Harvest event on weekend

PENTICTON — Dried fruits and nuts grab the spotlight at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre this Friday and Saturday.

The second annual Penticton Harvest Event, a dried fruit and nut sale, features fresh products from Rancho Vignola, a family-owned and operated company based out of Armstrong.

“My grandfather worked very closely with the Vignolas, and now we do,” said Cindy Reimer.

Cindy and her husband, Randy oversee four harvest events in B.C., including Penticton’s.

“The nuts come straight from the trees, during their August to October harvest season. That means the products we bring to you are fresh,” she said. “It’s the quality, the best of the new crop that you can taste. From dried cranberries to almonds and pumpkin seeds, this year’s crop is plentiful and perfect for your pantry.”

Rancho Vignola’s roots go back to the 1970s, when a need for fresh dried fruits, nuts and seeds were identified in B.C. and Alberta. From a pickup truck to dozens of semis, today, Rancho Vignola brings the best of the new crop direct to consumers in Western Canada.

Products are harvested locally in B.C., and internationally from countries like Peru and Turkey.

Rancho Vignola purchases from farmers who are committed to sustainable agriculture and fair trade practice.

The Penticton Harvest Event is open Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will be prizes, demos and the ability to try before you buy. Products are available in a variety of packed sizes, including small bags, gourmet gifts, and bulk. Admission and parking are free.

Last year, Rancho Vignola sold an impressive 24,000 pounds of almonds.