The Okanagan Pride Festival is happening this weekend in Kelowna and will feature a dog parade and other fun events.
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August 07, 2015 - 10:31 AM
KELOWNA – With Pride Week starting Saturday and Peachfest already underway, there’s lots for the whole family to do in and around Kelowna all weekend.
On Friday, Aug. 7, starting at 5 p.m., the H20 Adventure and Fitness Center is looking for all crafty kids between the ages of five and 10. Kids will be making artistic masterpieces in the fun program that also includes a swim in the pools. Admission for members $5 and $10 for non-members. For more information contact Kelsey at kschreiner@ymcaokanagan.ca or call 250-764-4040.
For swimmers of all ages and abilities, the Interior Savings Rattlesnake Island Swim takes place this Saturday at 6:45 a.m. at Swim Bay in Peachland. Consisting of two events, the Rattlesnake Swim includes a one-way 3.1-km swim across Okanagan Lake from Rattlesnake Island to Peachland, as well as a more demanding 7-km out-and-back swim that loops around the back of Rattlesnake Island. You can register online and pick up your race packages on Friday, August 7 between 5 and 7 p.m. at Swim Bay in Peachland.
If you're out on the water this Saturday, boaters are welcome to stop by Shelter Bay Marina Fuel Dock for the third annual Shelter Bay customer appreciation event. There will be games, raffles, prizes and more.
The 26th annual Downtown Kelowna Block Party begins 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 8. There will be three stages this year, the Interior Savings Kids Stage in the 500-block of Bernard Avenue, the Bell Radio Stage in the 300-block and the Westcorp Stage in Kerry Park. Over 140 vendor booths from local companies will line the streets offering deals and delicious street food.
On Saturday, Aug. 8, Pride Week kicks off at the Rotary Centre for the Arts at 8 p.m. The party features performances by Kinshira Troupe and DJ Funk Master Phil. Featured will be the fourth annual Kings & Queens of the Okanagan Drag Competition, a pride march down Bernard Avenue, a dance party, dog parade and beach festival.
For a complete list of events this week, visit the Okanagan Pride Festival Facebook page or website.
And finally, the first annual Pihl Law Paddle For Prevention will be held at Rotary Beach in Kelowna this Sunday, Aug. 9. The new fundraiser will be a stand up paddleboard event for families with proceeds supporting BrainTrust Canada and brain injury education and prevention in the Okanagan. The event will take place from 8 a.m. to noon on Sunday with competitive and non-competitive events on the water followed by a barbeque organized by Rotary Sunrise Club.
One of the biggest parties in the Okanagan is the 68th annual Peachfest. It kicked off Wednesday with a performance by the Snowbirds and continues through Sunday in Penticton. There will be live entertainment, kids entertainment, peach bin races, skateboarding and BMX demonstrations, a sandcastle competition, parade, fair rides and a square dance.
It’s held in several locations around Penticton with the main stage and vendors located in Okanagan Lake Park. The Aboriginal Cultural Village is held in Gyro Park on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Shooting Star Amusements are located in Rotary Park and information on prices can be found on their website: www.shootingstar.ca. All these parks are nearby each other.
If you enjoy ribs and classic cars, head up to Kamloops where the annual Rotary Ribfest and Hot Nite in the City car show takes place this weekend, Friday through Sunday. There will be a ribbing competition as well as live entertainment, classic cars and a dragon boat festival at Riverside Park and the downtown core.
Did we miss an event? Leave it in the comments section below.
To contact the reporter for this story, email Adam Proskiw at aproskiw@infonews.ca or call 250-718-0428. To contact the editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.
News from © iNFOnews, 2015