Happy 158th Canada!
This week's historic photo from the Museum and Archives of Vernon shows people getting ready for Dominion Day celebrations in Vernon on July 1, 1914. The country was only 47 years old then. A big party would be held across the nation three years later celebrating the 50th anniversary of the forming of the Dominion of Canada.
North Okanagan communities will do their part this coming Tuesday, July 1, with celebrations throughout the region:
VERNON
Polson Park from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., featuring live music, local vendors, a skate competition, Sharpie wall, Fruit Fest, bouncy castle/slide and more. The event is family-friendly and inclusive, with a focus on celebrating Vernon's community spirit. There will be no fireworks in the evening due to climate change risks. The drone show has also been cancelled.
LUMBY
Oval Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
All public swimming will be free; there will be kids activities (you bring the bike, organizers provide the decorations), and a tri-shaw bike will be in attendance; there will be a public market; hot dogs and cake available by donation; Swap Meet ($10 space for one table, call or email Lumby Chamber of Commerce to register by June 26); Lumby Volunteer Fire Department also on site.
ARMSTRONG
9 a.m., Canada Day hike at Mt. Rose Swanson (meet 8:45 a.m. at Chamberlain Road for waiver signing; donations for trail projects welcome.
12 p.m. - 5 p.m.: Canada Day swim, Armstrong Spallumcheen Aquatic Centre at Memorial Park.
4 p.m. Welcome tent featuring Canada Day swag from Royal Canadian Legion Branch #35 members; Opening Ceremony with Legion Colour party, welcome, land acknowledgement, prayer for Canada from Louise Burton, Zion United Church; introduction of guests; announcement of the 2025 Citizen of the Year; announcement of Decorating Contest Winners.
4:30 - 8 p.m.: birthday cake, staff of Valley First Credit Union serving cake until it's gone.
Concessions: Armstrong Lions, Scouts, Udderly Ice Cream; 2 For 1 Canadian Pizza, PV Blvd Coffee.
Canada Day Scavenger Hunt: pick up card and directions at Armstrong Spallumcheen Chamber of Commerce Tent.
Other activities: Face painting; Jelly Bean Guess; Canada Day Cookies and Water; Paint your own Birdhouse; Kids Obstacle Course; Kiki the Eco Elf; Armstrong Spallumcheen Fire Department; Glitter Tattoos; free water bottles and games from Re/Max Armstrong; Canada Day Market; Kids Bike Decorating Contest; Dual Bounce House.
5:30 p.m. New Event: Square dancing. Will Cullen will be leading on the grass in front of the gazebo. New, experienced dancers welcome.
6 p.m.: Fizzban Wizard, 40-minute magic show.
7:15 p.m. Kids Bike Parade.
7:30 p.m. Hat Trick Band performing live in Memorial Park.
ENDERBY
Riverside Park, 300 Kildonan Ave.
8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.: Lions Pancake Breakfast; Registration for Classic Car Show (enter through Kildonan parking lot);
10:30 a.m. Parade floats check in at Parade Marshalling Area (*Floats-only: enter Railway St. via Granville Ave.
(Parade Registration)
11:30 a.m.-12 p.m.; Parade starts at Railway Street and Cliff Avenue. and finishes at Howard Ave. and Kate St..
12 - 2 p.m.; Non-stop Activities: Kids fun zone; Bouncy castles; Classic Car Show; Enderby Farmers Market; Fire truck tours; Food truck food court; Outdoor museum.
1:15 p.m.; Anthem Singing and Birthday Cake.
2-4 p.m.; Free swim at the Lion's Outdoor Pool. While at the free swim, check out the large rendering of the new outdoor pool coming Summer 2026.
10 p.m.; Fireworks.
FALKLAND
10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Stampede Grounds.
Show and Shine Car Show, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Trophy awarded to the People's Choice from the Historical Falkland Pub.
Live music with Rudi Strauss and friends.
Children's events, vendors, face painting, beer gardens, and more.
