Rachel Bland

Board Chair

Rachel brings a wealth of artistic and event planning experience to the board. Having been involved in theatre and live events since high school days, she spent 15 years as a Canadian Equity Stage Manager with many productions across Canada including over 300 performances of Beauty and the Beast. Also an Event Manager, Rachel had the opportunity to be involved with the 2010 Winter Olympic Ceremonies as well as countless concerts and private events. As a child, Rachel loved to go sledding and playing hide and seek, activities which she still enjoys doing with her two young boys. Her favourite childhood entertainer is Raffi and her favourite ice cream is Maple Walnut, although she loved Tiger flavour as a kid.

Samara Bradford

Treasurer

Raquel Meriam

Secretary

Raquel's professional journey includes diverse roles, from Recreation Coordinator, Events and Film with the City of Penticton, to Marketing Manager with Travel Penticton, and presently, as the Digital Marketing Manager at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre. Joining the KidzFest Board, Raquel aims to contribute her expertise in marketing, social media, and website management while working alongside fellow board members to collectively shape the festival's future —an event her daughters love attending each year. While her daughters may be outgrowing it, "Little Blue Truck" remains Raquel's favourite go-to story to read.

Shelley Clarke

Director at Large

Bryce Munro

Director at Large

Bryce Munro is a member of The International Alliance of Theatrical and Stage Employees locals 118 and 891. Working currently as a Key Rigging Grip on feature films and TV series like Virgin River and Antlers, previously he worked on the opening and closing ceremonies for the 2010 Olympics and Canadian tour with American rapper Pitt Bull.

Bryce is excited to be back in Penticton and raising a family, reliving memories from his childhood and doing things he loved including bike riding, eating vanilla ice cream and hiking in the mountains. Bryce’s favorite childhood book was Dan the flying Man.

Matt Oviatt

Director at Large

Matt is a professional live event contractor and member of Iatse locals 118 & 250, and manages cycling events such as the Megavolt and the BC bike race, a 7 day mountain bike stage race, and has been technical director or production manager for many BC based companies, including Ballet BC, Theatre under the stars, the Roundhouse, URP, Savage Society, Itsazoo Productions, and Dancers of Damelahamid. He is also a key member of the operations teams for Rifflandia, Harmony Arts, and Sunfest music festivals, among others. Joining the Kidzfest board is an exciting opportunity to be a part of and help grow a vibrant arts community at home in Penticton. As a voracious reader from an early age, he couldn't be more pleased with 2024's theme. His favorite childhood book series was Redwall, by Brian Jacques.