drivers and their co-pilots will leave shortly after at 10:30 a.m. to begin the journey.
For more information check out the Okanagan Dream Rally website here.
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