(MARSHALL JONES / iNFOnews.ca)
October 03, 2020 - 2:30 PM
With COVID-19 restrictions on gatherings in place, Thompson Okanagan Christmas markets have been cancelled or won’t be occurring in the same format this year.
Here’s the latest from markets across the region:
Kelowna
Craft Culture
No Craft Culture markets will be held this year including Kelowna’s largest Christmas market.
“Despite our best efforts, there's just no way to make any of our markets work, big or small. Safety is the number one priority and we respect the measures put in place by our province to protect our community,” organizers wrote in a recent Facebook post.
Winter Street Market
Downtown Kelowna’s Winter Street Market is currently under review, according to its website. The market typically takes place along Water Street and in Stuart Park in December to welcome the holiday season.
Penticton
Artisan Christmas Market
The eighth annual artisan market is still scheduled for Nov. 7-8 at this time at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre, according to Penticton’s events website, but the website warns residents to check back for updates as events may be postponed or cancelled due to COVID-19.
SS Sicamous Christmas Craft Market
The Christmas market is still scheduled for Nov. 28-29 at this time at the SS Sicamous.
Kamloops
The Kamloops & District BC SPCA Christmas Craft Fair
The annual craft fair held at TRU has been cancelled this year. The event is typically held in November.
Vernon
Vernon Presents... A Festival Of Crafts
The event has been cancelled for 2020, according to the festival’s Facebook page. This year will be the event’s 20th anniversary at Kal Tire Place.
“It’s with a heavy heart that I write you today to let you know that the 2020 Vernon Presents… A Festival of Crafts & Gifts will not be going ahead. I feel it is important that I provide you with further details on my persistent efforts to try and find a way to proceed with the event this year,” writes the festival organizer on its Facebook page.
Vancouver
The Vancouver Christmas Market has been postponed until 2021 due to COVID-19. The market hinted on its website that it will be providing something for festival goers from the comfort of their homes.
"It is with deep regret that we announce the Vancouver Christmas Market is postponed until 2021. Unfortunately, with the current safety guidelines we could not get approval for the 2020 Vancouver Christmas Market," organizers posted in a statement on the market's Instagram page.
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