It was birthday fun in the sun for hudrends of Penticton residents and visitors who celebrated Canada’s 150th at Gyro Park on Saturday.
Crowds gathered early for the festivities which included a cup cake birthday cake spanning a table length which was then distributed to the long line of waiting party goers.
This year’s event was co-ordinated with the day-long Main Street markets and was scheduled to cap off with a fireworks show over Okanagan Lake just after dark.
Activities got underway with the QUOTA Club pancake breakfast fundraiser which continued into the early afternoon for the late risers.
There was a special Scottish Caber toss, the real event taking place not far away at King’s Park.
On-stage entertainment included the Fit Kidz Gymnastics Club show, the Desert Goddesses Disney-themed belly dance and the Jedi Dance Crew.
Officially kicking off the day were the speeches from a number of dignitaries including Penticton Mayor Andrew Jakubeit, MLA Dan Ashton and MP Richard Cannings.
A special part of the opening was the appearance of Tracy Kim Bonneau, who with her daughter, performed a song and her “150 Indingenous Reflections” address.
Jack and Jill, Hillside Outlaws, Tiger Moon, Brent Tyler and Joshua Smith, Ancient Engines and JP Maurice rounded out the musical side of the celebrations.
The scheudled drumming and fire spinning skills of the Hankama & Kinshira Fire Troupe were slated to begin prior to the fireworks.
