Planning For RespectFEST 2017 In Vernon

Planning is well underway for RespectFEST 2017 in Vernon in September.

Some of the events already in the planning stages include a multicultural food, music and dance festival, interpretive walks, outdoor excursions, a multicultural garden, and the creation of a public art piece.

But the Downtown Vernon Association information sessions at 4 and 5 o’clock this Wednesday, May 17th for any groups or organization wanting to get involved.

The DVA’s Hailey Rilkoff says there are various themes

“That represent respecting our land and environment, honouring indigenous history and roots, understanding our multicultural history here
in the North Okanagan and recognizing diversity that contributes to our community.”

She says performers, vendors an any group is welcome

” Any event that fits within that would be welcome. The concept of RespectFEST is really focusing also on the first nation history that predates confederation, so that’s a little bit of a differential that would happen between some of the other Canada 150 events that you might see in the community.

The DVA is coordinating many of the activities along with the Allan Brooks Nature Centre and the Social Planning Council of North Okanagan.

The information sessions will be held at the DVA’s
office on 30th Avenue

You can call the DVA office at 250 – 542 – 5851 for more information or go to the website events@downtownvernon.com.

Any groups interested in creating their own RespectFEST event are asked to complete an online application form by May 31, 2017 and submit it online to the Downtown Vernon Association (DVA). The form is available at www.respectfest2017.com/applications.