Ray Keetch and Terri Wilkison saw a market void in the South Okanagan – Similkameen and are trying to turn that into a market opportunity.
Sweetgrass Feed and Tack opened its’ doors softly a few weeks ago. Ray describes the venture (located in the former Roots ‘n Fruits stand in Kaleden) as “basically a general store 150 years removed.”
Sweetgrass sells livestock feed, pet food, equestrian tack and supplies, as well as many general store items. The building also houses a bakery and coffee shop.
“We noticed the South Okanagan and Similkameen was lacking in a place that focussed on equestrian supplies,” Keetch explained. “We can serve the small acreage owner – the empty nesters who enjoy horseback riding. This store will be able to look after their needs.”
The couple are community minded, with plans to open a 200 foot riding arena in an amphitheatre setting. The arena will be available for public use and is slated to open sometime this spring. Keetch hopes that the venue will be used to host lessons, and equestrian clinics. A patio set up on the grounds will allow friends to meet over coffee while renting the arena for their activities.
A nursery that operated as part of the former Roots ‘n Fruits venue will continue running to supply locals with bedding plants.
“It won’t be a major focus,” Keetch said of the nursery, “but we thought that people might appreciate picking up their bedding plants here rather than driving into town.” Keetch will also be supplying common PVC fittings and automatic waterers, as well as animal gates and coral fencing. Keetch feels there is also potential to receive a liquor licence.
Keetch has spent two decades in business locally, having operated the Ski Shop at Apex Ski Area for the past 12 years. Prior to that, Keetch was proprietor of Ray’s Sports Den in Penticton.
