A volunteer waves Canadian flags while handing them out to people during Canada Day festivities in Vancouver, B.C., on Monday, July 1, 2013.
Image Credit: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
July 01, 2020 - 6:00 AM
With COVID-19 and social distancing measures in place throughout the province, Canada Day celebrations in the North Okanagan and throughout the Thompson-Okanagan region will look a little different this year.
Many cities have opted for online celebrations.
We've put together a list of what's happening in communities across the region.
NORTH OKANAGAN
Vernon
The North Okanagan Canada Day Society is holding a virtual celebration this year. A noise making celebration will happen at 9:00 p.m. on July 1, in place of the annual fireworks display according to the City of Vernon.
Dirty Hoe Farms will be giving away 50 meals to those in need on July 1 at Polson Park. Dan Hill, the farm’s operator, said Earth Elements will also supply natural soap bars. Hill is also be giving away milk straight from a friend’s farm.
Enderby
The Small Axe Bistro is holding a parking lot Canada Day party. Starting at 1 p.m. at the bistro’s location on Cliff Avenue, the party features live music, booze and a BBQ. Admission is by donation.
CENTRAL OKANAGAN
Peachland
Peachland is celebrating Canada’s birthday with a virtual race. Participants can enrol in a two, five, or 10 kilometre race on Canada Day or beforehand. The district is encouraging residents to dress up in Canada Day colours and to submit photos to win prizes.
Register through Epic Canadian to get involved.
An online craft corner, lake dip and virtual scavenger hunt will also be held throughout the day. Stay tuned for an online concert and neighbourhood parades and pop-up concerts will be held at various times throughout the day. For more information, visit the district’s website.
West Kelowna
The Okanagan Beach Club is hosting a Canada Day celebration at its location on Westside Road from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. The event is family friendly and will feature face painters, games and a live band at the Tiki Bar, according to the club’s event page. It is free and open to public and hand sanitizer stations and social distancing measures will be in place.
SOUTH OKANAGAN
Penticton
In Penticton, celebrations featuring local children’s entertainers, popular musicians and fun videos from residents will be held online July 1 from 12 to 1:30 p.m.
Headliners include music duo ‘Aidan and Mandy,’ musician Beamer Wigley, magician Leif David, dance and fitness instructor Ashley Dias, parkour instructor Michael Kleyn and musician Tavis Weir, according to the City of Penticton’s website.
The event will be broadcast on the city’s Facebook page.
Osoyoos
The town has moved its Canada Day celebration online with a video posted on its website.
THOMPSON-NICOLA
Kamloops
The city is holding a virtual Canada Day music lineup in lieu of physical Canada Day celebrations. The event starts at 1 p.m. and features performances from Project X Puppet Show, the Kamloops Symphony, Kamloops Pride and more.
Residents can also follow along with Face It Face Painting and paint their faces at home.
Merritt
The city will be live-streaming fireworks July 1 via Facebook. Throughout the day, there will be a variety of safe activities for families to participate in. Stay tuned to the city's social media for updates.
What are you doing for Canada Day? Let us know in the comment section below.
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