40. CRANNOG ALES
Canada’s first certified organic micro-brewery and on-farm micro-brewery, is owned and operated by Brian MacIsaac and Rebecca Kneen on a farm at 706 Elson Road, two kilometers west of downtown Sorrento. This local brewery has won numerous awards. Products are available in draft at area restaurants and lounges and also in kegs for special events and home use. While dining in the Shuswap, complement your meal with one of these locally made beverages prepared in the traditional method to bring out the distinct flavors of old world Ireland. Tours of the facility may be arranged by appointment, 250-675-6847.
41. EAGLE BAY DAY
Eagle Bay Day on Saturday, July 30 includes a pancake breakfast, giant white elephant sale, children’s activities and either a dance or a talent show in the evening.
42. HAMSTERS DINNER THEATRE
The play is invariably a hilarious romp complete with a scrumptious “home cooked” dinner, is held May 12 to 15. Those planning on attending need to get tickets early as the shows are always sold out. For more information, call Rod Dale at 250-675-3772.
43. HIGH COUNTRY POTTERS SHOW AND SALE
High Country Potters show and sale is the highlight of the August long weekend. The two-day sale takes place at Sorrento Memorial Hall from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, July 30 and Sunday, July 31.
It features some of BC’s finest pottery ranging from high fired functional pottery to raku, sculpture, porcelain and crystalline glazed pieces. There are a number of functional potters working in stoneware, so there’s lots to choose from. Plus, each year invited artists bring work from other creative genres. This year there will be iron work, weaving, fused glass, silver jewelry, and handmade paper. All the work is handcrafted, making this an original and unique event. For the curious, there is plenty of time to talk with the artisans. Each has something to say about their work and there is plenty to see. Admission is free. For more information, visit the www.highcountrypotterysale.com website.
44. JIM’S FORD CORRAL MUSEUM IN NOTCH HILL
Jim’s Ford Corral Museum highlights Canadian country-living heritage with exhibits of gas station memorabilia, farm equipment, scale-model toys and country store goods in a peaceful laid back setting. The museum is open May to September, Friday to Sunday, and a fee is charged.
45. LOCAL WINERIES
Local wineries are located a short distance east of Sorrento just a short drive off the Trans-Canada Highway. Recline Ridge at 2460 Skimikin Road is open April through October. Tours are available by phoning 250-835-2212. Granite Creek Estate Wines at 2302 Skimikin Road is open daily from April to October and by appointment November to March by phoning 250-835-0049.
46. SHUSWAP LAKE ESTATES
Shuswap Lake Estates 18-hole championship golf course is popular with members and visitors alike. It also features a putting green and driving range.
47. SHUSWAP LAKE ACCORDION FESTIVAL
Shuswap Lake Accordion Festival is a popular musical extravaganza that attracts musicians, dancers and spectators from near and far.
This year marks the festival’s 11th anniversary. The venue for this event is located in Sorrento at the Sorrento Memorial Hall, on Friday, June 17 and Saturday, June 18.
The weekend includes music, solos, duets, and bands during each day, with a jam session on Friday evening. Saturday evening we close with a dinner and dance that will present two local feature bands. Finish off the weekend with a Father’s Day Pancake Breakfast hosted by our local Lions Club.
For more information, call Dianne Riley at 250-675-2531 or email MaryLou Lysyshyn at shuswapaccordion@gmail.com.
48. SHUSWAP LAKE FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS
Shuswap Lake Festival of the Arts celebrates its 28th anniversary in 2011. The festival runs from July 16 to 24 at Sorrento Memorial Hall and showcases over 100 artists from throughout the Shuswap and surrounding areas. An estimated 300 pieces or more of artwork are on display from paintings, pottery and sculpture to photography and fabric arts.
This is a juried show with awards offered including the Patterson award and the People’s Choice awards. This week-long event hosts an artistic workshop with artist Barry Rafuse, live entertainment and a children’s day from 10 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, July 20. As well, there is a spectacular gift shop including a huge selection of fine art with a price range to suit everyone. The show runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, except Friday, July 22 when the show is open until 8 p.m., and Sunday July 24 when the hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. An admission is charged for the show and workshop but there is no charge to browse the gift shop. The festival society provides a forum for Shuswap artists. The festival website: artsfestivalshuswap.ca lists the latest news and events or email: slfa2003@hotmail.com
49. SHUSWAP ROCK CLUB
Shuswap Rock Club is holding an open house show and sale from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on July 9 at Toad Hall in Sorrento. Admission is free and offers an opportunity to learn more about the club and its members who enjoy searching for and creating art objects from the rocks and minerals found throughout the area.
As well as displays of local rock, fossils and minerals, the show features lapidary, wire-wrapping and chain mail demonstrations plus fun games for both children and adults. New this year is a used equipment sale outside the hall. Among the items for sale are crystals, soapstone, glass beads, woodcarvings, rock specimens and jewelry made by the members. For details on the club, contact Pat or Gail Boden at 250-675-2849.
