South Okanagan Chamber Of Commerce-Events

 Annual Festival of the Grape

The Festival of the Grape is held at the Oliver Community Park 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM.  It is time to start making plans to attend and remember it is... FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY!!

In the spring of 1997, Oliver's place at the very hub of Canada's best wine and grape growing region, prompted the Oliver Chamber of Commerce to organize "Festival of the Grape" and it was a huge success!

The Festival has continued into the new century attracting wineries, vendors and visitors from all over North America and possibly the world!

There's much more than wine at the Oliver Festival of the Grape. Wine tasting, face painting, live entertainment, food vendors, trade show, games and of course... the Grape Stomp! Eight teams are ready to go, plus there will be a Celebrity Stomp...one heat, winner take all!!

Oliver's Festival of the Grape is rapidly becoming known as a great, all-day FAMILY event! This annual family event, opened by a special ceremonial "blessing of the harvest", is held at the Oliver Community park alongside the Okanagan River, from noon to sundown.

The festival has a "trade show" aspect, in which spectators can browse through the many trade vendors from cheeses to exquisite wine accessories. The Festival of the Grape committee emphasizes the family focus of the event. It is a "celebration" of the things that all the families of the valley work towards.... community pride, family values, hard work and a little fun. Moms and Dads, Grandmas and Grandpas will be pleased with the many activities that will keep the kids happy, while at the same time they can enjoy a taste of the valley's wineries and the purveyors of good food, music and fun.

Tickets can be ordered, or information can be had by calling the South Okanagan Chamber of Commerce office at (866) 498-6321 - Ext 3 or emailing South Okanagan Tourism.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW!!

TICKETS:
The Festival of the Grape Committee highly recommends you purchase your tickets in advance to avoid line-ups at the gate. Extra tickets for food and wine sampling are available inside the grounds. All food and drink can only be purchased by buying "grape" currency from the booths. Over 50 wineries and over 20 food vendors, and over 50 vendors in the "Boutique Alley" will be on hand for you to enjoy.

On-SITE PARADE:
Starting at 11:45 near the entrance the Parade of Celebrities, led by the exhilarating Portuguese Drumming Band, will proceed to the official opening and blessing of the harvest.

PARKING:
Parking on site is available and overflow parking is just a short walk away. When travelling in from the North (Hwy 97) turn left at the first stop light (7-11 store) and watch for the grounds just across the river channel. If travelling from the south turn right at the second stop light (7-11 store). If you don't mind a short one or two block walk, take the first street (93rd Street left or right) after the turn at the stop light and park anywhere along the street.

SEATING:
There is some seating available on the grounds and if you wish, bring your own lawn chair to enjoy the entertainment.

SUNBURN:
It is a good idea to have some sun protection. Even though the event is in October, a few people go away sporting sunburns each year.