iNwine: Kelowna Farmer’s Market bigger than ever

KELOWNA – The Kelowna Farmer's Market had more vendors than ever before last Saturday.

The main lot at the corner of Springfield and Dilworth Road can hold about 165 vendors, but on Saturday, June 22, market co-ordinator Frances Callaghan had to find space for 31 extra vendors.

Fortunately, the school district field beside the regular market is being rented out by the B.C. Seniors Games Society for the 55+ B.C. Games.

“They only need it for one week,” said Callaghan. “They approached us and said would we want to use it… and we said, 'we would love to.'"

Last year, the field was not available, so the market expanded into the laneway beside the lot, which could only fit about 20 extra vendors. This summer they can now have an additional 50 vendors in the field.

"This year when we had the opportunity to use that grass area, I said, 'Perfect. I won’t have to turn vendors away,'" Callaghan said. “It’s tough turning vendors away.”

However, the extra space may only be for this summer.

“Next year will be a challenge because when the construction starts, we won’t be able to grow as much as we have this year,” he said. “Every year when (the building) doesn’t go up we’re happy, but eventually it has to go up.”

Callaghan said despite the high-rise construction, the market in the main lot will be staying put. The overflow vendors from the field will have the opportunity to sell at the downtown market on Sundays, located on St. Paul Street.

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