As the vibrant days of summer begin to wane, Kelowna is gearing up to celebrate the first-ever Kelowna Apple Fest, a city-wide event from August 31 to September 8. This week-long festival is more than just a tribute to the apple harvest; it’s a community-driven effort to support local family farmers who have been significantly impacted by the closure of BC Tree Fruits and the devastating challenges of this year’s growing season.


The Heart Behind Kelowna Apple Fest

Kelowna has always been known for its thriving agricultural community, particularly its apple orchards. However, this year, our region's farmers are facing unprecedented hardships. With the recent closure of BC Tree Fruits, over 300 small family farmers are struggling to find markets for their produce. This situation has not only affected apple growers but has also had a ripple effect across all fruit production in BC.

In response to these challenges, Kelowna Apple Fest was created to rally the community, raise awareness, and provide much-needed support to these farmers. The festival will feature a variety of events, activities, and promotions centred around apples, all while highlighting the importance of supporting our local agricultural industry.


How Tourism Kelowna Members Can Get Involved

There are numerous ways for local businesses, restaurants, and retailers to participate—a few suggested by Kelowna Apple Fest organizers include:

  • Creating Apple-Inspired Menus: Restaurants can showcase apples' versatility by offering special apple-themed dishes, drinks, or desserts throughout the week. This is an excellent opportunity to attract customers with unique, seasonal offerings while supporting local farmers.
  • Hosting Events or Promotions: If you own a retail store or business, consider hosting an apple-themed event or promotion. This could be anything from apple tastings to apple pie contests, or even offering discounts on products related to the festival.
  • Featuring Local Produce: Consider sourcing your apples from the small farmers we are working with. This not only supports the local economy but also ensures your customers are enjoying the freshest, highest-quality produce.
  • Collaborating with Local Farmers: Partner with local farmers to sell their apples or apple-related products at your establishment. This could be a great way to draw in foot traffic and provide your customers with a direct connection to the local farming community.

Why Your Involvement Matters

Kelowna Apple Fest is more than just a festival; it’s a movement to preserve and protect our region's agricultural heritage. By participating, you’re not only helping to boost your own business but also contributing to local farmers' livelihood during this critical time. By working together, the community can make a meaningful impact and ensure Kelowna’s agricultural community continues to thrive for years to come.


How to Get Started

Whether you’re ready to commit or want to learn more about how you can participate, please reach out to Kelowna Apple Fest organizers through their website, kelownaapplefest.com. The organizers are ready to support you every step of the way, from providing ideas and inspiration to helping promote your involvement through Kelowna Apple Fest's marketing channels.