Posted on

Museum and Archives of Vernon want everyone to get involved with Cultural Days events – Vernon News

Museum and Archives of Vernon want everyone to get involved with Cultural Days events - Vernon News

The Museum and Archives of Vernon will a hub of activity during Culture Days starting at the end of September.

“Our goal is to one day have everyone who comes to the museum see themselves represented in the some way,” says Laisha Rosnau, curator of visitor experience. “We can begin by providing meaningful opportunities for the community to connect with their own lived experiences.”

The museum will be participating in the Culture Days launch at Polson Park on Sept. 23 where residents are invited drop by to create a paper “quilt” square representative of their heritage.

The squares will then be connected with others to create a community quilt, symbolizing the value of each individual, each identity, and diverse experiences of heritage in the context of the larger collective.

Over the course of the following three weeks, the museum will be collaborating with various partners and inviting the community to be an active participant in the curation of specific exhibits.

In recognition of 2SLGBTQIA+ History Month in October, with funding from the UBC Okanagan Partnership Recognition and Exploration Fund, the Museum & Archives of Vernon, along with UBC Okanagan Library’s Special Collections and Archives, are seeking community involvement to uncover the rich history of 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals and communities in the North Okanagan.

Pride in Place: Historical Representation of 2SLGBTQIA+ Communities in the Okanagan will take place Oct. 6, inviting public discussions around the historical underrepresentation of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in collections and archives in the area.

The museum is currently seeking expressions of interest from potential contributors to help tell this story through objects, documents, photographs and audio/visual materials in their care.

To arrange to loan items to be included in this exhibit, contact Rosnau by email at [email protected] before Sept. 23.

Other events MAV is hosting throughout Culture Days include a workshop on genealogical research, and programming in honour of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. A full listing of the Museum’s Culture Days events is available online.

Participants are encouraged to register early as there is limited seating for most activities.

Posted on

Queer Field Trip is a new Vernon Family Resource Centre Pride Month program – Vernon News

Queer Field Trip is a new Vernon Family Resource Centre Pride Month program - Vernon News

New queer event

The Vernon Family Resource Centre is marking Pride Month with a new event.

June is Pride Month in Canada and the Queer Field Trip is the brainchild of the Vernon Family Resource Centre’s returning summer student Sara Goddu.

Queer Field Trip is a drop-in group that introduces people ages 13-18 to queer-friendly and inclusive spaces in Vernon. Those interested can follow @queerfieldtrip on Instagram and get in touch through direct messaging.

The group is free and does not require registration, just be at the right place at the right time.

“We believe that everyone should have access to places where they feel safe, seen, respected and represented. We want to introduce you to those places,” said Goddu.

The inaugural Queer Field Trip welcomed more than 15 attendees. The next event is planned for mid-July, with details posted to the Queer Field Trip Instagram page.

The VFRC is also re-launching Queer Family Game Night — an event founded prior to the COVID-19 pandemic that will now return this summer.

The event welcomes adults, families and allies to enjoy an evening of games and conversation. The drop-in event takes place every third Thursday of the month from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Boarding House Cafe, 3101 B 31 Ave.

The VFRC is also sharing resources and information on the history of Pride Month, topics relating to the LGBTQ+ community and how best to be an ally.

The VFRC is a charitable, non-profit with the mission of “building a resilient community by empowering one child, one individual, one family at a time.”

Posted on

National Multiculturalism Day events at Armstrong’s Memorial Park June 27 – Vernon News

National Multiculturalism Day events at Armstrong's Memorial Park June 27 - Vernon News

Multicultural event

Armstrong’s Memorial Park is going international.

June 27 is National Multiculturalism Day and the park host numerous events to honour the many cultural communities that help build a strong and vibrant Canadian society.

Take this opportunity to celebrate the diversity that enriches us collectively and reaffirm your commitment to equity, inclusion, and mutual respect.

“In our community, we will be hosting a free celebration with food, live music, art and cultural presentations,” said Patti Noonan, executive director, Armstrong Spallumcheen Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Centre.

“Multiculturalism is one of Canada’s great strengths. We encourage you to share your experience, and your story with others and listen to theirs at this event.”

Cultural presentations will be made by Kelowna Bhangra School, Blakely Okanagan Irish Dance, Vernon Chidorikai Japanese Dancers and a student-led GSA Diversity Exhibit.

There will also be cultural food and beverages provided by Handmade by Georgia, Finca Las Magaritas Coffee, Taste of Egypt, Meenu Indian Cusine and Greek Chariot.

The free event takes place from 5-8 p.m.

For a complete event schedule, click here.

Posted on

Full day of events planned for Vernon’s Polson Park on July 1 – Vernon News

Full day of events planned for Vernon's Polson Park on July 1 - Vernon News

Celebrate Canada Day

A celebration is planned for Vernon’s Polson Park on Canada Day.

The July 1 celebrations were scaled back the past two years because of COVID concerns, but the Canada Day committee has a full slate of events planned for 2022.

In a report that will be presented by city council at their regular meeting Monday, the committee says the plans are “community-based and celebratory of our town, citizens, and heritage.”

