Kelowna Farmers’ Market turns spotlight on cherries
Cherry pie contest flops, but event showcases various cherry varieties
There was only one entry in the cherry pie contest that was part of the Cherry Pie Festival at the Sunday satellite Kelowna Farmers’ Market on St. Paul Street, but there were still plenty of cherries to taste.
“It’s really important to let the locals know where they can get the best cherries,” said Danielle Metcalfe, with the Kelowna Farmers’ Market. “Why not get them from our local farmers, who grow amazing products, instead of China or Chile?”
Frances Callaghan, manager of the Kelowna Farmers’ Market, baked some cherry tarts made with local Lapin cherries for people to enjoy.
As well, people could sample four varieties of cherries: Lapin, Rainier, Van and Skeena.
Callaghan said the difference between the varieties is their sweetness and use.
Lapins are used for making cherry pie. They come out first, and Callaghan said they are the variety people will see mostly in the market.
Vans have a nice sweetness and are also good for pie.
At the sampling table, the Rainiers, with their sweetness and lighter colour, seemed to be the favourite cherry variety.
“I could eat those all day,” said Callaghan.
People could take a guess at how many cherries were in a jar, and children could colour pictures of cherries.
The Cherry Pie Festival also drew awareness about the Sunday market in its first year in the St. Paul Street location.
“We’re here every week until September,” said Metcalfe.
The larger Saturday market attracted six pie entries.
Market organizers are also planning a peach festival and a garlic festival in August.
Noah Mizuno enjoyed a cherry tart at the market.
He hadn’t tried any of the cherry samples yet.
“They all look really good,” he said. “I think I’ll try some.”