After an unsettled August long weekend, hot sunny summer days have returned to Keremeos and the Lower Similkameen.
It appears that Keremeos’ main business block, which has suffered a number of setbacks over the past few years, largely due to the closure of several well established businesses, is on the rebound. The former historic building housing the Pasta Trading Post was recently sold, and the bakery has reopened.
There seems to be more people strolling the street this year as well.
With summer weather and the tourist season peaking, local businesses are finding the market a little mixed this year, with business holding its own, or up or down marginally over last year.
“The number of parties are up, but individual counts are down,” report Infocentre operators Jennifer Sparkes and Mavin Brar.
As of August 1, 1,204 parties visited the Infocentre last year compared to 1,094 this year.
Individually, 1,763 persons visited the Infocentre to August 1 this year, compared to 2,123 last year.
Thematic among visitors this year is a decrease in the number of Albertans stopping at the Infocentre, no doubt in part due to the flooding problems that province experienced earlier in the year.
Brar and Sparkes observed that high gas prices seemed to be resulting in people travelling in groups.
“There seem to be a large number of retirees on the road this year,” said Sparkes.
People are making inquiries about camping locations, in addition to looking for maps and directions.
“Most often, it seems people are asking us to make recommendations regarding wineries and fruit stands,” added Brar, who added that many are also seeking hiking trails in the area.
At Dave’s Fruit Stand, one of three located within the village boundaries, manager Gary Lidder said that the fruit stand benefits from a steady clientele that comes back year after year.
“It’s not that bad,” he said of the tourist trade this year, adding that he notices more business on weekends and an easing of traffic during the week.
Sanderson’s Fruit Stand, near the west entrance to the bypass, is enjoying a busy summer in the restaurant.
“It’s packed every day,” said Sabi Lidhar, “people seem to be very happy with the food.”
Lidhar noted that most products were moving well, but zucchini and garlic in particular seemed to be in high demand this year.
Working the till, Raj Lidhar said, “It’s not too bad (business) - there are lots of tourists, some weekdays are slow, but lately we have been getting busier every day.”
Restauranteur Karl Schorb said the tourist trade has a minimal impact on his business at the Branding Iron Bar and Grill.
“Look around,” he gestured in his dining area during a lunch hour last week, “all locals.” Schorb figures that tourism accounts for only a few per cent of his summer trade.
“People are looking for local fruit, tomatoes, local produce,”said Susan Frasch of Bears Fruit Stand. She said that it has been a busy summer so far, with many people travelling to Penticton.
“People looking for affordable family vacations seem to be choosing Penticton this year,” Frasch added, noting that Osoyoos’ recent resort and condominium boom has resulted in limited choices for some vacationers.
“We’re happy with the season so far,” Frasch concluded, “weekends are usually busier than weekdays, but for the last couple of weeks it has been pretty steady on a daily basis.”