Celebrating 30 Years

Writing well means never having to say, ‘I guess you had to be there.’”

Jef Mallet

The great part about anniversaries is taking time to reflect. Delving into our magazine archives, we once again came face to face with the passionate people who strengthen our communities and the creative artists who fill the Valley with art, song and laughter. As we flipped through the pages, funky retro ads popped out and the colourful fabric of Okanagan life warmed us, captured in vivid photography and heartfelt words. Printed on the pages were couples saying “I do,” athletes capturing Olympic gold and volunteers opening their hearts. We also stirred up some murders, ghosts and lake monsters. Yes, Ogopogo has made his appearances many times over. Our writers tackled many issues that parents, students and seniors have faced over these 30 years—some still challenging us today. Thanks to all who have been a part of our journey; you’ll find the full archives online. Read, reflect and revel in the Okanagan life. —Editors

Ben Klick: Kelowna’s Country Star

Ben Klick: Kelowna’s Country Star

Talent meets drive in Ben Klick Ben Klick is an anomaly: a 21-year old award-winning country singer born into a family of non-musicians. Country could be heard among the classic rock, east coast folk and Top 40 pop streaming from speakers in the North Vancouver home...

Craft Beer Market to open with 60 BC brews

Craft Beer Market to open with 60 BC brews

Kelowna newest pub and restaurant, Craft Beer Market, will officially open the doors to thirsty patrons for the Canda Day weekend. Service begins on Thursday, June 28. The pub will feature the Okanagan’s most extensive selection of draft beer with 100 beers on tap,...

The Shore launches on the shores of Gyro Beach

The Shore launches on the shores of Gyro Beach

Kelowna’s latest development, The Shore, launched in May with not a single unit available for sale. It’s not Kelowna’s hot real estate market affecting demand, but rather the unique combination of student and vacation rentals developer Rise Commercial Developments is...

Riders raise over $85,000 for local youth

Riders raise over $85,000 for local youth

Nearly 350 riders raised over $85,000 for local children and youth at the YMCA of Okanagan’s largest fundraiser of the year, Cycle for Strong Kids. It is estimated this amount will benefit more than 600 local kids. Kelowna’s two-time Olympic medalist Kelsey Serwa, and...

Craft Beer Market to open with 60 BC brews

Craft Beer Market to open with 60 BC brews

Kelowna newest pub and restaurant, Craft Beer Market, will officially open the doors to thirsty patrons for the Canda Day weekend. Service begins on Thursday, June 28. The pub will feature the Okanagan’s most extensive selection of draft beer with 100 beers on tap,...

The Shore launches on the shores of Gyro Beach

The Shore launches on the shores of Gyro Beach

Kelowna’s latest development, The Shore, launched in May with not a single unit available for sale. It’s not Kelowna’s hot real estate market affecting demand, but rather the unique combination of student and vacation rentals developer Rise Commercial Developments is...

Riders raise over $85,000 for local youth

Riders raise over $85,000 for local youth

Nearly 350 riders raised over $85,000 for local children and youth at the YMCA of Okanagan’s largest fundraiser of the year, Cycle for Strong Kids. It is estimated this amount will benefit more than 600 local kids. Kelowna’s two-time Olympic medalist Kelsey Serwa, and...

Parent Trap

Parent Trap

Complex family relationships and hectic lives create serious challenges for today’s parents. But there’s more help available than you might think — Around 6 p.m. the doors to a downtown Kelowna office building swing open intermittently. Men and women enter solemnly alone, making their way up the stairs, into the offices of the Kelowna Family Centre and a classroom where 15 chairs are set out in three neat rows.

International Childrens’ Games Kelowna 2011

International Childrens’ Games Kelowna 2011

Central Okanagan shooters seize the opportunity to stretch their photographic skills and capture some unforgettable moments in the young careers of what may prove to be tomorrow’s Olympic heroes. Concentration is etched on the faces of skaters taking in last minute instructions from their coaches as they prepare for one final practice at the International Children’s Games in Kelowna. Competition now just hours away, their every move is captured by the panning lenses of a group of amateur photographers who have volunteered to record the games.

Wine Country Blends With the Times

Wine Country Blends With the Times

On a snowy winter morning, a small stream of luscious deep red wine flows into Jim Perwal’s glass as he stands at the bar. Peering out the expansive window overlooking Okanagan Lake,