Kelowna has had a reputation as a travel-worthy destination for decades. And while wineries and golf courses may be a big part of the draw in 2019, Kelowna has an amusing past that may surprise even some longtime residents.

In the last half of the 20th century, Kelowna gained notoriety as a place of fun. It boasted drive-in theatres, roller rinks, regattas, snowfests, rodeos, parades, zoos, and amusement parks. Tourism ads from the time billed the city as “the fun capital of Canada!!”
Kelowna’s Amusing Past takes a light-hearted look at some of the city’s bygone amusement sites and annual festivals that brought the community together. The gallery space comes to life through archival photos, videos and objects, including prehistoric mascots (yabba dabba doooo!), arcade games, memorabilia and a whole lot more.
Come and learn about the Regatta rioters, Snogo, Myta the Smoking Chimp and Kelowna’s very own Walt Disney (with a hint of Bob Ross). Find out what happened to these special spaces and characters.
This exhibition is sure to delight children and adults alike. It runs from August 17, 2019, to November 18, 2019, at the Okanagan Heritage Museum, 470 Queensway Ave, Kelowna, BC.
For more information contact Amanda Snyder, Curatorial Manager at
asnyder@kelownamuseums.ca / 250.763.2417