With thousands of people expected to gather along the Okanagan Lake waterfront next week for the start of Peach Festival, the City of Penticton is encouraging the public to take transit, walk or ride bikes whenever possible.
Anyone who opts to drive to the downtown core during the festival (Aug. 6-10) is reminded to slow down, anticipate extra foot traffic, and watch for signage and road closures. Also take note of the extensive road closures on Saturday, Aug. 9 for the Peters Bros. Grand Parade and Saturday markets.
Peach Festival starts on Wednesday, Aug 6., featuring the return of Royal Canadian Air Force Snowbirds and the Canadian Forces Skyhawks parachute team. With free events and concerts taking place each day, this five-day festival will largely take place at Okanagan Lake Park, with some activities held at Skaha Lake Park and Gyro Park, plus Shooting Star Amusements in Rotary Park. All the event information is available at peachfest.com.
How to get around
Take transit
Avoid the hassle of searching for parking and downtown congestion by hopping on the bus. The City has enhanced its BC Transit services so the #5 bus will run every 30 minutes during the day (until 6:40 p.m.) from Aug. 6-9, and every hour on Sunday, Aug. 10.
The City has created a temporary ‘Peach Fest’ bus stop at Veterans Way near Lakeshore Drive to pick up riders heading southbound after the festival, with the last bus leaving at 11:42 p.m. Also, Park ‘n’ Ride options are available at Cherry Lane Shopping Centre (north lot off Warren Avenue) or the Seniors’ Drop-in Centre.
The transit fare is $2.25 one way and it’s always free for ages 12 and under. Learn more at bctransit.com.
Free bike valet
Ride your bike to the festival and check it in to the free bike valet service, provided by the City’s Sustainability team. This will be available for the duration of the festival (Aug. 6-10) from 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Driving
Be aware that parking will be congested and roads closed during major events. To simplify pay parking, consider downloading the Passport Parking Canada app, with all information available at penticton.ca/parking.
Road & lake closures
A section of Lakeshore Drive next to Okanagan Lake Park (between Veterans Way and Front Street) will be closed from Aug. 6-8 for the Mega Motocross show. Also be aware that boats, paddleboards or other watercraft will not be allowed on the water off Okanagan Lake on Wednesday, Aug. 6 from 5:30-7 p.m. for the RCAF Snowbirds performance. For maps, visit penticton.ca/peach-fest.
Expect extensive road closures on Saturday, Aug. 9, due to the Peters Bros. Grand Parade, the Penticton Farmers’ Market and Community Market. The parade begins at 10 a.m. at Penticton Secondary and winds its way throughout downtown, ending at the SS Sicamous. Watch for on-site signage and be aware that street parking will not be permitted along the parade route during the closure.
New this year during Saturday’s parade is the Splash Zone, between Power Street and the SS Sicamous. The event organizers are reminding the public to be respectful and to not spray anyone who isn’t holding a water blaster.
On Sunday, Aug. 10, a section of Main Street from Nanaimo Ave W to the north side of Lakeshore Drive will be closed between 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. for the Minuteman Press Kiddies Day Parade, which starts at 11:30 a.m.
Where to find out more
For the full schedule of events, visit peachfest.com
If you’re interested in volunteering, visit peachfest.com/volunteers
For details about road closures, maps and how to get around, visit penticton.ca/peach-fest
For transit information, visit bctransit.com
Lake Closure Map: Wednesday, Aug. 6
Please note all boats must be clear of this area, including paddleboards or other watercraft and floating devices.