The free event will be free for everyone to attend and will have activities suitable for all ages.

One thing that will not happen this year is fireworks.

“Due to a tight timeline, fireworks were deemed to not be achievable this year,” the report says.

However, there will be numerous events taking place throughout the day, including:

  • Square dance demonstrations and lessons
  • Outreach Literacy Society doing a story walk
  • Emmanuel Baptist Church bouncy castle/inflatable slide
  • Community Art Activities
  • Chalk art on the Polson Park service road
  • Large canvas, community at project to be later displayed at Riot on the Roof and other events
  • Skateboarding competition
  • Spray Zone, in a fenced area, including water guns and small pools for refilling stations
  • Polson Artisan Night Market and Food-Truck Garden featuring local artisans

There will also be live music from noon until 10 p.m. featuring local talent such as Duane Marchand, Hot Sax, October Poppy and others.

The children’s bike parade will take place at 2 p.m. and there are plans to source additional bicycle parking to encourage alternative transportation to the park.

To make the big day happen, the committee is looking for more volunteers, Fruitfest contributors – local farmers, orchardists – and additional musicians.

Posted on

Lumby Days returns this weekend with packed schedule of events – Vernon News

Lumby Days returns this weekend with packed schedule of events - Vernon News

Lumby Days is back!

Lumby Days is back this weekend.

The biggest event of the year in the North Okanagan village returns Friday through Sunday after a pandemic absence.

It will include a midway, rides, food, live entertainment and more.

Thrash Wrestling will put on a show in the park oval Friday and Saturday evenings, and there will be a fire dance performance Friday 8p.m. on the fair stage, by WolfKin.

Cool cars, trucks and motorcycles will be on display for the show and shine, Saturday and Sunday in the park.

Buy a duck in the Lumby & District Health Society duck race. Rubber duckies will race down the creek at the Lumby Lions Campground – first across the finish line wins $1,000.

Tyler Welfing of Carvewel Creations will put on chainsaw carving demonstrations, and Patrick McIvor of Dancing Scot Forge will demonstrate his blacksmith skills.

There will also be helicopter rides by Valhalla Helicopters, a petting zoo, kids zone activities – and if you look up, you’ll see the Lumby Air Races hang gliders and paragliders.

Pilots from all over Western Canada will launch from Coopers Launch or Saddle Launch, both visible from Lumby Days site, and use GPS to race 10km and 25km courses.

The Lumby Days parade takes place at 11 a.m. on Saturday.

The Monashee Arts Council Festival of the Arts will have local works on display at Whitevalley Community Hall, and of course, there will be food trucks and vendors on the festival site.

Posted on

Museum and Archives of Vernon holding special Earth Day activities April 23 – Vernon News

Museum and Archives of Vernon holding special Earth Day activities April 23 - Vernon News

Museum Earth Day event

Planet Earth is a popular topic at the Museum and Archives of Vernon.

With field trips almost fully booked for the upcoming Earth Expo, the museum is holding a special Earth Day Celebration April 23.

“We received so many incredible submissions for the exhibition, we want to ensure the public has an opportunity to come together and celebrate the creativity, innovation and imagination that is the Earth Expo,” said Amy Timleck, museum program co-ordinator.

“When we talk about climate crisis, it can feel really overwhelming, and what we see through the eyes of local youth is that there is, indeed, hope.”

The Earth Day Celebration will feature special events, including a visit from Kiki the Eco Elf.

Through wildly imaginative story-telling, multi-instrumental music and engaging, interactive games, Kiki the Eco Elf offers performances with a conscientious message.

The museum will also be partnering with the organizers of the Polson Night Market (PNM) for a special pop-up event.

“We’ve always said that we don’t want to be just another market,” said Mayla Janzen, PNM organizer and co-creator. “Having the opportunity to promote local creators, while also celebrating sustainability, felt really aligned with our vision for a unique marketplace.”

Earth Day at the Museum will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on April 23. Information about which activities during the day are free/paid/by donation are listed at the museum’s website.

Posted on

Full calendar of events at UBC Okanagan for Embrace Aging Month – Vernon Morning Star

Full calendar of events at UBC Okanagan for Embrace Aging Month - Vernon Morning Star

March is Embrace Aging Month, and the University of British Columbia Okanagan (UBCO) is midway through a month of activities designed to promote healthy aging.

UBCO organized a series of events aimed at the region’s aging population to keep a spring in their steps, with spring around the corner.

UBCO’s Institute for Healthy Living and Chronic Disease Prevention (IHLCDP), in partnership with Interior Savings Credit Union and Interior Health, put together 31 days of activities to celebrate they joys of aging.

In its ninth year, Embrace Aging Month features group walks with UBCO students and faculty, tips for aging at home, a webinar highlighting the signs, symptoms and solutions of caregiver burnout, a music therapy session and a yoga lesson that promotes laughter. UBCO researchers will also share new evidence on a range of topics, from the effects of climate change on health to virtual care.

