Oliver has an exciting way to celebrate the start of the summer wine festival.

On Thursday, July 10 from 6-10pm in Oliver Community Park discover the exciting outdoor concert event hosted by Oliver Parks & Recreation in partnership with the Oliver Osoyoos Wine Association (OOWA), called “Uncork the Sun”.  “It will be a pleasure to showcase the 36 wineries of Oliver Osoyoos Wine Country at this fun and interactive event, says OOWA Executive Director Tony Munday. We are excited to be back again this year to celebrate the Sun and our summer with locals and visitors alike.”

Mostly Marley formed in 2003 with the idea of bringing Classic Reggae to an otherwise starving audience. The name stems from having been asked: “What kind of music do you play?” The answer would always be: “Classic Reggae by various artists, but mostly Marley.” Mostly Marley performs with passion while always remaining true to the spirit of Reggae. Mostly Marley is a band that takes you on a musical odyssey- with good times to be had by all.  The band regularly performs around BC, most notably at The Blue Grotto in Kamloops where a faithful following always comes out, and The Rusty Gull in North Vancouver where the band has played for 5 years strong. They also successfully played for a Reggae cruise in 2008, the Blue Mountain Festival in Coquitlam in 2009, and at the Surrey Fusion Festival in 2010. Mostly Marley receive rave reviews for their regular appearances at the Yale and Fairview in Vancouver.

Concert-goers can enjoy the live entertainment while sipping various locally produced wines and brews plus witness and taste the results of the 2nd Annual “Top Dog” Culinary Challenge where defending champion Chef Jeff Van Geest (Miradoro) will go head-to-head with another local chef to each create their signature hotdog featuring locally sourced ingredients.  Gates open just before six and the chefs will have just an hour to prepare the hot dogs and condiments/sides for service before being asked to introduce their “dog” by name and describe their dish to the hungry crowd.  After everyone including a panel of judges enjoys what’s been prepared, votes will be cast and one chef will earn the title of Oliver’s Top Dog.

Tickets for the event are $30 for adults, $15 for students and children under 8 are free.   Advance tickets can be purchased at the Oliver Visitor Centre and the Oliver Community Centre or at the gate while they last.  For more information about the event please visit www.oliverrecreation.ca or call 250-498-4985.