By Brennan Phillips
Special to the Western News
Spring has arrived in the Okanagan, and with it, the upcoming opening of the Penticton Farmers’ and Community Markets.
“It’s a very exciting time of year/ Customers in the South Okanagan look forward to opening day. The market gets people outside. It’s a fun place to shop, see friends and check out what’s new this season,” said Penticton Farmers’ Market manager Erin Trainer.
Related:Penticton Farmers’ Market ready for business
The Farmers’ Market will open for it’s 28th season on April 21 at 8:30 a.m. and Trainer said expect to find early season produce including greens, rhubarb, asparagus, locally-roasted coffee, fresh baking, handmade crafts, bedding plants, eggs, honey and a selection of local liquor vendors.
The Penticton Farmers’ Market Society elected a new president, Emilie Thoueille. She runs a farm stand called Organic Only and has been involved in the market since 2015. This year there will be about 100 vendors participating.
“Because of our limited space, and high demand to participate, the board of directors has to be selective when approving applications,” said Thoueille. “All vendors must come from the South Okanagan; they must make, bake or grow everything they bring to the market and the owner or the primary producer of the produce must participate in the market. We have a strict set of rules and regulations, but this helps keep our market a truly authentic farmers’ market.”
Motorists are reminded that starting April 21, the 100 block of Main Street will be closed to traffic from 6 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on all Saturdays through to Oct. 27.
The Downtown Penticton Association’s Community Market, which operates in the 200 block of Main Street and along Front Street, opens Saturday, May 12.