WATCH: Block Party a chance to celebrate business and summer

A celebration of summer took place in downtown Kelowna, as the much-loved Downtown Kelowna Association Block Party returned.

The event is part of the Meet Me on Bernard program that runs all summer.

“It’s really cool to have a little space you can set up, show about your product, and talk to some new customers who might not come by your actual storefront,” Rochelle Minagawa, from MotherLove Ferments, told Kelowna10.

Minagawa had a tent setup with free samples of kombucha and other beverages to quench the thirst of party goers. She was also selling some products and encouraging people to check out her kombucha bar at her store.

Live music filled the space as people walked up and down Bernard Avenue checking out over 40 local vendors and restaurants taking part in the celebration. There were plenty of family fun activities such as face painting, kids bouncing in an inflatable castle, and more.

Another vendor, Plant Gather, has only been in business for eight days, and Matt Groening was amazed at how much support he received during the event.

“We’re here selling plants and it’s been a dream,” Groening said. “There’s been so many people coming in and hanging out with us, talking plants, and buying plants.”

The company originally started out in ecommerce, but after seeing how many people were interested in the plants, started to consider opening a store downtown.

“We’re very fortunate to be a part of the Block Party. It’s been a huge step forward in our business,” he explained. “Everyone is asking us if we have a storefront, so I think we’re probably going to look towards that.”