community

ARCHER: Shoutout to all the fire crews

Last week the Thompson-Okanagan was literally on fire, as I’m sure most of you know—it’s hard not to ignore large puffs of smoke coming from mountain tops, hazy skies that make it hard to breathe and endless news articles on fire updates and evacuation notices. Most of us watch these fires spread from a distance,...

Tourism marketing succeeds in Penticton despite funding setback

PENTICTON - Tourism officials say tourism is not in danger this season despite a pending court decision for the lawsuit between the City and the Penticton Hospitality Association regarding provincial funds. Earlier in the season, provincial hotel tax funds were frozen because of an ongoing dispute with the city and the hospitality association about how...

Test your skills at the fifth annual Cherry Pit Spit contest

PENTICTON - It’s pit spitting time in the Okanagan again with the fifth annual Cherry Pit Spit contest at the Naramata Farmers’ Market. The competition will be held Wednesday, July 23 at 4 p.m. at Wharf Park in Naramata. It is open to all ages and is free of cost. Naramata-fresh cherries are being provided...

Young, well-loved girl loses battle with cancer

Chloe Kroeger, 4, recently lost her ongoing battle with a rare form of cancer, called rhabdomyosarcoma. She was very young but inspired and touched a lot of people around her community and beyond. A notice of her death was posted on a Facebook support group page called "Miracle for Chloe" where hundreds, possibly thousands, of...

Volunteers still needed for Boonstock

PENTICTON - Boonstock is still looking for volunteers to help out during the four-day festival coming to Penticton in just a few weeks. Organizers hope to add another 150 names to their list of almost 500 volunteers already registered to lend to hand, including nurses, doctors, teachers and students. Anyone is welcome to sign up,...

Have a question about Boonstock? Here’s your chance to ask it

PENTICTON - If you have questions about Boonstock, you’ll have a chance to speak with organizers directly at a public forum Tuesday night. Boonstock organizers will hold a panel discussion at the Penticton & Wine Country Chamber of Commerce, Tuesday July 7 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The public can ask organizers questions about...

Centre’s strike take toll on community and local businesses

PENTICTON — Naramata’s local economy will take a hit this summer while the community’s largest organization is on strike. Last week, the administration of the Centre at Naramata decided to pull the plug in summer programming, in order to prove their striking efforts were serious. Employees have been standing on the picket line since May,...

Now’s your chance to learn about Boonstock

PENTICTON - Boonstock is less than two months away and if you still have unanswered questions about the festival, here is your chance to talk face-to-face with organizers. A public information session will take place July 8, 2014 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Wine Country visitor’s centre. Organizers, including Barb Haynes, will...

Community asked to lend a hand for Taylor Van Diest trail

ARMSTRONG - Murdered Armstrong teen Taylor Van Diest’s family is looking to the community to help keep her memory alive. Taylor’s mother Marie pleaded with the City of Armstrong for assistance weeding and watering along the Taylor Jade Van Diest Memorial Trail, which has become overrun with weeds, but the city will only agree to...

Valley First named title sponsor for Penmar Community Arts Centre

PENTICTON - Valley First was announced as title sponsor for the Penmar Community Theatre this morning during a groundbreaking ceremony, marking the start of construction for the theatre’s additions. The Penmar Community Arts Society has named the new theatre Valley First Community Arts Centre after the title sponsor. This is the second major sponsorship in...