Another sold-out crowd in excess of 200 people is expected to participate in this year’s Romancing the Desert fundraising event for the Osoyoos Desert Centre. Participants will not only enjoy great food and wine, but will once again participate in a lovely stroll along the boardwalks that showcase the natural beauty and unique ecosystem that is part of this region. (Richard McGuire file photo)
For one day each year in the summer, the Osoyoos Desert Centre keeps its gates open late for Romancing the Desert, when a handful of guests get to wine and dine while surrounded by the serenity of the arid ecosystem.
The habitat is known to be quite barren compared to nearby regions, but activity in the desert becomes more vibrant at night as weather conditions become less extreme.
Because the centre is normally closed by 4:30 p.m., Romancing the Desert offers a rare opportunity to explore the hiker’s boardwalk without the sun’s overbearing luminosity.
“The opportunity to do a twilight walk through the desert is really special,” said Denise Eastlick, executive director of the Osoyoos Desert Centre. “It’s cooler, of course, and desert animals tend to be more active at night. Much of the desert wildlife tends to be nocturnal. One year during Romancing the Desert, just as the moon rose, we had a mother deer and a little fawn run in front of the it, making a silhouette. It was really magical.”
There are no identical experiences during Romancing the Desert. As the moon systematically rotates through its cycle while the galaxy repositions the stars each night to give earth a new astrological pattern up above – all framed by the mountains of the South Okanagan and the weather’s haphazard formation of clouds – the celestial entertainment always has a fresh lineup of talent at each year’s event.
“You see the stars very clearly. It’s a very peaceful setting,” Eastlick said.
The evening includes an outdoor dinner, a guided tour along the 1.5 kilometre boardwalk trail – which will be augmented by after-dinner treats and wine tastings, and live music and a silent auction. The ecological preserve has been celebrating Romancing the Desert since the year 2000, and staffers create a new theme for the tour each summer.
“Because we’re celebrating the Osoyoos Desert Society’s 25th anniversary, this year’s theme will be historical highlights,” she said.
Eastlick said the event offers a rare experience that blends the local natural habitat with fine foods and wines from the region.
“It’s to showcase the beauty of our local habitat, but also to showcase our restaurants and wineries.”
The fun begins at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 13. Tickets are $70 per person and proceeds will support the Osoyoos Desert Society. For tickets, contact the Osoyoos Desert Centre at 250-495-2470.
DAN WALTON
Regional Reporter
