Penticton Farmers’ Market opening for season

The Penticton Farmers’ Market is opening for its 27th season this Saturday at 8:30 a.m. in the 100 block of Main Street.

“We’re hoping that if we open the market, the spring-like weather will finally arrive. Our farmers have been eagerly watching the sky, waiting for warmer temperatures and sun,” said market manager Erin Trainer. “Because of the long winter, most of the crops are behind this year. However, we do have a few vendors with greenhouses who will be bringing produce and bedding plants.”

Despite the slow start to the growing season, on opening day customers can expect to find organic eggs, locally-roasted coffee, fresh baking, handmade crafts, and Okanagan wines.

“We’re looking forward to another busy year. We’ve got about 140 vendors including many of our long-time vendors, a group of new small-scale farmers, and a variety of local liquor vendors,” said Trainer.

As a result of the city’s reconfiguration of the 100 block, the market layout has changed. Some vendors lost their vehicle spaces along Main Street, but the market gained several tent stalls along the new Link Road connecting Martin and Main Streets.

“We had to do a lot of juggling, but overall, we’ve got a good plan,” says Trainer. “Some vendors are in new locations, and we're encouraging customers to ask for help at the information booth if they can’t find who they’re looking for.”

Drivers are reminded that on market day, the 100 block of Main Street will be closed to traffic from 6 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

The Downtown Penticton Association’s Community Market, which operates in the 200 and 300 blocks and along Front Street, will open Saturday, May 6.

The Penticton Farmers’ Market is run by a non-profit society whose mandate is to provide an opportunity for local, small-scale agricultural producers and crafters to sell their produce and products directly to the public.