Thompson Okanagan’s 7 Celebrations Events Reconnects Communities through Spring 2023
Boundary, North and South Okanagan, North Thompson and Gold Country all Play Host to Festivals
Reconnecting in Boundary Country – Christina Lake’s Winterfest
January 27 – 29, 2023
With wide valleys and open pastures, Boundary Country is a relaxed place for outdoor trail, rail and lake adventures. Discover the allure of Christina Lake as the community hosts the first 7 Celebrations event in 2023. The 7 Celebrations events will complement the longstanding traditions of the annual winterfest that boasts a sno-pitch tournament, Luminosity fire dancers, The Big Chill polar bear dip, an artisan market, Indigenous story telling, drumming and activities as well as indigenous singer and songwriter Francis Baptiste, live performances by Les Folles Jambettes, the Heels, Devin Coyote, Under the Rocks, Silas Lawrence, and kids performer Silly of the Valley, a pancake breakfast, along with kids games and ice skating throughout the weekend.
Book and plan stays at BoundaryCountry.com
Reconnecting in the North Okanagan – Vernon and Silver Star’s Winter Carnival
February 3 – 5, 2023
Experience Western Canada’s largest winter celebration where live performances and interactive experiences will be on full display showcasing the many amazing cultures and traditions of the North Okanagan. The 7 Celebrations events will complement the longstanding traditions of the Winter Carnival with; storytelling by the Okanagan Indian Band, live performances by Kelowna Bhangra Academy, Sadok Ukrainian Dance Ensemble, Kalamalka Highland Pipe Band, Juno Award Nominated The Oot n’ Oots family act, the 62nd annual parade, a market, polar bear swim, and one of the festival’s most beloved events – watching the hot air balloons light up the winter sky.
Discover the magic of Silver Star and admire
the work of snow sculptors who chisel away at their snow mounds to create an awe-inspiring creation. Take in live cultural storytelling from Marnie and Adam Gregoire of the Okanagan Indian Band. The resort’s aprés ski scene will take over the cozy village with 7 Celebrations live performances from Kentucky Eileen, Andrew Allen, Raquel Cole, The Young’uns entertaining at local restaurants, pubs and lodges.
Book and plan visits for the Winter Carnival celebrations at TourismVernon.com and DestinationSilverStar.com
Reconnecting in the South Okanagan – Summerland for Family Day Weekend
February 18 – 19, 2023
Bond with loved ones in Summerland this Family Day long weekend taking in celebrations that highlight local culture and businesses. Attendees can look forward to cultural storytellers and music performances from Moving Lines, Raquel Cole, Silly of the Valley, a market highlighting local artisans and delicious fare from food vendors, a family skate, and an invitation to shop local on Summerland’s Main Street for a chance to win prizes. In addition to family fun, the idyllic locale offers gorgeous farms and orchards, world-renowned wineries and rustic heritage ranches.
Book and plan a Family Day getaway at VisitSummerland.com
Reconnecting in the North Thompson – Find Your Alpine Escape at Sun Peaks
March 3 – 4, 2023
Boasting Canada’s second largest ski area, attendees are invited to immerse themselves in the Sun Peaks culture and community. Enjoy a weekend full of showcase events, artisan market, live performances, and more. With a huge variety of runs, from steep and deep double black diamonds to long and cruisy greens, Sun Peaks’ three mountains mean visitors can always find a run to themselves.
Book and plan stays for the celebrations at SunPeaksResort.com
Reconnecting in Gold Country – Discover Heritage, Arts & Culture in Cache Creek
March 24 – 26, 2023
Come together in Cache Creek and enjoy local artists, artisans, and storytellers as they share what life used to be like and how it has transformed at the community hall. Gold Country is known for alpine mountains, wildflower meadows, sagebrush scented desert and vast ranchlands rich with stories of gold panners, cowboys and Indigenous culture.
Book and plan a Gold Country visit at ExploreGoldCountry.com
7 Celebrations was designed to commemorate the reopening of the Thompson Okanagan after the pandemic and celebrate the regions’ community-spirit and culture. Each graced with their own unique people, stories and traditions. TOTA invites locals and visitors alike to reconnect, celebrate and discover a taste of what each community offers. View the entire event lineup here.
Attendees are invited to capture their time at these celebrations throughout the region and tag #TO7Celebrations.
Sponsorship packages are available for all events and market vendor spots are available in the following celebrations; Boundary, North Okanagan, South Okanagan, North Thompson and Gold Country.
This series of events was funded in part by the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association, the Government of Canada and hosting Community Destination Management Organizations (CDMOs). Events management is by Gonzo Okanagan.
About 7 Celebrations: Reconnect in the Thompson Okanagan
The series, 7 Celebrations was named to pay tribute to one of TOTA’s core mandates – the 7 Affirmations for 7 Generations Thompson Okanagan Pledge. This pledge was inspired by the Indigenous philosophy that states “actions made today have a lasting impact for the seven generations that follow.” In the spirit of invested and purposeful travel, the series focuses on the traditions, stories, and cultures of a selection of the region’s communities in an effort to give them life for years to come.
About 7 Affirmations Pledge:
7 Affirmations Pledge was created by TOTA out of a need to develop guidelines for sustainable tourism and conscious travel. Based on the Seven Generations Principle, rooted in Indigenous philosophy: The decisions we make today will have an impact for as many as seven generations to come.
1. True Roots – Discover the soul of a place in its history.
There is wisdom held in the ancestral roots of our land. To learn the ways of the Indigenous people is to learn how to heal our past – and our future.
2. Tread Lightly – As of this moment, you are deemed a “guardian of the land, air and water.”
Please accept this title with honour and a commitment to do everything in your power to preserve the delicate balance of our flora, fauna and the beautiful ecosystems that sustain us all.
3. Be a Good Neighbour – Whether you’ve journeyed near or far, we invite you to feel at home in this place, and value it as we do.
We hope that you will feel as comfortable here as you do in your own home, and we know that you will regard the communities and their residents with an equal care and consideration.
4. Travel Safely – Follow the map of your heart, but venture wisely.
This is a place where memories of a lifetime should be made. So, with blue skies above and the wind at your back, carry with you the wisdom of a seasoned traveller.
5. Live in Harmony – Let a life outside bring you happiness inside by learning the laws of wilderness living.
Embrace a simpler existence and find peace amidst the wilderness and those of like minds. There is great reward in having the skills and knowledge to live in harmony in the greater outdoors.
6. Shop Local – Choose to buy locally and you’ll transform riches into enrichment.
You have the ability to nourish the strength and character of the communities you visit. Be a champion for the local folks, leaving a wake of pride and gratitude along your way.
7. Educate Others – Anything worth knowing is worth sharing.
Doing the right thing is the cost of entry and mindfulness is the ticket. Pass it on.
Individuals can pledge here, Businesses can take the pledge here.
