It's almost time for one of Canada's famed summertime celebrations.

The beloved Penticton Peach Festival, now entering its 77th year, is set to run from Aug. 7 to 11.

Thousands of tourists and live entertainers from across the globe will arrive in Penticton this week, as the city gears up to carry on a close to eight-decade tradition.

"I've grown up in Penticton and have the fondest memories of attending Peach Festival," said Shawna Tinga, president of Peachfest. "I think the tradition is alive, and so is the community spirit.

"We're going on 77 years of wonderful magical, moments."

Festival organizers this year say they're excited to welcome a strong contingency of local bands, including the Hillside Outlaws and Hip Replacements.

Peachfest will also welcome back Ontario rockers Honeymoon Suite on Aug. 10, and Scottish legends Nazareth to the main stage at Okanagan Lake Park on Aug. 7. Tim Hortons Country Night on Aug. 8, meanwhile, will feature Steven Lee Olsen and Lydia Sutherland.

Around 8,000 people are expected to fill the park each night for live music, Tinga said.

"We have so many incredible, talented artists in the Okanagan, so we're really excited to see them get that spotlight on the main stage for everyone to enjoy," she added.

At Peachfest, though, it's more about just the music.

Tinga, while sharing her excitement for the return of the Canadian Tire Mega Motocross and SkyHawks' Parachute Team at Okanagan Lake Park on Aug. 7, said she looks forward to welcoming back floats from across B.C. and Washington State for the Peter Bros. Construction Grand Parade on Aug. 10.

"It has a special place in my heart," the festival's president said of B.C. Interior's largest parade.

"It really doesn't get much better than seeing the smiling faces and waving hands of thousands of spectators downtown."

Tinga, the first woman to serve as Peachfest's president, says more than 100 volunteers will be on the ground next week to help make the festival a reality.

Those efforts will succeed hundreds of hours the more than 20 volunteers, including Tinga, have spent planning for the five-day event.

"Without the volunteers and community support, I don't think Peach Festival would have run this long."

Peachfest 2024 kicks off Wednesday morning, Aug. 7, with the Home Hardware Kids Zone inside Gyro Park.

A full Peach Festival schedule can be found