In any community, one of the best ways to get involved is to support the local producers, crafters, and other locally run businesses.
By Megan Wright
Supporting locals who are either well-established or attempting to start a new business in the area is something you can do at the Kamloops Farmer’s Market. Home to a wide variety of vendors with a selection of products for sale, it draws quite a crowd in the community. It takes place in downtown Kamloops on Saturdays and Wednesdays, making it a convenient and enjoyable activity for everyone. Although it is most popular during the outdoor season from April to October, the market also has an indoor location in the Purity Feed Greenhouse from November to mid-December.
As we all know, participating in one’s local community is crucial, even though at times it might be challenging to know how to get involved in a way that isn’t overwhelming or feels like a chore.
It is important to be involved in the community one lives in; it builds that sense of community that cities strive to have. The Kamloops Farmers’ Market is an intriguing option for giving back to and supporting the community in a way that benefits everyone involved.
A Brief History
According to the Farmers’ Market website, the open-air street market is a long-standing tradition in the city. It dates back to the early 20th century, originating in the same year as the beginning of WWI in 1914. It continued to operate throughout the war, finally closing in 1919. This early market was held in was held in the area where the Plaza Heritage Hotel now sits in downtown Kamloops. It boasted a total of 16 wooden stalls for the respective number of vendors to operate from and sell their products to the citizens.
The Farmers’ Market that exists today was founded in 1978. It was created, according to the Farmers’ Market website, as a “…response to local awareness of global issues, and a recognition of the existing disjointed food system”. Local farmers had begun to raise questions and concerns about the way that their products were being distributed to the public. It was a source of frustration and unsustainability for them to have to send their produce to Calgary or Vancouver only for it to be distributed back from those cities to the local communities it had originally come from. They sought to find a solution to this growing concern and settled on a common goal for the community: to stop the unnecessary shipment and redistribution of products.
What is the Goal?
The solution that was settled upon was to create a local farmers market; one that would allow the farmers to bridge the gap between the consumers and the local producers. This was intended to make the process of buying fresh produce and other products a simpler one, as well as a much more sustainable one. The first market began with the traditional Saturday market, which now takes place from 8:30am to 12:30pm on 200 block St. Paul St., from April 23rd to October 29th. As the success of the market grew, organizers added a market on Wednesday, which now is held from 8:30am to 1:30pm on 400 block Victoria St., from May 4th to October 26th. With an annual revenue of 3.8 million dollars, it is clear that this market has continued to be a great success in the city.
The current goal of the market is to provide a place for locals to make, bake, and grow food as well as sell their products to the local citizens. The market today now has significantly more vendors, with a total of 74 listed for the last outdoor market of the year 2022 on Saturday October 29th. In addition to farmers, the market has grown to include a limited number of seasonal spots for crafters and artisans to sell their wares to the community. With a wide variety of arts and crafts, ranging from rings, necklaces, bracelets, and other jewelry to woodworking, soapmaking and clothing, there really is something for everyone to enjoy. As if that isn’t enough, the market also often boasts live music and entertainment, making the experience that much more enjoyable. To top it off, the market does not end when the snow falls. There is also an indoor market offered from November 5th to December 17th, located on 471 Okanogan way in the Purity Feeds Greenhouse.
Opportunity for Local Businesses
The Kamloops Farmers’ Market also offers a great program to help local owners launch their potential businesses in the community. With their Kamloops Farmers’ Market Incubator Program, they offer first time vendors a better chance at promoting their small business and selling their products. Participants in the program receive a reduced stall fee by 50% and 1-on-1 support from a Business Advisor among various other supports. In exchange, first time vendors have to attend at least six markets throughout the season, follow the rules and regulation outlined in the program, meet with the advisor, and provide feedback at the end of the program.
For vendors that are eligible for Employment Insurance, this program is free. For everyone else, this program costs $250, which is a relatively low price to pay to launch a small business! This program is a great help to support local artisans, crafters, bakers, and farmers in creating a profitable business within their local community. Further contact and general information on the Kamloops Farmers’ Market can all be found on their webpage.
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