An annual summertime tradition that dates back to 1948 returns to Penticton next week.
Special performances above Okanagan Lake Park from the Canadian Forces Skyhawks Parachute Team and Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Snowbirds help kick off the 78th Peach Festival on Wednesday, Aug. 6.
The free festival runs until Sunday, Aug. 10, with live entertainment, kids' activities, and music from beloved Canadian acts, including Sloan and Men Without Hats.
City officials are reminding drivers to anticipate extra foot traffic and road closures in the downtown core, as the festival welcomes thousands of residents and tourists alike.
What's closed?
A section of Lakeshore Drive, between Veterans Way and Front Street, will be closed from Aug. 6 to 8 for the Canadian Tire Mega Motocross show.
Boats, paddleboards, and other watercraft will not be allowed on the water off Okanagan Lake on Aug. 6, from 5:30 to 7 p.m., for the RCAF Snowbirds performance.
People are also advised that "extensive" closures will take place downtown Aug. 9, due to the Peters Bros. Grand Parade, the Penticton Farmers鈥� Market, and Downtown Community Market.
The parade will bring together floats from across B.C. and Washington, starting at 10 a.m. It will begin at Penticton Secondary School on Main Street and head north before turning left on Wade Avenue, right on Winnipeg Street, and onto Lakeshore Drive, where it will end near the S.S. Sicamous.
A section of Main Street, from Nanaimo Avenue to the north side of Lakeshore Drive, will also be closed between 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 10, for the Minuteman Press Kiddies Day Parade.
Taking public transit
BC Transit, in partnership with the City of Penticton, is extending hours for Route 5 Main Street.
The last bus leaving the festival site, at Martin Street and Lakeshore Drive, will depart at 11:42 p.m. every night.
Trips on Route 5 will detour onto Veterans Way from Front Street, and then left onto Lakeshore Drive. A temporary stop will also be set up on Veterans Way near Lakeshore, marked by on-site peach signage.
The transit fare is $2.25 one way, and free for kids aged 12 and under.
A full schedule for the route can be found
What's coming to town?
Peachfest, organized every year by a board of volunteers, has a full slate of entertainment planned all week long.
Every night, a headline band, including renowned tribute acts, will take the stage inside Okanagan Lake Park. All shows are free to attend.
The Shooting Star Amusements will be set up inside Rotary Park, visitors are reminded.
This year's festival is also set to bring live sporting events, including the Sheila Bishop Memorial Wood Bat Tournament (Aug. 9 and 10), Across the Lake Swim (Aug. 10 at Skaha Lake), RPR Heating & Air Conditioning PeachDuro (Aug. 10), and JCI Penticton Beach Volleyball Tournament (Aug. 9 and 10).
More information about Peachfest, including a list of its full slate of events, can be viewed
