Kalamalka Bowl cancelled due to fires

The raging wildfires in the region have resulted in the cancellation of next week’s Kal Tire Kalamalka Bowl between University of B.C. and University of Alberta football squads.

Two-thousand people were expected at the second annual event featuring top teams in Canadian university football.

The game was scheduled for Wednesday, Aug 23 at the Greater Vernon Athletics Park in Coldstream.

Travel uncertainty, available accommodation spaces and health of the players are all thought to be factors in the cancellation.

The cancellation includes the youth skills camp scheduled for Aug. 22 at the Greater Vernon Athletics Park.

Sean Smith, president of the Kalamalka Bowl Society, said the decision was made to cancel the events in full consultation with the head coaches of the teams.

“As much as both teams were very excited to travel to Vernon, experience our event, and play their first game of the year, everyone involved understands that given the current state of our region we had to make a decision that is respectful for our community and safest for our participants and spectators,” Smith said.

The Kalamalka Bowl Society is working with Eventbrite, their ticket purchasing company, to facilitate full refunds for purchased tickets to both the game and skills camp. More information will be emailed directly to customers.

The society thanks the community, the City of Vernon, North Okanagan Regional District, the District of Coldstream and all sponsors and suppliers for the great support building up to the large community event.

The society gives special appreciation to Kal Tire, the title sponsor, along with beer tent sposnsor Okanagan Spring Brewery and other sponsors: Armstrong Regional Co-op, Boston Pizza, CarveWell Creations, Castanet, Celebrate Okanagan Signs, Team Charter Services, Lake Country Storage, Marble Slab Creamery, NAPA Auto Parts, Nixon Wenger LLP, NOR-VAL Rentals, Pleasant Valley Dental and Prestige Hotels & Resorts.