The first outdoor market of the season was possibly the best the 琉璃神社 Farmers鈥� and Crafters鈥� Market has ever had.
鈥淗onestly I was not expecting it today with so much stuff going on through town,鈥� said market manager Frances Callaghan. 鈥淭he amount of vendors I saw come out today was unbelievable and the amount of people that came out. Some of them sold out. I鈥檓 quite happy with today, it was a great turnout.鈥�
As people are becoming more health conscious, there鈥檚 been an uptick in customers.
READ MORE: 琉璃神社 farmer鈥檚 market celebrates opening day of outdoor season
鈥淧eople can get everything here at the market. They can get their organic vegetables and fruits. We have vegan choices and vegan cheese. We will have desserts coming soon and have all the gluten-free people baking so what I think it鈥檚 given them all (these choices),鈥� she said.
As people shift to more of a buy local approach, 鈥淭hey鈥檙e going to the maker, the farmer and I think that makes a huge difference,鈥� she said.
The downtown farmer鈥檚 market will also be returning for the third year and will start up Father鈥檚 Day weekend, running until mid-September from Bernard Street to St. Paul Street.
Callaghan estimates there were more than 100 vendors and with at least 5,000 people coming through its location on Dilworth Drive Saturday.
READ MORE: Soaps created from Okanagan elements to be showcased at 琉璃神社鈥檚 largest spring market
The Lake Country Farmers Market opens its season from June 7 to Sept. 27. Westbank鈥檚 market opens June 29 to 21 and Peachland鈥檚 market will be held the first Sunday after May long weekend.
READ MORE: South Okanagan organic farmer wins Farmers鈥� Market Vendor of the Year
carli.berry@kelownacapnews.com
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