SCOTT TRUDEAU Thursday, April 16, 2009
An evening community market ain’t no cure for the summertime blues, but it’s a great way to spend a Thursday. Penticton City Council approved unanimously a request from the Downtown Penticton Association (DPA) to close the 200-block of Main St. starting June 25 until Sept. 3 for the open air market which happens from 5 - 9 p.m. A Saturday community market started up last year by the DPA is set to run in the same block from 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. from May 5 - Sept. 5. Barb Haynes, executive director for the association, said similar summertime evening markets have been held in other downtown locations most recently at the SS Sicamous last year, but while being positioned on the lakefront is scenic, it also leaves vendors and patrons more susceptible to weather conditions. "It can be windy in the evening and we’re a little more protected here," she said. Merchants in the 200-block are excited about the move downtown because it brings in more traffic and more people looking to enjoy an evening out which is what the market is all about. Haynes said visitors can expect to see more arts and crafts on display and fewer food vendors than the Saturday market however, she’s hoping people will want to cruise into one of the restaurants or coffee shops located along Main Street for a bite to eat. "We’ll have entertainment so there’ll be a little bit more of a laid back feel, a little more sort of outdoor acoustic on Thursday night, and just a real welcoming place." There are still spots available for anyone interested in having an arts and crafts table for Thursday. Saturday spots are filling quickly but some remain available.
Although there was some opposition from the Farmer’s Market Society last year that the community market concept would compete against farmers in the established Penticton Farmer’s Market which is situated in the 100-block of Main, it turned out to beneficial for both as large crowds brought energy and excitement and revitalized the downtown area. "We’ve worked collaboratively with them, and they’ve been a great association to work with," said Haynes. Cameron Smith, new president of the Penticton Farmer’s Market said it will begin May 2 and run through to Oct. 31 from 8:30 a.m. - noon. Smith said the farmer’s market still has some openings, adding that he is looking forward to seeing some new farmers at this year’s market. Anyone wanting information about getting into the market can contact manager Cindy Nelson at pentictonfarmersmarket@gmail.com. Call the DPA at 250-493-8540 to inquire about setting up a display at the Thursday or Saturday markets.
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