OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES | MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT | TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
Let’s 2019
LET’SPLAY2019
The Morning Star | 1
Reel in the Movies
Check out the Stars. The best place to catch your favourite flick is under the stars at the Starlight Drive-In in Enderby. One of the few remaining, and North America’s largest drive-in screen, boasts double features Friday and Saturday nights, gates open at 7 p.m. Check out what’s playing at starlightdrivein.ca or call the showline at 250-838-6757. Another relic of old days is the Vernon Towne Cinema, entertaining film lovers since 1929. For a list of feature films and weekend matinees visit vernoncinema.ca. You can also check out the Okangan Screen Arts Society films every Monday night.For a more modern movie experience, visit Galaxy Cinemas which has three 3D projection rooms plus the regular screens. Call 250-542-1107 or viit cineplex.com for listings. The Vernon Film Society also screens at Galaxy every other Wednesday (vernonfilmsociety.bc.ca).
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MACKENZIE CAMP on beautiful Mabel Lake
2019 SUMMER CAMPS for kids aged 6-17, July 2 thru August 17 Camp available for rental prior to June 30 & after August 17
Quality care & Programming Specialty Camps, too – Science, Drama, & Fishing! See our website and brochure for details!
Register online: www.mackenziecamp.ca or phone/email 250-838-6293 maccamp@shaw.ca MacKenzie Camp – A United Church of Canada Camp & Retreat Centre
5 Night
ONLY FOR
SENIORS
60+ Wellness Retreat Achieve optimal health as you embrace aging. This 5 night retreat has been designed for seniors to focus on improving your quality of life through preventative and restorative spa treatments and activities. Rates starting at $1226.50 per person plus tax. (based on double occupancy)
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR WELLNESS PACKAGES Visit www.sparklinghill.com/wellness-retreat-packages or call 1-877-275-1556 to speak with our Reservations Team. 2 | The Morning Star
LET’SPLAY2019
Bike corral expected to drive up downtown revenue
“I think we do
need to start getting away from that car culture” – Dudley Coulter.
Parking a car downtown will cost you some change, but parking a bike downtown won’t cost you a penny. The Downtown Vernon Asscociation unveiled their new bike corral at the corner of 30th Avenue and 30th Street near the bike path outside of Naked Pig BBQ on Monday, May 6. City of Vernon active transportation co-ordinator, Angela Broadbent said that this is part of a new on-street bicycle parking pilot project that will be in place from May to October this year. “It’s a lovely safe and secure place to park your bike while you enjoy downtown,” said Broadbent.
NEW PERSONALIZED
Airport Shuttle Service
Servicing Vernon, Lumby, Enderby and Armstrong
Dudley Coulter from the DVA said that one of the factors for the bike corral is bringing in people from the Okanagan Rail Trail to downtown Vernon. “We have a very strong seperated bike path, but once they get here they didn’t really have a safe place to store their bikes,” said Coulter. A full rack could fit 12 bikes, which Coulter said will generate more revenue downtown than a car would. “I think we do need to start getting away from that car culture,” said Coulter.
VERNON TOuR AND ShuTTLE Book Your Wine Tours Now
Straight to your door Service!
Tours are 4 - 5 hours. Visit your choice of 4 of the following wineries: The Chase, 50th Parallel Estate Winery, Intrigue Wines, Graymonk Estate Winery*, Ex Nihilo Vineyards*, Arrowleaf Cellars and Blind Tiger Vineyards. *Lunch Reservations Required.
Rates: 6 people $75 each, 8 people $70 each, 10-14 people $60 each
Call us to make your reservation!
778-692-5577 LET’SPLAY2019
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Orchard landmark opens for 86th year The opening of Davison Orchard on May 1st, marked the 86th year of operation for the Vernon tourism landmark. Located at 3111 Davison Rd., Davison Orchards has been a staple of Vernon since 1933. It is now open for another busy season of agri-tourism. With the newly renovated farmhouse cafe now open to the public, as well as the usual gift shops and bakery open for visitors, a new barn that houses animals — including sheep, goats, chickens, cats and pigs — and a playground for children, there is something for the whole family to enjoy.
The highlight for this spring are the Blossom Tours, which begin the first weekend in May and will run all spring Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. As Vernon’s favourite family destination, the Davisons said they are ready for what’s to be expected as the best year on record and that’s a tall order. In 2018, over 300,000 people came to experience everything the farm has to offer. This year visitors can expect the same hand-made quality jam and pies, as well as farm fresh produce, but there is always something new and improved on the 50 acre working farm.
