Three bands will perform, and there will be various family-oriented activities from 1-4 p.m. at the Grist Mill Heritage Park, located near the trail where it crosses Dilworth Drive.
“We encourage everyone to join us (bike if you can) and celebrate the Okanaganѻý most beloved community resources,” says event sponsor ѻý Cycling Coalition.
“The event is all about celebrating the trail, and inviting people to use it more,” says organizer Rebecca Tyson.
Train service between Vernon and ѻý began in September 1926. Freight train service was discontinued along the 50-km line in July 2013.
The potential of the abandoned rail line as a recreational corridor from Vernon to downtown ѻý was immediately recognized by many people.
In April 2015, the government of BC announced it was contributing $7 million toward the planned $22 million purchase of the rail line from CN. Additional support came from local governments, the federal government and a grassroots fundraising campaign. The deal was finalized on June 1, 2015.
A section through the Okanagan Indian Band reserve is not open. The non-profit society Friends of the Okanagan Rail Trail has about 80 volunteers who help with various aspects of the trailѻý maintenance and improvements.