Kelowna Made planning bigger event in 2023

Kelowna Made will return to downtown Kelowna this summer.

The all-ages community celebration offers inclusive, affordable fun for the whole family. The 2023 edition will take place on Saturday, August 26, primarily in City Park, but with events also in Kerry Park and Stuart Park.

Led by a committee of volunteer residents and the City of Kelowna, the event emerged from the City’s Event Strategy and its Get Eventive Days which involved public engagement, local activations and surveys. The volunteer committee, in collaboration with the City of Kelowna, has actively used the wider community’s ideas and feedback to develop Kelowna Made.

Kelowna Made is a homegrown event with the goal of showcasing Kelowna’s attributes while bringing the community together. It is led by a volunteer committee and the city.

Its debut in 2022 was a success, despite less than ideal weather, with people joining together for a day of smiles, laughs, new experiences and memories in downtown Kelowna. 2023’s edition promises to be even bigger and better.

Sarah Semeniuk, event services coordinator with the City of Kelowna, is the city liaison on the Kelowna Made host committee.

“The volunteers on the host committee are excited to be able to bring Kelowna Made back for year two and to put some smiles on their neighbours’ faces this August. The event has been built out of consultation with the community, and there really will be a little something for everyone. Come and join us on August 26,” Semeniuk said.

Planning is ongoing, but attendees can expect a family-friendly selection of events and activities that highlight some of what makes Kelowna special.

Events will include: The return of the Kelowna Made Belly Flop Championship (a smash hit in 2022); a family sandcastle-building competition, hosted by BGC Okanagan; Indigenous programming; dance by the lake, hosted by Ballet Kelowna; artistic workshops and cultural performances; The Kelowna Made Fashion Show; live music; food; sporting events (including the annual Kelowna Crows Ensign Cup charity rugby match) and a Parks Alive! Street Dance.

Belly flop at Kelowna Made in 2022 (submitted photo)

Kelowna student and overall winner of the inaugural Kelowna Made Belly Flop Championship, Felix Jones, is already looking forward to August:

“Last year’s event was awesome!” Jones exclaimed “I never imagined I’d be a ‘belly flop’ champion, but now I have the crown, I don’t really want to give it up. I’ve got a few ideas up my sleeve for 2023’s jump and I challenge others to come on down and join me for a flop into Okanagan Lake all in the name of bringing people together and having a laugh.”

As a volunteer-driven initiative, Kelowna Made is also on the lookout for people who would like to share their time and talents. Volunteer opportunities are available on the day of the event or in the lead-up with flexible shifts. To learn more and register, complete this form.

Those who were there in 2022, will remember the bright orange Kelowna Made bucket hat, which became the ultimate souvenir from the event. In celebration of the official launch of Kelowna Made 2023, a limited selection of orange Kelowna Made bucket hats are now on sale for $30 at the Parkinson Recreation Centre front desk (1800 Parkinson Way) while supplies last.

Further details will be released in the weeks and months ahead.

Kelowna Made 2023 is presented by Lorval Developments.