10th Annual Rotary Okanagan International Children's Festival

Yesterday I decided to walk down to Okanagan Lake Park in Penticton to check out the Children's Festival. My first impression was school buses, kids, tents galore and a happening scene.  I wandered around a bit to see what all the excitement was about and was drawn to an open entertainment tent by a sound that was similar to a french horn, but turned out to be an instrument that appeared to have come from the dark ages. I was too late to hear what the entertainer said about it but I did take a short video.

After I got home I did a little bit of research and found out that the entertainer's name was Boris Sichon, originally from the Ukraine. Over a number of years he collected traditional local intruments from many countries. The one he is playing in the video is a Peruvian Vagra Puku and is made from the horns of a type of antelope called the Peru Puku. His website is fascinating and you can both see and hear his collection of unique instruments.

What a fun place for kids this was.  There was no end to hands on activities and workshops including crafts, music and dance. The Penticton Art Gallery sponsored Art in the Park. Here children were given the opportunity to express their artistic side under the guidance of local artist Glenn Clark.

Here some children were playing a fun game of cat and mouse with a colourful parachute.  Not sure of the rules but the mouse is running underneath somewhere.

I came across Jennifer Moorhouse, one of my former teacher colleagues, with her K/1 class.  They were having fun painting a paddle for their very own paddle-ball game.




Jennifer Moorhouse from Naramata Elementary with her K/1 class

 There was one venue where kids could watch a dance demonstration and then learn how to do the dance. 
A young girl was demonstrating belly dancing as I strolled by.

Afterwards she taught the dance to a few eager beavers.

There were plenty of local venders offering a variety of food and drink.

You're not too late to enjoy this fantastic event with your children or grand-children.  There are two more days including today, and Saturday is all access Family Day.  On Saturday evening there is a special Vaudeville show at the Cleland theatre featuring Erth's Dinosaur Petting Zoo, Breakdance with solo cello, High Strung Aerial Act and much more great entertainment.  For more information go to the website of the Okanagan Children's Festival.

  



Naramata Community Choir - 50th Anniversary Concert

"Singing Through The Years" was a fitting title for the recent Naramata Community Choir concert which celebrated 50 years of music and friendship.

On Sunday, May 20th, 2012, Columbia Hall in Naramata was packed with choir fans, including us and many other faithful alumni.

It all started in 1962, when Carol McGibney posted a sign on a tree that said "Wanted Singers"  The rest is history and the choir of 55 voices is still going strong under the direction of Justin Glibbery who took over the baton, three years ago. 

Craig Henderson was a brilliant Master of Ceremonies as the choir took us on a fabulous muscial journey down memory lane.

Interspersed with the concert were some video reflections including special interviews, historic photos and film. Craig Henderson and Gary MacDougall of Video Innovation Productions worked together to produce these nostalgic clips. Carol McGibney and charter members of the choir shared their memories and Berte and Stu Berry were featured in a 2007 performance of "I Remember it Well" from the motion picture Gigi.
Les and I share a total of 73 years of belonging to this special group and we were both feeling quite teary eyed as we drank in the memories and mouthed the words to the songs.  Ah yes We remember it well!!!!

After the concert, charter members Carol McGibney, Buck Salting, Jake Van Westen, Stu Berry and Berte Berry were presented with special recognition awards by Buck's daughter Cyndie Salting who now sings with the choir. It was her grandfather Don, who suggested to Carol way back when, that she should start a choir, so it was serendipitous that Cyndie should present the awards 50 years later.



Alto Cyndie Salting presents a recognition award to her father Buck Salting



In the short video clip below, violinist Elizabeth Lupton and pianist Sandy Andres accommpany the choir in Ave Maria.

Kudos to the Naramata Community Choir!!!! "Ya Done Good" as Carol always used to say!!! 

Tickleberry's In Okanagan Falls - Our Last Icecream of the Season

A few days ago we decided to take advantage of a beautiful October Penticton day and head south for a drive.  On the way back we simultaneously agreed that we must stop at Tickleberry’s in Okanagan Falls for our last ice cream of the season. Even though there was a hint of winter in the air, the sun shone down valiantly and made it a perfect day for our cold treat.

On entering the store we saw that the long line ups so typical all summer were nowhere to be seen, and in fact there were only 2 people there to serve us our ice cream.  One of them turned out to be Dale Hoy, owner and founder of Tickleberry’s (along with his wife Jen) and the other was Aaron, his son.  I was happy that we were the only ones there because Dale told us a little of the history of this popular Okanagan Falls ice cream parlor.
It turns out that the name Tickleberry’s come from the name they gave to their jams (ie. Tickleberry Jams) while living in White Horse prior to moving to the Okanagan in 1989.  Tired of competing with bears to find enough berries for the jam, they decided to move to Okanagan Falls where fruits were much more plentiful. In the Spring of 1990 Tickleberry’s was open for business.

