October 28, 1999

OGOPOGO COMES HOME TO VERNON

VERNON tourism

PRESS RELEASE

No one knows how long Ogopogo has been thrashing the waters of Lake Okanagan, but we do know that "Ogopogo" originated in the City of Vernon.

In 1924, the word "Ogopogo" was first heard during a luncheon at Vernon's Kalamalka Hotel when W.H Brimblecombe sang a tune about the elusive sea monster repeatedly sited in our lake. The lyrics go something like this:

"...looking for the Ogopogo, the funny little Ogopogo.
His mother was an earwig, his father was a snail
I'm going to put a little bit of salt on his tail ..."

The City of Vernon was assigned the literary and artistic copyright in 1956 by Mr. A.G. Seabrook, who wanted to ensure that the Ogopogo remained a "free creature". Over the years, the City of Vernon's copyright ownership has been recognized and permission to use the logo has been granted by City Council.

Vernon Tourism has decided to bring Ogopogo home. Vernon City Council has endorsed the 2000 marketing campaign to reinstate "Ogopogo" as Vernon's community ambassador.

While other North Okanagan communities have laid claim to Ogopogo, it is written in history that the original home of Ogopogo is in Vernon. One theory is that Ogopogo live off Squally Point near Peachland. Our theory, also recorded in history, is that Ogopogo lives in an underwater cave between Lake Okanagan and Kalamalka Lake. "That's our theory and we are sticking to it" says Vernon Tourism President, Ken Buchanan. "Other communities may feel that they can lay claim to Ogopogo. Lake Okanagan is 70 miles long so it's obvious that he would be spotted in many places. We are prepared to share his celebrity, but we know that his home is here."

Vernon Tourism plans to recognize one of our most famous residents by including "Ogopogo's story" in the 2000 Visitor Guide. We will be branding Vernon through the Ogopogo logo, special products and "Ogopogo Approved" events to encourage tourists and visitors to our region.

We are very pleased that the Funtastic Society is supporting our marketing efforts and has included the Ogopogo on their new Funtastic sign. Their support is invaluable as they promote Vernon throughout Western Canada and the US.