The “World Comes Together in Oliver” on Friday July 13th & Saturday July 14th at Oliver Community Park. The 2nd Annual Oliver International Sunshine Festival (OISF) is back in 2012 as an exciting 2-day event with free admission being presented by the Oliver Parks & Recreation Society and the OISF Committee with a fantastic lineup of entertainers and the addition of West Coast Amusements, who will be setting up the midway in the park from Friday through Sunday. The festival will kick off with an official welcome and special dedication ceremony for the new band shell as well as the announcement of the winner of the Oliver Ambassador Duck Race at 5:30pm sharp followed by a full evening of live musical entertainment including performances from local world beat band Lobo Blanco and Vancouver-based classic rock band Worms Hate Rain. There will be a beverage garden for adults 19 years and over on Friday night from 5- 10pm. “Last year we had many individuals and families tell us that they could not attend because they were working on Saturday,” says Carol Sheridan, Festival Coordinator. “So this year we have added Friday evening as another chance to bring people down to a beautiful park to enjoy music, children’s activities, some dinner and a fun Festival atmosphere on an Okanagan summer night.”
Saturday morning the annual Oliver Parade will take place along Hwy 97 starting at 10:30am. “The 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 have received approximately 30 parade entries and expect to be closer to 40 by the big day.” The Oliver Rotary Club and local Crime Watch organization have once again taken 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 (Hwy 97) between Similkameen Ave (346th) and Kootenay (99th) between the hours of 7:00am-12pm and no vehicle passage between 10- 11:30am during the road closure to allow safe passage of parade entries and lots of room for spectating.
Immediately following the Parade, live international entertainment will kick-off on the main stage with an incredible line-up of local and visiting performers including students from The Dance Studio, a special solo performance from lovely Lulu and some high energy hip hop dancing from popular group JEDI. Headline stage acts on Saturday include an interactive performance that you do not want to miss from Bobby Bovenzi and Nankama West African Drumming Group that will have the whole audience moving as well as a fun participation-encouraged performance from children’s entertainer Mat Duffus. Clothing and dance moves from different parts of the world will be displayed during the International Fashion Show. Spectators are encouraged to bring a lawn chair along to the park.
In addition to the main stage entertainment, there will be lots to see and do in the park on both days. Children will enjoy field activities like the Par-T-Perfect climbing wall and inflatables, trying out tug-o-war and Olympic-style challenges with Sun Fun leaders and making creations in the Craftworks Tent. Different organizations will be on site showing and selling their wares and people can enjoy eating out in the World Food Fair vendor area featuring delicious options to tempt your tummy. Families can also beat the heat by taking a swim in the Oliver Pool – a special public swim session sponsored by the Legion will take place on Friday night between 6:30-8:30pm and regular public swimming will take place Saturday between 1-4pm. West Coast Amusements is bringing their midway to town and will be open Friday noon until 10pm with 6 rides for $15, Saturday noon until 9pm and Sunday noon until 6pm wristbands will be $28 these two days.
Volunteers aged 12 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 Lin Brian, Volunteer Coordinator at 250-485-4000.
Merchandise Vendors and Artisans interested in having a booth, or any outstanding Parade Entries should contact the Recreation Office at 250-498- 4985 prior to the July 9th deadline to confirm their involvement or visit www.oliverrecreation.ca to download entry forms.
For more information about the Festival or to make arrangements for media interviews or photo opportunities during the event please contact Festival Coordinator Carol Sheridan at 250-462-0543 carjc70@hotmail.com or Recreation Program Manager Katie Eaton at 250-498-4985 katie@oliverrecreation.ca