It's the height of summer's hazy, lazy days of heat so what better time to seek out an oasis of fun than with the Desert Daze Festival at Spences Bridge.

On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the third annual festival amps up the old school grounds with a jam-packed musical line-up, a variety of activities and contests and all the delicious local fruit and vegetables you can eat.

"We've planned more activities for festival-goers this year," says Maya Chang, festival co-ordinator. "Our pickling workshop is back by popular demand and we have more vendors attending. This year, we're excited to have guitar, writing, yoga, music history, and drumming workshops all taking place inside the school."

The festival kicks off on Friday with an aboriginal welcome ceremony by the Siska Indian Band drummers.

Surrounded by towering desert mountains, more than 20 acts will perform on an outdoor stage including favourite local musicians include Richie and the Fendermen from Lytton, Flat Busted from Spences Bridge and Mudville from Ashcroft.

The apple-bobbing and seed-spitting contests return as staples and one of the most popular events of the festival.

The seed-spitting champion spat 27 feet and 10 inches last year on his third try, according to Steve Rice, activity organizer and festival emcee. And the apple bob, which is so popular with the kids, timed in at 21 apples in 30 seconds.

Kite-flyer Dale Pattison has also been added to the program to fly his 11-metre show kite.

"I find it really relaxing, you go out there and you just fly your kite and you think about nothing," Pattison said. "I just love it, it's my passion."

For more information on artists performing at the third annual Desert Daze Festival, volunteering and workshops, visit www.desertdaze.ca. 

Tickets on sale at the gate range from $10 to $60.