Farm-fresh produce is returning to downtown Vernon.
The Downtown Vernon Association is preparing for a farmers market on 30th Avenue from May 2 to September on Fridays from 3 to 8 p.m.
“The market will create an ongoing community event,” said Lara Konkin, DVA executive director.
There was a farmers market downtown a number of years ago but that initiative ultimately came to an end.
However, Konkin is convinced now is the time to bring local agricultural crops and crafts back to the central core.
“It will improve the social and economic well-being of the community as a whole,” she said, adding that people shopping at the market will also likely visit merchants downtown.
Pointing to other communities, Konkin says a farmers market can inject about $26,000 a week into a downtown area.
The Friday night farmers market would alternate from one end of 30th Avenue to the other each week.
The DVA made a presentation to Vernon city council and support is coming from Coun. Mary-Jo O’Keefe.
“I think it’s brilliant,” she said of the market concept.
“I have many positive memories of when it was downtown before. It exposed people to downtown in a positive way.”
Pickelball seeking a home
The Vernon Pickelball Club is looking for more infrastructure to accommodate a growing sport.
It has asked Vernon council to designate a site where pickelball can be played on a short-term basis while considering sites where a permanent court can be developed.
“Right now, we’re struggling with our phenomenal growth,” said Cheryl Burgess, spokesperson for the club, which has 240 members.
Pickleball involves a racquet and aspects of the sport are similar to badminton and tennis.
Among the locations suggested for a facility in Vernon are Paddlewheel and MacDonald parks.
Indoor winter sessions are held at the Priest Valley Gym and Vernon Christian School.
The club recently asked Coldstream for access to the Middleton Mountain tennis courts.
