As spring brings warm weather and blooming flowers, the Downtown Penticton Association is ready to open their Downtown Community Market on Saturday.
The first market of the season is always an exciting day as new and returning vendors and Penticton’s downtown businesses reveal fresh and favourite wares to delight residents and tourists alike.
“Now in its eleventh year, the market is one of the DPA’s signature events and our Society’s annual fundraiser,” said Lynn Allin, DPA executive director. “We are very proud of this market’s ability to draw between 5,000 - 8,000 people downtown on long weekends during the high season. Hands down we’re the premier outdoor market in the Okanagan, and with 200+ vendors each week, we’re likely the largest in British Columbia.”
Opening at 8:30 a.m. on May 4, this will be the first of 22 markets to run every Saturday - rain or shine - until September 28th. Spanning Main Street’s 200 and 300 Block, Front Street and Backstreet Boulevard each visit to the market provides a new experience as approximately 50 casual vendors rotate in and out throughout the season, and live entertainment starts on May 18.
“The quality and variety of our market vendors, businesses and musical entertainment showcases the best products, talent and merchandise available locally and across the Okanagan,” said Allin.
The shift into market season also brings about an important change to parking along Main and Front Streets, Westminster Avenue and Backstreet Boulevard. The City’s Saturday 4:00am–2:00pm parking restrictions go into effect on May 1st and are rigorously enforced, with towing of vehicles an occasional occurrence. According to Allin, calling to remove a parked vehicle from the market area on Saturday mornings is difficult but necessary, so she strongly urges people to carefully observe the No Parking signs.
