July full of local fun events in Penticton

Photo: Mike Biden

"Four seasons of fun" is an ongoing collaboration between Castanet and Visit Penticton showcasing what Penticton has to offer all year round. Watch for it every Monday morning.

July will kick off in Penticton with a bang on July 1, as Canada Day fireworks return bigger and better than ever, and Gyro Park will be abuzz with festivities.

A number of local businesses stepped up to support the fireworks, set to light up the sky over Okanagan Lake at around 10 p.m. for 20 minutes.

“We’re so proud of our community for coming together, and we exceeded our goal of $25,000,” says Penticton Lakeside Resort Elizabeth Cucnik. “There will be some new tech, the viewing platform will be amazing, and we’ll have a live band serenading guests and viewers.”

The fireworks will be synced to music, available to listen to on local radio, plus the music of Vancouver’s Paul Gibbons will fill the air. Of course, there will be a special cake available in the resort’s lobby for everyone to enjoy for the country’s 155th birthday.

Of course, before cake for dessert, a good lunch or dinner is in order. Head to the Penticton Ribfest taking place in Skaha Lake Park from July 1-3. There will be two beverage areas – including a beer garden – live entertainment, and a Kids Zone. Admission if free, you simply pay for your delicious BBQ creations from the ‘ribbers’ on site.

Also on the Canada Day long weekend is the return of the Penticton Scottish Festival on July 2 in King’s Park.

“It’s pretty exciting to be back, and we’re all looking forward to being outside celebrating summer,” says Wayne McDougall of the festival society, who will be ‘Chieftain of the Day’, in honour of his work helping to support and organize the festival.

“My job for the day is to ‘be Scottish’ and welcome everyone,” he adds.

Scotch enthusiasts can purchase tickets to an afternoon whisky school, and there will be many other things to see and do such as highland dancing, pipe band competitions, a multicultural entertainment stage, caber tossing (the kids version will use carpet rolls), and new this year, guests can explore the Scottish cultural tent. Those with Scottish history will be able to look up their family’s clan.

“There will be lots of sounds of the bands, pipes, and drums, and throwing heavy things,” Wayne chuckles.

Once you’ve experienced bagpipes, get ready for more music, of a very different nature, at 97 South Song Sessions July 21-23 at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre. A stellar lineup of eight songwriters and artists will be sharing the stories behind some of their hit songs from a variety of music genres.

“It’s one of the most magical things you’re going to see,” says 97 South founder and director Robert Ott. “We’re bringing people to enjoy Penticton, and experience the Okanagan. Let’s get more people out to enjoy live music.”

Robert describes the sessions as an immersive, intimate, acoustic experience. Four songwriters will be on stage discussing their journey through music, relating story telling to song writing as an art.

“Maybe rain coming through the Okanagan was a symbol of the end of a drought,” says Robert, “and getting back to supporting the arts.”

In the midst of a weekend celebrating music that moves you, ponder squeezing in a seat at the 2022 BC Hockey Hall of Fame Induction Gala on July 22, celebrating a number of stars from the world of hockey.

Learn more at www.visitpenticton.com and on social @visitpenticton