Kelowna's Juicy Tips

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The August long weekend in Kelowna is always the Masterpiece of summer in the Okanagan. Days are hot and sunny, with that unique dry heat that we’re known for. The lake is a tempting refuge. In short, this is what we hold out for all year long. Remember what it’s like to be cold in the winter, all bundled up, and absolutely craving that blast of Kelowna summer heat? This very weekend is the one our hearts yearn for.

And this weekend won’t disappoint. It’ll be hot, sunny, and jammed with festival activities. The Center of Gravity Festival takes over City Park this weekend for the ultimate sizzling festival of summer. Wakeboarding, volleyball, mountain biking stunts, fashion shows, sky diving, kids zone, refreshment tent, you name it.

A huge draw to the festival will be the musical headliners: Kardinal Offishall, Bif Naked, and Danny Fernandes. The extreme sport demonstrations and volleyball tournies will be another awesome spectacle with lots of the pro athletes being natives of Kelowna.

Really, the fact that these incredible athletes are from here is no surprise, really. Many of our beaches have volleyball nets and pick-up leagues that lend themselves well to the makings of a star. And in a previous post I talked about the mountain biking that surrounds the city and the mountain biking culture here.

For souls with quieter tastes, there’s also the totally inspiring Lavender Discovery Days this weekend at the Okanagan Lavender & Herb Farm. I’m a big fan of the lavender farm, and I can tell you that when the flowers are in bloom and exuding that gorgeous and intoxicating lavender scent,  there is no more beautiful setting than here. This celebration of lavender will include lots of great lavender ideas from cooking with the herb to home decor to relaxing massages.

I always make sure to get out there once a year for u-pick. I love putting together a heady bouquet of lavender and then drying it in my home. Owner Andrea McFadden and her fabulous team of lavender specialists can help you learn how to do this, and can talk to you about growing the plant or cooking with it. It’s one of those “only in Kelowna” experiences that nobody should miss. For directions to the Lavender Farm, click here.

Have a terrific August long weekend! And when you’re out at the festivals, or just our trying to stay cool, make sure you bring your camera. We have another photo contest up now, called “Kelowna is Picture Perfect”, and you can have another chance to win a Flip Video Camcorder. Enjoy the sunshine!