To celebrate one of the Okanagan's signature fruit crops, the Kelowna Farmers' and Crafters' Market has been hosting a weekend-long cherry festival.

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Taking over both the Saturday market on Dilworth drive and the Sunday market on St. Paul street, the market's boast sweet, cherry-filled fun for all. 

From a cherry pie baking contest to free samples of the number of unique cherry varietals, attendees and local cherry lovers are able to not only enjoy but learn more about the red, juicy, stonefruit. 

The cherry festival is no newbie to Kelowna, as it has taken place at the Saturday market for a number of years. However, market coordinators have been testing the waters of the satellite market by introducing popular initiative like this on Sunday's. 

"We wanted to bring it here so the people who attend the Sunday markets can enjoy the festivals too, we are also looking at bringing our garlic and peach festivals down here," said Market Coordinator, Frances Callaghan.

"As the market grows we are going to grow our festivals as well so you don't just get them once," 

The festivals were created to spotlight the abundance of fresh, local produce grown here in the Okanagan as well as to educate shoppers on the vast varietals available. 

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"I personally didn't know there were different types of cherries, and my god are there a lot, so I thought that if I didn't know this other might not know it either, and it is the same with peaches or any fruit," added Callaghan.

Not only do the festivals provide shoppers with a unique, educational experience but promotes buying local and supporting the Okanagan's hard-working farmers. 

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The Cherry festival carries on until 3 p.m. along with cherry goodness you can expect fun activities to take part in too! Visit the Kelowna Farmers' and Crafters' Market website for a full schedule of events. 

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