A cornerstone of the Okanagan music community, Wentworth Music, is celebrating its 60th Anniversary in business, marking six decades of helping musicians of all ages discover, learn, and share the joy of music. From its flagship store at 1634 Harvey Avenue, to its additional locations in Vernon and Penticton, Wentworth Music has been more than just a music store. It has been a hub for lessons, instruments, repairs, and community events that have shaped the region’s musical landscape. Over the years, this family operated business has supported countless local artists, hosted unforgettable concerts, and provided music education to thousands of students. This milestone is a celebration not only of the company’s history, but also of the vibrant community that has supported it since 1966. In 1966, Walt Wentworth opened a small lighting business in the Capri Shopping Centre. Walt was an amateur pianist; his wife Vera was a classical trained violinist, and his son, Dale, was an aspiring multi-instrumentalist. Within a few months, the family decided to merge their talents and change the store into a music shop called Wentworth Music. Today, the company is still owned and operated by members of the Wentworth family, being Nori, Kristyn, Neil, Hedy, and Dale. www.wentworthmusic.com
New winery, Waldhof Family Estate Winery, 5235 Lakeshore Road is now open for tastings. Owned and operated by Michelle and Reto Gebert, (from the former St. Hubertus Winery family), the 56-acre vineyard, with 34 acres planted, was originally planted in the late 1920’s by JW Hughes and later purchased by the Schmidts, then the Mannhardts in 1978, and finally by Leo Gebert in 1984 (Michelle and Reto’s father). Leo founded St. Hubertus Estate Winery in 1992 and was joined by his brother Andy in 1994. When Andy decided to retire, Leo and his family decided to continue growing grapes and started a winery of their own, now known as Waldhof. The name Waldhof is Barb Gebert’s family dairy farm in Switzerland. The winery tasting room welcomes you as an elegant modern farmhouse, and reminds you of a traditional cozy, Swiss dining room. It boasts a lovely patio with a spectacular view of Okanagan Lake. Waldhof offers no blends, 100% estate grown grapes, single varietal wines and BC VQA. There are many varieties found in the vineyard, some of which are Chasselas, Gamay Noir, L’Acadie, Maréchal Foch, Merlot Kanthus, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Meunier, just to name a few. Now available at the winery are 2025 Chasselas, 2025 Riesling, 2025 Gamay Noir Rose, and 2024 Maréchal Foch. The tasting room is open Wednesday to Sunday, 11:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. If you stop by between Thursday and Sunday, Bok is Baas Goat Farm is open with delicious gelato and cheeses. www.waldhofwine.ca
Crepe Delicious Urban Café at 3377 Lakeshore Road, across from Gyro Beach, not only has a good variety of delectable savory and sweet crepes, but they also specialize in the most unique and delicious gelato. The gelato is made fresh, in-house with all the flavors and ingredients coming directly from Italy, along with the special equipment and display cases. Since opening, owners and brothers Jas and Hargun Sekhon have been creating and developing new flavours of gelato. Jas asked me to stop by and sample some of the new flavors. The new flavors are Coconut Bounty (after the chocolate bar); Caramel Popcorn (just like is says), Classic Fudgsicle (like the old type fudgsicle), Caramel Popcorn, Bubble Gum (not sweet), and Tiramisu. There are vegan and fat-free options. The favorites with the four of us were Coconut Bounty, Caramel Popcorn and Classic Fudgsicle. They were absolutely delicious – you could be blindfolder and still instantly distinguish the unique flavour of every new gelato creation. Open 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. seven days a week for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. www.crepedelicious.
