This Saturday the biggest party of the summer returns for its 27th year. The Downtown Kelowna Block Party, presented by Interior Savings Credit Union, returns for its 27th along Bernard Avenue and in Kerry Park from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Block Party vendors and stage set-ups for live entertainment will fill Bernard Avenue from Richter Street to The Sails with family fun activities, entertainment, the CEFA Inflatable Park, shopping and a diversity of food.
The Westcorp Main Stage will highlight the 200 block in Kerry Park with four live acts throughout the day. The Central Okanagan Dog Agility Club will kick off the Park at 10 a.m., followed by The Beatnikz (DJ), The Bonsais (Rock), My Kind of Karma (Folk-Reggae) and Devon Coyote (Blues-Rock-Country). In the middle of all the action, Oranj Fitness will offer a free barre class beginning at 1:3 p.m.
The Sun FM Stage will hold the Downtown Kelowna Fashion Show between Water and Pandosy Streets beginning at 1:30 p.m. The stage will also be home to four live performances opening with Sonder (Folk-Pop) and followed by OK Sister (Folk), Soulsikk Krew (Hip-Hop Dance) and Floyd Meets Brown (Psychedelic-Funk-Rock).
The 500 and 600 blocks of Bernard Avenue from Ellis Street to Richter will feature a number of different activities for kids including the Little Travelers Safety Village, the United Way Dunk Tank and the CEFA Inflatable Park. This block contains the Interior Savings Kids stage with six entertaining acts, including The Magical Daredevil Comedy Act and an unbelievable drum show. Plus, this block will see the return of the Safeway Special Olympics Charity BBQ.
“Block Party is the largest event that we produce every year,” said Downtown Kelowna executive director Peggy Athans. "With three stages, 135 vendors and tons of activities, there is something for everyone! Last year we saw 17,000 people experience the event. Once again we will be closing the street to traffic so people can stroll down Bernard Avenue and take in the live performances, eat, shop or just hang out on one of the 31 patios and watch all the action.”
“There is just something so Okanagan about local shop owners taking their stores outside so we can shop in the open air while enjoying local performers and kids activities every step of the way,” added Kathy Conway, CEO of Interior Savings. “I encourage everyone in Kelowna to come out and experience the event, support local and get a taste for what makes our community so great.”
For a complete list of the live entertainment scheduled for the three stages visit downtownkelowna.com.
Motorists are advised that Bernard Avenue will be closed to vehicle traffic from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday. And there will be no through traffic on Pandosy Street between Queensway Avenue and Lawrence Avenue.