WATCH: Kelowna Made aims to become city’s signature event

A hodgepodge of all things Kelowna will be at the heart of what the city has planned for a summer signature event.

Dubbed Kelowna Made, the single-day festival will be packed with local and family-oriented offerings. This will include music and performing arts, sport, culture, history, heritage, and food.

Daytime activities will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and then again from 6 to 9 p.m. It will all take place at City Park on Aug. 27.

“Kelowna is made of nature. We’re made of heritage and culture. We’re made of sport, art, music, agriculture, food, and drink,” committee co-chair Lance Macdonald told lawmakers. “Together, we make Kelowna. This is what is means to be Kelowna Made.”

The long-term vision for the event, according to city staff, is to expand it to more locations over several days. It’s hoped the programming will span over 10 days by 2027.

While a full roster of what’s taking place will be revealed in the coming weeks, early details include a pancake breakfast, sandcastle competition, sports demonstrations, live music, and a nostalgic street dance on Bernard Avenue.

Macdonald said the event is intended to be ‘for the community, by the community,’ and targeted at residents.

Organizers opted for the end of August based on widespread public demand for a late summer, early fall event, as well as balancing a time when families tend to be most free.

Coun. Ryan Donn applauded the work of the committee, noting the loss of several events due to the pandemic that haven’t came back, like the Fat Cat Children’s Festival and May Days.

“To have something that is in that barrier free category that celebrates some of our local residents and celebrates some of our local artists, is going to be good,” he said.

Due to the time constraints in putting together the inaugural event, Macdonald said nearly all the talent on offer will be local. However, based on success, a larger, out-of-town headliner could be eyed for future renditions of the event.

Mayor Colin Basran said residents, particularly those who grew up in Kelowna, are “craving an event like this.”

“Snowfest is gone. Regatta is long gone,” he said. “I think there is a huge demand for a local, Kelowna made reason to celebrate. I really hope this will be embraced by the community, as I think this is something we’ve been wanting for a long time.”