Get Ready to Move Indoors! The Kamloops Farmers Market is Switching Venues
This summer was fabulous for the Kamloops Farmers Market vendors and shoppers. The growing season was long and diverse, making for a thriving market. Thankfully, there were fewer smoky days, too. But there was another reason for the fabulous turnout this year: the weather cooperated. Weather is a key factor for the market, as the summer market is held outdoors. However, as autumn settles in and temperatures creep lower, there is no point in pushing the envelope—it's time to move things indoors!
Every year, the Saturday Kamloops Farmers Market moves to their indoor location from the first Saturday in November until the beginning of March. Don't worry, though; the indoor market is just as much fun as the outdoor one. The shelter provides a cosy respite from the chilly weather while offering an impressive array of produce and handcrafted items. Besides being indoors, much of the market (including many vendors) remains the same. The manager for the Kamloops Farmers Market, Greg Unger, sums it up nicely: "All the same components are there; it's just in a smaller package."
The top three things the Kamloops Farmers Market is known for are the fabulous local foods, artisan crafts, and fresh produce. Greg says these three things don't change much from summer to winter. You might, however, be surprised to learn that there is another magnetic attraction to the market. What is it, you ask? "The people," says Greg. "A real camaraderie is formed between the market vendors, with good-natured bantering and a thriving bartering between the stalls." Newcomers to the market often mention this, Greg says, and many market regulars come as much for the fun, energetic atmosphere as for the wares available. "Our goal is to promote local food and bring people together, which we can do year-round—even with many of the same vendors."
This year, the format will be similar to last winter. The market will once again be held at the Mount Paul Community Centre, situated at 140 Laburnum Street. "Over the years, we have tried a few different places, and this is our second year at the Mount Paul Community Centre," Greg tells me. The reason they are staying put is the vibrant energy the space permits.
Moving inside comes with some restrictions, the primary one being space. Rather than seeing indoor space as a limitation, Greg and his team use it to their advantage. The Mount Paul Community Centre makes the most of the inner-city vibe, bringing local wares and farm-fresh goods to one central meet-and-greet location, much like a weekly meet-up of kindred souls.
Of course, the reason for the great blending of vendors and shoppers is not an accident. It is the structure of the market itself that creates a lively atmosphere. When it comes to selecting vendors, the market organizers work hard to stick to a 3-tiered strategy: Grow it, make it, or bake it. After that, they give first preference to vendors within a 100km radius of Kamloops. These ground rules result in a melting pot of produce and products that directly reflects all things Thompson Region, a kaleidoscope of the area's incredible diversity, and a fellowship of neighbours supporting neighbours. With shorter days and colder temperatures, that heart-warming environment is a beautiful place to be.
So, as the leaves change and autumn takes hold, don't fret; the great vendors at the Kamloops Farmers Market are not going anywhere. The growing season has come to a close, but there are still lots of root vegetables, squashes, garlic, and even fruits—along with a fabulous array of baking and artisan crafts.
Details for the Kamloops Farmers Market:
The Winter Market runs from the first Saturday in November to the last Saturday in February, between 10am – 2pm, at 140 Laburnum Street (Mount Paul Community Centre)
Mark your Calendars for Next Year!
The Summer Saturday market runs from the 2 of April until the last Saturday of October, 8:30 - 12:30, at the 200 block of St. Paul Street (Stuart Wood Schoolyard)
The Wednesday Market runs from the first Wednesday in May until October 30th, 8:30 - 1:30, at the 400 Block of Victoria St (TNRD Library area)
Sponsored By 
