“So the research from the Get Inventive program was that the people of Kelowna really wanted to have their own event, their own celebration of what it means to be a Kelownian. And here we are, this is Kelowna Made,” said Lance Macdonald, Co-Chair of Kelowna Made. Hundreds of people filled City Park to participate in a wide variety of events, but none was more popular than the Belly Flop competition along the water. “There was some really amazing stuff from the ballet, the top sand sculpture, the live music, but I have to say the belly flop – something completely different – I’ve never seen anything like it in the water. I was happy to MC, but I kind of wanted to jump,” explained Kelowna Made volunteer Vince Jones. Despite the questionable weather, hundreds of Kelowna locals packed City Park to participate in the inaugural event, and Kelowna Made is happy for the turnout. “What we want to do is create an opportunity for Kelowna families to come down, reminisce a little about the old days when you brought the family to the park and had a great day making memories together. And that’s what we’re doing today, bringing all Kelowna families together to make some new memories,” added Macdonald. The City of Kelowna hopes Kelowna Made will become a staple for locals for years to come, with plans to make the festival a 10-day event down the road.
