Central Okanagan residents will have the chance to thank and honour the countless firefighters and first responders that helped during the 2023 Grouse Complex of wildfires.
The Okanagan Wildfire Responders Gratitude Event (OWRGE) is set to take place at Memorial Park in West Kelowna on Saturday, Apr. 27, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
“The OWRGE will be a joyous, family-friendly occasion, featuring live music, delicious food, special activities, and a formal gratitude ceremony,” the release states.
The day will be organized through four events:
- Entertainment and family activities - 10:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.;
- Walk of Heroes and official ceremony - 10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.;
- Free Barbeque - 11:30am-2:30pm;
- Stage entertainment - 12:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m.
The Walk of Heroes will be led by Fire Chief Jason Brolund and the West Kelowna Firefighter Honour Guard. It will be followed by speeches from representatives from municipal, provincial, and federal levels, along with a special Rotarian presentation.
The tentiative stage schedule is:
- Mount Boucherie Secondary School Band - 11:45 a.m.;
- Mount Boucherie Secondary School Jazz Band - 12:20 p.m.;
- Local artist – Nico and friends - 1:00 p.m.;
- Local artist – Andrew Johns - 2:00 p.m.;
- Local rock group - Crisprr - 2:45 p.m.;
- Local artist – Nico and friends - 3:40 p.m.
The event is free to attend but donations are welcome and will all go to the West Kelowna Professional Firefighters Charitable Society.
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