Bernard Ave was shut down July 1 to allow for pedestrian traffic to take over the four blocks from St. Paul Street to Kerry Park.
It wasn't until today, July 7, that the grand opening of this walkway was made official with a ribbon cutting ceremony.
Meet Me on Bernard is a collaboration between Tourism Kelowna, Downtown Kelowna Association, and the City of Kelowna; to open streets and stimulate recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic from both a social and economic perspective.
Meet Me on Bernard will run seven days a week throughout the summer with activities and performances scattered along the road leading up to the waterfront until September 7.
Each block of Bernard provides a different experience, with unique parklets in the 400 and 500 block, and extended patios along restaurant row in the 200 and 300 blocks.
Some of the public art featured is AR Bernard, Expression of Recovery, and the iArt Gallery stage which will host numerous Indigenous artists from all over the world.
Family oriented events will be happening at Park & Play in the Neighbourhood Plaza every Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 9am to noon with games and activities for people of all ages.
You can also sign up for art, dance, music, or fitness classes taking place right on Bernard at the Tourism Kelowna website.
Take a stroll down Bernard Ave and check out some stores you've never been in before, because after a stressful pandemic filled year, this is the best time to support local businesses.
There's also a weekly giveaway happening, if you snap a quick pic at the selfie station downtown and use the hashtag #meetmeonbernard on Instagram you'll be entered to win some sweet prizes.
Watch the full video here:
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