The Kamloops Regional Farmers Market is kicking off its 45th annual Outdoor season on April 23.

The market runs from 8:30 am until 12:30 pm every Saturday, rain or shine, until October 29.

Farmers Market Manager Greg Unger says the last couple of years have shown the importance of supporting our local farmers.

“It was a rough, smoky summer last year followed by a cold winter, and the vendors are clamouring, they’re chomping at the bit to get out there– its going to be a full first market in terms of vendors.”

New at the Saturday outdoor market this year is the addition of an accessibility ramp, something Unger says has been needed at the market for quite some time.

He explains that it will help improve access to the Stuart Wood schoolyard via the middle gate in the market area.

“For years, I’ve watched as people with strollers or people in wheelchairs have to struggle to get up those stairs or cant even make it. So I’m happy to say that we’ve heard you, and we got a ramp.”

He explains the ability to get a wheelchair accessible ramp is thanks to a provincial grant.

“The BC government put out a grant this winter giving Farmers Markets a chance to build back better from the last couple of years and we applied for it and that was our top priority with that grant money was to make it accessible for everyone.”

The Saturday outdoor market takes place on St. Paul Street between 2nd and 3rd Ave.

The Midweek Markets, which takes place on Wednesdays, will start up on May 4, opening at 8 am and closing at 2 pm located in the 400 block Victoria Street.