By Brennan Phillips
Special to the Western News
More than 150 vendors will takeover the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre over the April 21 and 22 Earth Day weekend.
“Spring, and renewal, and a celebration of the Earth. That’s the theme for the market,” said Laurel Burnham, the Okanagan Makers Spring Market organizer.
The entire weekend is focused on supporting a greener future, including the workshops. Some of the workshop topics are recycling, composting, do-it-yourself solar projects, natural probiotics and gardening.
“We hope these are workshops that inspire people,” said Burnham. “It’s all about engaging the community, and encouraging and inspiring them to try new things. Supporting the community is important, because the local community, its health, the health of our environment, the health of the Earth; it’s all connected.”
One of the workshops Burnham makes note of is the Here Comes The Sun solar energy workshop on April 21. This workshop will require a seperate $40 ticket to attend, and will run longer than the other workshops — from 1 p.m. until 4. The workshop will feature 30 different DIY solar energy projects for attendees to learn about, from solar ovens to dryers.
“People talk a lot about solar energy, but what what we really need to do is do something, to try things. We need everyone to get on the bandwagon,” said Burnham. “We’ve never had a solar energy workshop like this in the community before.”
Among the 150 vendors, there will be a seed swap table, organic seeds and bedding plants birdhouses, bird feeders and yard art, along with jewellery, art work, childrens clothing and a great selection of locally produced agricultural products. In addition to the many crafts vendors, feature there will also be a large number of food vendors, for those interested in attending all day.
“There’s going to be upcycled wood products, bird houses, all kinds of great food products, sustainable living products of all kinds, and many different types of crafts.” Burnham added. “We’ll have just about everything possible, and everything will be from the community.”
There will also be entertainment, featuring live musicians and live painting. Groups such as the Meadowlark Festival, the Children for a Better Future Learning Society, South Okanagan Naturalists and more will also have booths.
“It’s going to be a great big celebration,” Burnham said. “Markets like this are all about bringing the community together.”
The market will open at 10 a.m. and run until 5 p.m. on April 21 and until 4 p.m. on April 22 (Earth Day). Admission is $5 for adults and free for children under 12. The ticket also provides access to a variety of workshops going on over the weekend. The first 50 attendees each day will receive their own bag they can customize at the event.
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