Despite the sweltering weather in Vernon, Polson Park provided the perfect backdrop for Canada's 158th birthday.
"It is one of the coolest, most sheltered parts in Vernon and it was a great turnout throughout the day," said Mayla Janzen, head of the Vernon Okanagan Inspired Voices (VOICE) Society, which annually puts on the Canada Day event. "We had 2,000 to 3,000 people around noon, and then it kind of came in waves through the rest of the day with regards to turnout."
The Society hosted festivities throughout July 1 (11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.) in the park, including mini golf, bouncy castles, story time with Kiki the Eco Elf, and tons of live music.
"A lot of our community events were in the afternoon, while the evening was more musically inclined," said Janzen. "The headliner, Kytami with Phonik Ops, added lights to the concert, and it made for an amazing atmosphere for the evening."
Vendors were able to set up at Polson for free, but had to bring some sort of activity for attendees. Okanagan Skate Co. also hosted a skating competition at the park, and it brought out several eager residents to check out the tricks.
Parking was unavailable in Polson, due to Naturalization work being done at the creek, but that didn't dampen people's enthusiasm.
"People were pretty jazzed, we were well organized, impressed with activities," said Janzen. "The Naturalization Project will be done next year so we will have the whole park."
Last year, the highlight end to the day was a planned drone show, but that was scrapped last minute due to damage to an antenna. A show was not in the cards this year, due to exorbitant pricing, but Janzen didn't rule out the possibility of it happening in the next few years.
"Hopefully, it will be more approachable cost-wise, and we can find funding in the next year or two, and we are trying to aim to host it for when July 1 falls on a Thursday or Friday," said Janzen.
"Fireworks are not in the cards at this time, as we couldn't do it in the park because of fire risks, and if we do it over the water, our city isn't set up to get people in and out of the city, if we do need emergency services. Vernon is a great place for fireworks in the winter months."
