Coffee with a local event planner: Sarah

Sarah Wood

Vernon

Sarah W. is one of our amazing contributors sharing her Okanagan experiences on the blog. Find her post about a fun day spent sampling unreleased wines with Red Lips Wine Sips and a group of Okanagan ladies. Let’s get to know this fresh and spirited event planner!

HOK: Tell us about yourself!

Sarah: Hi, my name is Sarah or also known as Okanagan Events Girl (@okgneventsgirl). I lived in Vernon last Summer and worked at the Kelowna Yacht Club. As of May, I will be in Penticton to work with Dream Big Weddings and Events as an event assistant. I am excited to get summer started, enjoying the weather, the culture and of course the wine. I have a background in Tourism and Events and I see the Okanagan as a fantastic place to showcase my skills.

HOK: How long have you lived/played in the Okanagan?

Sarah: I have lived and worked in the Okanagan for two Summers now. Coming back from University I loved the liveliness the valley has to offer and I have decided to move here permanently (sorry Alberta).

HOK: What do you love most about the Okanagan?

Sarah: My favourite aspect about the Okanagan Valley is the lifestyle it provides. Growing up in a busy and bustling city (Calgary) the Okanagan provides a creative and supportive community for individuals that want to pave their own way in life and their careers. The other aspect of the Okanagan that I love is that from almost anywhere you can see the water, whether that’s driving to a winery, going to the beach, or meeting a friend for coffee.

HOK: How would you describe the Okanagan culture to someone who hasn’t been here before?

Sarah: The culture in the Okanagan is like no other. A casual Sunday is wine touring with family/friends and enjoying the valley views while snacking on local foods. A relaxed and social vibe makes it a wonderful mix of vacation town and everyday living.

HOK: What are your favourite spring/summer/fall or winter activities?

Sarah: My favourite fall activity to participate in is going to Davison Orchards in Vernon because they have the most amazing pumpkin displays during thanksgiving (as pictured below). Not to mention they have delicious pies and pastries and there is something fun for everyone at Davisons. My personal favourite is their berry ice cream, and they make it right in front of you!

HOK: Where do you take out of town guests to share the best of the Okanagan?

Sarah: I always take them to O’Rourke’s Peak Cellars because they have the best Pizza and Wine deal! ($40 for a bottle of wine and pizza between 3-5pm daily)

HOK: If you have a whole weekend off in the Okanagan, what would you do with your time?

Sarah: I would spend my weekend strolling through downtown Kelowna, grabbing a coffee and heading to the beach to enjoy the view.

HOK: Tell me about your Okanagan community. Who are they? How did you meet your community and what do you love about them?

Sarah: This community is AMAZING! They are creative, inspiring and unique. This community is filled with creatives who are making their mark on the world by sharing their talents with our local community. My community is the wedding and events industry and I met my community by being an event assistant for a variety of wedding planners in the Okanagan such as Mint Julep Creative Events, Dream Big Okanagan, Top Knot Weddings and Champagne & Vows

HOK: What do you think makes the Okanagan unique and special?

Sarah: You can touch on anything from the territory, the wine culture, the art scene, raising a family here, outdoor activities etc. Coming from my events and tourism background I see the Okanagan as a true Canadian events and vacation destination with the stunning vineyards and orchards available for weddings and events.

HOK: Name a woman in the Okanagan that inspires you.

Sarah: Dani of Earthling Stone Wear (@earthlingstonewear) and I worked together as event assistants last Summer! She always made me laugh and look forward to work. She has been the most supportive person for me; inspiring and encouraging me to follow my dreams, work hard, and not be concerned about everyone else’s stage. Dani’s ability to make people laugh and show people how to enjoy the little things in life is truly remarkable. Dani makes beautiful handmade jewellery from stones, you should definitely check out her page.