Summer kicks off with live music, food and fun at Sun Peaks

Summer isn’t that far off. Celebrate it at Sun Peaks Resort during the Summer Kickoff Weekend. The mountain serves up live music, food and fun events July 2 to 3.

The weekend will start early with a healthy dose of cardio, thanks to Jo Berry and her enthusiastic team of runners. Jo’s Road Race is celebrating its ninth year of hosting races in Sun Peaks. There’s a 5 km and 10 km to choose from that take runners under the covered bridge, past the pristine golf course and the past the creek along the Valley Trail. Kids can also join a
1 km Mini Jo’s which will be held in the Sun Peaks Village. Races start at 9:30 a.m. with an awards ceremony later in the day at Masa’s Bar and Grill.

New this season is Jo’s Family Bike Ride. Berry and her team will accompany families on a bike ride to McGillivray Lake. It’s a free, bring-your-own-picnic event. Uncle Chris the Clown will be on hand for children’s entertainment and canoes will be available to rent at the lake. The meeting place is the Village Day Lodge at 11:30 a.m. on Sun., July 3.

Throughout the days, families and resort visitors can try out special features in the village, like the climbing wall, a bouncy castle and a dedicated Kids Zone. Clowns Tickles and Yowza will be in the village, making balloon animals, interacting with kids and performing their famous tricks. Sun Peaks firefighters will also be on site with their fire truck on display.

Foodies will love the Mountain of Beer and Chili Cookoff on Sat. July 2 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Beer from four breweries will be paired with homemade chili creations by Sun Peaks chefs. But it gets more interactive than just food pairing because people get to vote for the best beer and chili of the day. Four pairs of restaurants and breweries will go head to head in a food and beverage showdown this year. They are: Bella Italia Ristorante and Pacific Western Brewing Company, Memories Restaurant and Corona, Morrisey’s Pub and Stanley Park Amber Ale, and Powder Hounds and Granville Island Brewing Company. Winners will be announced at 4:30 p.m. on the day of the event.

Kamloops band Earthbound will perform live on both days. For animal lovers, don’t miss the 5 Star Dog Agility contest. Returning to Sun Peaks for its second year, the event features dogs of all sizes and breeds performing remarkable tricks at the command of their trainers. The demonstrations are on Saturday and Sunday at the green space behind the Sports Centre.
Fresh produce, dairy, meats, art and jewellery will be at the Farmers’ Market on Sun., July 3. Check out the new vendors this year.

For more information, contact 250-578-5474 or visit www.josroadrace.com.