More and more people in the Sea to Sky corridor are jumping on the agritourism farm wagon these days. Farmers and chefs alike are realizing the incredible potential for events that showcase the foodie process from field to plate. A new event adds to the growing culture already taking root.
The FarmFolk/CityFolk presentation of Feast of Fields, an annual event that showcases B.C.’s agricultural bounty alongside award-winning chefs, will find a new home in Pemberton on Aug. 19, in conjunction with Slow Food Cycle Sunday, Aug. 20.
"Feast of Fields helps establish the Sea to Sky region as a culinary destination," said Astrid Cameron Kent, Feast of Fields organizer.
"We’re home to world-class chefs. Local farms are growing excellent and often organic produce. To invite people to experience (the North Arm Farm), and shorten the distance between farm and table is tremendously exciting."
The inaugural Sea to Sky, Farm-to-Table themed event will be hosted at Pemberton’s North Arm Farm. More than 500 guests will be free to stroll in the fields at the foot of Mount Currie, enjoying views along with the company and wares of award-winning chefs, farmers, artisans, vintners and brewers.
Proceeds from the Feast of Fields will benefit the Pemberton Community Garden project.
Cameron Kent invites Sea to Sky chefs, vintners, brewers, farmers and food artisans to participate. Contact Astrid at 604-905-9666 or astrid@astridsfinefoods.com.
Tickets for Feast of Fields: Sea to Sky, Farm to Table go on sale July 1 for $75 at Whistler Creekside Market, Whistler Marketplace IGA, The Grocery Store, Pemberton Valley Supermarket, North Arm Farm and the North Arm Farm stand at the Whistler Farmer’s Market.
Feast of Fields is the perfect wind up for Slow Food Cycle Sunday, Aug. 20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. along Pemberton Meadows Road.
The second annual event invites cyclists to travel through the farmlands of Pemberton Meadows where they will meet local growers, sample fresh-from-the-earth produce and the culinary talents of local chefs. The 50-kilometre bike ride connects adventurers to multiple farms as well as incredible vista views of the Pemberton Valley.
Following the practices behind the Slow Food Movement, the event aims to educate people about where our food comes from while at the same time allowing them to sample and savour the talents and products our extended backyards produce.
A successful formula of pedaling, snacking and socializing can slow down even the most devout fast-food addict.
Whistler Mountaineer has jumped on board the event, offering B.C. residents a special $99 return train trip from Vancouver to Whistler.
Slow Food Cycle Sunday is free. For more information, visit www.slowfoodcyclesunday.com.
Creekside farmer’s market open
Farmer’s Market groupies can now spend their whole weekend shopping for local wares and produce.
The Franz’s Trail Farmer’s Market is now open for business every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Creekside. The market provides an additional open-air shopping extravaganza to the Whistler Farmer’s Market, which operates every Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Whistler’s Upper Village, located at the base of Blackcomb Mountain.
Jewelry fans don’t want to miss out on the Franz’s Trail Market, which hosts an extensive network of local jewelers. Artisans mainly dominate the outdoor showcase, including everything from woodwork and teddy bears to clothing and art.
Only in its second year, event organizers hope to see the market grow to encompass more farm products.
With 13 years behind the Whistler Farmer’s Market, there are plenty of berries, vegetables and baked goods to bag on Sunday.
Buys finding their way into my bag these days are Kettle Corn popcorn, lemon loaf from the Lillooet bakery stall, handmade chocolates from Sarahendipity and dressings from Whistler Cooks. A basket of berries also pairs perfectly with the picnic benches at the new picnicking area located across from Ross Rebagliati Park.
