Downtown Kelowna Block Party presented by Valley First

This Saturday the biggest party of the summer returns for its 28th year.  The Downtown Kelowna Block Party presented by Valley First will take place on Bernard Avenue and in Kerry Park from 10:00am – 4:00pm.The Block Party will fill Bernard Avenue from Richter Street to the Sails with family fun activities, entertainment, the CEFA Inflatable Park, a 3-on-3 basketball tournament, the Farmers & Crafters satellite market, shopping and some unbelievable food.  Each block will give partygoers a chance to choose their own adventure.The Westcorp Main Stage will highlight the 200 block in Kerry Park with five live acts throughout the day.  The Central Okanagan Dog Agility Club will kick off the Park at 10:00am, followed by Jeff Piatelli (Pop), The Josh Smith Band (Folk), DJ Dance Off (Soulsikk Crew), Zamboni Brothers (Classic Rock) and Lucky Monkey (Rock).  In the middle of all the action, Park & Play will be having fun in Kerry Park.The FortisBC Middle Stage will open with a Barre Class with Oranj Fitness and DJ Maple Johnson (DJ), followed by Michael Painchaud (Country), Windmills (Indie Pop), Tiger Moon (Indie Folk) and wrap up with Kelowna’s Wild Son (Folk Rock).On Pandosy Street, the Farmers & Crafters Market will take over showcasing local produce and goods from 8:00am – 1:00pm.The 500 and 600 blocks of Bernard Avenue from Ellis Street to Richter Street will feature a number of different activities for kids including the Little Travelers Safety Village, the United Way Dunk Tank and the CEFA Inflatable Park.  This block contains the Valley First stage with six entertaining acts, including The Magical Daredevil Comedy Act and an unbelievable drum show.Plus this block will see the return of the Safeway Charity BBQ.  Partygoers can sit, rest, relax and enjoy lunch while raising money or show off their bouncy moves.“This is my first one and I’m very excited,” says Downtown Kelowna’s new Executive Director Ninette Ollgaard.  “As a true newcomer, it is absolutely amazing to be part of this vibrant, Downtown community event featuring 150 vendors, the Farmers & Crafters Market, performances on three stages, an inflatable park and a 3-on-3 basketball tournament.  Last year Downtown Kelowna saw 17,000-20,000 people experience the event and we are anticipating that again this Saturday.  So come join us to walk Bernard Avenue or just hang out on one of the 31 patios and watch all the action!”The Downtown Kelowna Block Party presented by Valley First will take place this Saturday (July 22) from 10:00am-4:00pm and is free to attend.  For a complete list of the live entertainment scheduled for the three stages visit www.downtownkelowna.com.Please note that Bernard Avenue will be closed to vehicle traffic from 6:00am-6:00pm.  There will be no through traffic on Pandosy Street between Queensway Avenue and Lawrence Avenue.