KELOWNA – Water enthusiasts can mark their calendars for the annual Kelowna Yacht Club set for April 23 and 24 in downtown Kelowna.

The popular public event has been marking the beginning of spring for thousands of people from all over the Okanagan for two decades. The weekend show runs from both Saturday and Sunday at their Water Street marina, opening at 10:00 a.m. each day.

“Our exhibitors will be showcasing the latest boats and watercraft, as well as offering special boat show pricing, so this April weekend is really the best place and time to browse, compare and buy,” says Lisa McHaffie, Chair of the Kelowna Yacht Club’s organizing committee.

Twenty exhibitors will be displaying more than 180 boats, as well as 24 other exhibits on the docks and in the club atrium.

“We’re opening our doors and inviting the public to not only come down and look at some terrific boats, but come see our award-winning clubhouse or simply enjoy having lunch from the largest deck on Okanagan Lake,” says McHaffie.

Entry to the boat show is by donation with proceeds benefiting the club’s youth sailing and watersports programs as well as the Okanagan chapter of the Disabled Sailing Association of B.C. The exhibitors’ fees help to maintain 32 mooring buoys that are anchored in strategic locations between the bridge and Caesar’s Landing, which provide safe anchorage to boaters sheltering from a storm.

Families are most welcome, but the club requests the public to leave their dogs at home.

A not-for-profit organization, Kelowna Yacht Club has been supporting boater education and safe, responsible enjoyment of Okanagan Lake since 1945. Club members enjoy their new clubhouse, which opened in 2014, and high-quality, well-maintained moorage facilities. A limited number of new social, regular and young adult memberships have recently been made available.

The facility has also become a popular venue for wedding and corporate events. Public room bookings are welcome as the club heads into the busy summer season.

Learn more at kelownayachtclub.com.