Sundog Festival of Arts & Culture
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The Sundog Festival is an immersive public experience for all ages that elevates and celebrates Arts
π Sundog Festival Opening Ceremony π![]()
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Our festival journey began with a spectacular Opening Ceremony, where the stage was graced by these remarkable individuals:![]()
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ποΈ MC Tanya Laing Gahr , whose vivacious spirit and charisma set the tone for the festivities.![]()
π Elder Virginia Gregoire, who guided us with a heartfelt prayer, infusing the ceremony with a sense of unity and reverence.![]()
π£οΈ We were privileged to hear from esteemed speakers who shared their inspiring messages:![]()
ποΈ Mayor Victor Cummings π¨π¦ Mel Arnold MP - Member of Parliament ποΈ MLA Harwinder Sandhu, MLA for Vernon-Monashee π Premier David Eby π Senator Margo Greenwood![]()
Their words resonated deeply, reminding us of the significance of community, culture, and the arts. π€β¨![]()
The Opening Ceremony marked the beginning of an extraordinary journey at the Sundog Festival of Arts & Culture ππ![]()
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Honoring the Okanagan Indian Band π![]()
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We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the Okanagan Indian Band for gracing us with their presence and enriching our festival with their vibrant culture:![]()
π₯ Drummers π€ Singers π Dancers π¨ Artisans![]()
The soul-stirring rendition of the Okanagan Song was a highlight, filling the air with a deep sense of connection and unity. πΆ![]()
A special thanks to the Okanagan Indian Band Language and Culture Department for sharing their wisdom and heritage with us.![]()
We also want to express our gratitude to Elder Virginia Gregoire for leading us in a meaningful prayer, guiding us with her wisdom and grace. π![]()
Your contributions have woven a beautiful tapestry of culture and tradition into the fabric of our festival, and for that, we are immensely grateful. ππ![]()
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City of Vernon - Local Government ![]()
Tourism Vernon![]()
Arts Council of the North Okanagan![]()
FortisBC![]()
Regional District of North Okanagan![]()
Okanagan Indian Band![]()
BC Culture Days | FΓͺte de la culture![]()
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#okanaganindianband #CultureAndTradition #sundogfestival #communityunity #sundogfestival #openingceremony #communityunity #inspiration #CultureAndArts![]()
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Daysormay SaBand Mother Sun Nightshades - Band The Pseudos October Poppy The Crashlanders Ernest anyway Uncle Brad, Norsu, Covenant Lion, The Whelms Lakeisha Marie ![]()
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Video: Joseph Pinheiro & Flight camera action
What an incredible weekend it has been as we kicked off the Sundog Festival of Arts & Culture in partnership with BC Culture Days | FΓͺte de la culture.![]()
The festivities are in full swing and will continue to dazzle us until October 15. π![]()
This remarkable journey would not have been possible without the incredible support of our generous in-kind sponsors and suppliers:![]()
π Nor-Val Rentals π Pattison Media Ltd. π FreshCo Downtown Vernon π VantageOne Credit Union π Edge Apparel & Imprints π Interior Portable Rentals π Vernon Communications Ltd π Vernon Community Arts Centre π Polson Artisan Night Market π Local Losers Underground π Kaleco Sustainable Clothing π Sproing Creative![]()
Your unwavering support has been the bedrock of our festival, and we are deeply grateful for your contributions. π![]()
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A festival like Sundog is a collective effort, and we want to give a special shoutout to our Funding Partners, who share our vision for the arts and culture:![]()
πΌ Tourism Vernon π‘ FortisBC π¨ Arts Council of the North Okanagan π Regional District of North Okanagan![]()
Your commitment to nurturing the arts in our community is truly commendable. π![]()
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In addition, we have some special acknowledgments to make:![]()
πThe Okanagan Indian Band Drummers, Singers, Dancers, and Artisans, who added an enriching cultural dimension to our festival. πThe Okanagan Indian Band Language and Culture Department for their invaluable contributions. πThe Sundog Festival Organizing Committee: Shawna Patenaude, Kristine Larsen, Rusty Gahr, Tanya Laing Gahr, Noah MacLeod, Mayla Janzen and Heath Fletcher, whose dedication made all of this possible. πAmanda Homeniuk for infusing her magic into the brand. πOur incredible Sundog Volunteers, who worked tirelessly to ensure a smooth experience for all. πLana O'Brien and the volunteer students from the 27th Street Theatre - W.L. Seaton Secondary School for their valuable contributions πMCs Gus Hansen & Tanya Laing Gahr for keeping the energy high and the spirits soaring. π Adam and Terence for their audio wizardry. πRusty and Julie for creating the magical lighting. πNancy Wilde of Wilde Signs for adding the festival's vibrant touch. π Vernon Elks Lodge #45 for providing the perfect venue to meet in. πKristin Froneman and Joe Pinheiro for their PR and Social Media mastery πA special nod to Randi Buerfeind for her exceptional skills in photography and videography. π·π₯ ![]()
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And last but certainly not least, a heartfelt acknowledgment to our VIPs, whose presence graced the Opening Ceremony remarks with their support and enthusiasm:![]()
π Elder Virginia Gregoire π Mayor Victor Cummings π Mel Arnold MP π Harwinder Sandhu, MLA for Vernon-Monashee π Premier David Eby π Senator Margo Greenwood![]()
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The Sundog Festival is a testament to the power of community and collaboration. Together, we've created something truly extraordinary. π![]()
The journey continues, and we can't wait to see what the rest of the festival holds. Stay tuned for more arts, culture, and magic! ππΆπ¨![]()
www.sundogfest.ca
The FUN IS FAR FROM OVER! Make sure to check out more than 35 free and by-donation events happening around Greater Vernon during the Sundog Festival of Arts and Culture in conjunction with BC Culture Days | FΓͺte de la culture, now to Oct. 15.![]()
TODAY (Sept. 25) Check out the Vernon Community Arts Centre's free artist demos and learn how to create a coil pot and/or a handbound journal. There are also new exhibitions at the Vernon Public Art Gallery and much more.![]()
LEARN about these activities and others at:![]()
culturedays.ca/en/hubs/f335fc2d-99c4-4457-bbc6-33f951ba9339![]()
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#vernonarts #artistdemonstrations #explorevernon #visualarts #communityarts #vernoncommunityartscentre #culturedays #bcCultureDays
About last night...and the night before!!! Wow..wow...VERNON! Here's just a sample of how we showed up for Sundog Festival of Arts & Culture with Daysormay for the inaugural kick-off weekend! Stay tuned for more great updates from the festival and BC Culture Days | FΓͺte de la culture #Sundogfest #ExploreVernon #BCCultureDays #Sundog #VernonBC Arts Council of the North Okanagan Tourism Vernon Vernon Community Arts Centre Regional District of North Okanagan FortisBC
