Outdoor farmers’ markets starting next weekend in Kelowna and Vernon

The Kelowna Farmer’s and Crafters’ Market is just about ready to move outdoors for the season.

“It’s always exciting for us to anticipate that first Saturday in April,” market coordinator Frances Callaghan said.

“It just feels right being outdoors for a farmers’ market. The fresh air, sunshine, it’s more spacious, and everything's turning green.”

Callaghan said the weather was more favourable for local farmers this compared to last so a better yield of crops can be expected. She added that more young farmers will be part of the market this year, and that new vendors typically begin in the middle of April.

Shoppers will be able to find micro greens, lettuces and spinaches early in the season, but Callaghan said the artisan vendors will do much of the heavy lifting until more produce is ready for harvest.

And this season there will be a food court of mobile vendors during the Wednesday markets.

Beginning on April 1, the summer markets in Kelowna will open at 8 a.m. every Saturday and Wednesday morning at the corner of Dilworth Drive and Springfield Road.

Elsewhere in the region, the Vernon Farmer's Market is also opening on April 1. The Penticton Farmers’ Market starts April 15. And the Kamloops Regional Farmers' Market outdoor season begins April 22.

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