Dale told us that before selling ice cream, there was only a small gift store and they lived on property right beside it. In fact their home was where the gift shop is now.  As shopping was Jen’s passion, she was in charge of bringing in unique and wonderful gifts to sell in the shop.  Dale decided to start a small ice cream parlor to keep the men busy while their wives were shopping.  It became so popular that they expanded over the years and now sell 72 different flavors of ice cream. 
Mix that with a fine assortment of sweets, including homemade chocolates and fudge, plus freshly popped kettle Korn and a fantastic gift shop where licking and looking is encouraged, and you have the famous Tickleberry’s of today. 
It has been a family venture with all three of their children helping in the business.  Dale also commented on their wonderful staff and said that each season they hire over 30 young people to serve the ice cream.  He says that as long as you get them before they drive they are eager, willing and able.

We love to go there on a hot summer’s day and sit on a picnic table by the creek while enjoying our yummy cone.  You bet your boots that we also have a frequent licker card that gives us a free ice cream after every 10. 
As we made our way out of the door, about a dozen cars were pulling up out of nowhere so I guess many other people wanted to savor one more Tickleberry cone before they close for the season on October 30th.
All I can say is a big thankyou to Dale, Jen and family. We are so glad you took a family vacation to the Okanagan in 1988 and that you settled in OK Falls and gave birth to Tickleberry’s.
For more information visit Tickleberry’s Website. You can even order some of the yummy chocolates and fudge online as well as some T-shirts and other sundries.

For more information visit Tickleberry’s Website. You can even order some of the yummy chocolates and fudge online as well as some T-shirts and other sundries.

It's not too early to start thinking about your summer vacation in the Okanagan Valley.  If you choose an Okanagan Falls Vacation Home to stay in you will be able to walk to Tickleberry's.

Twisted Tree Theatre Company Presents - "Wilde At the Winery"

Combine an alfresco picnic amid grape vines and wine barrels, a warm Okanagan summer evening, delectable wine, then top it off with live theatre, and you have a delicious escape from everyday chaos.

This is the second year that Jen Vien’s Twisted Tree Theatre Company has paired up with Township 7 Vineyard and Winery to offer a wonderful experience of wine and the arts in a beautiful setting.  Township 7 has a location on the Naramata Bench as well as one in Langley BC and both venues take turns at hosting the play.

We attended last Saturday night’s performance of "An Ideal Husband", a clever political satire by Oscar Wilde, and went away singing the praises of the very talented five member cast.  Not only did Jen Viens adapt and direct the play, but she was also flawless in her role as, the very idealistic and perhaps moral to a fault,  Lady Chiltern.  Tommy Cowles was unequalled in his portrayal of Lord Chiltern as he struggled with blackmail, political corruption and possible dishonor.  He was also hilarious in the smaller role as Phipps the butler.  For the life of me I never know how actors can remember so many lines!!!! Jean MacLean-Angus also had a double role and her professional experience shone as she seamlessly played the very opposite parts of the corrupt and nasty Mrs. Cheveley and the charming sweet Mabel Chiltern.  Braleigh James also became either Lord Goring or Mason the butler, as required and she carried off both opposite genre roles with expertise.
Donna Lynch, a familiar face with Many Hats Theatre, was delightful as the rather empty headed but well-meaning Lady Markby.

All the cast carried off their English accents with plausible ease to say the least and as the sun sunk down and spotlights came on we hardly realized that it was dark by the time we made our way back to reality. 

The production will be moving to the Township 7 Langley Winery for August 5 and 6.  See video clip from play below.  

We will be sure to stay tuned for future performances by the Twisted Tree Theatre Company.  Jen Viens will be teaching a drama program through the Penticton Rec Centre from Aug 15 -19 for ages 12 to 17 years.  She is also available for workshop bookings, team-building, and one-on-one coaching - and birthday parties! If you have a space, and you have a vision (and it involves drama) then get in touch with Jen!

There are many great Vacation Rentals in Naramata, which offer a perfect base for enjoying the local arts and culture and exploring the many wineries in and around Penticton.

Poplar Grove Opens Spectacular New Winery In Penticton

Thankyou Travlin' Pat for this post

After raining most of the afternoon, the early evening sky turned out to be one of the finest so far this summer.  Seems like an auspicious start to a new era for Poplar Grove. 

Its new look is one of sophistication and elegance, which of course which pairs nicely with the fine vintages that Poplar Grove consistently produces.

Right off you are struck (if not awestruck) by the magnificent setting.  Both Okanagan and Skaha lakes shimmer in the distance and one can see the whole of Penticton nestled cozily in between.  

The winery is situated to take advantage of the marvelous summer sunsets that the Okanagan is so famous for.

The fortunate ones to receive a much-coveted invitation poured into the winery around 7 pm.  Locals, out of towners and possibly a few celebs made up the festive, cheerful and tipsy (oh that was later!) crowd.  Right off the bat every one was given a glass and it was your job to run around tasting all your favorite vintages.  