SAIL • LeArn to SAIL
ALL AGES • Family Fun!
CertiFied instruCtors
7801 Okanagan Landing Road (Paddlewheel Park) • 250-260-4255 • www.vernonsailing.com 4 | The Morning Star
LET’SPLAY2019
WINDPOWER
NORTH OKANAGAN SAILING ASSOCIATION
PHOTO CREDIT: Brieanna Charlebois - Morning Star
“Our café has been rebranded and given a fresh facelift as the new Farmhouse Café. Our original family recipes haven’t changed, but the décor has been updated and we’ve provided more seating on the patio. We have added new cookie recipes including a gluten free option, as well as classic items such as chicken pot pie and sausage rolls,” said Tamra Davison, the marketing director and third generation farmer. The Farmhouse Café building is the original family home of first generation farmers Tom and May Davison who built their farmhouse in the late 1940s. “This is how we came to rename the café. It’s warm, inviting, comforting, and it looks and feels like a farmhouse. Fresh black and white paint and geometric decorations give it a contemporary look but the original hardwood floors and canvas awnings give it a wholesome feel.” Also new this season are a pair of potbellied pigs named Esther and Polly who live in the timber frame
barn on-site. The kids will be delighted to meet Jewel, a sweet little dark bay pony. Another great new feature is the fully restored 1941 cherry red, Chevrolet pickup truck, something owner Tom Davison has wanted for a long time, will bring back fond memories for many visitors and create new memories for others. Though the team is a week or two away until the first crops of 2019 will be ready, the orchards will soon be in bloom which means the grounds will look and smell their best. Families are invited to visit the farm during spring hours from 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., seven days a week. Orchard Tours run on Tuesdays at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., and on Sundays from 10:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. for the months of May and June. The gift shop is restocked and full of preserves that were made over the winter months when the crops are dormant. “We’re just so excited to be open again,” said Tamra.
LOCAL HEALTHY FRESH CREATIVE Produce, Fruit, Gourmet Cheese, Delicious Baking, Preserves, Eggs, Meats, Ethnic Foods, Flowers, Unique Artisan Wares, Free Parking, ATM On Site, Rain or Shine
www.vernonfarmersmarket.ca 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM • MondAys & thursdAys http://www.vernonfarmersmarket.ca KAL tIrE PLACE • 3445 - 43rd AvEnuE
D a i l y P re s e n t a t i o n s Honey & Mead Tastings B e e Fr i e n d l y G a rd e n s FREE ADMISSION | OPEN YEAR-ROUND
5011 Bella Vista Rd. Vernon p h . 2 5 0 - 5 4 2- 8 0 8 8
www.PlanetBee.com LET’SPLAY2019
The Morning Star | 5
Vernon puts wheels in motion for bike to work week
Lincoln Lanes Your Family Bowling Centre Check our website : lincolnlanes.ca
tHrowBACk tHurSdAy
$3/GAme
SHoe rentAl inCluded for mAy, June, July And AuGuSt!
Bowl in Air Conditioned Comfort!
Summer HourS
The City of Vernon is gearing up for Bike to Work and School Week 2019, which runs May 27 - June 2. Bike to Work and School Week is a community-wide celebration of all things bicycle. Every year, Vernon residents trade in their cars for two wheels and get around by bike for a week. Register at www.biketowork.ca/registration and log trips during Bike to Work and School week for a chance to win prizes and Grand prize: A trip to Italy. To qualify for the grand prize trip draw (and other provincial prizes), participants must log kilometers for at least one trip that you choose to ride your bike instead of drive a motor vehicle during Bike to Work & School Week.
(mAy to SeptemBer) mondAy to fridAy 12 noon to 4 pm • 6 to 10 pm SAturdAy And SundAy 12 noon to 10 pm
— ConCeSSion —
CHeCk out www.kidSBowlfree.Com/llAneS
fAll leAGueS StArt SeptemBer 3 rd
3510 25 th Avenue, Vernon • 250-542-9837
Summer Workshops
Let’s Play! at
Allan Brooks Nature Centre
Our mission is to promote the enjoyment, understanding and stewardship of the North Okanagan’s unique and diverse natural environment. Our programs offer experiences in a learning through play environment!
