Imagine Pandosy Art Festival and Stroll set to delight Kelowna today

Kelowna’s Pandosy neighbourhood is gearing up for a vibrant and creative celebration this Sunday with the Imagine Pandosy Art Festival and Stroll. This beloved community event, now in its fourth year, promises a day filled with art, crafts, music, and family-friendly activities.

Event details and attractions

Taking place in and around Sopa Square, the festival will feature approximately 35 artists and 15 crafters showcasing their work. “We’re really excited about this year’s lineup,” said Mary from the Pandosy Neighbourhood Association. “There will be something for everyone, from kids’ activities to great music, popcorn, snacks, and snow cones.”

The festival kicks off at 10 a.m. and is scheduled to run until 5 p.m., although the organizers may shorten the event if the weather becomes too hot. “We hope to at least go until 2 p.m.,” added Paul Clark, another member of the association.

A growing tradition

The Imagine Pandosy Art Festival and Stroll has seen significant growth since its inception. “We had 800 people in our first year, which was a delayed event due to COVID-19,” Paul shared. “Our attendance has grown to 2,000 in subsequent years, although last year’s event was postponed because of smoke.”

Art for everyone

Attendees will have the opportunity to purchase unique pieces directly from the artists and crafters. “It’s a great way to support local talent,” Paul noted. Mary, an artist herself, will also be participating. “I do acrylic painting, and my work always has personal meaning to me. I’m looking forward to sharing it with everyone.”

Community spirit

The festival is a testament to the strength and unity of the Pandosy community. The neighbourhood association, which has been active for many years, recently celebrated the opening of Kelowna’s newest waterfront park, a project that highlights the power of grassroots organizations. “We’ve come a long way since we started as the KLO association,” Paul said. “We cover the area from the hospital in the north to Eldorado in the south, and from the lake to Pandosy Street.”

Special features and sponsors

In addition to the art and craft stalls, several local businesses are participating in this year’s festival. “We have art pieces displayed in five businesses leading up to the event,” Mary mentioned. These businesses include Blenz on Pandosy, Duckie Down Quilts, Great Cheesery, Once Upon a Time Bookstore, and The Bench Goldsmiths. “We’re thrilled to have such strong support from our local business community,” she added.

Art galleries in the Pandosy area will also be open for the festival, offering special events and exhibitions. Visitors can enjoy a stroll between these galleries and explore the unique art they have on display.

The festival will also feature a “chalk walk,” where visitors can discover various chalk art creations scattered throughout the area. It’s a bit of an Easter egg hunt for art lovers, Paul added. “And people are welcome to bring their own chalk and contribute to the designs.”

Getting there

The festival is located at 3030 Pandosy Street, at the intersection of Lakeshore/Pandosy, and KLO.

Learn more

For more information about the festival and the Pandosy Neighbourhood Association, visit imaginepandosy.ca for festival details and imaginepandosy.org for association information.

This Sunday’s Imagine Pandosy Art Festival and Stroll is set to be a fantastic day for the whole family, with plenty of art, activities, and community spirit to enjoy. Don’t miss out on this wonderful opportunity to support local artists and experience the vibrant culture of the Pandosy neighbourhood.