For Immediate Release
May 8, 2023
Thompson Okanagan Hosts Final 7 Celebrations Event in West Kelowna on Saturday, May 20
Headlined by The Prairie States, The Oots n Oots and Indigenous Storytellers
Kelowna, B.C. - The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is excited to announce the final event in the 7 Celebrations - Reconnect in the Thompson Okanagan series. Everyone is invited to a fun filled day on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the syilx/Okanagan people in West Kelowna’s Memorial Park on May 20. 7 Celebrations Reconnecting in the Central Okanagan will be a celebration of the Okanagan community and Indigenous culture of the sqilxʷ people.
The family friendly event promises to connect attendees through song, dance, storytelling, and a celebration of local food, products and businesses. Highlights include a Kids Zone; along with live performances from Indigenous storytellers and drummers; Canadian Jazz singer KINGA; Folk Musician Dan Tait; Kelowna Bhangra Academy; Reggae artist GoldMynd; Indie rock band Gary Saturday; Juno Award Nominated The Oot n' Oots family act; Rock Steady Classic Rock Tribute Band; and country group The Prairie States closes the night as they perform on stage before a spectacular backdrop of Okanagan Lake and the Monashee Mountains.
The event runs from 10am to 9:30pm at Memorial Park and is hosted by TOTA, Canadian Heritage Fund, Visit Westside, and the Sncewips Heritage Museum.
This is a perfect opportunity to get to know one of the highlights of the Central Okanagan. The region is home to some beautiful landscapes, beaches, hillsides, orchards, wineries and mountains. It is renowned for its incredible food and wine culture, outdoor recreation, and the sqilxʷ people’s rich history that has been passed down through the generations by way of ancient oral stories. There are many diverse communities in the Central Okanagan, all with unique people, cultures, stories and traditions to be celebrated in an unforgettable day of reconnection.
The 7 Celebrations series was designed to commemorate the reopening of the Thompson Okanagan after the pandemic and celebrate the community-spirit and culture of its regions. Each is graced with its own unique people, stories and traditions. TOTA invited locals and visitors alike to reconnect, celebrate and discover a taste of what each community offers over the seven month festival.
Attendees are invited to capture their time at the final celebrations throughout the tag #TO7Celebrations.
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About Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association:
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is a not-for-profit society that represents a geographic area nestled in the Southern Interior of British Columbia, Canada. The region’s name is derived from two major geographic features: the Thompson River and Okanagan Lake. TOTA plays a support, leadership and growth role in the tourism industry for this region. It aims to stimulate ongoing sustainable growth by embracing the value of tourism through community engagement, innovative leadership in promoting authentic experiences, and inspiring creative collaboration. Key TOTA initiatives include; Biosphere Certified Gold Destination, 7 Affirmations Pledge, and Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism.
For more information about TOTA visit totabc.org, or visit the consumer facing website thompsonokanagan.com. Connect socially at @thompson_okanagan
Media Contact:
Krista Lochhead
778.227.2396