Photo: Facebook - Kelowna Farmers' and Crafters' Market

The Kelowna Farmers’ and Crafters’ Market celebrates 20 years this week, when the outdoor version of the popular market opens on Wednesday.

Despite rumblings over the past year, the market will once again be situated at the corner of Springfield Road and Dilworth Drive. And market manager Gisele Glover says it will once again be a popular place.

“It’s going to be quiet at the beginning of the season, but we generally expect (about) 185 vendors over the course of the summertime,” she says.

Last year, the market needed overflow stalls to accommodate all the interested vendors, and it will again have 19 extra spots, as the market continues to gain in popularity.

But what Glover really wants to see is a permanent location.

“We’re waiting to hear from a developer that is going to want us there for the rest of our ... we’re looking for a permanent home,” she says with a laugh.

The market currently has a year-to-year contract with Orchard Park Mall that runs through October.

Longtime market shoppers can expect the same types of produce, fruit, baked goods and crafts, but new this year will be the ability to sample and buy wine or craft beers.

“It’s going to be very exciting,” Glover says.

“All the paperwork has been completed, and it’s up to each individual winery or craft brewery to get their paperwork from liquor control. They bring us all their paperwork, and we set them up.”