A group tours the desert, sampling wine, during last year’s Romancing the Desert. This year the tour takes place after dinner. (Richard McGuire file photo)
The Osoyoos Desert Society is changing the format of its annual fundraiser, Romancing the Desert, which is set for Aug. 8.
Instead of a tour onto the boardwalks at the Osoyoos Desert Centre before the dinner, guests will eat first and then take an evening guided sunset tour, sampling wine and dessert as a guide tells them about this year’s theme – “Super Animal Senses.”
An outdoor supper starts at 5:30 p.m. and is catered by the Crowsnest Vineyards restaurant in Cawston, which is known for its authentic German food.
Denise Eastlick, Desert Society executive director, said she hopes people notice the new start time so they won’t feel rushed during the dinner.
The plaza at the centre has a fresh new look, she said, and guests will be oriented to face the view.
Eastlick thinks the new format keeps the event fresh.
It also allows people to head out onto the boardwalk after enjoying dinner so they can relax on the tour and enjoy the wine tasting rather than trying to get back for dinner.
Entertainment this year is provided by the trio Jazz Out West, but another musician will fill in for keyboard player Jim Wyse.
As in past years, the event includes a silent auction.
More than a dozen local restaurants and wineries participate in the event, donating their products and time. Eastlick said a number of them are new this year.
Romancing the Desert is the Desert Society’s biggest fundraising event of the year. Typically it raises around $10,000 for habit restoration projects, conservation efforts and education.
“It’s a very unique event because of the setting,” said Eastlick. “You’re actually right in the middle of it and you get to experience the desert, both in the setting when you are enjoying the event and having the opportunity to go out on a guided tour and learn about the habitat in a very fun and informative way.”
In addition to showcasing the habitat, it’s also an opportunity to showcase businesses in the community that participate as sponsors, the restaurants and wineries that provide food and drink and businesses that support the silent auction, she said.
Starting this year, the event is held annually on the Saturday of the second weekend in August. It is no longer tied to the full moon.
The Osoyoos Desert Society is a non-profit organization with roughly 100 members and it welcomes new members. Its goal is to protect the South Okanagan’s rich biodiversity for future generations.
The Osoyoos Desert Centre is located on 67 acres of antelope brush ecosystem north of Osoyoos. It has a 1.5 km boardwalk as well as an interpretive centre and native plant demonstration garden.
Tickets for Romancing the Desert are $70 and must be purchased in advance. To reserve a place, contact [email protected] or call 250-495-2470.
RICHARD McGUIRE
Osoyoos Times
