Thousands of locals and visitors alike kicked off their May long weekend by welcoming the Downtown Community Market back to Penticton.
Around 75 vendors packed the 200 block of Main Street from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday (May 17), for the market's first day in 2025.
Vendors were also selling food, clothes, art and accessories on Front Street and Backstreet Boulevard.
"We're here to create vibrancy, and we want people to come down and shop, not just by visiting the market, but at all our local businesses as well," said market manager Leslie Lessard.
The event, organized by the Downtown Penticton Business Improvement Association, will return every Saturday until Sept. 6.
Lessard said this year's market will feature more live entertainment, as seen Saturday with an additional musician performing a solo set on Front Street. One musician has typically always been seen playing tunes at the intersection of Main Street and Westminster Avenue.
"We've opened it up a little bit and added a few more spaces this year," Lessard added. "Front Street's more exciting as we got lots more going on over there."
In anticipation of the market's return, Penticton city officials last week advised residents to watch for road closures and extra foot traffic downtown.
The Downtown Community Market joins the weekly Penticton Farmers' Market, which kicked off its season in April in the 100 block of Main Street.
"It's fun to come and see what unique things people are offering, and even find great gift for somebody that you're not going to find at a regular store," Lessard said.
