Photo: Contributed A leading Australian comedian makes his way to Penticton for one night only, sharing his unique laughs. Chris “The Bloke” Franklin will perform two shows on Friday, September 30th at Slackwater Brewing, presented by Train Wreck Comedy. “Bloke is a must-see for anyone who considers themselves a fan of stand-up comedy,” says Rob Balsdon of Train Wreck Comedy. “Chris has been doing this for a long time and even had Jim Jeffries work as his opener for several years before he became a household name. The Bloke is truly one of the best in the business and if you can make it to one of these shows, you’ll be all the better for it!” Franklin is known for his “Hoganesque” style of comedy and his single “Bloke”, released in 1997 as a parody of singer Meredith Brooks’ hit song “Bitch”. Franklin’s cheeky parody reached number one on the Australian Singles Chart, staying there for two weeks. He has performed with comedy legends such as Jimeoin, Steady Eddy, Tom Green, Jim Jeffries, Mr Methane and has collaborated with international music stars such as Santana, Chris Isaak, Elvis Costello, Boz Scaggs & Bonnie Raitt. Catch The Bloke on stage at Slackwater at 6.30pm and 8.45pm. on September 30. Tickets are on sale now with a 20 percent early bird discount before September 23 at midnight. For more information click here. Photo: BC Thanksgiving Food Drive The annual Penticton Thanksgiving Food Drive to support the Salvation Army Food Bank is back and volunteers are hoping for the community’s help so no one goes hungry. Each year, volunteers distribute specially printed paper donation bags to as many homes as possible in Penticton before the holidays. This year, they will be leaving from September 19-23. Donors simply fill the bags with non-perishable food items and leave them on their doorstep for volunteers to pick up on Saturday, September 24 for delivery to the food bank. In 2021, six tons of food were collected through the drive. The organization is always looking for more help from anyone who wants to volunteer as a “food friend”, dropping off and picking up donation bags. Those who live in strata communities or apartment buildings can also help by getting permission from the board president or apartment manager to leave bags at their neighbors’ doors, or distribute bags to employees and co-workers and set up a common donation point. Anyone with questions or interested in volunteering can call: Roger Ellingson (778 878-7360) or Dan Kane (250 328 8151). Photo: Google Maps UPDATE 5:55 p.m Highway 3 has reopened 7 miles west of Princeton, several hours after a crash closed the road. DriveBC posted at 5:39 p.m. that westbound Highway 3 was clear at Whipsaw Forest Service Road.
CLEAR – #BCHwy3 – Westbound vehicle incident west of #PrincetonBC on Whipsaw Creek FSR has been cleared. #KeremeosBC #AspenGroveBC #ManningPark
— DriveBC (@DriveBC) September 13, 2022
UPDATE: 11 a.m
Highway 3 near Whipsaw Forest Service Road is now open to single-lane alternating traffic.
Drive BC posted the update just before 11 a.m
ORIGINAL: 10 a.m
A vehicle incident has closed the 3 Freeway in both directions near Princeton.
According to DriveBC, the incident is on Whipsaw Forest Service Road, 11 kilometers west of Princeton, near the hairpin turn at that location.
All lanes are blocked.
Drive BC will have another update before noon.
Photo: Contributed
Osoyoos residents are being warned that they may see discolored water from their taps in the coming weeks.
From September 12-23, the City of Osoyoos will be cleaning its drinking water storage tanks.
During the cleaning process, users may experience some discoloration due to suspended sediment in their water, a normal part of the process that should be short-lived.
Users may also notice an increase in chlorine odor. City crews will ensure that adequate residual chlorine is maintained during the process.
Anyone experiencing discoloration or small should hold their cold tap for at least 15 minutes. If the discoloration persists or returns after the water has first cleared, contact the Operational Services Department at 250-495-6213.
Photo: Penticton Museum and Archives
In light of Queen Elizabeth II’s death last week, the Penticton Museum and Archives have dug into their archives to share some photos of the monarch in town.
Photo: Penticton Museum and Archives
Penticton held a celebration for her coronation in 1953. Later, the Queen, Prince Philip and Princess Anne visited the city in 1971 during the centennial celebrations of British Columbia’s entry into confederation.
Photo: Penticton Museum and Archives
The Penticton Museum and Archives shared the photos on social media, saying they join “those in Penticton who mourn the passing of the Queen.”
