Sunday's going to be a scorcher and the forecast for the rest of the long weekend in Kamloops isn't looking too shabby, either.
There's nothing but sunshine in the days ahead with temperatures expected over 30 C each day with the potential of breaking the heat record Sunday.
The mercury's expected to rise to 38 C that day, which will knock off the high of 37 C set back in 1997, said Environment Canada meteorologist Jim Steele.
It's typical weather for this time of year, he says, with the region's hottest period running mid-July to the second week in August.
Fortunately, the humidity won't be as high as it was in June and July, which will make it a little more comfortable, said Steele.
"We can have the 35- to 37-degree weather without that Southern Ontario sticky feeling," he said.
That will be welcome news for attendees and participants of the Kamloopa Powwow at the Tk'emlups Indian Band's powwow grounds off Highway 5 and East Shuswap Road. Spectators can take in some of the continent's best aboriginal drummers and dancers at one of the largest powwows in Western Canada.
Catch a grand entry procession of the competitors today at noon and 7 p.m., as well as Sunday at noon. Admission is $10 per day.
Music in the Park dishes out free outdoor concerts at 7 p.m. daily in Riverside Park, with Neil James Harnett performing bluesy-pop tonight, Wiley playing country tunes Sunday evening and the Werewolves of Creston cranking out classic remakes on Monday.
The art-minded can stroll the North Shore Artwalk on Tranquille Road on a self-guided tour — look for a red-foot marking participating businesses, including Northills Centre.
If hunting for local eats, there are several farmers markets — today's downtown market on St. Paul Street runs from 8 a.m. until noon, and there's one at Sun Peaks on Sunday from 9:30 a.m. until the early afternoon.
Also at Sun Peaks, Canada's Alpine Blossom Festival is the place to enjoy blooming Indian paintbrush, tiger lilies and fireweed during a hike with senator and Olympic champion Nancy Greene Raine. Join her for breakfast first at Masa's at 9 a.m. first, then the Sunburst Chair opens at 9:30 a.m. to take participants up for the 4.5-hour hike.
There's also live entertainment in the village today and Sunday, plus a climbing wall, bouncy castle and kids zone.
Further south, Highland Valley Copper in Logan Lake is hosting its annual open house on Monday, a chance to tour the mine operation. It runs from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Also Monday, it's the annual B.C. Bears Day at the B.C. Wildlife Park with performances by Peter Puffin, free A&W root "bear" floats from 1 to 2 p.m. in celebration of the two grizzly cubs' birthdays and various demonstrations throughout the day.
