Now four decades since it ended, there are still calls from longtime locals to bring back the Kelowna Regatta.
It was an iconic event in Kelowna for just over 80 years and that history is now on display as part of a new exhibition at the Okanagan Heritage Museum (OHM).
Making Waves: Kelowna Regatta invites visitors to dive into eight decades of the Regatta, which made its debut as a traditional British-style sporting event in 1906.
It was inspired by a wildly-successful “Race Meet and Regatta” held at the CPR wharf at the foot of Bernard Avenue in September 1905, the year Kelowna was incorporated.
“The Regatta grew quickly in scope and popularity. What began as a single day of swimming, diving, rowing and sailing evolved into a multi-day, multi-event festival,” explained OHM curatorial manager Amanda Snyder.
“At its peak, the Regatta was the Okanagan summer event, drawing thousands to the area. It would eventually bill itself as Canada’s Greatest Water Show.”
According to a Kelowna Museums Society release, the nostalgic new exhibition is designed to be accessible and engaging for all ages.
It includes a rich collection of archival photographs, artifacts, interactive elements and stories that highlight the competition, fun and many faces that gave the event its unique character.
If you’re a longtime Kelowna resident that lived in the city prior to 1986, there’s even a section of the gallery where people can share their own memories of Regattas past.
“The Regatta wasn’t all serious competition,” Snyder added.
“It was equally famous for its lighthearted and sometimes downright silly events like bathtub races, duck-catching competitions, the ‘greased pole walk’ and ‘bolster and bar,’ which was essentially a pillow fight on a log suspended over water.”
Of course, the Kelowna Regatta met its demise after the infamous riots in 1986 and 1987, which is covered in the exhibition as well.
Making Waves: Kelowna Regatta is now on exhibit at the OHM at 470 Queensway Ave. Museum hours and additional information can be found here.
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