Could the Penticton Market come back this summer?
It’s possible but more clarification is needed first, said Downtown Penticton Association executive director Lynn Allin.
“We were really surprised with Dr. Bonnie Henry’s message of up to 5,000 people could be hosted at outdoor events,” said Allin. “We had anticipated large outdoor gatherings like this to be allowed in September.”
After hearing the announcement, the DPA sought clarification from Interior Health to see whether they could host the market.
The advice from IH was to follow the provincial ‘gathering and events order’ which has not changed, said Allin.
That order was set back in the height of COVID and doesn’t allow more than 50 people to gather at outdoor events.
“We are excited to hear this new information about Stage 3 in the restart plan and we will start to prepare in anticipation that the provincial order on gathering and events will change to match the new Stage 3 announcement,” she said.
The Penticton Market is one of the largest outdoor markets in B.C., taking up four city streets in length, with dozens of unique vendors, food trucks and entertainment.
The Penticton Farmers Market is separate from the market, and focuses on produce and fruits, and a make, bake or grow philosophy.
Because food is considered essential, the farmers market has continued on Saturdays under limited capacity in 2020 and currently.
On June 29, the B.C. province announced as part of their Stage 3 restart plan, that outdoor events, up to 5,000 people or 50 per cent capacity, whichever is greater, is allowed as of July 1.
Should the DPA get new direction on the provincial order, it will start to contact vendors and begin planning how and when it could re-open the popular Saturday market, said Allin.
READ MORE: Penticton Farmers Market going strong
READ MORE: Restrictions lifting July 1, allowing for 5,000 outdoor events
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