Kelowna’s Heritage Week Events
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 4:05 — 5.6MB)
This week – until end of day on Sunday – is Heritage Week in Kelowna. To mark the occasion, the folks at the Regional District of the Central Okanagan have put on a series of events that help us experience various aspects of the heritage of the area, from farming to natural environment. There are still 2 events that you can take part in this weekend, as well as an exhibition to check out at the EECO until April. And that’s what Liz McKinney and I talk about today on Juicy Tips.
Kelowna celebrates Heritage Week this week with special events on this weekend.
For instance, tomorrow (Saturday), the Regional District is offering a guided snowshoe tour in McCulloch Regional Park between noon and 3 pm. On this tour, you’ll be able to join a Regional Parks Interpreter who will first offer an introduction to snowshoeing for beginners to learn the sport, then a guided tour through the winter beauty of McCulloch Regional Park. The program has been designed for adult beginners, and will offer participants the chance to get introduced to a new winter activity in a non-competitive environment, and then enjoy the natural surroundings.
Snowshoers get some fresh air and sun in Kelowna.
The cost is $5 if you bring your own snowshoes or for a $20 fee if you need snowshoes. Remember to should dress in layers and wear appropriate footwear, and bring a small snack and water on the outing.
Please pre-register by contacting the Environmental Education Centre for the Okanagan (EECO) at (250) 469-6140 email eeco@cord.bc.ca or visit the Regional District website for more information.
A sign identifies its tree at the Gellatly Nut Farm in West Kelowna.
Sunday’s Event:
On Sunday, February 27, join the Regional District for a Winter Picnic at Gellatly Nut Farm from 11 am to 2 pm. Pack a picnic lunch, enjoy the organized winter games to keep you active and sip some warm bevvies. The event is free.
For the kids: get in on the Wacky Winter Olympics! Wish I could tell you more here as it sounds so intriguing, but you’ll have to go to find out! You’ll also get to learn about the history and heritage of this stately working nut orchard. Sounds like a fun Sunday family event!
Nuts dry on racks in the heritage cabin at the Gellatly Nut Farm.
That’ll wrap up the Heritage Week events, but you can still enjoy the offerings of the EECO (Environmental Education Centre of the Okanagan), run by the Regional District throughout the spring. For instance, on until April, the EECO has an exhibit on display entitled “Hunters in the Sky” which features information and activities focused on raptors. These are birds who use their exceptionally keen senses to hunt primarily while flying. Of course, in this area, these species include Falcons, Hawks and Owls, so you’ll learn a ton about these species of birds.
The Environmental Education Centre for the Okanagan or EECO is located in Mission Creek Regional Park at Springfield and Durnin Roads. It’s open daily from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. A visit to the EECO is free, and donations are also gratefully accepted.