By Times Chronicle Staff

Friday’s Light-Up in Oliver will be loaded with eight hours of activities and events during the dazzling Fire and Ice Festival.

It all starts at 1 p.m. at the Oliver Tourism Centre and ends at 8 p.m. with a fireworks display in Lion’s Park.

Ian Lobb, executive director of Oliver Tourism, said the upcoming 7 Celebrations reconnecting the South Okanagan is a huge collaboration with the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association,  Oliver Business Association,  Oliver Parks & Recreation, Osoyoos Indian Band, and Destination Osoyoos.

He noted that a series of artists will perform in front of the Oliver Visitor Centre starting at 1 p.m. on Nov. 25. OIB Chief Clarence Louie will make opening remarks at approximately 12:30 p.m.

Take in the music of the Wildfire Gypsies and Kx Hall drumming with the Kali Baptiste story. Then its Dirt Road Opera followed by award winning Metis country music artist Jess Lee. 

Head downtown for some holiday cheer and listen for caroling by the Sage Valley Voices. Also check out a hotdog fundraiser in Triangle Park. 

The official Light-Up ceremony begins at 6 p.m. upon Santa’s arrival at the Town Hall. 

Lobb invites people to head back down to Lion’s Park for a bonfire to keep warm. And don’t miss the performance by country music singer Raquel Cole. Her singing ends just when the fireworks begin at 8 p.m.

Lobb said there will be a full slate of events in Osoyoos on Saturday, wrapped up with a Fire and Ice Gala at Spirit Ridge. He noted the Gypsies, Dirt Road, and Cole will perform at Gyro Park in Osoyoos as well. He added that an artisan market will take place on both days showcasing local and Indigenous art.

Lobb said the 7 Celebrations was named to pay tribute to one of the tourism association’s core mandates – the 7 Affirmations for 7 Generations pledge.

“This pledge was inspired by the Indigenous philosophy that recognizes the actions made today have a lasting impact for the seven generations that follow,” Lobb pointed out.

Learn more about the South Okanagan events and the 7 Celebrations series at thompsonokanagan.com/7-celebrations.