The wine flowed freely all night long. My personal favorite was the syrah but my husband stayed steadfast and claimed the famous legacy was the supreme ruler of the night.

At one point we were all ushered outside to witness the barrel dropping.  A wine barrel is hosted onto a forklift and ceremoniously dropped, smashing on the ground and I think spreading good luck for the winery.  Don’t quote me.

The food was terrific.  Wonderful appetizers kept appearing just at the perfect time and there was the scent of meat in the air as a pig roasted in an outdoor spit.  yumlicous!

 

I could go on and on …about the harp music and the terrific band and the dancing etc, but point is …it was a classy delightful experience.

Best wishes to Poplar Grove Winery!

Why not explore all the wineries Penticton and surrounding areas have to offer, and make your base an Okanagan Vacation Rental.

Penticton and Friends Celebrity Golf Classic - Gran Fondo in Penticton

PENTICTON DOES IT AGAIN !
This weekend was chocko block with activity in our city.

The Penticton and Friends Celebrity Golf Classic held the 10th annual charity golf tournament on Friday and Saturday. Some people may remember it used to be the Andy Moog and friends celebrity Golf Classic. This year was dedicated to a local restaunture Rob Wylie the former owner of Salty’s Beach House. Over the years they have raised lots of money and seen celebrities, pro hockey players, retired pro hockey players, politicians, and fathers and sons hitting the links with a vengeance (and then some!) Although as far as I know there was no clubs tossed into the way to numerous water hazards.

They have pretty impressive prizes for the skilled or lets just say “lucky” players. The big one is $50,000 for the main hole in one prize and 2 $20,000 and 1 $10,000 prizes.  It doesn’t get much better than that!

On the first day I dropped by to have a look. There were men everywhere all dressed in their golf finery diligently working on their putting strokes and all the carts were lined up loaded and ready to go for the 11:00 shotgun start. That seems like an odd thing to call that.  Maybe it’s because sometimes during the game you kind of feel like you could use something to put you out of your misery…… The weather was fine and some good and bad shots played but you can bet everyone had a great time and supported a worthwhile cause.

On top of that;

The first annual GranFondo was held on Sunday. For those of you who haven’t the vaguest idea what that is, it is a horribly long bike race that people actually are happy to go in. There was some serious mileage happening as the ride is 160 Kilometers long! The winner did it in 3hrs and 57 min. Wow I thought I did well when I did my 30 minute run to Starbucks!
Everywhere you looked cyclists were zooming along looking all very professional in their brightly colored (not to mention tight fitting!) outfits.  But I digress….. The weather was perfect for a long ride such as this, warm but not zoiling hot.  Congratulations to all the participants.  Well done.
To see some great photos of the race go to My Penticton Photography.

While this was going on people who were looking for a more sedentary way to spend the day were drifting down the channel parkway doing their summer thing.  Ah, bliss……

Penticton is such a happening place!

Thankyou Travlin' Pat for covering these two weekend sports events.

Here On The Flight Path - Many Hats Theatre Company - Penticton

'Here On The Flight Path’ is the name of the play, Norm Foster is the author, Ed Schneider the director, Ross Arnot and Ben Amos the producers, and The Cannery Stage in Penticton, the place where we attended a packed opening night last Thursday. 

Eric Hanston plays the part of John Cummings, a recently divorced newspaper columnist, who lives on the fourth floor of a big city apartment which happens to be on the flight path of the nearby airport. 
The whole play unravels on his deck and the deck of the apartment beside him, which over the course of the story is occupied by three different women, each role hilariously portrayed by Megan Kimberley.   John calmly relates the story in a flashback kind of way,  so we can get to know the struggles of each of his neighbors over the course of 3 or 4 years. We gradually become endeared to him as the friendships with these women help him mature as a person.





First there was Faye, who is revealed to be in the sex trade and inevitably gets thrown out of each place she lives, when the landlord discovers her profession. 







Then a saucy young woman named Angel moves in with aspirations to make it in show business. After she gives up and heads back to Alberta, Gwen, the recently separated driving instructor, is John’s final neighbor in his story.

Laughter was contagious in the audience as Norm Foster’s unsurpassed wit and humor offered funny one liners and comedy.

A favourite line was when Faye stated “Men are like kitchen tiles, if you lay them right the first time you can walk over them for the rest of your life” or something like that. I loved it when Angel belted out a pretty good rendition of “Don’t Rain on My Parade” from “Funny Girl” and when the prim and proper Gwen ends up being not quite as she appeared at first glance.

After the play we attended the opening night reception with yummy nibblies and complimentary local wine.  We also met Eric and Megan in person and thanked them for a marvelous performance.

On the way home we both agreed that the well worn phrase “Laughter is the best Medicine” still reigned.  Thankyou, Many Hats Theatre Company for making our day.  We’ll be back for your next show.

If you are in Penticton on vacation this month be sure to take in 'Here on the Flight Path' You won't be disappointed. 

If you have seen this play we would love to hear your comments.