'Supporting local better for everyone': Holiday market returns

• Reopened this year
• Emphasis on supporting local
• Thousands of people turn up

The eighth annual Craft Culture Holiday Market at Prospera Place is back after the event was cancelled last year due to the pandemic.

Around 180 vendors are peddling products over the weekend, with maximum capacity allowed for the first time in two years.

“We planned the entire event at 50 per cent capacity because no one knew when that would be lifted," organizer Karalyn Lockhart told Kelowna10. "Now that we can do 100 per cent, that takes care of a lot of issues that we were anticipating. We’ll keep an eye on things. We don’t necessarily want an entirely packed full house. We want to make sure everyone feels safe and there’s lots of room.”

She said the one good thing to come from the pandemic, and now the floods, is people realizing the importance of supporting local businesses.

“Last year we saw a huge uptake. Even though we couldn’t have markets, there were people shopping online and really reaching out. This year, supporting local is easier, which is better for everyone,” she said.

Lockhart, who owns Craft Culture, came up with ‘The Local Box’ last year for the holidays when markets were shut down. Each box is filled with handmade products from local vendors.

Out of the 180 vendors, many are regulars on the artisan and craft market scene. Among them, North Okanagan Apparel, which is one of the many businesses that opened in the past 12 months.

“We know this is a huge market in Kelowna that has people in the Christmas spirit,” owner Cody Isaac said. “We know there’s a focus on small business and as new small business, we felt this is a great way to get our name out there.”

Isaac said he appreciates everyone supporting small businesses in and around the community.

“We’re often referred to as the backbone of the economy, and it’s important for all of us as small businesses to be here,” he said. “I love how we’re all here and we can all support each other, and people can come from near and far and support everyone and everyone here.”

It is expected up to 7,000 people will walk through Prospera Place this weekend. The market has taken place at the downtown arena for 20 years.

The event runs Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For a full list of vendors and to purchase tickets, head to their website.