Activities take on a Christmas theme this weekend in the South Okanagan

PENTICTON – With Christmas just a little over a month away, weekend activities in the South Okanagan focus on the holiday season with Christmas sales, markets and more.

Rancho Vignolo hosts their 6th annual Harvest Sale with free samples and live food demonstrations today, Nov. 16, and tomorrow at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre.

The direct-to-consumer event allows those attending to try before they buy. Rancho Vignolo specializes in new crop nuts and dried fresh fruit and is based in Armstrong. The two-day event provides a great chance to purchase Christmas gifts and stock your cupboards. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. Admission and parking is free.

Classically trained soloists Kornel Wolak and Michael Bridge bring their broad repertoire to life at Frank Venables Theatre in Oliver today at 7:30 p.m.

The "Double Double Duo," who are versed in two instruments, use comedy, virtuosity and musical sensitivity to connect with their audience, performing all-original arrangements of classical pieces, sensitive jazz ballads and folk music from around the world. Tickets are $23 in advance, $25 at the door and $2.50 for students.

Glory Days performs tonight at the Penticton Seniors Drop in Centre from 7:30 to 10 p.m. It’s a night of dancing and fun with dancing to country, latin classic rock, waltz, polka and fox trot beats. Cost is $7 for members and $8 for non-members.

The Christmas Market on the SS Sicamous on Lakeshore Drive on Saturday and Sunday exclusively features make it, bake it, grow it or collectible items. Hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $4 at the door, with children 14 and under free. For more information call Laurel Burnham at 250-460-0177.

The 39th annual Share a Smile telethon and online auction takes place on Sunday at the Cherry Lane Shopping Centre. The mall will have a stage with live entertainment, with seating for spectators. Everyone is invited to this family-friendly event from noon to 5 p.m.

Penticton Royalty hosts a Children’s Winter Carnival this Sunday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Penticton Lakeside Resort.

The event is free but elementary-aged school kids are asked to bring a donation for the Cassidy Bowes Cancer Fundraising Drive or a non-perishable food item for the food bank. The event includes crafts, carnival games, face painting, photo booths, and an indoor snowball fight and inflatable obstacle course.

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