Remembrance Day services in every community Monday, November 11.

(KATHY MICHAELS / iNFOnews.ca)

It’s a weekend for relaxing, but more importantly, a weekend for reflection and remembrance throughout Kamloops and the Okanagan.

KAMLOOPS

There are a couple of Remembrance Day ceremonies in the city Monday, November 11. At 10:30 a.m. a gathering will be at the Cenotaph in Riverside Park with the Mounting of Cenotaph Guard, March on Colour Party, the singing of O Canada, the Last Post, two minutes of silence and laying of wreaths. Following the ceremony, there will be a parade from the Cenotaph with all units participating. The parade will be led by the Kamloops Pipe Band and will leave the park onto Lorne Street, up first Avenue to Victoria Street.

As well, Thompson Rivers University will hold a ceremony at 10:30 a.m. at Student Street. Students and guests will honour fallen, retired and still serving members of the various forms of Canada’s military.

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Before Monday's ceremonies, there's still plenty of time for some fun this weekend.

It’s Labyrinth Farm’s and Ziggy’s Farmhouse’s turn to smash some pumpkins.

On Saturday, November 9 and Sunday, November 10 at 10 a.m. you can join in on the post Halloween tradition of smashing the squashes. Don’t forget to sign up for the free leaf and pumpkin pick up the first week of November. Visit here for more info. 

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Packing Christmas shoeboxes can change lives.

Our Kingdom Kidz Academy and Church Family project to collect supplies for filling Operation Christmas Child Shoe Boxes to bless children in need around the world.

There are three ways to get involved: 1. Collect and bring in supplies or donations for volunteers to shop to fill boxes together at a Sunday School Packing Party on Sunday, November 10 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Multiple items are great too. 2. Donate towards the shipping fees for the Shoe Boxes  ($10/box) 3. Pack your own Shoe Boxes and bring them into the church by Sunday, November 17. Visit here for more info. 

VERNON

On October 31 Shanda Hill of Vernon completed a Double Deca race that consisted of a 76 km swim, 3,600 km bike, and 844 km. She was the first Canadian in history to ever complete this race.

On Sunday, November 10 at 2 p.m. at Iron Heart Gym, there will be a drop in to celebrate Shanda's epic race. Snacks will be provided by Rancho Vignola. Feel free to drop by and meet Shanda.

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The 5th Annual Hand-Crafted Christmas Market returns to Ellison Community Hall on Old Vernon Road this Saturday, November 9 at 10 a.m.

Presented by the Frayed and Feathered Artisan Cooperative, a group of talented and passionate Artisans, each item in this market is locally created with great care and detail. It is a perfect place to begin your Holiday shopping.

As you enter the market, dazzle your senses with the aroma of fresh handmade wreaths and other wonderful outdoor decor made from crisp evergreen boughs.

Inside you will find original fine art, paintings, glass work, pottery, photography, amazing woodwork, unique jewelry, colourful folk art, sun catchers and wind chimes, bees wax Candles, hand crafted soaps, Christmas decorations, prints and cards, wonderful hand knit pieces to keep you cozy and much more.

Stop by the Cafe and have a bite to eat or indulge in a free hot chocolate.

Come and be delighted when you discover this Holiday treasure trove. Visit the Facebook page for more info. 

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Vernon’s Remembrance Day ceremony will be held Monday, November 11 starting at 9:30 a.m. at Kal Tire Place, followed by lunch and refreshments at the Legion Branch 5101 25th Ave.

Coldstream will hold its service starting at 10:45 at the Coldstream Cenotaph and the Lavington Cenotaph. There are refreshments at both fire halls following the service.

Armstrong’s service begins at 10:45 a.m. at Hassen Arena at the Fair Grounds. There will be a colour party parade with cadets, scouts and guides. All are invited to the Legion branch for a light lunch upon completion of the ceremony.

Enderby’s service is at 10:30 at Cenotaph Park on Mill Avenue, while Lumby residents can gather at 10:30 a.m. for the march from the Lumby Legion Branch to the Cenotaph on Glencaird Street. Everyone is invited for refreshments and a luncheon at the Legion following the ceremony.

KELOWNA

The holiday season gets kicked off with the Manteo at Eldorado Resort Holiday Market Saturday, November 9 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, November 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The event will feature lakeside shopping, a lot of holiday spirit and fundraising for the Kelowna Community Food Bank.

Craft culture is a local business that prides itself on featuring the most talented artists and designers in B.C. The best of the best will be under one roof showcasing a wide selection of items, brand name items, Etsy sellers and more.

Admission is free, but a cash or non perishable food donation to the food bank is encouraged. Everyone who makes a donation is entered to win one of the many door prizes including a one-night stay for two at Manteo Resort-Waterfront Hotel and Villas including dinner at Smack Dab restaurant. Get more details here. 

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Kelowna will remember the fallen this Monday, November 11 at 10:15 a.m. at the Cenotaph in City Park.

The parade to the Cenotaph begins at 10:30 a.m., with a short ceremony at the Cenotaph at approximately 10:45 to 11 a.m. The parade continues after the ceremony down Lawrence Avenue and then north on Water Street to Stuart Park.

The Rutland ceremony will take place at the Lions Park Cenotaph at 10:30 a.m. A parade will follow the ceremony with a reception to follow at 270 Dougall Road.

Lake Country residents will gather at the gym at George Elliot Secondary School followed by a procession to the nearby Cenotaph at Memorial Park.

PENTICTON

The Penticton Trade and Convention Centre will open its doors at 9:30 a.m. Monday, November 11 for the Remembrance Day service. The service will promptly begin at 10:30 a.m. Those in attendance are asked to be seated by 10:15 a.m. Prior to the ceremonies, veterans will march from the Penticton Curling Club to the Convention Centre at 10 a.m.

The ceremonies are organized by the Royal Canadian Legion, Penticton Branch 40.

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Christmas begins to come alive Saturday, November 9 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Salvation Army Penticton.

Join in and make one or all four cards. Each card costs $2 to cover some of the costs. There will be an opportunity to make duplicate cards if you really like the design. Sign up here so there is enough supplies.

To contact our events coordinator, email Stacy Pavlov 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.

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