Local food, food production and preparation were the stars of the show Sunday at the ninth annual Okanagan Feast of Fields event in 麻豆精选.
The annual local food and beverage showcase took place at Caldwell Heritage Farm in south-east 麻豆精选 and hundreds turned out for the sold-out event, strolling through the farm grounds sampling culinary creations by some of the valley鈥檚 foremost cooks and chefs.
In addition to the foods, there was a healthy array of wines to sample, and, this year, a large number of cideries participated as well.
鈥淭oday is an incredible day, not only do we have beautiful weather, we have a beautiful location and we have over 60 presenters showcasing the best food and wine and beverages in the valley,鈥� said coordinator Alison Love.
鈥淲e hit it out of the ballpark this year. We sold out and have more presenters than we have ever had.鈥�
The event is a fundraiser for FarmFolk CityFolk, which promotes and educates about sustainable agriculture.
Feasts are also held in the Lower Mainland and on Vancouver Island each year. The event is Canada鈥檚 largest and longest-running celebration of local foods.
Every dollar raised through the three events goes back into the system to help local farmers and promote sustainability.
鈥淎nd that is very unique in terms of food events,鈥� said FarmFolk CityFolk executive director Nicholas Scapillati.
Presenters are invited to participate in Feast of Fields and Love said the popularity and importance of the event has now prompted some in the industry to approach organizers seeking to be part of the annual showcase, as it is by invitation only when it comes to who is selected to present.
Love said each year organizers actively search out businesses that are working with local farmers and ask them to be part of Feast of Fields.
Both Love and Scapillati said it鈥檚 important to show the public the range of local foods produced here and the quality.
While healthy food and organic food is growing in popularity, it is still a small portion of the food market, said Scapillati and the aim of events like Feast of Fields is to increase that by showcasing what local farmers are growing, and what local restaurants, chefs and cooks are doing with what the farmers produce.
And, from the positive reaction from many on hand Sunday strolling though the farm sampling the presenters offerings, they are succeeding.
