Kelowna

Kelowna is a city that works along with its many community partners so as to assist and help the city's cultural needs. The city received an award of $500,000 during 2004, for being named the Cultural Capital of Canada in response to its dynamic and vibrant Cultural District. For the arts, the Kelowna Community Theatre is operated by the City and boasts of an 853-seat location in the Cultural District. The Theatre has been bringing individuals together ever since the year 1062, and it is home to kelowna Community Concert Association, Okanagan Symphony Orchestra, Ballet Kelowna, Theatre Kelowna Society, and Viva Musica. The City also has Public Art pieces situated all through the entire area. These pieces are created by the community's residents or non-profit groups. In addition, Kelowna City provides Arts Grants to non-profit arts and cultural organizations that produce yearly arts-focused pursuits in the City. They work in partnership with the Kelowna Art Gallery, Kelowna Museum, Rotary Centre for the Arts and Parks Alive.

Kelowna City boasts of cultural events and special festivals. Hardly a time passes by without anyone experiencing anything fun or new to do. People who would like to experience its festivals will definitely have a great time at the Mardi Gras Street festival, Fat Cats Children's Festival, Parks Alive and Okanagan Wine Festival. Fat Cat Children's Festival is operated by volunteers and funded locally. It attracts many kids and parents each year. Mardi Gras provides restaurants and pubs all throughout the evening. There are also stage performances and children's activity zone including climbing wall and dunk tank. Okanagan Wine Festivals are held three times within the Okanagan Valley. Everyone is invited to attend educational seminars, taste local cuisine and try award-winning wines. Parks Alive is a non-profit program that brings art and culture to Kelowna's lakefront and parks from the month of June to the month of September.

The city of Kelowna is considered the largest city in the tourist-oriented Okanagan Valley, and employs majority of its residents in the service business. The area in and around Kelowna produces several wines that have garnered global recognition. There are many vineyards south of the city, where the nice weather enables for the cultivation and production of wine. One of the most popular ones is the Mission Hill Estate Winery, that is different for its architectural design. The city of Kelowna is also known for Sun-Rype, a popular snack and fruit juice maker. The City is the seat of the Regional District of the Central Okanagan, the third largest metropolitan area in British Columbia. It is also the third largest within the British Columbia Interior. Kelowna has many scenic lakes and mild weather, that makes it among the fastest growing cities within North America.