Searching For The Best Of Paradise In British Columbia - Under The Okanagan Sun!
Under The Okanagan Sun brings you the latest additions to one family's travel in the Okanagan Valley in beautiful British Columbia, Canada.
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Issue #004, June 2010
So, are you ready for summer vacation? June will fly by fast and it will soon be time to head out for summer holidays.
There's lots to look forward to in the Okanagan Valley this summer, and we'll share the highlights with you here.
If you're in the Okanagan now, we hope you're enjoying your visit!
Here's What's New At
Okanagan Vacation Guide.com
Our Latest Favorite Photo
Every newsletter we share a great picture with you, to show you the beautiful sights of the Okanagan Valley.
Another beautiful view of the Okanagan Valley, this from Sugar Loaf mountain near the city of Vernon BC.
Vernon BC lies near the Monashee Mountain range, in the north Okanagan, between the Columbia River and Okanagan North Thompson Rivers. The name "Monashee" means "Peaceful Mountain".
If you plan to explore the Vernon area in June, July or August, be sure to check the schedule for fruit harvest for the region you will be visiting.
There are many local orchard farm markets and fruit stands all throughout the Okanagan where you can dig into all the wonderful locally grown fruit, or even pick your own fruit.
You can also find fruit, vegetables and other local goodies at weekly summer farmers markets.
Grab Some Free Stuff
Are you traveling to the Okanagan with kids? Print these free word search puzzles and keep kids occupied along the way, while they learn about the Okanagan too!
We made these ourselves, just for you :)....
You also may enjoy this complimentary wine tasting sheet.
Print as many as you like, visit some wineries and make some notes to remember your favorites...
Now, on to what's happening in 2010....
Summer Events Highlights
Great summer events kick off in June, and there's lots of fun entertainment and cool attractions for everyone. We've created a monthly events calendar so you can find fun things to do all summer long, but here are the mainstream events....
June Events
Penticton Peach City Beach Cruise and the Pacific Northwest Elvis Festival take place concurrently in Penticton on June 25, 26 & 27.
Annual Smoke on the Water in Kelowna, a southern barbeque competition, music, games, food and a beer garden. This is a fun family oriented event with lots of great food.
Shuswap Dragon Boat Festival in Salmon Arm takes place Saturday June 26.
July Events
Canada Day, Thursday July 1, 2010, of course, is celebrated throughout the country, and the Okanagan is no exception. But where are the very best fireworks? We'll be heading to Osoyoos! If you've never been there for Canada Day, be prepared for extremely busy highway traffic. Pack some extra snacks for the kids and things to keep them occupied on the road.
July long weekend holiday is also the Osoyoos Cherry Fiesta, Annual Folk Fest in Kelowna, Funtastic Sports & Music Festival Vernon, Westside Daze in West Kelowna (Westbank), and South Shuswap Canada Day celebrations with parades, car show, entertainment and the Shuswap 'Amazing Race'.
Where ever you plan to be, you can be sure there is lots of fun stuff going on!
August Events
British Columbia Day holiday, on the first Monday in August, falls on August 2 this year.
We're working on the August events, but the main events include O'Keefe Days in Vernon, Mount Kobau Star Party, Chase BC Annual Corn Festival, Neskonlith Pow Wow, Salmon Arm Roots and Blues Festival, Subaru Iron Man Triathlon in Penticton, and the Rarearth Music Fest in Vernon.
Wine Touring
Wineries and tours are in full swing and the Summer Okanagan Wine Festival takes place Aug 13-14, 2010.
There are always numerous events throughout the Okanagan region at wineries and other local venues. Visit the Okanagan Wine Festivals Official Website for details.
If you do any wine touring, please be sure to come back to our website and share a story about a favorite wine or winery that you found. There are so many to visit, we simply can't get to them all ourselves!
We've had several visitors share already, so be sure to check out what they've said too!
Another recipe for E-zine subscribers only....
Something healthy and deliciously practical to make as a snack for traveling. Everyone loves these homemade fruit and granola snacks.
Healthy Granola Snack Bar Recipe
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 3/4 cup wheat germ
- 3/4 cup sunflower seeds
- 1 cup crushed peanuts
- 2/3 cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla
- 1/2 cup honey
- 4 Tbsp butter
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup chopped dried fruit - apricots or dried plums are delicious
Line an 11 x 13 glass baking dish with waxed paper lightly sprayed with a nonstick spray.
Crush peanuts until coarse. Mix peanuts, oats, wheat germ, and sunflower seeds together and toast in 400F oven for 10 minutes. Stir every few minutes to prevent burning.
Mix brown sugar, vanilla, honey, butter, and salt in a saucepan and bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, then remove from heat.
Mix together liquid mixture with toasted nuts and dried fruit in a large bowl, until very well mixed, then press well into baking dish.
Once pressed firmly into dish, allow granola bars to cool, then cut and wrap individually!
For traveling, these healthy snacks come in handy and are wholesome and nutritious.
Enjoy!!
Print This Recipe
And last but not least....
I know we said it before, but just a safe reminder that we are now into forest fire season, so if you are planning a camping vacation to the valley, you can find wildfire information and campfire bans before you head out.
Be sure to check for current campfire bans.
Up-to-date wildfire information is also available by calling the Wildfire Information Line 1‑888‑3FOREST (1‑888‑336‑7378). And, if you do see smoke or flames, please report it by calling toll free 1‑800‑663‑5555 or *5555 on most cellular networks.
Well then....that's all for now!
Thanks for lending us your time! We hope you enjoyed your read!
We're always working to improve our website and our E-zine and we welcome your suggestions, questions and ideas. Just send us a note! We'd love to hear from you!
We hope to see you soon under the Okanagan Sun!
Erika et al!
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