Kelowna rings in a New Year

It's been two years since the last public gathering for a New Year's Eve celebration in Kelowna, but a hallmark event in the city has returned to the excitement of the community.

"We couldn't have asked for a greater night, it's warm, it's lit up like celebration time, people have come out," Executive director of Festivals Kelowna, Renata Mills, told Kelowna10.

"It's wonderful to be back."

To allow for more families to celebrate together, Mills said the night is billed as the Valley First New York New Year's Eve.

The event is aligned with Eastern Standard Time, so the big countdown and fireworks happens at 9 p.m. - the same time the world famous ball drops in New York City's Times Square.

"Everybody can participate, everybody can help bring in the new year," she said. "Then they can continue on their merry way and continue their celebrations at home."

Kelowna was one of the cities featured on a countrywide countdown broadcast by the CBC, featured as the last major celebration across the country to ring in 2023.