Upcoming Events
- Bats of the Vernon Area & Bat Count, June 1 - Composting for Beginners, June 22 - Journey Towards Zero Waste, July 11 - FireSmart & Waterwise Yard Care, August 8
Register Online www.abnc.ca
- The Great Canadian Birdathon, May 26 - Presentation on Invasive Plant Control, May 30 - Birding for Beginners, June 1 Saturday, June 21 - Summer Solstice. • Saturday, July 13th - Summer Solstice, June 21 August 9th • Sept 6th • October 31 - Wine & Wild West Gala, July 6
Astronomy Nights
Discover. Learn. Play. 6 | The Morning Star
www.abnc.ca
LET’SPLAY2019
Summer Camps Growing Up WILD is a day camp for ages 4 - 5. Themes change weekly. The Nature Explorers is a day camp for ages 6- 9. Themes change weekly. Our NEW Hiking Advneture camp for ages 10- 12.
250-260-4227
250 Allan Brooks Way, Vernon, BC
Art takes a tour around town Art is cycling around the community for the month of May and June. This began with the third annual Vernon Bike Fest, which took place the first weekend of May. The Arts Council of the North Okanagan partnered with the North Okanagan Cycling Society for the first ever Rail Trail Art Festival, including the work of more than 30 local artists. The event will culminate with an Art Exhibit at the Vernon Community Arts Centre between Friday, May 31 and Tuesday, June 11, where finished art pieces will be on display. The community is encouraged to drop by the Arts Centre during regular hours to view the work and vote for a Viewer’s Choice Award, which is being sponsored by Opus Art Supplies in Kelowna. The Vernon Community Arts Centre is open Monday to Thursday, 9 a.m. - 9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Guests who took to the trail May 4 for Bike Fest are encouraged to post their trail and art photos with #vernonarts and #okanaganrailtrail for a chance to be featured during the exhibit.
LET’SPLAY2019
The Morning Star | 7
Market Fresh
Taste the unique offerings of the Okanagan straight from the source by visiting an orchard, farmers markets, or any of the wineries and distilleries. If fresh greens are what you need, The Vernon Farmers’ Market runs from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Monday and Thursday at Kal Tire Place. Or check out the Okanagan Valley Farmers and Crafters Market every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Elks Lodge in downtown Vernon. The Lodge also offers a pancake breakfast. Over in Enderby the Open Air Farmers Market takes place every Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Splatsin Centre parking lot. B.C.’s oldest continuously run market is in Armstrong Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 12 noon at the IPE fairgrounds. Lumby’s Public Market runs Saturdays at the Community Oval Park from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. In Lake Country the Farmers and Crafters Market takes place Friday nights from
3 to 7 p.m. in Swalwell Park, 10070 Bottom Wood Lake Rd. That love of fresh food and outdoor fun is perfectly embodied in Davison Orchards in Vernon. Located on Bella Vista Road, Davison Orchard has more to offer than just fruits and vegetables, though they are certainly phenomenal. Hop on the Johnny Popper Apple Train for a tour , feed the farm animals, let the little ones loose in the Crazy Cow Kid’s Corral play area and take in the Apple Festival every weekend in September the Pumpkin Festival in October. Visit davisonorchards.ca for a list of the bountiful activities. Stop next door and catch the buzz at Planet Bee Honey Farm and Meadery. Watch the little pollinators in action in a safe and educational display, try some honey-inspired goodies ranging from mead (honey wine) to candles or book an educational tour. Visit planetbee.com for more. Sip some summer samplings and visit one of the many wineries up and down the valley.
From Lake Country’s Gray Monk to Spallumcheen’s Edge of the Earth, each offers tours and tastings. Or visit them all with MJO Tours. Or, if wine doesn’t please your pallet, Vernon is also home to Okanagan Spirits. The world-class distillery offers tastings daily of its liquers, flavoured brandy, genuine absinthe, gin, grappa, whiskey, vodka, aquavit and their new BRBN. See okanaganspirits.com for more information. Celebrate local culture and knock back cider at BX Press Cidery and Orchard. The third generation farmers grow apples and craft artisan ciders on their historic BX orchard. With their quirky characters, the ciders celebrate the rich history of the Barnard’s Express Stagecoach. Over in Armstrong, the Farmstrong Cider Company is the newest small-batch brewery in the region offering some uniquely local flavours. Farmstrong also hosts an Artisan and Farmers Market Sundays in July and August, from 11-3.
