KAMLOOPS — Wednesday was the first day of the Kamloops Winter Farmers’ Market.
With the cold weather upon us, Kamloops residents can browse and buy goods in the comfort of the indoors.
The seasonal event takes place every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Saint Andrew’s on the Square.
Organizers say the lighting at last year’s market at the Sandman Centre was too dark, but with lots of natural light the historic downtown church is the perfect location.
“This is actually a really beautiful site,” said Mendel Rubinson, Director of the Kamloops Farmers’ Market. “It’s got stained glass and chandeliers and it’s right where we want to be on Seymour Street. Plus, no one has to cross the railway tracks.”
More than 20 vendors from throughout the Kamloops region took part in Wednesday’s kick-off event, with goods ranging from soap and jewellery to muffins and cookies and of course plenty of produce.
This is the third year the market has taken place during the winter months, with support for local goods growing larger every year.
“What I really appreciate is we’re getting out there for ourselves and getting this winter thing going,” said Rubinson. “It started out with a handful of vendors to over one hundred vendors on Saturdays and Wednesday. It’s not only growing in popularity in Kamloops but all over the continent and the world. It’s about the local economy. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know if someone gives me a dollar I’m going to spend it in town.”
Rubinson says the market will offer more produce towards Christmas time.
The market is scheduled to run until December 20.
