WATCH: Making, baking or growing it – for 27 years

• Kelowna Farmers’ and Crafters’ Market
• Celebrating 25th, 26th, and 27th anniversaries
• Has grown from five vendors to over 200

On a sunny Saturday, Kelowna Farmers’ and Crafters’ Market, was celebrating three years’ worth of birthdays.

Frances Callaghan, market coordinator, said it feels great to be back together as community for the milestone.

“It’s been an amazing day for me,” she told Kelowna10. “One thing we’ve always done for our community is celebrate, and for two years we weren’t allowed to celebrate.”

Hundreds of people were on site which has grown a lot since it first started 27 years ago. Back then, there were only five vendors. Now, there are over 200 at full capacity ranging from artisans, to concessions, and local farmers.

The farmers’ market goes by a ‘make it, bake it, or grow it’ rule, ensuring everything is hand made.

“There is so much talent in this market, it’s just unbelievable,” Callaghan explained. “What you’re finding in this market, we believe in what you’re buying.”

To celebrate the birthdays, there were plenty of games and photo ops for families to enjoy. Team members were also giving away free cupcakes to the customers and vendors.

Callaghan said it’s amazing to see everyone continuing to come to the market to support local.

“You know where your food is coming from; it’s the food security for us,” she said. “It is so important we keep supporting the local farmers in our communities.”

Steve Forbes, from Forbes Family Farm, is from Oliver and they’ve been coming to the market in Kelowna as a vendor since 2000.

“It feels like a community, like a family almost,” he said. “Everyone gets to know each other, all the vendors know each other, [and] the customers are really great.”

Forbes sells a variety of certified, naturally grown fruits, vegetables, and plants. He said his favourite part about coming every week is meeting people.

“Hearing firsthand about how thankful people are that you’re bringing natural, fresh produce to them… they’re really appreciative.”