The beloved City of Kelowna's Ogopogo parade float may soon be changing its theme.
The City’s current parade float was built in 2011 and has been in more than 100 parades and travelled over 42,000 kilometres to more than 55 cities. Since the Ogopogo float is so well-travelled, it’s starting to show its age.
City of Kelowna staff are recommending that councillors approve a refresh of the float, with potentially a new theme.
Staff are proposing four different options for the float to council on Monday afternoon.
The first option is Active by Nature, which is the theme Staff want. Active by Nature will show Kelowna as a natural four-season playground with running, hiking, cycling, swimming, snowshoeing and more.
“Active routes are identified to showcase the best of Kelowna: agriculture, food, wine, culture, trails, and the lake,” the report explained.
The second option is Culture.
If Culture was chosen as the theme it would showcase the many artists, performers and cultural facilities in the city.
The third option is to stay with the Ogopogo but upgrade it.
If Ogopogo 2.0 is picked, the float would be revamped with the Ogopogo, since the creature takes centre stage in experiencing all that Kelowna has to offer.
The final option the City is putting forward is Agri-Tourism.
An agri-tourism float would showcase what Kelowna has to offer other than wine, like picking fruits and vegetables, riding horses, tasting home, herbs, cheese and the several farmer’s markets.
Staff are recommending the first option Active by Nature.
“This brand reflects our community identity and also translates well to a parade float. It aligns well with Council’s priority to ensure a healthy, safe, active & inclusive community,” explained Staff’s report.
“Early conceptual ideas include a lake to mountain landscape with a variety of outdoor recreation equipment bursting out from it. Some of the featured activities may be cycling, Stand Up Paddleboarding, kayaking and mountain biking. Prominently featured would be the word “KELOWNA.””
Once the design is picked it will take ten to twelve weeks to complete the new float.
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