Bundled but blissful return outdoors for Kelowna Farmers' & Crafters' Market

Tents nestled tightly together on the corner of Springfield and Dilworth is a familiar and welcome sight for many in Kelowna, signalling the return of the outdoor farmers and crafters market.

Scores of crowds braved the cool temperatures – and vendors, early morning hail – to peruse the bounty of early season offers.

Allie Becker, the market’s board president, said it's a privilege to serve the community for a twenty-eighth season.

With over 300 registered vendors ready for the coming months, Becker said the market promises to continue to be a “one-stop-shop” for the community to secure locally made and grown products.

“You know that all the money you spend here is going back into the community,” she said.

Beyond being a prime opportunity to support local businesses and artists, the farmers market is a boon for the local economy.

Becker said studies show the market makes multi-million dollar annual impacts to the economy, and, for every $100 spent, $60 continues to circulate through the local economy.

Beyond those advantages, the Kelowna market plays a role in food security, too.

Last year, it donated over 10,000 pounds of food to the food bank. The market also has a nutritional coupon program, which allows under-serviced populations to take home fresh produce and protein. Last year, over $140,000 worth of coupons was spent at the market.

“That’s extremely important,” Becker said.

The return outdoors is also a boost of positivity for all involved.

“The sense of community from the vendors comes out and spills over to the customers as well.”

With pandemic restrictions behind them, Becker is eager for a summer of Saturday markets filled with festivals and a bounty of local fruits and vegetables.

It runs every Wednesday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. until late October.