For the first time in six years, the Penticton Peach Festival skies were alive with the roar of jet engines as the Snowbirds performed their thrilling aerial show on August 6.
The Royal Canadian Air Force’s famous Snowbirds acrobatics team flew high above the festival to mark the event’s opening night. Despite a strong storm bringing heavy rain and lightning, which delayed the performance by an hour, the crowd’s excitement remained high.
The storm forced many attendees to seek shelter briefly. But once the rain cleared and sunlight peeked through the clouds, the Snowbirds delivered a full, high-altitude aerial display. Hundreds gathered along the beaches, filled Okanagan Lake Park, and watched from various viewpoints around the lake, including Munson Mountain.
Before the Snowbirds took flight, other aerial entertainment thrilled the audience. The Canadian Tire Mega Motocross team set up just outside Okanagan Lake Park, delivering two exciting shows on the festival’s opening day.
More motocross shows are planned for August 7 and 8, with performances scheduled at noon and 3 p.m. each day.
The Skyhawks parachute team also wowed the crowd. They made several passes over the festival, dropping both the British Columbia and Canadian flags while leaving colorful smoke trails in the sky. Their daring stunts added to the festival’s vibrant atmosphere.
However, the wind that signaled the coming storm affected the Skyhawks’ performance. One parachutist had a tough landing but was able to stand up with help from teammates and medical staff present on site.
The Penticton Peach Festival runs through August 10, offering a packed schedule of entertainment and events. A highlight will be the grand parade on August 9, promising fun for all ages.
