Saturday Markets are held in the 200 block of St Paul St. Remember to check out all of the crafters and home-based businesses in the Stuart Wood schoolyard. Market hours are 8-12, April 23rd to October 29th.

Wednesday Markets are held in the 400 block of Victoria St (in front of the library). Market hours are 8-2, April 27th to October 26th.

There have been a few changes to how the market is run this year. There will be a bell rung both at the beginning and end of Saturday markets to alert everyone to the opening and closing times. Sales will not be allowed before 8am and vendors are asked to wrap up their transactions as soon as possible after the closing bell. These new rules were made to ensure public safety while vehicles are moving around and setting up the market and will provide a safer environment for everyone.

Please remember that all animals at the market must be on a short leash or caged at all times. Owners are expected to keep full control of their pets.

The Farmers’ Market is a tradition in Kamloops, with roots that extend far back in time as well as firmly in the fabric of the community.

In 1914 Kamloops city council set up a market area complete with wooden stalls on the current site of the Plaza Heritage Hotel at Fourth Avenue and Victoria Street. There were sixteen vendors and most were sold out in the first hour.

The market continued through the years of the First World War and closed in 1919 when interest waned.

It was nearly 60 years before the market was revived through Ten Days for World Development, a community education project sponsored by local Christian churches.

With support from City Council and the School Board, the first market was held in 1978.

Thirty years later the market is thriving and continues to be an inspiration - a great gathering place to make and /or meet friends and exchange ideas - a place to share your passion for food and community. It’s a family place with a festival atmosphere, often complete with clowns and musical entertainment.

Markets take place on Wednesday and Saturday and vendors offer a huge and growing variety of products, from bedding plants to fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, baking, eggs, and dairy products. There are also specialty items such as locally made noodles, salsa, condiments and even dog treats.

The Kamloops Farmers’ Market strives to make everyone feel welcome. On Saturday, we set up our information and compliments booth at the entrance of the Stuart Wood Elementary School grounds. This is a good place for market customers to meet, get information about the market and our products, or just to relax.

The Market welcomes home producers as well as farmers who want to become vendors. Community artisans, home-based businesses, and special music and other events also find a place at the market.

The Kamloops Farmers’ Market is a non-profit society which supports and strives to strengthen the bonds of community by supporting the Food Bank and providing bursaries to three students every year who are enrolled in horticulture or agriculture courses at TRU.

We would like others to join us, share the abundance of our surroundings and inspire and nurture those around us. This is where peace begins.

By Linda Wrightson,

Farmers’ Market Promotion