Lake Country Chamber of Commerce

06/18/2026

Throwback Thursday: This week, we are featuring the history of Gatzke Orchards. The family has been farming since 1929 and is a longtime-loved local spot and tourist attraction for produce, canned goods, pies, and more! Thank you, Gatzkes, for serving our community and being a member of the Chamber!

Lake Country Museum & Archives writes: Wanda and Leo Gatzke married in 1931 and bought their first orchard in 1939, which they expanded to 60 acres over the next 20 years. The fruit stand building was built in 1965 and demolished for highway widening in the late 80s. The fruit stand then moved to the farm building, built in 1944 (top picture). When the Gatzkes retired in 1980, son Bernie and grandson Alan took over. Alan and his wife, Ingrid, still run the business and have had to adapt to survive the highway changes, including a move into agri-tourism.

📍Support local and check out Gatzke Orchards the next time you are in Oyama!

06/16/2026

Looking for ways to have some fun and show your appreciation for Dad this Father’s Day? The Lake Country Chamber members have plans for you that will last all day! 🎣

Save and Share this ultimate Lake Country Father’s Day schedule:
8 am - Wood Lake RV Park $2 Pancake breakfast 8-11 am and kids crafts from 1-3 pm
8 am - Jammery Breakfast
11 am - Get a discounted zip with Oyama Zipline and discover Lake Country from the trees!
12 pm - Father’s Day BBQ at Peak Cellars & Garden Bistro 12-4 pm
1 pm - Beaver Lake Lodge fishing and boat rentals
3 pm - Rosehill Orchard Father’s Day BBQ from 12-5pm, with drink specials and a couple of specials: Smokie and beer $15, Cider flight or bottle with smokie $20
6 pm - Ex Nihilo smoked ribs and red with live music by Colin Calnan from 6-8 pm

Thank you to our members for being apart of the Lake Country Chamber!

06/15/2026

Member Spotlight: Lake Country Museum & Archives

Preserving the stories, artifacts, and history that make our community unique, the Lake Country Museum & Archives plays an important role in connecting residents and visitors to our local heritage.

From insightful exhibits and historical collections to educational programs and community events, the museum helps bring Lake Country's past to life while inspiring future generations.

We had the opportunity to meet with executive director Lynn Fenelli to learn more about the museum, their work, their impact on our community, and what visitors can look forward to this season.

📍 Be sure to stop by and discover the stories that have shaped Lake Country into the place we know today.

06/11/2026

Wanting to make plans? Our Chamber members have got you covered from June 12-19th, so you can mark your calendars full! More info about these events is available below, or find our members in the business directory on our website (link in bio)!

📍Ex Nihilo: Live music with singer/songwriter Jeff Hansen from 7-9 pm. You will experience his Originals, Country, Classic Rock, Oldies, and R&B!

📍Invati Yoga: Nervous System Reset from 5-7:30 pm, Book a spot through their website events portal.

📍Arrowleaf Cellars: Paws It Forward Dog Adoption Event from 11 am-2 pm, meet the dogs up for adoption, learn about the foundation, and buy a glass of wine – a portion of the proceeds will be donated to PIF!

📍Rose Hill Orchard: Live Music in the Orchard with Jolie Anastasia and lots of family fun, good drinks, and food! Join them from 5-7 pm!

📍Peak Cellars & Garden Bistro: Enjoy an afternoon of wine, good food and live music with Giselle Sanderson from 2-4 pm

📍Lake Country Art Gallery: SafeSpace for teens led by Amy Van Dongen an Okanagan-based artist & art therapist who holds a Fine Arts Degree from University of Waterloo and a Graduate Diploma from the Kutenai Art Therapy Institute.
- Lake Country Art House, 10356 Bottom Wood Lake Rd, Lake Country, BC V4V 1T9, Canada
- Aged 13-17 | Drop-in wellness program where participants can access self-awareness through the creative process.

📍Lake Country Museum & Archives: Dyane Thomson talks on Lake Country History – email lakecountryseniorcentre.com for more!

📍Lake Country Farmers Market: It is that time of year again, the Lake Country Farmers Market is back on from 3-7 pm this Friday at Swalwell Park!

06/10/2026

06/08/2026

Member Spotlight: Lake Country Auto

This week, we’re proud to spotlight Lake Country Auto — a trusted local business dedicated to keeping our community safely on the road through reliable service, skilled workmanship, and a customer-first approach. From routine maintenance and diagnostics to more complex repairs, their experienced team is known for honest service, clear communication, and attention to detail every step of the way.

The next time your vehicle needs a little extra care, remember to support local and visit Lake Country Auto! Thank you Lake Country Auto for being part of our Chamber community.

📧 [email protected]
📞 1-250-766-4200
🌐 lakecountryauto.ca

06/05/2026

Member Spotlight: Oyama Sunblush

This week, we’re highlighting a locally owned bakery that truly does it all! From classic baked goods like pies, cookies, muffins, bread, and buns to house-made canning (salsa, pickles, jams & more), Oyama Sunblush is a community favourite.

They also offer take-home dinners plus vegan and gluten-free options—something for everyone! 🙌

Support local and treat yourself next time you’re in Oyama!

06/04/2026

Throwback Thursday is a new series on our Lake Country Chamber social channels, where we share stories and facts about our business community and the place we’re proud to call home. We’ve partnered with one of our members, Lake Country Museum & Archives to highlight the business community history. To learn more about Lake Country visit them in person at 11255 Okanagan Centre Rd W or follow them

This week we share Oyama general store history. Early records show local general stores operating as early as 1908 at the corner of Oyama Road and Highway 97. The Oyama store (pictured on the top) quickly became a multifaceted pillar for the community; providing petrol, postage, and of course, general grocery and convenience products

Today, the current Oyama General Store carries on that tradition as a family-owned community hub and popular stop along the Okanagan Rail Trail. We encourage you to visit the Oyama General Store and the Lake Country Museum & Archives to support local and learn more about the stories that shaped our community.

06/03/2026

June is National Indigenous History Month, a time to honour the history, culture, and diversity of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples across the country and within our communities. As a business community and organization that operates on the traditional, unceded territories of the Syilx/Okanagan Peoples, we recognize the important role Indigenous Peoples have played in shaping our communities, economies, and shared future.

Throughout this month, we encourage members and the Lake Country community to learn more about the history, unique cultures, traditions, and lived experiences of Indigenous Peoples, who have called this land home since time immemorial and whose presence continues to shape Canada today.

To learn more about National Indigenous History Month:

Visit: https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1466616436543/1534874922512

Follow: Lake Country Museum & Archives as they will begin sharing articles and excerpts from the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA), highlighting the importance of learning, honouring, and engaging with Truth and Reconciliation.