Vernon Culture Days 2022 (Photo credit: Silamara Emde)

By Pete McIntyre

Culture days

Culture galore: Sundog Festival set for Vernon

Sep 22, 2023 | 8:00 AM

Residents have a chance to soak in some culture in addition to the sunshine in Vernon.

Held in conjunction with Culture Days across Canada, the inaugural Sundog Festival of Arts and Culture starts today (Sept. 22) with multiple events for all ages.

The festival is being led by members of the Arts Council of the North Okanagan (ACNO) to celebrate the diversity of arts and culture in Greater Vernon.

Built around the same time as Culture Days, the festival not only features free and by-donation activities but is also showcasing ticketed performances taking place over a three-week period from Sept. 22 to Oct. 15.

“We could not have done this without the support of our funding partners, Tourism Vernon, the Regional District of the North Okanagan, Fortis BC as well as our sponsors, local businesses and arts and culture organizations, who have all come together to ensure that all events are accessible to all audiences, so that no one is left out in participating. There will be something for everyone to see and do,” Shawna Patenaude, ACNO manager, said.

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Several ACNO and Greater Vernon community organizations are hosting Culture Days events this year, including the Allan Brooks Nature Centre, Caetani Centre, Greater Vernon Museum and Archives, Okanagan Regional Library, O’Keefe Ranch, Vernon Community Arts Centre, Vernon & District Immigrant & Community Services Society, Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre, and Vernon Public Art Gallery.

“Currently, there are 36 free and by-donation events happening that run the gamut from visual art classes and demos, art talks, film screenings, self-guided tours, writing workshops, literary readings, and so much more,” Patenaude explained.

Also taking place during the Sundog Festival is the film screening and awards night for the Okanagan 48 Hour Film Project at the Vernon Towne Theatre and several ticketed performances at O’Keefe Ranch, the Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre, and elsewhere.

“The first two events, our Howl of a Night and Kick-off Party, taking place Friday and Saturday at Polson Park, will showcase the varied talents of our local community with live music, cultural performances, artisans markets, displays by our ACNO members, food, and much more. Both events offer free admission and are open to all ages,” Patenaude stated.

The opening ceremony for the festival will be held Saturday at the Polson Park bandstand starting at 3 p.m. Special dignitaries will be present, possibly even Premier David Eby.

A full list of free or by-donation events can be found on the Sundog Vernon Culture Days Festival hub here.