Drive-Ins, Wineries and Antiques

When traveling, I try to fi nd places and activities that are unique, something diff erent that what I have done or seen before. In July we took a trip which easily fulfi lled these requirements. In the next three columns I will write about the Drive-In movie theatre, wineries and the towns and attractions of the Kettle Valley and Highway #3. Not only are all these locations spectacular in their own right, but there is some much to do in and around the area, plus you can make a circle driving route going out via Highway #1 and 97 and returning via 97 and highway 3. Th is will provide you with a variety of things to do and see which includes world-class wineries, spectacular scenery and the added bonus of great antique and art galleries/businesses located in the numerous small towns on Highway 3.

Th e Starlight Drive-In, Enderby B.C.Th e main purpose of my last trip was to visit the drive-in movie theater in Enderby BC. Th ere are only a few Drive-In movie theatres left and this one is unique. Over the last twenty years around 200 drive-ins a year have been closing. I am glad to report this trend has been reversing in the last two years. Last year alone 50 Drive-Ins have reopened across North America. It is still hard to fi nd one but there are some gems around.

Th e Starlight Drive-in is such a gem and is found two miles south of Enderby BC. Th e neon sign, announcing the theatre, is the original sign from the 1950’s and is easily seen from Highway 97. Th ey have, of course, updated the sound and projection system and concession stand, but before the movie and during the intermission they still run the old commercials with the dancing hot dogs etc. Enderby is located in the northern part of the Okanagan Valley, where the valley is the narrowest, this means the mountains provide a shelter from the wind and dusk comes early providing an early start time to the daily double feature. Going to this Drive-In is a total evening experience for the theatre goers. Th e gates open at 6:30pm and the movies start at dusk. You might wonder why they would open the gates a good three hours before the fi rst movie. Well, going to this Drive-In is more than just a night at the movies for the audience. Many people arrive right at 6:30 and fi nd a great place to park then get out the BBQ’s, lawn chairs, tables and cook their evening meal. Aft er this, they bring out the sports equipment and play frisbee, football, soccer or lawn darts. Families make a complete and entire evening of their visit. When it gets time for the movie to start you see air mattresses being blown up, reclining lawn chairs or blankets being readied to provide a comfortable way for families to watch the movie. People with trucks oft en back into the space and use the box, lined with blankets and pillows, as a place to watch the movies. You will notice many families bringing a portable stereo/radio unit so they can listen without having to be in the vehicle. As you can imagine it is great for parents not to have to worry if the children are still and quiet! Some people do sit in their trucks or cars but not many, especially for the fi rst show. You are also allowed to bring your dog to the movie. One of the two movies will be a latest release and the other one (usually the later one) will be a month or two old.

Th e town of Enderby, located near Armstrong BC is a small town with one hotel, the Howard Johnson, which provides excellent accommodation and eating facilities. In addition, there are other wonderful eating establishments around the town. Th ere is a pub/café located on the river which has super home baking and light meals. Being in BC the wine selection is outstanding and they have three micro brews on tap. Th ere is also a great fi sh and chip shop where you can always get fresh halibut and chips. Around the town are also a couple of great camping areas. Of course, being only a short distance to Vernon means you can stay here and partake of all the city of Vernon has to off er.

In the next column I will talk about wineries in the valley.

Travel Tips by Alan Howard

Wayne Elhard, MLA Cypress Hills Constituency

401 Redcoat DriveEastend, SK S0N 0T0

295-3688 or 1-877-703-3374www.wayneelhard.ca

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Eastend Health & Gift /Rexall is Hiring

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S0N0T0

Topics at Eastend Town Council Meeting. Full Minutes available at www.eastendecho.ca

Meeting held June 13th, 2012 at 7:30 P.M. in the Council Chambers.

Mayor Scott Morvik presiding. Councillors Present: Bryce Busse Cameron VanSandt Charles Michel Stephanie Morris Dennis Webster Kendal McCuaig Administrator Edna Laturnus was present. DELEGATIONS: 7:45 p.m. – Mr. Clint Lewis, Foreman Mayor Morvik called the meeting to order at 7:30 P.M. 191/12 Bank Reconciliation 192/12 Financial Statement 193/12 Accounts 195/12 Draft Zoning Bylaw 196/12 Transit Van 197/12 Wolf Willow Trust 198/12 ‘summer employment’ 199/12 ratepayer’s meeting, 200/12 Cypress Hills Destination Area Plan 201/12 Water Reports 202/12 Maternity Leave 203/12 Municipal Election 204/12 Southwest Waste Management Authority 205/12 ‘Slo Pitch’ Soft ball 206/12 Tree Trimming 207/12 Mosquito Control 208/12 House Placement 209/12 Public Health Report 210/12 Swimming Pool 211/12 Littering Bylaw 215/12 correspondence

S T R E A M B A N KG O L F C O U R S E

“Cattlemans”4 Person Best Ball Golf Tournament

August 11thRegistration 9 AM,

Tee off @ 10AM$75 Per Person. 2 Rounds.Organizers choose teams

Gift Prizes and Ca$h Prizes

Lunch and steak supper included.