Kamloops, British Columbia, stands out for its farmers' markets and annual festivals that celebrate the region's agricultural roots, local artisans, and diverse cultural traditions. These events are central to the city's identity, bringing people together while supporting local producers and fostering a sense of community.
Kamloops Farmers' Markets
History and Growth
The Kamloops Farmers' Market began in 1978 with just four vendors in a church basement. It was created to provide a space where local producers could sell their goods directly to the public, offering fresh and seasonal items that large grocery stores couldn't match. Over the decades, the market has expanded significantly, now featuring over 100 vendors and attracting thousands of visitors each year. It has become one of British Columbia's longest-running and most respected farmers' markets, serving as a hub for sustainable, local food systems.
The market's growth reflects broader trends in community support for local agriculture. As public awareness of food security and sustainability increases, markets like Kamloops' play a vital role in bridging the gap between producers and consumers.
Market Schedule and Locations
Kamloops Farmers' Market operates year-round, adapting to seasonal changes with both outdoor and indoor venues:
Outdoor Markets:
Saturdays (April to October): Held on the 200 block of St. Paul Street and the Stuart Wood schoolyard from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM. This market is popular for its wide variety of fresh, locally grown produce and artisan goods.
Wednesdays (May to October): Located at the 400 block of Victoria Street, in front of the TNRD Library, from 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM. The midweek market offers a convenient option for those looking to restock on fresh produce or pick up lunch from local vendors.
Indoor Winter Market: Running from November to March, this market operates on Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Mount Paul Community Food Centre. Here, vendors continue to offer fresh goods, preserved foods, and handmade crafts during the colder months.
Each market location is designed to be easily accessible, with spaces for families, local entertainers, and food trucks, creating an inviting environment for shoppers and visitors.
Vendor Offerings
The markets showcase a variety of products reflecting the diversity of Kamloops and its surrounding areas. Regular offerings include:
Produce and Meats: Seasonal vegetables, fruits, free-range eggs, grass-fed meats, and sustainably caught fish. Many vendors specialize in organic and pesticide-free farming practices.
Dairy and Preserves: Local cheeses, butter, yogurt, jams, pickles, and honey from regional apiaries.
Baked Goods and Prepared Foods: Freshly baked bread, pastries, pies, and specialty items like gluten-free or vegan treats.
Artisan Crafts: Handmade goods such as pottery, jewellery, soaps, candles, and textiles.
Plants and Seeds: Locally grown flowers, herbs, and gardening supplies, including heirloom seeds.
Most products are grown, raised, or crafted within a 100-kilometre radius, ensuring freshness while reducing the environmental impact of transportation.
Special Events
The market also serves as a venue for educational and celebratory events throughout the year. These include:
Seedy Saturday: A spring event that promotes seed saving and gardening education. It features seed exchanges, workshops, and talks by local experts. Home gardeners and farmers alike gather to share knowledge and resources, reinforcing the importance of self-sufficient food systems.
Pollinator Festival: Held in May, this week-long event raises awareness about the role of bees, butterflies, and other pollinators in agriculture. Activities include building bee hotels, planting pollinator-friendly gardens, and family-friendly crafts.
Tomato Festival: Scheduled in September, this festival highlights the versatility of locally grown tomatoes. Visitors can participate in tomato-growing competitions, taste tests, and cooking demonstrations featuring tomato-based recipes.
Street Food Fare: A culinary showcase of local food trucks and street vendors. Guests can sample a wide range of cuisines, from Indigenous dishes to modern fusion fare.
These events foster engagement and education, encouraging the community to connect with local food systems in meaningful ways.
Annual Kamloops Festivities
Kamloops International Buskers Festival
This family-friendly event, held at Riverside Park, features professional street performers from across the globe. From acrobatics and magic to music and comedy, the festival draws large crowds every summer. Attendees are encouraged to "tip the hat" to support the performers directly.
Kamloops Wine Festival
An annual fundraiser for the Kamloops Art Gallery, this event showcases a variety of wines from local vineyards and beyond. Wine enthusiasts can attend tastings, pairing events, and educational sessions led by sommeliers. Proceeds support the gallery's programs and exhibitions.
Kamloops Film Festival
Hosted at the Paramount Theatre each March, the Kamloops Film Festival presents a diverse lineup of films, including independent, international, and locally made productions. It also features discussions, workshops, and Q&A sessions with filmmakers.
Brewloops
Brewloops combines craft beer, food, and outdoor activities. This festival celebrates Kamloops' culture with events like beer tastings, bike rides, and live music performances. It operates year-round, with smaller pop-up events complementing its main festival.
Hot Nite in the City Show 'n' Shine
Held every August, this car show takes over downtown Kamloops. It showcases everything from vintage classics to cutting-edge electric vehicles. Attendees can explore the cars, meet the owners, and enjoy live entertainment and food vendors.
Kamloops Rotary Ribfest
As Western Canada's largest rib festival, Ribfest is a major draw every summer. The event features barbecue competitions, live music, and family activities at Riverside Park. Funds raised go toward local charities, making it a community-centred celebration.
Salute to the Sockeye Festival
This biennial event celebrates the return of sockeye salmon to the Adams River. Visitors can learn about the salmon lifecycle, Indigenous fishing traditions, and conservation efforts while observing the fish's journey upstream.
Economic and Community Impact
Farmers' markets and festivals in Kamloops contribute significantly to the local economy. The region's food economy exceeds $248 million annually, with markets acting as key distribution points for local producers. These events also provide employment opportunities, from farming and food production to event planning and hospitality.
On a cultural level, these gatherings create spaces where residents and visitors can connect, share stories, and build relationships. They promote local artisanship and ensure that traditional knowledge, such as Indigenous food practices and farming techniques, is passed on to future generations.
Conclusion
Kamloops offers a range of farmers' markets and annual events that celebrate agriculture, arts, and culture. These gatherings provide a way to connect with local producers, support regional economies, and enjoy seasonal and community-focused activities. Residents and visitors alike can look forward to engaging experiences that highlight the unique character of this region.
