Penticton  

Penticton Kidzfest launches 'Buddy Donation Program' to ensure festival is accessible to all

Kids fun accessible to all

Photo: Ha Ha Ha Kidzfest

Penticton's ultimate children's festival is launching the Kidzfest Festival Buddy Donation Program, an initiative dedicated to fostering accessibility and enhancing the festival experience for everyone involved.

"Kidzfest holds a special place in our community as it brings world class performing artists and activities to the children and families of the South Okanagan. However, we recognize that not everyone has equal access to these experiences," reads a press release from the organization.

Hence the Festival Buddy Donation Program. It is a fund that will directly sponsor tickets to those who might not be able to afford to bring their family to enjoy the festivities.

"We believe that the Arts should not be exclusive, that everyone should have the opportunity to be inspired and grow their view of the world around them, regardless of their financial circumstances," said Jacki Kliever, one of the festival organizers at Ha Ha Ha Kidzfest.

"The Festival Buddy Donation Program reflects our commitment to creating a more accessible and welcoming environment for everyone in our community."

Parker’s Chrysler has committed to matching Festival Buddy Donations, up to the first 50 tickets purchased.

"Parker's Chrysler is proud to partner with Ha Ha Ha KidzFest, making family fun accessible to all. We invite our business community to join us in ensuring every family can enjoy the magic of this event." Jim Tabler, Parker's Chrysler dealer principal.

Here is how it works:

• Donation: Festival Buddy Tickets are available for purchase alongside General Admission Tickets on the Kidzfest website. For bulk blocks of Festival Buddy Tickets, please contact Kidzfest directly.
• Distribution: Sponsored tickets are allocated in partnership with a variety of local non-profit and charity organizations, ensuring that those in genuine need of assistance receive support.
• Enjoyment: Recipients of sponsored tickets can enjoy themselves for a day of Kidzfest programs and fun alongside their peers, creating cherished memories that last a lifetime.

"Join us in making Ha Ha Ha Kidzfest more accessible, inclusive, and memorable for all. Together, we can build a community where everyone feels welcome and celebrated," the organizers say.

For more details, click here, or contact Jacki at [email protected].

Kidzfest 2024 runs June 6-8 at Penticton's Gyro Park.

Penticton's 100 Women Who Care disperses $4,400 to local mental health causes

$4,400 for mental health

Photo: 100 Women Who Care

Penticton's 100 Women Who Care group was back at their charitable giving this spring, awarding more than $4,400 in total to deserving local non-profits.

The group, which meets four times yearly to hear pitches from organizations in need of funds, met for their most recent quarterly event at the Dragonboat Pub.

The latest event was mental health-themed, and the women heard pitches from the Canadian Mental Health Association - South Okanagan Similkameen, SOS Mental Wellness Society and OneSky's Beginnings Pregnancy Support Program.

OneSky was voted to receive the lion's share of the pot, $3,400, with $500 going to each of the other two charities as well.

Since 2014, 100 Women Who Care has given more than $160,000 to 58 unique local charities. For more information on 100 Women Who Care and how to get involved locally, click here.

RCMP seeking public help finding missing man last seen in Penticton

Help find missing man

Photo: RCMP

Chad Ferguson was last seen in Penticton.

Police in Penticton are is seeking the public's help in finding a missing man.

Chad Ferguson, 43, was reported missing on April 18, 2024, having been last seen on April 14.

He is described as:

• Caucasian male
• 5 feet 7 inches
• 135 lbs
• Brown hair, blue eyes

He was last seen wearing a black baseball cap, a blue plaid sweater, blue jeans and brown boots.

"Police are very concerned for Chad's health and well-being and friends and family report that it is out of character for him to be out of contact for this long," reads a press release from the RCMP issued Monday.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Chad Ferguson is urged to contact their local police, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

Iconic rock band Foreigner set to include Penticton in their farewell bow

Foreigner's fond farewell

Photo: Krishta Photography

After five decades of chart-topping hits and touring the world, one of the most iconic classic rock bands of all time has chosen Penticton as one of their stops for their Historic Farewell Tour.

Foreigner will rock the South Okanagan Events Centre for a sold-out show on Saturday, May 4. The band will be joined by the Headpins.

Foreigner’s playlist for the night will be jammed with hit after hit like ‘Hot Blooded,’ ‘Feels Like the First Time,’ and ‘Cold as Ice.’ You’d be hard-pressed to find anyone of any age that can’t sing along to the chorus of one of their many top hits like ‘Juke Box Hero’ or ‘Urgent’ and ballads like ‘I Want To Know What Love Is.’

Castanet got to talk to Foreigner bassist Jeff Pilson before the band takes the stage in Peach City.

