By Richard Rolke
It’s a tradition that goes back decades, but Oyama Fun Day remains highly popular.
Steady crowds are expected to turn out for the annual community celebration June 5.
“This is our big community day,” said Deb Butler, with the Oyama Community Club.
“It’s an old-fashioned family day and it’s a great chance for neighbours to come together.”
Most of the activities are located around the community hall (15710 Oyama Rd.) and the fun gets underway with a pancake breakfast from 8 to 10 a.m.
At 10 a.m., the parade assembles beside the Oyama General Store and with no pre-registration necessary, everyone is invited to participate.
“It’s getting pretty big. We usually have 70 or 80 entries,” said Butler.
Little Women 4 Little Women will hold a children’s right march from the community hall to the parade assembly area at 10:45 a.m. And then the parade begins at 11 a.m. and travels east to the school.
“It’s the only parade in Lake Country,” said Butler.
At noon, the Lake Country Jumping Agility Mutts will put on a demonstration, while the concession area will also open.
More fun takes place at 12:30 p.m., with the Lake Country Big Band taking to the stage and Adrian Empire’s medieval village offering up games and dancing.
There will also be field events for all ages, including tug-of-war, sack races, an egg throw, an ice cream eating contest and an ice block relay. The Lake Country Scouts will have a rope bridge.
At 1 p.m., Oyama Traditional School will host children’s games while the District of Lake Country will sponsor bounce activities.
“There are lots of kids’ activities,” said Butler.
One of the most popular events during Fun Day is the Peep Peep Poop Coop contest.
Participants purchase a square on a grid and then they wait to see if a chicken leaves its calling card in their square. The owner of the lucky square wins.
“We feed the chickens all morning,” said Butler.
“The contest is really a big deal. People are in there buying their square first thing in the morning.”
Contest ticket sales begin at 8 a.m.
Oyama Fun Day officially wraps up for another year at 3 p.m.
“The Oyama Community Club proudly hosts Fun Day as our contribution to the quality of life in the jewel of the Okanagan,” said Butler.
-Vernon Morning Star