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A popular summer attraction that encourages shopping locally in West Kelowna is back for another summer.
For the past three years, the Westside Farm Loop has been an increasingly trendy thing to check out. It’s a trail of farms in West Kelowna where you can go and grab fresh fruits and vegetables.
"The farms range from markets that are open for several months to some that are open for a few weeks. They sell all kinds of great local, fresh produce,” said John Perrott, economic development officer with the City of West Kelowna.
“You can U-pick or you can purchase product that has been picked."
The idea is the same as the Westside Wine Trail except it's food and not beverages.
Products at the farms range from cherries, peaches, jam, honey, nuts and even a bottle of wine here and there if you're lucky.
The Westside Farm Loop is a project put on by the economic development office at the city. Perrott said they figured out what farms were on the mapped out area and reached out to them to see if they’d be interested in the project.
This year there are about 20 farms taking part with several being new to the loop.
"It's about having our local residents know it's just around the corner, in our backyards. We talk a lot about getting to know where our food comes from and the people that grow it. I think it's a great opportunity for our residents to go and experience that firsthand."
People can follow the Westside Farm Loop on Facebook and Instagram to see what farms are included. Parrott said every summer they create a new farm guide that helps people get from one farm to the next.
Each farm has a sign on its fence that has a picture of a rooster and a number on it. That way it’s easy to make sure you’re on the Westside Farm Loop.
The loop continues to gain attention by local residents as well as tourists. Perrott said that's because it's the perfect way to boost the local farming community.
"If you're doing your grocery shopping for the weekend for a dinner party, you can get everything you need, whether it's wine or fresh fruits and vegetables all throughout West Kelowna. It's an easy way to shop local."
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