Pilson, who has played with Dokken and Dio, has been with Foreigner since 2004. Foreigner just finished a residency in Vegas and has been touring the States with their Farewell tour before they make their way through Canada. They will play 73 concerts during this tour.

Castanet: Foreigner is such a legendary band, with endless hits that have become the soundtrack to so many decades of youth. How does it feel doing your farewell tour?

Pilson: We are having a blast. We are putting out a high energy show because that’s what concerts should be. We are having fun and the crowd is having fun. This is a farewell to our touring days but we will still do select concerts in 2025.

Castanet: When you get on stage each night, does it still ‘Feels like the first time?’ I had to ask!

Pilson: (Laughs) It’s still a thrill every time. I still get goosebumps on the back of my neck. I’ve loved every minute of it. I get to play songs of this calibre to appreciative audiences. But it will be nice to get off the road and be with family.

Castanet: Is there a difference between Canadian and American audiences at your concerts?

Pilson: Canadians listen a bit more. Canadians are like the nice, polite version of Europeans. We have our die-hard fans in Canada too. I’m very excited to playing in Penticton and all of Canada.

Castanet: Foreigner is nominated for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: Class of 2024. It’s shocking Foreigner isn’t already in the Hall of Fame.

Pilson: The fan votes have been incredible and fingers crossed we make it. We are up against some incredible bands like Dave Matthews and Oasis. The original guys of Foreigner deserve to be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Castanet: With a heavy touring schedule, how do you keep up the energy for each show?

Pilson: We are having fun and the audience is having fun too. People are walking away from our show having had a really good time, getting to sing along to songs they know by heart or didn’t even realize they knew. For the younger generations, because there isn’t anything like this kind of rock coming out, they become our newest fans.

Foreigner has been rocking the charts for over 40 years going from best selling records, cassettes, to CDs and now to streams approaching 15 million per week. Their songs appear on numerous hit TV and Netflix series (Stranger Things) and countless movies (Pitch Perfect) as well as sung on The Voice and other singing shows.

“Many years ago, I wrote a song called ‘Feels Like The First Time’ and now we are performing one last worldwide tour. We will be presenting a show that I know will have the same enthusiasm as our very first appearances,” said the founder of Foreigner Mick Jones.

Lead singer Kelly Hansen said the time has come after living their lives on the road more or less for 18 years.

“We have always strived to give you our best and we intend to finish this the same way. Foreigner has a brilliant and increasingly demanding catalogue of songs to sing and I refuse to give them less than they deserve. So, we’re going to finish strong. I want to make it very clear how grateful and appreciative we are to our audiences all over the world who have supported this band.”

South Okanagan ripe with options for staycations

Time for a staycation

Photo: RV Days

"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.

Looking to relax, unwind and recharge? Try a staycation in the South Okanagan!

The Lakeside Resort in Oliver is the perfect place to enjoy a night (or two, or even three!) for what owner Sally Bouchard says is a “low-key, casual and fun [way to] bring you back to the traditions and experiences of past holidays.”

“As an Okanagan classic holiday location we have very committed customers who visit us every year and keep us basically sold out for the peak July/August season,” she explained. “The shoulder seasons are so much more laid back and much less full!”

From now until May 31, the Lakeside Resort is offering a “stay for three nights and pay for two” special on any of their accommodations, including suites, RV camping or cabanas. Mid-season camping rate, set at $55, is also on until Jun. 22.

“Our famous “Steak-on-the-Lake” golf packages still have mid-week availability until the end of June,” added Bouchard. “We’d like to appeal to Okanaganites to come and enjoy their own area before the tourist crowds arrive.”

And there’s plenty to enjoy, with Bouchard making some excellent suggestions on making your staycation extra special: “Oliver has so many things to do including world class golf, amazing bike riding and hiking, so many different wineries offering various eclectic experiences, first class restaurants, lots of beaches for families and the list goes on!” she said.

Don’t miss the chance to enjoy some relaxing time on the beach, with The Lakeside Resort situated on Tuc-el-Nuit Lake.

“A small, spring fed lake, Tuc-el-Nuit does not allow power boats and our private 500’ beach is shallow, clean and safe,” said Bouchard.

For more information and to book your staycation, visit thelakesideresort.com

Also in Oliver is the Coast Hotel, a pet-friendly hotel offering member and senior rates. Until Jun. 14, members enjoy 30 per cent off their stay in the heart of wine country, so be sure to visit coasthotels.com for more information!

Looking for something more outdoors? South Okanagan RV Days is already booking RVs and trailers for 2024, with discount rates on for the off season until Jun. 24. One week rentals are 33 per cent off, two weeks are 40 per cent off, and for longer rentals. Call the office for pricing.

RVs and trailers can be delivered to the campsite of your choice, are air-conditioned and set up for your arrival - camping has never been so easy or fun!

