If you spend enough time as a resident of Osoyoos, one common refrain that you will hear on a regular occasion is “there’s nothing to do.”
There are occasions during the long winter months when Osoyoos does turn into a sleepy little town and there isn’t an awful lot to do.
But nothing could be further from the truth once the beautiful spring weather comes our way and local residents and visitors alike get to enjoy some of the most amazing scenery in the entire country.
This coming weekend is a glowing example of how the Town of Osoyoos undergoes a metamorphosis from quiet little town to a centre of adventure, as there are a myriad of things going on for every member of the family.
Both the Canadian Cancer Relay for Life and Cactus Jalopies Show and Shine are celebrating their 10th anniversary on Saturday.
For anyone who has never attended or witnessed a Relay for Life, it’s something you should definitely check out.
It’s an exceptionally emotional event as virtually every participant has been touched in some way by cancer.
The event is all about remembering those who have perished due to this terrible disease and celebrating the lives of those who have survived.
There are many tears and a lot of laughs throughout the 12-hour event, which kicks off at noon with a community welcome by Mayor Stu Wells, followed by a Survivor’s Lap to officially get things underway.
This event has raised more than $300,000 for cancer research in nine years and organizers are confident the event will bring in another $40,000 or $50,000 this year.
The Cactus Jalopies event continues to grow and get bigger and better with each passing year.
Organizers are hoping as many as 200 classic custom cars and trucks will be on display in Gyro Park, starting at 10 a.m.
This wonderful family event is free of charge and continues to attract massive crowds.
Another huge throng is expected as Environment Canada is calling for clear blue skies and daytime high of 25 on Saturday.
On Saturday night, the Desert Park Exhibition Society holds its second annual Derby Night fundraiser at the Watermark Beach Resort. The fun event has patrons betting on “wooden” horses to try and raise money for the society, which brought back professional horse racing to Osoyoos for the first time in 15 years last summer. The first race card of the 2014 season takes place next Saturday (June 14) at Desert Park.
If none of these events catch your fancy, you can attend Market on Main, which continues to draw more vendors with each passing week, since opening three weeks ago.
The Osoyoos Golf Club and Sonora Dunes Golf Course are both in amazing shape and offer an outstanding golfing experience.
There is also an endless list of wine tours and fine restaurants to enjoy in and around Osoyoos. Osoyoos Lake is starting to warm up and it won’t be long before the beaches are packed and boaters and anglers from across the region and province start flocking to town to catch some rays and beautiful fish.
Summer is almost here and the time is right for getting out and enjoying everything our wonderful community has to offer.
