Family fun in Penticton and Summerland on Canada Day

PENTICTON – There are lots of opportunities for the whole family to celebrate Canada Day in Penticton and Summerland this year.

The city of Penticton is hosting Canada Day festivities, taking over from the Downtown Penticton Association this year.

There is a full agenda on July 1 with activities and celebrations running from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., starting with the Elks Lodge pancake breakfast in Gyro Park.

The family-oriented Canada Day schedule includes a kid’s Scottish caber toss and entertainment by the Tavis Weir duo, Aidan & Mandy, and the Jack and Jill band.

There will also be bouncy houses, face painting, a petting zoo and a vendor market at the park.

Opening ceremonies and Canada Day cake is scheduled for 12 to 12:30 p.m.

For more details, see the City of Penticton website.

The day’s activities will be capped by fireworks over Okanagan Lake, expected to begin around 10 p.m.

Elsewhere in the city, the Rotary Ribfest continues through July 1 at Okanagan Lake Park, running from noon until 11 p.m. There’s ribs, a beverage garden, entertainment, a kid’s zone, vendors and more.

In Summerland, festivities kick off at 8:30 a.m. July 1 with a breakfast hosted by the Kiwanis Club at Memorial Park.

The Summerland legion takes over after that, with a flag raising in Memorial Park slated for 11 a.m., followed by a barbecue and Canada Day cake.

The barbecue is free, but donations are accepted.

Legion manager Elke Bewick says there will be a bouncy castle, sparkle tattoos and more for the kids.

The ladies auxiliary will be serving ice cream.

Bewick says the celebrations generally last until 1:30 to 2:00 p.m.,

“When we run out of food, it dwindles,” she says.

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