Book your trailer online at rvdays.ca.

For more Penticton fun this month, click here.

Photo: Lakeside Resort Oliver

Rotary Club of Penticton Sunrise names Sophie Robinson April's Student of the Month

April Student of the Month

Photo: Rotary Club of Penticton

April Student of the Month Sophie Robinson.

The Rotary Club of Penticton Sunrise is pleased to announce the selection of Sophie Robinson — an exceptionally gifted, core values-driven, high octane-fueled and altruistic Grade 12 student at Penticton Secondary School — as Rotary Student of the Month for April.

The selection of Robinson for SOM honours is a slam-dunk. Her notable achievements in academics and the performing arts coupled with creative leadership initiatives promoting youth participation in civic affairs and global sustainability action serve as a case study of how focus, perseverance and drive in the dogged pursuit of laudable goals can produce eye-popping results.

Born and raised in Penticton, except for two years while attending the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School, Robinson is the younger of two children in a close-knit family. Caring, engaging and conscientious, she has been well-coached at home in developing core life skills conducive to self-fulfillment, public duty and social responsibility.

Endowed with a piercing intellect fuelled by an unquenchable thirst for knowledge, Robinson has always excelled scholastically. Since enrolling in Pen High in Grade 11 last year, she has achieved a stellar average grade of 96 per cent while carrying a heavy slate of especially demanding STEM (science, technology, engineering and math)-foundational subjects.

French teacher Kathryn Stel said, “Sophie is amazing! She exemplifies courtesy and respect, extending warmth and kindness to everyone she meets. Her dedication to her studies is exemplary, as seen in her commitment to completing homework diligently and on time."

Firmly committed to making a positive difference for environmental change, Robinson heads Pen High’s Sustainability Club. Under her inspiring leadership, the club has heard talks from members of First Things First Okanagan and other action groups, met with City Council, and held school events to highlight the real and present need for meaningful sustainability action.

She has thoroughly enjoyed working with other club members, noting, “They have truly inspired me with their own initiative in events we lead and within their own personal passions.”

Among the club’s many impactful activities was a field trip to Oliver in which members helped the Gleaners’ prepare a dried soup mix from unused produce that would otherwise be waste, thus repurposing the produce to create 100,000 meals for the hungry globally.

“I have seen Sophie work tirelessly to find ways to make a difference in city development and sustainable changes. She organized field trips, campaigns, workshops, and even a 5-week event to help other students learn how to implement sustainable practices in accessible ways," said sustainability club teacher sponsor Jolene Broccolo.

"She is surely leaving an impactful legacy by her laudable actions.”

Out of school, Robinson loves to dance — styles varying from ballet to modern, and lyrical to contemporary. In the past six years she has placed first in Penticton and Kelowna Kiwanis Festivals numerous times and the First Steps Choreographic Competition at the Winnipeg Royal Ballet.

Refreshingly modest, Robinson does not focus on awards as they are not what defines us. To her, “It is much more important that people continue to try and are involved in what they love to do.”

Robinson founded Youth Council Penticton last January. The council, led by Robinson with 11 other eager members from Pen High and Maggie, aims to unite and empower youth to have their voices heard on climate change, mental health and other issues that matter to them as well as learn about civic governance.

To cap her banner graduating year at Pen High, Robinson was recently selected as one of only 36 Loran Scholars in the class of 2024, from a starting pool of 5,200 applicants nation-wide.

She is the very first Penticton student to capture this highly coveted, full-range, $100,000 award tenable at 25 partnering Canadian universities, since its inception 35 years ago.

Loran’s rigorous, in-depth selection process is unique “in looking beyond grades to identify youth with exceptional strength of character, deep commitment to service, and the potential to lead with integrity.”

Upon graduation, Robinson plans to undertake undergraduate studies leading to a bachelor’s degree in international relations at either U of T’s Trinity College or UBC, with a long-range goal of working at the United Nations.

Irrespective of her career path, this immensely gifted young person seems destined to eagerly accept the challenge to leave the world a better place than she found it.

S.S. Sicamous Marine Heritage Society hosting 110th Birthday Party for local ships

Local ships reach 110 years

Photo: e Penticton Museum and Archives (PMA 5297)

It's been 110 years since the S.S. Naramata first graced Okanagan Lake.

The S.S. Sicamous Marine Heritage Society shared the anniversary on Saturday, with the announcement that soon they'll be hosting an event to celebrate the birthday of the S.S. Sicamous and S.S. Naramata next month.

The S.S. Naramata ran for 53 years from April 1914 to August 1967.

"She was used to transport fruit and other cargo up and down the lake on barges. The Naramata was able to transport up to 20 rail cars: two barges carrying between eight and 10 rail cars," the socitey said in their post.

