Penticton Peach Festival, which organizers say could be among the best in its history, is less than two weeks away. A host of entertainment is on the slate for the Aug. 4 – 8 event, now in its 63rd year. According to festival president, Don Kendall, it is the largest free festival in the country and this year‘s entertainment may be the best line up ever. About 55 hours of entertainment are scheduled at Okanagan Lake Park plus more performances in the Aboriginal Village on Friday and Saturday at Gyro Park. Stanley Cup winner Duncan Keith will be part of the opening ceremonies at 7 p.m. on Wednesday at Okanagan Lake Park. Also on opening night country singer Jordan Doell of Vancouver will perform followed by another Vancouver product, Beatles‘ tribute band, The Mop Tops. Skavenjah a ska/reggae band will perform at 9:30 p.m. Thursday. After a three-year absence, Luisa Marshall will headline Friday evening‘s acts. She is a former North American Tribute Artist of the Year who divides her show between a Tina Turner tribute and Lady Gaga. Musical entertainer Elton Lammie performs at 7 p.m. The Milord Entertainment High Dive Show, based out of Quebec, is also back. “The high dive show is certainly one of the great attractions,” said Kendall, adding the group was at the 2007 Peachfest. “They travel all over the world and we were very fortunate to get them back.” The Peter Bros. Grand Parade will kick off Saturday‘s action beginning at 10 a.m. at the intersection of Main Street and Eckhardt Avenue. It will feature a record number of marching bands from parts of Washington and B.C. The newly crowned Peach Festival royalty will be aboard the new float which recently won an award for Best Municipal Entry at the Calgary Stampede. Crosstown Bus, which was formed in Penticton, will perform Saturday and at 9:45 p.m., local favourites from Peachland, The Blues Brothers Too will take the stage. Following the Kiddies Day Parade Sunday at 11 a.m., children‘s performer Fred Penner will entertain at noon in his first appearance at the Peach Festival. KISS tribute artist Love Gun and AC/DC tribute artists High Voltage will play on Sunday at 9 p.m. Kendall noted that after hearing that Peachfest lacked entertainment for young adults, he‘s optimistic the two bands will fit the bill. Confirmed local performers include Uncorked, the Penticton Concert Band, the Curtis Parry Trio, About Time, Kettle Valley Brakemen, Lulu and the Scrappers, Gord McLean and Kyle Anderson‘s Amazing Rubber Band. Volunteers are still welcomed. Visit the website at www.peachfest.com for forms. Top of Page
