The biggest and busiest event of the year in Penticton, British Columbia is undoubtedly the Peach Festival, otherwise known as Peachfest.
Beginning back in 1947 to celebrate the peach harvest, 2008 marks the 61st annual Peachfest, which runs from August 5th through 10th. It actually started last night with the Canadian Forces Snowbirds reception at the Penticton Lakeside Resort Convention Centre & Casino… but who’s counting?
Anyway, during the 6-day festival there will be parades, bands, dancers, martial arts demonstrations, hypnotist shows, a wide variety of food & merchandise vendors, arts and crafts exhibits, aboriginal arts & crafts, two parades, the Sand Castle competition, and a Square Dance Festival. The featured performer is Nashville country recording artist Aaron Pritchett who will be at the Lake City Casinos Sound Stage on Friday August 8th. No doubt the kiddies will be lined up to see the Hanna Montana tribute artist.
The festival starts tonite when the Snowbirds perform at 6PM with best viewing from Okanagan Lake park. After the airshow, there will be a traditional Syilx Welcome Ceremony with Grand Chief Stewart Phillip of the Penticton Indian Band. The Honorable Stockwell Day, MP will also give a welcoming address.
The Peach Festival Grand Parade – one of the largest parades in BC – takes place on Saturday. There will be a huge variety of marching bands and floats from all over BC, Alberta, Washington and points beyond.
Kiddies Day is on Sunday and they have their own parade which starts at 11AM that goes down Main Street to Okanagan Lake Park where the kids will find face painters, stilt walkers, balloon artists, and even Ronald MacDonald.
If you’re in the area, come on down to Penticton for the Peachfest. You’ll have a blast!
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