"She also served as an icebreaker for the other ships on the lake, including the S.S. Sicamous."

When the demand for tugs diminished, the Naramata was taken out of service in 1967.

The sternwheeler S.S. Sicamous was launched soon after, on May 19, 1914 and was in service for 22 years, until 1936, according to the society.

The Sicamous travelled from Penticton to Okanagan Landing daily (except Sunday) with 14 scheduled stops along the way.

The society said the City of Penticton was approached by the Penticton Gyro Club in 1949, who wanted to use the ship as their club house after it had been retired and sitting the ship yard.

Together they arranged to purchase the ship from Canadian Pacific. She was towed back home to Penticton on a wet and windy day in August of 1951, where the vessel has remained since.

Locals and visitors are invited out to join the S.S. Sicamous Marine Heritage Society for the "Family Regatta birthday party celebration" on May 19 for a complementary event from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

"Our Sicamous Family Regatta birthday party is a fun event for all community members to take part in. Get in the game playing spirit and come on down and play a bunch of different park games," the society said.

"Finish all the games and win a goodie bag!"

The event will include:

• Park games: sack races, bottle ring toss, giant tic tac toe, washer toss, horse shoes, egg race, corn holes, and a flag hunt.
• Concession: cotton candy, popcorn machine, candy cart, and more!
• Photo Booth in the Stern Salon.
• Canoe races: weather dependent.
• Wine & Beer tastings.
• Food Trucks & Vendors for purchase.
• Museum will be open to view.
• Live music in the Dining hall & in the park.
• First come first serve cupcakes at 2 p.m. to celebrate the time the SS Sicamous launched in 1914.

More details to be announced soon, keep an eye on their website here.

Summerland animal rescue seeking helping hands for cat sanctuary

Rescue seeks helping hands

If you happen to love cleaning and don't mind a cuteness overload everywhere to distract you, the Critteraid Animal Sanctuary in Summerland might be the perfect fit for you.

Lori Huot-Stewart, president of Critteraid, said she's hoping people have been looking for a new place to volunteer as they have space for cleaners to join their morning shifts.

"Did I mention that we have kittens," she said. "We seem to have a lot of fun on our days and the house cats seem to really enjoy meeting new people."

The cleaning shifts are between 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. and they have several days as options to choose from.

"We really appreciate any helping hands and the results of us helping and working together is so fulfilling when we see that what we're doing in giving these babies is the best environment possible with all of the comforts that they deserve."

If you're interested in more information, email [email protected] attention morning sunshine.

Photo: Contributed

Penticton and Area Access Centre hosting music bingo night fundraiser at local brewery

Music bingo for a cause

Photo: Contributed

The Penticton and Area Access Centre is thrilled to be hosting their first in-person fundraiser post-COVID.

On Thursday, May 16 at 5 p.m. at Highway 97 Brewery, everyone is welcome to join an evening of music bingo, with proceeds going right back to the charitable organization that provides services of all kinds to community members.

Snippets of popular songs are played instead of numbers in music bingo, and participants mark off the songs on their bingo cards.

The access centre provides advocacy, and resource and referral programs for Penticton and area community members facing barriers in their lives, and proceeds will support their mission.

Tickets for the event are now available for purchase online here or in person at Highway 97 for $27.96. Each ticket includes a finger food buffet, a beer, and a music bingo card.

The organization is also seeking donations for a silent auction and for bingo prizes.

"Your donation will make a significant impact on our ability to support those in need in our community. Donors will be recognized on our donation list and receive valuable exposure through our marketing materials," reads a press release from the centre.

For more information or to donate, contact [email protected] or call 250-493-6822.

Foundry starting up welcoming space in Summerland for youth activities and games

New space for youth hangs

Photo: Pixabay

Hoping to provide a place to gather for youth in the Summerland area that will build a sense of community, Foundry Penticton has launched a new program.

The program, called SAGE (Snacks, Art, Games & Events), is all about providing a welcoming space for youth ages 12 to 18.

"Since the loss of SADI, there hasn't been much for our youth here, so we're working to rebuild that sense of community," Foundry youth peer support worker Kayley Robb said in a press release.

"We understand that accessing these services can be tough for smaller communities, so we're expanding into new areas."

Youth will be invited to gather ever second Tuesday for various activities like painting, games and crafts. Recent events have included painting rainbow macrame wall hangers and spending time at the library.

The next event will be at HeartSpace Yoga for sound healing on Tuesday, April 30 at 3:30 p.m.

Those interested in learning more about SAGE or getting involved an reach out at 250-488-4396 or [email protected]

Foundry Penticton offers young people ages 12 to 24 access to mental health and substance use support, physical and sexual healthcare, peer support and social services. For more information, head to their website here.

Photo: Contributed