The Kelowna Chamber of Commerce opens nominations for the 39th Annual Business Excellence Awards on Monday, August 10th, 2026. Chamber members and non-members may take part, with nominations closing September 12th, 2026. Nominees may be entered in up to two of the sixteen categories. All award applications are reviewed by the Chamber’s independent judging panel, and three finalists will be announced. Nominations are welcomed from businesses and organizations in Kelowna and area. The finalists will be celebrated at a gala on November 20th, 2026, in the Chamber’s 120th anniversary year. One additional award, Business & Community Leader of the Year, will be determined by the judges. Presenting sponsors for the program are Lawson Lundell LLP and BEEM Credit Union. Patrick Bobyn is the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce President. For more details www.kelownachamber.org
On August 1st, 2026, Ugly Potato Day hosted by Helen’s Acres Community Farm, distributed 200,000 pounds of food in four hours to 6,000 people in our community. Farmers from the lower mainland, throughout the Okanagan from Vernon to Peachland, as well as a semi-truck full of high value produce such as avocados and raspberries from “Odd Bunch” nourished Kelowna in huge ways as residents are feeling the weight of our current climate with food insecurity. Volunteers from the Central Okanagan Food Bank, Lake Country Food Bank, Kelowna Gospel Mission, KCR & Family Hub, and the general public worked together in unity for the community. Ugly Potato Day began with humble beginnings by Tyler Heppell (Potato Ty) in the lower mainland with just two bins of free ugly produce and has now scaled itself to distributing 600,000 pounds of food to over 45,000 people. With Tyler’s help, a second chapter in the Okanagan has been launched. For ten years, Helen’s Acres, a non-profit Community Farm, grows food and distributes it free to local food bank agencies. They are looking forward to Ugly Potato Day 2027. Daniel Connolly is the Farm Ambassador at Helen’s Acres. dan@helensacres.com; www.helensacres.com
Kelowna Paddle Centre is hosting a free community water safety class on Monday, August 17th, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the centre at 3020 Abbott Street. The class is open to everyone; new and experienced paddlers alike, from those who recently purchased a paddleboard, kayak, canoe, or other paddle craft to experienced paddles looking for a refresher. Registration is not required. www.kelownapaddlecentre.ca
Project Literacy is hosting an evening of Pop Neo-soul on their outdoor terrace with local artist and Western Music Awards nominee, Elodie Orsei on Thursday, August 27th, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at 107 – 2293 Leckie Road. Tickets include a beverage. Tickets are one for $25.00 and 5 for $110.00. on Eventbrite.
The Kelowna Cornhole League has been active over the past year and remains committed to growing the sport, creating an inclusive environment, and strengthening connections with the community. The sport continues to grow and looking ahead, the 2026 fall league season begins September 15th, 2026, with league nights every Tuesday and Thursday at the Ukrainian Parish Hall, 1933 Barlee Road. Whether brand new to the sport or an experienced competitor, everyone is welcome. The league successfully hosted the 2026 BC Cornhole Provincials, organized numerous tournaments and community events, introduced Cornhole into local schools, raised and donated funds to Special Olympics, and partnered with local businesses. For league registration, sign-up, upcoming events, and the latest news, visit www.ktowncornhole.com or follow them on their socials.
Tim Hortons BC 2026 Chip & Sip supporting Tim Hortons Foundation Camps is September 17th and 18th , 2026. The event starts on the 17th at the Kelowna Yacht Club with the golf tournament on the 18th at the Okanagan Golf Club. The event brings together local Tim Hortons restaurant owners, families, and community-minded businesses for days of golf, live music, socializing and sampling some of the regions’ finest beverages. It’s a vibrant celebration of connection and community, all in support of a powerful cause. The organizers are currently seeking donations for their fundraising auction, such as merchandise, gift certificates, or other in-kind contributions. 100% of proceeds will go directly to support the life-changing programs of Tim Hortons Foundation Camps. If you are interested in attending the events, donating, or learning more, contact Dawn Fiacco, Tim Hortons Franchise Owner at 250-863-9709 or acdfiacco@gmail.com.
The Central Okanagan Heritage Society is seeking a Caretaker to oversee the maintenance, security, and day-to-day operation of Benvoulin Heritage Park. This position is well suited to an individual or couple with flexible schedules who would enjoy working independently and takes pride in maintaining a heritage property. To apply or for more information contact Lorri Dauncey, Managing Director, Central Okanagan Heritage Society at cohs@telus.net; www.okheritagesociety.com
Birthdays of the week – Willy Burges (Aug. 12); Cathy Slade (Aug. 12); Craig Hostland (Aug. 12); Tim Krupa (Aug. 12), Kali Howden (Aug. 13); Dave Renner (Aug. 13); Tina Tang (Aug. 13); Michael Bafia (Aug. 13); Scot Amis (Aug. 14); Alan Clark (Aug. 14); Lorne Ettinger (Aug. 15); Roberta Fidalgo (Aug. 16); Kathy Sawchuk (Aug. 16); Doug Noble (Aug. 16); Dr. Jen Walraven ((Aug. 16); Kathy Gray (Aug. 17); Brad Buchanan (Aug. 17); Mike Coulthard (Aug. 17); Peter Lepold (Aug. 17); Dean Toffen (Aug. 17); John Shandalla (Aug. 18); Bernard Gauthier (Aug. 18); Teri Northcott (Aug. 18); Stuart Cook (Aug.18); Beverley Broten (Aug. 18).
The Specialty Bakery Birthday Cake Winner of the Week is Kathy Sawchuk. Kathy, please pick up your Birthday Cake from any one of the four Specialty Bakery locations before Tuesday, Aug. 8 /2025.
Maxine DeHart is a Kelowna City Councillor and local hotelier. Phone her at 250-979-4546 or 250-862-7662. E-mail max@maxinedehart.ca
