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O’Keefe Ranch celebrates

O’Keefe Ranch officially launches its season May 6 as part of its 150th anniversary celebrations
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A North Okanagan landmark is preparing for a big birthday.

O’Keefe Ranch officially launches its season May 6 as part of its 150th anniversary celebrations.

“We are excited to open the ranch and since many school groups were already scheduled to come for tours in April and May, we decided to simply open our doors to the public early and welcome everyone,” said Glen Taylor, general manager

Curator Carla-Jean Stokes will open two brand new exhibitions in the Greenhow Museum.

They include the history of the O’Keefe Ranch in 50 objects and Staying Home: Photography, Family, Memory, which explores how people have collected photography based objects and images and how collections have changed over time.

Restoration of St. Anne’s Church is almost completed, while the multi-purpose pavilion has been expanded.

On May 6, the ranch will participate in Vernon’s Unplug and Play event thanks to sponsorship from Nixon Wenger Lawyers. For that day, children will have free admission.

Opening day at the ranch will include O’Keefe Mansion guided tours, artisan demonstrations, tractor wagon rides, pony rides, Mrs. Schubert’s baking, stagecoach rides, baby lambs to visit and a lot of old fashioned games, dress-up, and activities in the O’Keefe Kids Korner.

“Staff and volunteers have been working diligently getting the ranch ready for our visitors as we are celebrating a great milestone in Vernon and the Okanagan,” said Taylor.

The ranch will be open seven days a week until Oct. 1.