Holiday markets are back in the Okanagan

• More people shopping local
• Businesses grateful for outpour of community support

With the holidays right around the corner, craft markets are popping up around the community.

This weekend, Christmas at the Red Barn is taking place in the Okanagan Mission Community Hall, with local artisans and farmers peddling a variety of products.

Frances Callaghan, who runs Artisans Showcase, told Kelowna10 it’s important to see people continue to support local. She said the event was quite busy on its opening night.

“I’m finding more people now want to stay close to home,” she said. “They don’t want to shop online as much anymore. They want to come and support this small businesses hurt by the COVID crisis.”

Callaghan said vendors are grateful to be back after a tough year.

“What they’re seeing is a chance to show themselves and show everyone their products where before they may not have had that opportunity, or a rare opportunity,” Callaghan said. “Now they’re out there everywhere, every show, every market, which is what they’re grateful for and grateful for the people coming and supporting them.”

For Love Co. Ceramics owner Briana Paulson, the past few years were difficult. She was eager to be back in the community, connecting with customers.

Paulson, whose company produces handmade pottery in the Okanagan, said the floods will impact some deliveries, but thinks it will only further encourage people to shop local.

First time vendors were also drawing the curiosity of shoppers. That included the likes of GamerGadgetry. The company started creating custom products for gamers and now has transformed into creating 3-D printed animal figures and fidget toys.

Tyler Marshall was manning the booth and said hearing what locals want is key for his business.

“It’s great. The economy runs locally when everyone gets out there and is buying those local products. It helps innovation and market research and pushing our product line.”

He said people will benefit more from buying within the community.

“I think the quality of the stuff you can find locally is a lot better than what you can often find in stores.”

Christmas at the Red Barn runs through Sunday.

A list of upcoming markets and events can be found on the Artisan Showcase website.