Recognizing the "chaos and uncertainty" that surrounds the industry, leaders from the Penticton Farmers' Market are launching a campaign in support of local orchardists.

Apple Fest Month, as it's being called, will be celebrated through September in the South Okanagan and Similkameen. The group is inviting individuals, businesses, restaurants, and teachers to get involved and celebrate locally grown apples.

Citing January's deep freeze, wildfires from last summer, and the recent closure of BC Tree Fruits Cooperative, leaders from the market say the "desire to do something to help is strong."

"We know we can鈥檛 fix the big problems, but that doesn鈥檛 mean we sit on our hands and do nothing," said Philip Solman, co-manager of the Penticton Farmers' Market.

In recognition of Apple Fest Month, the group will be hosting a special apple-themed market on Saturday, Sept. 28, in downtown Penticton.

Apple varieties 鈥� along with juice, ciders, and spirits made from local apples 鈥� will be among the items on sale in the 100-block of Main Street. Baked goods that celebrate the fruit will also be available.

"We can reach thousands of people at the market and through our online channels,鈥� said Solman. 鈥淪o, we aim to get as many people as possible, buying, eating, and cooking with locally grown apples."

But campaign organizers say they hope the local farmers and orchardists are celebrated for more than just one day.

Organizers say people can get involved by doing the following in September:

 Individuals

鈥�&苍产蝉辫;Buy locally-grown apples and post on Instagram or Facebook. Tag #SOSAppleFest and the Penticton Farmers鈥� Market will share to "get a buzz going."

Restaurants 

鈥� Add menu items that use locally grown apples and post details on social media using #SOSAppleFest. The Penticton Farmers鈥� Market will share and add your business to an online map.

Businesses

鈥�&苍产蝉辫;Think of a way to use or share locally grown apples, maybe giving them out to customers. Post details, tagging #SOSAppleFest, to show your support.

Teachers 

鈥� Come up with ways to get locally grown apples into the classrooms. Post and tag #SOSAppleFest and your ideas will be shared.

Growers 

鈥� If you are retailing your crop, reach out to Penticton Farmers鈥� Market with details and shoppers will be directed to you.

The Penticton Farmers' Market, including its apple-themed event on Sept. 28, runs from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.