Winter Street Market takes over downtown

Fittingly, the city was blanketed in a sheet of white snow as the Downtown Kelowna Winter Street Market kicked off.

The event took place along Water Street and Stuart Park, and gave the community a chance to browse local vendors, enjoy the delicious food, as well as get a photo with Santa.

“The market’s great. We have so many local artists and artisans, so lots of great local products here in Kelowna,” visitor experience coordinator Michelle Dupuis told Kelowna10.

The event at Stuart Park hosted not only outdoor ice skating, but live local bands as well.

“BNA has been serving up some tasty hot chocolate. There’s a nice photo booth, a great band, so it’s been an amazing day. Keeping us nice and warm,” Dupuis added.

Kelowna Rockets mascot Rocky Raccoon strolled around the event taking pictures and high-fiving passersby.

The market is a great place for families to gather around and enjoy the beginning of the holiday season.

It also provides a great opportunity for the community to support local small businesses.

One local vendor at the market, Katie Fassbender, started macrame a couple years ago just for friends and family. She now operates Tangled Twigs, a small business offering plant hangers, keychains, and a variety of other products.

“I think it’s great, especially after the pandemic, just for people to shop local more, especially with the floods and everything. It just forces people to support local businesses, which is amazing,” Fassbender said.

For Erik Junker-Andersen, owner of Leif Leather Goods, the market is a “nice way to kick off Christmas.”

Leif Leather goods makes full grain, durable leather goods that are meant to last a lifetime.

“I think it’s very beneficial. I’ve seen even people here for the first time this year that I’ve never seen before, so it’s nice to see people out here,” Junker-Andersen said.

“It’s been incredibly busy. I think people are eager to get out and experience this.”