Vernon & District Minor Football association Building character, community, and health for kids in the North Okanagan. Our programs are intended to not only teach the rules and skills of football, but to help develop life skills such as sportsmanship, teamwork, leadership, positivity, and physical activity as keys to success throughout life. For ages 8 - 13 Early bird pricing from May 1st - May 31st, Regular registration June 1st - Sept 15th. Practice starts Mid July every Tuesdays & Thursdays. Visit our website at www.vdmfa.ca for more info or email generalinquiries@vdmfa.ca 8 | The Morning Star
LET’SPLAY2019
All Star, all seasons SilverStar Mountain Resort has more to offer than just worldrenowned skiing. Summer sees “the Star” become home to a new world of activities, including mountain biking, enduro, hiking, cross country biking, outdoor discoveries tours, disc golf and geocaching. This year, SilverStar’s bike park will open June 21 and stay open until Sept. 2. With more than 50 kilometres of downhill trails, 300 dirt jumps, 600 berms, 551 vertical metres of riding and more than 30 kilometres of cross country trails, the park should excite excite riders of all levels say mountain officials.
Voted Best Family Fun In The Okanagan
7921 Greenhow Road, Vernon
Open June 8 - Sept 1, 2019 STAFF STILL REQUIRED TO START IN JUNE!
10 SLIDES, CONCESSION, ICE CREAM, GIFTS
250.549.4121
www.atlantiswaterslides.ca
info@atlantiswaterslides.ca
Get Your Splash On!
The Slay the Dragon trail running race will take place June 29. With 13-, 25- and 50-km races incorporating a range of SilverStar’s amazing trails, competitors in the 50-km distance will tackle SilverStar’s highlight trail, Beowulf. Named after the epic poem, the Beowulf trail took four years to build, and reaches the four corners of SilverStar resort before looping back. Norco RadFest will take place July 6 at the bike park with some a number of giveaways. The biggest downhill race of the season, the Canada Cup will go July 12 to 14. For those looking for a little less strenuous out, find some zen in the mountain air at the SilverStar Yoga retreat Aug. 14 to 18. For a full list of events, visit www.skisilverstar.com
DiStillErY tOurS,tAStiNgS & COCKtAilS OPEN 7 DAYS/WEEK
We are ranked Things To Do in Vernon
1
5204 24th St. Vernon
#
250-549-3120
www.OkanaganSpirits.com
Free Spirits tasting 19+ For You & A Friend 5204 24th St.Vernon 267 Bernard Ave. Kelowna
FIELD LACROSSE REGISTRATION ages 5 - 18
REGISTER NOW!! the fastest game on TWO FEET!
Season - Mid august to late october
info at www.nomla.ca 250-307-0198 LET’SPLAY2019
The Morning Star | 9
Planning is underway for the Canada Day festivities in Greater Vernon.
Canada Day fireworks won’t make a return to Polson Park. An attempt to move the display to the park was shot down by the City of Vernon. Fireworks were historically held for many years at Polson Park. But they were pulled from that location in the late ’90s reportedly after a man in a wheelchair was hit by fireworks. The North Okanagan Canada Day Society has been putting on the display for four years now. “Every year we try to expand the p rogram to make more of a draw to the public and more entertaining,” said President David Frost. “The new thing this year we’ve wanted to try, is to enhance that show,” he said of offering entertainment at the fireworks location. But that becomes challenging due to the beach location. The first year the fireworks took place at Kal Beach and then the following two at Kin. “They’ve always been successful shows. We had so many spectators come down to watch the fireworks.” A location has not yet been determined for 2019. The fireworks light up the sky after a full day of red and white fills Polson Park Sunday, July 1, including live music, food and fun from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. In Armstrong, head down to Memorial Park July 1 for a celebration of Canada and a day full of activity, all for free. Stay tuned to the event Facebook page as the big day draws near for details about the annual birthday bash. For more information visit aschamber.com, call 250-546-8155 or follow the Armstrong Spallumcheen Chamber of Commerce on Facebook. Join a patriotic pride in Enderby for a Canada Day celebration like no other. Slather on your sunscreen and meet curbside where you can watch newborn lambs and baby goats proudly paraded down Belvedere Street by their proud 4H Club keepers. Wave to folks dancing on their floats, cool off with a spray from the fire truck and have a bite of the biggest birthday cake you’ll ever taste – pure family fun is what it’s all about! First Nations dancers, life-size puppets, pipers, drummers, all join in the parade, and you can too! It all kicks off with a traditional pancake breakfast and culminates with the annual classic car show and shine at Barnes Park, rain or shine every Canada Day. Falkland waves the biggest flag for its Canada Day celebrations. There, national pride is displayed year-round for all to see with its giant flag up on the hillside.