“While Embrace Aging Month brings into focus the importance of supporting older adults in our communities, the sessions are for young and old alike,” said Dr. Joan Bottorff, a professor with the School of Nursing. “We have tried to think of something for just about everyone.”

Other highlights of the month include free visits to the YMCA, an electric bike demonstration and a games and virtual reality webinar where participants can learn about immersive technologies, floor projection and wearable sensors.

For a full event schedule and registration details, visit okanaganembracingaging.com.


Brendan Shykora

Seniors

Posted on

UPDATE: Sunflower shines over Vernon peace event – Vernon Morning Star

UPDATE: Sunflower shines over Vernon peace event - Vernon Morning Star

The sunflower, says Vernon artist Michelle Loughery, is food. It’s medicine.

Nine years ago, Loughery painted a sunflower mural on the side of a local real estate building at 30th Street and Highway 6. It was an internment mural, about what happened to people of Ukrainian and Austrian descent in the First World War. It was the first such mural in Canada.

On Sunday, Feb. 27, Loughery and a handful of fellow artists gathered at the mural to paint sunflowers as a show of peace.

“Today, with everything happening in the world, we as artists – led by (Vernon artist) Brenda Ellis – said ‘Let’s come together, let’s do a painting and let’s show what we’re standing for is peace on this planet,” said Loughery, whose three-year-old granddaughter, Eili Kette, was among those out painting sunflowers on canvasses.

Ukraine, of course, has been front and centre in world news following an invasion by Russia. Okanagan communities – there are approximately 20,000 people in the Okanagan who identify as Ukrainian-Canadian – have held rallies since the invasion on Thursday, Feb. 24, to show support and love for the people of Ukraine.

“This wall is so poignant and everything came together to stand here right now about the sunflower,” said Loughery.

The sunflower is the national flower of Ukraine and the country is one of the world’s leaders in producing sunflowers and sunflower oil.

Ellis, who was painting fence pickets blue with yellow sunflowers – blue and yellow are the colours of Ukraine’s flag – also had a bowl of sunflower seeds on her table. Loughery told an important tale about the seeds and a Ukrainian immigrant who came to Canada starving.

“She had sewn sunflower seeds in her skirt so she could have the flower and the food to survive in Canada,” said Loughery. “The heart of the sunflower seed is in all of us as humanity.”

Loughery and her fellow artists are excited to bring the sunflower to the forefront locally.

“It’s beautiful,” she smiled. “It’s the people, place and planet, guys. We’re all in it together.”

Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

Want to support local journalism? Make a donation here.

peacekeepingUkraine

Posted on

Shoparama and Creative Chaos returning to Vernon in 2022 – Vernon News

Shoparama and Creative Chaos returning to Vernon in 2022 - Vernon News

Get ready to shop

Two more popular Vernon events are emerging from the shadow of COVID.

After being absent for the past two years, Shoparama and Creative Chaos are back.

Both events, that typically draw thousands of people each, were cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to government-imposed COVID restrictions.

But with the restrictions finally starting to ease, the events can once again take place.

Ingrid Baron is organizing both events and said there still a few spots left for vendors at Shoparama which takes place at the recreation complex April 2-3.

Email [email protected] for vendor information.

Baron said Shoparama has a wide range or artisans, but also small businesses.

“It’s shaping up to be really good,” said Baron who founded Shoparama some 20 years ago.

The other big event to make a comeback for 2022 is Creative Chaos.

Held in the recreation complex June 2-5 Chaos will feature some 220 vendors.

Baron said applications are now being taken for Chaos and the vendors will selected via a draw to see who can set up.

Chaos has a different format from Shoparama as Chaos is 100 per cent artisans.

The people selling items are the same people who made the items.

A COVID safety plan is in place for both events and all public health orders at place at the time of each event will be followed.

To apply for a spot at Creative Chaos, visit their website.

It was announced earlier this year that the Interior Provincial Exhibition, Funtastic and the Falkland Stampede will also be back this year.

Posted on

Vernon Winter Carnival cancels two final weekend events – Vernon Morning Star

Vernon Winter Carnival cancels two final weekend events - Vernon Morning Star

As the final weekend of the 62nd Vernon Winter Carnival approaches, two events have had to be cancelled.

The free Towne Theatre movie event with Winter Carnival, slated for Saturday, Feb. 12, is off due to the fire in the building next door to the theatre on Thursday, Feb. 10. Crews are working to figure out the cause of the fire and, thus, the theatre has to close.

Families who registered for the event can call the Carnival office for an exchange option free of charge.

Carnival had hoped to proceed with fireworks on the last day, Sunday, Feb. 13, but they will not be going off.

“We look forward to bringing fireworks back to our community as soon as we can, but we will not be able to provide them for Carnival 2022,” said the Carnival.

Among the events slated for the final weekend include the virtual edition of To The Max 80s Party, polar bear swim Sunday at Paddlewheel Hall on Okanagan Lake, Cowboy Poetry Friday at O’Keefe Ranch, disc golf doubles tournament, sno-pitch tournament and more.

A list of events can be found at vernonwintercarnival.com/events.

Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

Want to support local journalism? Make a donation here.

Festival