It was all about the apples 鈥� and those who grow them locally 鈥� at the latest edition of the Penticton Farmers' Market.
The first and perhaps only South Okanagan Similkameen (SOS) Apple Fest commenced at the weekly downtown event on Saturday, Sept. 28.
Organized following a year of "chaos and uncertainty" within the local industry, the market featured several vendors that sold apple-themed products 鈥� including juice, cider, jewellery and the fruit itself.
"Our farmers need more support because they've had a lousy year," said Phillip Solman, co-manager of the Penticton Farmers' Market, referencing a January cold snap that impacted local growers and the closure of BC Tree Fruits that followed months later.
"This isn't a fix to what's happened, but we wanted to raise awareness to the locals that it's been such a tough time for them."
Around 80 vendors were set up at the market on Saturday, consistent with the number that's been seen in the city's downtown core weekly since April.
But with the apple-themed initiative taking centre stage, many took the opportunity to raise awareness for the fruits they grow and the recent challenges that have surrounded their industry.
"Anything that brings more people and awareness to local fruit and produce is a good thing," said Derek Lutz from the Summerland-based Sun Best Fruit.
Although his business didn't directly sell to the now-defunct BC Tree Fruits, Lutz says he knows many across the industry who have been hit with hard times over the last 12 months.
It's been a tough year for many," he added.
When asked if Apple Fest would become an annual event in the region, Solman said: "I'm hoping next year they'll have loads of peaches, nectarines and everything, so there may not be this need to raise awareness.
"Hopefully they make more money next year and stay farming, because we need them. When our farmers are struggling, we have to help."
Saturday's initiative officially wrapped up what was called Apple Fest Month in the South Okanagan and Similkameen this September.
Throughout the month, businesses, individuals, school teachers, restaurants and growers were encouraged to get involved in the campaign on social media. People were asked to post #SOSAppleFest when buying or using locally-grown apples.
"Doing this doesn't fix the problems," Solman began. "We just wanted to do something and let people know that they can get involved."
