Market, festival a hit

Kelowna hosted its first European-inspired Christmas market Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Okanagan ChristmasFest proved to be a popular event for hundreds of Kelowna residents who enjoyed it over the weekend.

"Over the last three days, we've had a European-inspired outdoor Christmas market, with an indoor Christmas tree walk and live entertainment throughout the weekend," said organizer Rosanne Ting-Mak Brown. "People are very excited to have something like this in town.

"We've had lots of positive response from people saying how great it is."

The three-day event at the Rotary Centre for the Arts featured tunes of the season, hot beverages and holiday treats, and many local vendors.

Okanagan ChristmasFest partnered with the Central Okanagan Food Bank and donated net proceeds to those who rely on the generosity of the community.

Christmas trees from the event will be up for auction Monday night at 5:30 at the Kanata Kelowna Hotel and Conference Centre.