Photo: Penticton Museum and Archives
Famous sights in the photos include the Gyro Park complex and Skaha Lake near the airport.
Photo: Penticton Museum and Archives
Photo: Penticton Museum and Archives
Photo: BCWS
The northeast corner of the Heather Lake fire, burning Wednesday, September 7
The Heather Lake Fire in Manning Provincial Park has grown again.
According to a Monday morning update from the BC Wildfire Service, the fire, which was sparked by lightning on Aug. 21, has been mapped at 10,358 hectares.
About 5,439 hectares are burning in Canada. Evacuation notices remain in effect at Manning Park Resort and the nearby community of Eastgate.
The fire has been producing a lot of smoke in recent days, responsible for the smoke around the Okanagan Sunday, but Monday should change.
“Smoke should taper off and there is a chance of light rain this afternoon. Deeper overland flow developing today, we may see increased cloud cover with cooler temperatures. Light winds expected to flow in from the southeast with cooler temperatures evident,” reads the latest update. BCWS.
Travelers are advised to use caution on Highway 3 and expect smoke and visibility issues.
“Crews will continue to work in this area, so use caution when traveling through active fire areas. Before entering any fire-affected area, members of the public and those recreating inside the park should be aware that there may be significant security risks.”
Photo: BCWS
Map of Heather Lake fires since 9/11
Allison Markin – September 12, 2022 / 4:00 am | History: 384726
Photo: Contributed
Kettle Valley Rail/ File photo
“Four seasons of fun” is an ongoing partnership between Castanet and Visit Penticton that showcases what Penticton has to offer all year round. Watch it every Monday morning.
The calm weather of late summer, plus fewer crowds, plus more time to explore before the season changes, equals the perfect time for a family stay in and around Penticton.
If you haven’t yet visited Naramata’s Neverland Tea Cottage, perhaps a London fog to welcome autumn will put you in a cool weather mindset. And when you go for tea and fresh fruit tarts, don’t forget to pre-order a Thanksgiving pumpkin pie.
“September and October are just the best months to come and relax,” says Renee Iaci of Neverland, adding that if there’s a chill in the air, there are heaters and blankets to keep you warm. Not to mention the whimsical varieties of tea.
“My favorite is the London fog. It is to die for, and seriously the best! Bergamot plus tea, and a ground vanilla bean. Goes perfectly with pumpkin pie.”
Neverland will be open until October 9 and reservations can be made online for high tea.
Even if you’re not bringing the whole family, Renee suggests a “parents’ date” to have a glass of local wine with tea.
For a little history lesson everyone will enjoy, book the Kettle Valley Steam Railway in Summerland.
The only preserved section of this historic railway, you’ll traverse 10 miles of beautiful scenery, the highlight being the spectacular view of Lake Okanagan from the Trout Creek Trestle Bridge, 238 feet above the canyon floor. The restored 1912 Steam Locomotive will bring a bygone era to life in a vintage passenger bus or open-air car.
For a Halloween-themed ride if you’re planning ahead for the spooky season, book seats on The Sorcery Express from October 21 to October 23. recommended for ages 13 and up.
If that’s not enough of an adventure, Zipzone Peachland invites you to “fly” through October 9th. Throw two, four or six lines and enjoy family games, the Puzzlearium, plan the last family picnic of the season and more.
ZipZone Peachland has Canada’s highest freestyle zip lines: six of the tallest, longest and fastest, traversing the breathtaking Deep Creek Gorge.
And for the little adventurers? They can be Little Zippers, designed for children under 70 kg.
For the less adventurous, Kaleden’s Linden Gardens and Frog City Café is open until the end of September.
Having worked in the gardens for more than two decades, Ken and Margaret Hayter have created a nine-acre green oasis full of flowers, trees, shrubs, ponds and streams.
“Margaret and I are amazed at the garden this year,” says Ken. “Seasonally, we’re two weeks behind, so the gardens are ‘full flush’ at the moment and with chickens, goats, bunnies, you can bring the whole family and explore.”
If you bought a season pass last September, it’s good for the end of the month. Passes for 2022-2023 are now available.
“Bring the whole family, we’re flexible on family members,” says Ken, and ask about a Halloween-themed dinner coming up in October.
Learn more at www.visitpenticton.com and on social…
