Going to a farmers' market in Kamloops, Okanagan? Bring a mask
It's a sure sign of spring and that summer can't be too far away. Farmers' markets are moving back outside in the Okanagan and Kamloops.
In a big change from last season, farmers' markets in the province will be allowed by public health officials to sell non-food items. But also new is the requirement vendors and customers mask-up.
Kamloops Farmers’ Market manager Greg Unger says the market starts this Saturday, April 17 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., in 200 block of St Paul Street and the Stuart Wood schoolyard with most vendors available. The Kamloops Wednesday market starts in early May in the 400 block of Victoria Street in front of the library, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
“The province has said everyone can attend, so we will have farmers and crafters. We may even have a musician performing. New this year is mandatory use of masks,” Unger says.
Other COVID-19 protocols initiated last year will also be in place, but Unger says because of the outdoor nature of the event non-food vendors will be allowed to participate this year.
The Vernon Farmers’ Market begins its season Thursday, April 15, in the Kal Tire Place parking lot.
Live walkthrough.. what a Great opening Market ????
Posted by Vernon Farmer's Market on Thursday, April 15, 2021
Market coordinator Amanda Fallis says the market will be held Mondays and Thursdays through the summer from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
“We’ve got about 55 vendors with about 140 during peak season. We have a surprising number of farmers tomorrow. I imagine there will be storage crops, early greens and perhaps some greenhouse produce,” Fallis says.
The Vernon market will also have prepared foods, seedlings, liquor, eggs and crafters. Fallis says personal services, such as massage, Henna or prayer tents will be the only things missing due to COVID-19 protocols, although social distancing and crowd limits will apply.
The Kelowna Farmers’ Market began its seasonal run on April 3.
Market coordinator Francis Callaghan says the market is open every Saturday and Wednesday through the summer at the corner of Springfield Road and Dillworth Avenue in Kelowna. The market has started with 100 vendors, including farmers, crafters and artisans.
“Farmers are selling beets and carrots, new seedlings and tomato plants... All COVID-19 safety protocols are in place and we are recommending all customers wear a mask,” Callaghan says.
Penticton Farmers’ Market manager Linda Van Alphen said in an email the Penticton market will begin its season Saturday, April 17 at 8:30 a.m.
The market, in the 100 block of Main Street, is expected to start the year with 35 to 39 vendors, increasing to 56 later in the season.
Penticton's market will operate under COVID-19 protocols similar to last season’s, with a restriction to 50 customers at a time using a single entry point at Main Street and Lakeshore Drive. Only produce and food products will be sold at this time.
— This story was updated at 10:07 a.m. Thursday, April 15, 2021 to add a video.
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