Farmers’ market starts news season by giving back more

Shopping at the Penticton Farmers’ Market will feel even better this season with organizers announcing proceeds from their own non-profit event will help even more people in the community.

Partial proceeds from stall rentals this season, which kicks off this coming Saturday, April 20, will help establish a new scholarship to assist one agriculture student annually at Okanagan College, plus aid the ongoing work of eight other non-profits in the region.

Those new initiatives will build upon existing scholarships the market’s operating society offers annually to two high school students in Penticton.

“We are proud and excited to kickstart this new season by giving back to our community in a meaningful way,” said market manager Linda Van Alphen in a press release.

“Our annual scholarship program has always aimed to support young individuals interested in agriculture, and we are thrilled to expand our reach this year by also supporting vital non-profit organizations that align with our values of community and agriculture.”

The eight groups to receive funding are: Young Agrarians, Chefs in the Classroom, Les Dames d’Escoffier BC Chapter, Okanagan Seed Savers Society, Penticton and Area Access Centre, South Okanagan

Immigrant and Community Services, SOWINS Okanagan Women in Need Society and Penticton and District Society for Community Living.

The market’s 33rd season will run each Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., through Oct. 26, on the 100 block of Main Street.

Officials believe the market attracts up to 10,000 people on a busy day at the height of the summer tourist season, and the event was named the best in B.C. in 2016.

The number of vendors rises from around 50 to upwards of 90 in summer.

This coming Saturday’s event coincides with Earth Day celebrations in Gyro Park from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., along with a free pancake breakfast from 8-11 a.m. being offered by the South Okanagan Similkameen Volunteer Centre.

In a separate press release, the City of Penticton noted the weekly road closures required for the market, which sees Main Street closed between Lakeshore Drive and Westminster each Saturday from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The closure will extend south beginning May 18 for the Downtown Community Market, which takes over the 200 and 300 blocks of Main Street and is operated by the Downtown Penticton Business Improvement Association.

The bike valet service operated by the Penticton and Area Cycling Association also returns May 18.