Dear Editor:

Oh “WOW” – Osoyoos Cherry Fiesta 2015.

Shall we start at the end with the magnificent fireworks or just when I came in?

I am just amazed at the ability of the people who put this festival together. Everything was in place just in time for a good rest before a busy day.

Oops (did you really get that rest?)

Thousands of people show up and the parade began. This year was the biggest parade that I ever saw here in Osoyoos and the parade was outstanding with some really good entries with lots of red and white.

I was proud of our Mayor Sue McKortoff as she seemed delighted to sprightly walk the parade route. Later I saw her picking up and making nice neat piles of the yellow and white parking lot directives.

Our mayor is not just a pretty face – she is working for us and has been for years.

My daughter started as a student under McKortoff as her teacher and is now 44. Many other children learned their ABC’s from this well respected, capable and retired teacher.

Thank you Sue.

The entertainment was superb except for one entry. The children around me were holding their hands over their ears and the parents quickly gathered these children up and took them away. As I looked around many people were leaving with their children in tow.

There was lots of wonderful food to eat and the prices were just right.

What made everyone from far and wide come to Osoyoos once again to celebrate Canada’s birthday and our beloved Cherry Fiesta?

The biggest reason, I believe, is we have the best fireworks this side of Ottawa. This is the biggest understatement that I have ever made.

No one can say that any city in Canada had better fireworks than we did this year.

Whenever there was a lull in the program, people were clapping and yelling all kinds of complimentary sentences.

Golds and silvers and so much colour and sparkles fill the summer sky and that was followed by more colour and more sparkles and sizzles.

What a spectacular performance.

The crowd also was so in tune with this work of art. I really don’t know how any city could top it.

Thankful I am that no one has a chance to top it now. July 1 has come and gone. I believe that we hold the crown for this year. I have no words to describe how I feel about this excellent job.

Thank you once again.

Evelyn Valentine

Osoyoos, B.C.