There will be plenty of dancing and good times as the Oliver Parks and Recreation Department, along with Oliver Osoyoos Wine Association, sponsor the Oliver Sunshine Festival this weekend in the Oliver Community Park. The event kicks off Friday evening. Uncork the Sun is the official fundraising event for the Oliver Sunshine Festival. Large crowds are expected throughout the weekend at the popular end of summer event. (File photo)

“Uncork the Sun” and celebrate the summer wine festival in Oliver on Friday, August 18.

Oliver Community Park will be hosting the popular event from 6-10 p.m. that will include an exciting outdoor concert and wine tasting event hosted by Oliver Parks and Recreation in partnership with the Oliver Osoyoos Wine Association (OOWA) and the Oliver Tourism Association (OTA).

Uncork the Sun is the official fundraiser for the Oliver Sunshine Festival, which provides a day of free entertainment for the whole family on Saturday, Aug. 19.

The annual Oliver Sunshine Festival runs from Aug. 17 to 20 at the Oliver Community Park and also includes the Roots and Fruits Expo on the Saturday. That event also includes a parade down Main Street at 10:30 a.m. The parade is followed by entertainment.

“It will be a pleasure to showcase the products of the wineries of Oliver Osoyoos Wine Country (OOWA) at this annual event that draws both locals and visitors,” says OOWA Executive Director Jennifer Busmann, referring to Uncork the Sun.

“There is no better way to celebrate summer in the Wine Capital of Canada and support the Oliver Sunshine Festival than attending a fun, interactive wine tasting event like this one,” she added.

“Jack and Jill,” a rock and roll band from Summerland, have been known to bring down the house at various private parties, events, festivals and the local pub and bar scene.

They play a variety of song favourites ranging from Janis Joplin and No Doubt to Miranda Lambert and Queen.

The band is made up of a wide array of artists committed to keeping the tradition of “rock and roll” alive.

Concertgoers can enjoy the live entertainment while sipping various locally produced wines and brews and enjoying the relaxing park atmosphere.

Tasting tickets are only $1 and can be used for both food and beverage.

Taste the culinary creations of local chefs and vendors and celebrate the diverse culture of the area through food.

“This is a great event for families,” says organizer Carol Sheridan. “There is so much green space to run and play around in and just a really relaxed night for all ages. Plan to bring chairs or a blanket, taste some food and wine, and dance.”

Sheridan notes that there will be shaved ice and non-alcoholic drinks for sale for kids.

Tickets for the Uncork the Sun event are just $30 for adults, $15 for students. Children under 8 are free.

All proceeds go towards the Roots and Fruits Expo (Sunshine Festival).

Tickets include a souvenir wine glass, five tasting tickets and live entertainment. A limited number of tickets are available for the event.

Tickets can be purchased in advance at the Oliver Visitor Centre, at the Oliver Community Centre, at www.oliverosoyoos.com or at the gate while they last.

For information about any of the numerous weekend events, including the Roots and Fruits Expo with performance times, visit www.oliverrecreation.ca.

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Osoyoos Times

There will be plenty of dancing and good times as the Oliver Parks and Recreation Department, along with Oliver Osoyoos Wine Association, sponsor the Oliver Sunshine Festival this weekend in the Oliver Community Park. The event kicks off Friday evening. Uncork the Sun is the official fundraising event for the Oliver Sunshine Festival. Large crowds are expected throughout the weekend at the popular end of summer event. (File photo)