Last chance to revisit Kelowna’s amusing history

Time is running out to experience Kelowna’s Amusing Past – adventures in former amusement parks, festivals and fun centres.

This section of Kelowna’s vibrant history is currently being celebrated in an exhibit at the Okanagan Heritage Museum (470 Queensway Ave.), including some of the regattas, amusement parks, zoos and drive-in movie theatres that helped to make Kelowna “the fun capital of Canada.”

Kelowna’s Amusing Past runs until Monday, November 18, and features photos, videos, objects, mascots, arcade games, memorabilia and more.

Attendees will learn about the regatta rioters, Snogo, Myta the Smoking Chimp and Kelowna’s very own Walt Disney (with a hint of Bob Ross), and will discover what happened to these places and characters.

Amanda Snyder, the Curatorial Manager of the Kelowna Museums Society, hopes a few more people will be able to experience the exhibit before it closes.

“This has been such an exciting exhibit for so many reasons. Those who remember visiting the family entertainment centres have attended them anew with new family members and friends. For those who were unfamiliar with Kelowna’s amusing past, they’ve been absorbed by some of these fascinating spaces and characters from Kelowna’s history. I hope a few more people will be able to attend the exhibit before it wraps up next week,” she said.

Admission to Kelowna’s Amusing Past is by donation (suggested donation is $5 for an individual or $15 for a family/group).

Snyder says the exhibit has something for everyone.

“I know some longtime Kelowna residents have been surprised by some of the stories revealed at this exhibit, and I’ve seen such broad appeal with Kelowna’s Amusing Past. It genuinely appeals to adults and children alike. It’s a joyous exhibit celebrating a quirky and vital part of the Kelowna story.”

You can learn more about the Kelowna Museums Society by visiting their official website.