If numbers tell the story, then Kelowna was hungry for the Downtown Kelowna Association’s most recent event.
Hundreds flocked the downtown streets Saturday to take part in the second annual Taste of Downtown.
Jonathan Roy, a member of the DKA concierge team, said that this summer’s event was three-times larger than last year’s.
“We had an incredible turnout; it far exceeded any of our estimations,” said Roy.
“Last year we had around 200 people show up throughout the day, (Saturday) we were well over 600 people.”
The purpose of the event was to promote some of the 90-plus eateries that can be found in Kelowna’s hub.
“The downtown is saturated with a number of different restaurants. Many people, even locals, don’t know that they’re down here.”
Participants of Saturday’s event picked up food passports from the DKA tent, which had a map and information for 29 participating restaurants.
People then went to the locations to try out samples and stamp their passports. Those who got 20 of 29 possible stamps were entered into a draw for a variety of prizes.
Roy said that Taste of Downtown forced people to try food and drinks that they might not have otherwise.
“Some people told me they found their new favourite restaurant.”
With several DKA events in the past year, including Small Shop Saturdays, Roy said the association is working hard to show everyone what Kelowna’s core has to offer.
“Downtown Kelowna is a beautiful place—we’re trying to encourage locals to spend more time down here.”
wpaterson@kelownacapnews.com
