Weekend events throughout the South Okanagan and Similkameen

PENTICTON – This weekend’s big events in the South Okanagan and Similkameen include festivals, fine food and wine and a major bicycle race.

The 2016 Prospera Granfondo Okanagan/Penticton takes place Sunday, July 10, with associated events taking place throughout the weekend. Friday, July 8 is the Granfondo expo at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre, with the Kid’s Piccolofondo and Family Fun Zone running from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday in Gyro Park. On Sunday, the four Fondo cycling events begin at Gyro Park, starting at 7 a.m.

For more information, including registration, see the Granfondo Axel Merckx Okanagan 2016 website.

The 2016 Similkameeen Barbecue King takes place this Saturday, July 9, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Grist Mill and Gardens in Keremeos. The uniquely Similkameen event is a culinary and wine experience where competing chefs create unique dishes from a basket of locally produced goods. Along with award winning Similkameen wines and ciders, there will be three competing chefs vying for the Similkameen Barbeque King or Queen title for 2016. This year’s Small Bites competition has six competitors serving snacks prior to the competition.

Tickets are $90 each and can be purchased at Similkameen Wineries Association member wineries, at the Keremeos Visitors Centre, the Grist Mill, Tree to Me or online at www.similkameenwine.com/events. Shuttle service will be available from Summerland, Penticton, Princeton, Hedley and Osoyoos.

The 2016 Oliver International Sunshine Festival takes place Friday, July 8 and Saturday, July 9. Oliver Parks and Recreation presents the sixth annual event at Oliver Community Park. The festival opens today, July 8, with a full slate of entertainment and activities running from 5 p.m. to 11p.m. and on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., with a parade starting at 10:30 a.m.

For more information, visit the Oliver recreation website.

The Summerland Stomp happens on Saturday, July 9 at the Summerland Rodeo Grounds, with live music featuring Dale Seaman and Highway 97. Tickets are $15 and available at Country Corner or $20 at the gate. Space for camping is also available. Call the Red Barn Ranch for more information at 250-494-8198.

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