Sports, music and fun in Vernon

Jun 28, 2019 | 2:09 PM

Hundreds of sports and music lovers are arriving in Vernon, ready for four days of fun.

The 35th annual Funtastic Festival takes place at the DND grounds in south Vernon, with over 200 mixed slo-pitch teams involved in tournaments.

Ryan McGiverin is the non-profit society’s new president.

“There is a lot of local teams. We’ve got a bunch from Alberta and Saskatchewan. I would say most are from out of town.”

He said there are no changes to this year’s event.

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“We’ve cut down on some costs this year, but other than that, we’re running it pretty much the same,” he said.

The beer garden opens at 4 p.m., and the first slo-pitch game will be at 5:15.

McGiverin said tribute bands will perform at the nightly concerts with songs by Credence Clearwater Revival (Bad Moon Risers) featured Saturday and Queen (Simply Queen) on Sunday.

“It is more of a show. It’s not just a band playing on stage playing music. People can relate to the bands from back in the day,” he said.

Washboard Union will headline Saturday night’s concerts.

McGiverin said critical to the the event’s success is their 300 volunteers, who perform a variety of duties.

“Everything from bringing water to umpires on the diamonds, to scheduling teams, to guest services, the whole gamut,” he said.

Event General Manager Akbal Mund said he’s not concerned about the weather.

“I see the blue sky coming out of Kelowna. It won’t be too hot. It’s going to be just perfect, 26 to 28 [Celsius] for the weekend, so we’re going to have a great time here,” Mund told Vernon Matters during last minute preparations at the site.

Canada Day will also be busy with activities, including at Polson Park and the fireworks Monday night at 10:30 p.m. from Kin Beach on Okanagan Lake.

by Pete McIntyre

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