2019 Events at O’Keefe Ranch
Experience Historic O’Keefe Ranch Open Daily 10 am - 5 pm Animals • Mansion Tours & Heritage Buildings • Gift Shop/General Store Museum Exhibitions • Model Railroad 10 | The Morning Star
LET’SPLAY2019
Father’s Day - June 16th Family Fun Day - July 21st Family Fun Day - August 18th Family Daze in the Corn Maze - Dates TBA
www.okeeferanch.ca
December Light Up - Dates TBA
Hit some legendary links
Few places on Earth rival the golfing opportunities found in the North Okanagan. Golfers travel from all over the world for the opportunity to swing their clubs on the fairways of Predator Ridge. This beautiful golf resort features 36 championship holes that wind over rolling hills and rugged pine-covered ridges. Predator features two 18-hole courses, world-class practice facility and more. With luxury lodge and cottage accommodations, restaurants, a spa, hiking trails, pools, tennis courts, and a fitness centre, it is truly first-class and has world-wide recognition. Predator is also neighbours with the prestigious Sparkling Hill, up the hill. For more information visit predatorridge. com or call 1-888-578-6688.
There is just so much opportunity to get great golfing in the Okanagan, and some other worthy mentions are Mabel Lake Golf and Country Club near Enderby (250-838-0881 or mabellake.com/golf), Royal York in Armstrong (250-546-9700 or royalyorkgolfclub.com), Coldstream Golf Course in Lumby (250-547-6048 or coldstreamgolfcourse.com), Cherryville Golf Course (250-547-9660 or cherryvilleroadhousecafe.ca) or and Birchdale Par 3 in Grindrod (250-838-7740 or birchdalegolf.ca). Skills not up to par? Have no fears when you take to the Highlands Golf Short-Game Excellence in Coldstream (250-545-5300).
The Rise Golf Club, a premier course, is a Fred Couples signature course. It offers breathtaking views of Okanagan Lake on its 18 hole, par 72, course. The Rise allows players generous fairways and five sets of tees to make sure every guest is happy. For more information check therisegolf.ca or call 1-877-243-7417. Another championship course lies just north of Vernon at the Spallumcheen Golf and Country Club. It offers an 18-hole, 6,423 yard, par 71 course that holds 62 bunkers, 10 water holes and the majestic Deep Creek. It also offers a 9-hole, 2,675 yard, par 35 executive course for a quick nine. Call 1-866-545-5824 or visit spallumcheengolf.com to book tee-times and for more information. For more than 100 years, Vernon Golf and Country Club has long been a favourite spot for people from near and far to hit the links. Nestled in between downtown Vernon and Kalamalka Lake, this semi-private course lets golfers enjoy a peaceful round surrounded by lombard poplars and weeping willows. There are 6,600 yards of fairway on this 18-hole, par 72, course. Book on-line tee times at vernongolf.com or call 250-542-0151.
The largest summer craft show in Western Canada!
COM I N G S O O N ! JUNE 7
JUNE 8
Hillview Golf Club is a popular, fast-playing, 18-hole executive course that is short, but demanding. Sitting at par 57, only 3 holes are a par 4, but they are no easy task. With eight lakes connected by creeks and several sandtraps there are some obstacles over this 3,375 yard course. Call 250-549-GOLF (4653) or visit hillviewgolf.ca.
4515 25TH AVE VERNON 236.426.0400 www.papajohns.ca
44th
Ann
ual
Thank you Vernon for your continued support in 2019 Brand new 7500 sq ft liquor store
JUNE 9
www.longhornvernon.ca
Pub Open 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM Monday – Friday Open Until 12 AM Saturday
4513 25TH AVE VERNON 250.542.9222
LET’SPLAY2019
The Morning Star | 11
READY FOR THE SUMMER ADVENTURES?
VERNON EVERYTHING YOU NEED UNDER ONE ROOF
Camping, Fishing, Marine & Beach Supplies Backyard/Outdoor Living Garden Centre Sporting Goods Hardware & House Supplies Automotive Supply & Services ... And So Much More! Have your vehicle visit our Service Department while you shop in our Canadian Tire Store
250-549-2131 4900 - 27 Street
www.canadiantire.ca
Download the App at Canadiantire.ca/App