Wakefest banned in Kelowna - KELOWNA.CityGuide.ca

Wakefest banned in Kelowna

Kelowna's annual summer event 'Wakefest' which attracts thousands of tourists to the city every year has been banned for the next year. RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) believes that Wakefest attracts negative elements to the town and people visit the city not for the sporting event but to drink and party.

Many Kelowna residents and youngsters are disappointed by this news. They are complaining that Kelowna will become just another sleepy little community for the old people. Some businessmen are upset as they think they will lose a lot of business but according to the Mayor Sharon Shepherd:

The economic benefits of Wakefest don't justify the expense of bringing in a riot squad to control it.

Although the Wakefest has been cancelled for 2008 but it might be hosted by Kelowna in 2009. However, Wakefest sponsors are not happy with Kelowna's response and have started their search for another city to host this festival.

Read more about it:

Wakefest shuts down

Wakefest becomes Drunkfest

Kelowna Capital News

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[ READER COMMENTS ]

1

Tascha said:

I understand where your concerns are at with 'wakefest becoming drunkfest' but the thing is that people from all around the world travel to Kelowna for this particular sporting event. I'm from Ontario and for the past 3 summers I traveled out West to attend. I am very disappointed about the citys decision not to have wakefest this year. The question I pose to you is how is one year without this event in Kelowna going to draw away 'party go-ers' ? It makes no sense to have the event cancelled for this summer, yet are looking at having it back in summer 09'. Anyways I just wanted to voice my opinons on this issue. The city of Kelowna is going to be losing so much in terms of tourists and money as a result to this decision. Personally, I am very disappointed. Hope you all have thought carefully about what your doing to your tourism industry in Kelowna.

Posted at 04:01 PM, on November 11 2007

2

Aditi said:

Thanks Tascha for sharing your opinion with the readers. I can understand your concern. So many of my friends feel the same way as you do.

Posted at 12:18 AM, on November 13 2007

3

Sam Moffatt said:

Hello I would just like to say that I am extremely disappointed that wakefest is not going to take place in 2008. Im from Wisconsin and was stoked to be going this year. Do you know if there is an alternate city that they are going to have the event take place. Thanks,
Sam

Posted at 04:39 PM, on February 16 2008

4

ryan said:

Wakefest is the best event in kelowna and its the best that has ever happened to Kelowna. Ur shutting it down just because people are having partys and are drinking. Well of course there gunna do that and its only once every year.I think you can handle a few partys and drunk people. but for sure if you cancel it in 2008 you can bet that there not coming back in 2009 cuz you guys screwed it up!! Thanks

Posted at 10:59 PM, on March 26 2008

5

Eli Lngworth said:

You guys are making a big mistake. It makes kelowna so much better for tourism. Imagine how much money you make on that each year. I dont want you guys to ruin it for everyone especially all the kids and teens that want to learn new tricks and enjoy the fun time,
If u guys end up doing this itll be the worst mistake.
If you guys move it to a different city you might lose it forever.

Posted at 11:54 PM, on March 26 2008

6

Melissa Wyant said:

Even though its been banned this year, people are still going to show up around the same time as last year, and probably party harder, and create more chaos! So I think the city should rethink this, cuz wakefest will still happen in its own way whether they like it or not. It rocks, deal with it. We all party!

Posted at 01:36 PM, on April 3 2008

7

Pete said:

Im from toronto, and Wakestock had a 4 day sellout last year, on the toronto islands, where you had to take a ferry to get there, and it was amazing. There were cops, but they only bugged the dumb drunks. The cops here just want to pick on anybody under thier age to show there control Just like most of the older people in this city, they don't realise how much money younger people bring into this city. If they want to solve a problem in this city, come clean up downtown of all the crackheads and junkies who are doing drugs on teh street and breaking into peoples cars.

Posted at 05:02 AM, on April 15 2008

8

HUGH Jorgan said:

Well i am Bathtub racer and was looking forward to coming up and spending time and visiting in kelowna . From the sounds of it sounds like the "old" people should move aside and let the majority of the people who support the economy make some choices for there own city but I am sure Nanaimo would love to have the Wakefest. Here we are used to people who enjoy having a good time! Perhaps Kelowna should put on Bingo fest or something a little bit more there style . As far as going there next year you can pretty much guarantee that no one will show! So save your hype for the old folks and make Bingo/shuffle board fest, that's where you need to focus your energy! oh and good luck. I hope it brings in a couple dollars! Maybe one day you can have a walker race.The first person to the finish who doesn't die wins!!

Posted at 04:28 PM, on May 5 2008

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