Cheering crowds full of smiling children waving checkered flags lined the streets of Downtown Kelowna this morning to gas up the participants of this year’s Okanagan Dream Rally.

The event, which is a fundraiser for the Ronald McDonald House, puts hundreds of deserving children into the passenger seats of luxury vehicles to take a ride down Highway 97 from Kelowna to Penticton.

Drivers are happy to donate their time and high-end vehicles to the rally. It’s an unforgettable experience for the passengers. Children, gearheads and photographers were overwhelmed by the amount of fascinating vehicles to appreciate.

Skylar and Wyatt Bergevin from Kelowna were signing this Ferrari with a Sharpie.
Skylar and Wyatt Bergevin from Kelowna were signing this Ferrari with a Sharpie.

One Ferrari own was letting kids sign his car with a black permanent marker.

As the engines were roaring throughout the morning, with flags waving on McLarens, Ferraris, and Dodge Vipers – it may not be a race – but spectating from the side of the street feels like you’re watching the Kelowna 500.

Some vehicles small enough for youngsters like Mattias Bazett to drive at the 2022 Okanagan Dream Rally. Cheering Mattias on were his parents Dave and Axelle.
Some vehicles small enough for youngsters like Mattias Bazett to drive at the 2022 Okanagan Dream Rally. Cheering Mattias on were his parents Dave and Axelle.

Six-year-old Mattias Bazett got to sit inside an orange McLaren at the rally – and that was his favourite part of the morning because he has a remote-control car at home that looks just like it.

Gavin Hewitt is a photographer who specializes in automotive photos. He started his day in downtown Kelowna, got in position to capture the rally as it crosses the William R. Bennett Bridge into West Kelowna, and then met the drivers at Barefoot Beach in Penticton for more shots.

“As they come over the bridge and they all roll past, row by row, – that’s gonna be pretty cool,” he said.

Hewitt’s name on Instagram is everlift.media.

'

5-year-old Zoltan Kaman takes a good look at this bright green roadster.
5-year-old Zoltan Kaman takes a good look at this bright green roadster.

Andrew Huzyk snaps a photo of his son Maksym in the driver
Andrew Huzyk snaps a photo of his son Maksym in the driver's seat of a McLaren.

Michael Hunter and his two children, 1-year-old Mason and 3-year old Emily, were in downtown Kelowna to check out all the fascinating vehicles at the Okanagan Dream Rally.
Michael Hunter and his two children, 1-year-old Mason and 3-year old Emily, were in downtown Kelowna to check out all the fascinating vehicles at the Okanagan Dream Rally.

Image Credit: SUBMITTED/Peter Boyd

Image Credit: SUBMITTED/Peter Boyd

To contact a reporter for this story, email Dan Walton or call 250-488-3065 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above. 

Share|Facebook