Hundreds if not thousands of people are expected to show up at the Vernon Recreation Centre on Friday and Saturday, all for the annual Rancho Vignola nut and dried fruit sale.   

Rancho Vignola is known for importing fresh products, for purchase by individuals, families, fundraising organizations and retail stores.

"It's been about 38-years that we have done this," said Richard Vignola, founder. "[Our] Company goes to directly to farms and sources nuts and dried fruits every year."

"Once a year [at harvest] we meet our farmers, shake hands and bring back wonderful nuts and dried fruit from all over the world."

The locally based and family-owned operation is dedicated to providing the public “fresh from harvest” products and is fully committed to sustainable agriculture and fair trade practices, according to the Rancho Vignola website.

Hazelnuts and cranberries are two of their most locally sourced products.

"It's quality for the realness of the food and that includes making links with the people that grow the food and making links with the people that use it an enjoy it," Vignola said. "We think that the human link of the food is important, that those families that grow the nuts and dried fruit that we know them and bring their stories here."

All products are on display and every shopper has the chance to taste each item before purchasing.

"When people put that fresh nut in their mouth, they're convinced."

The sale will feature live demos, a prize draw and free samples.

The free event takes place at the Vernon Recreation Centre on Nov. 16, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Nov. 17, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The sale will also take place at the Penticton Trade & Convention Centre on Nov. 16, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Nov. 17, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Kelowna residents have to wait to get their goodies until Nov. 24 and 25 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Parkinson Recreation Centre.