The “World Comes Together in Oliver” on Saturday, July 16th from 12 -7:00pm at
Oliver Community Park. The Oliver International Sunshine Festival is an exciting one-day event being presented by Oliver Parks & Recreation and the OISF Committee. The annual Parade will take place earlier that same morning along Hwy 97 starting at 10:30am with the Festival entertainment and site activities picking up steam immediately
following the parade.
“The Sunshine Festival Parade is shaping up to be a colourful display of local
celebrities, service organizations and clubs, entertaining floats and several
different type of vehicles”, says Tracy Veintimilla, Parade Coordinator. “We are already up to 35 parade entries and expect to be over 40 by the big day.” The Oliver Rotary Club and local Crime/Speedwatch organization are also taking a lead role in ensuring a successful and safe parade. Oliver residents and visitors are reminded that there will be no vehicle parking along Main Street between 346th and 99th between the hours of 7:00 am-12 pm to allow safe passage of parade entries and lots of room for spectating. Due to popular demand the Oliver Fire Department will be participating in the Parade, however organizers are stressing that there are clear guidelines that must be followed if the
cherished tradition of the “water fight” with the OFD will continue. Water guns can be brought to the empty grass lot between Shopper’s Drug Mart and the Oliver Food Bank on 93rd Street as the end of the parade route, which is the only location where any water
will be exchanged between spectators and the fire trucks.
Immediately following the Parade, live entertainment will kick-off on the main stage with
an official welcome from local dignitaries followed by incredible line-up of
local performers from Get Bent Belly Dancers, Louis Martineau (AKA the
“Canadian Crooner”) to the incredible Buffalo Wild Drummers & Dancers and known
children’s performer Mat Dufus. Headlining the Festival are Magician Damien Carriere and Funhouse, a 3-piece band that will get people dancing to both classic and country music. Music and clothing and dance moves from different parts of the world will be displayed during the first-ever International Fashion Show.
“Oliver has such amazing diversity in its population to be proud of, and it is great to
see involvement on both the organizing committee and though entertainment and
food offerings from the Indo-Canadian and Mexican communities”, says Carol
Sheridan, Festival Coordinator. “We want to show our residents and the rest of BC that the world truly comes together in Oliver and coming to the park on July 16th is a great way to celebrate this fact by seeing, hearing and tasting different cultures.”
In addition to the main stage entertainment, there will be lots to see and do in
the park. Children will enjoy field activities like parachute games, slip and slide and tug-o-war with the SunFun leaders, making creations in the CraftWorks Tent or trying out the
Par-t-Perfect climbing wall. Festival goers can try bocce, lawn bowling or tennis with equipment and help provided by local experts during the afternoon. Face
painting and henna tattoos will be offered by the Youth Ambassadors. Artisans, crafters and different organizations will be showing and selling their wares and people can enjoy
international-inspired cuisine in the World Food Fair. There will also be a beverage garden for adults 19 years and over to cool off in between 12:00-6:30pm. Families can also beat the heat by taking a swim in the pool where a special public swim session will take place between 1-5pm.
Volunteers aged 14 years and up are still needed to assist with various aspects of the
event, shifts are generally 3 hours in length and it is a great way to enjoy
the Festival and give back to your community at the same time. Those interested in helping out can contact Phyllis Wilson, Volunteer Coordinator at 250-485-4122.
Food or Merchandise Vendors interested in having a booth, or any outstanding Parade
Entries should contact the Recreation Office at 250-498-4985 prior to the July
8th deadline to confirm their involvement or visit www.oliverrecreation.ca to download
entry forms.