August 23, 2009

Temperatures are soaring in the Okanagan and locals and visitors are making the most of BC’s sun and fun destination. From waves to wineries, patios to pool decks, orchards to Ogopogo sightings -this is an Okanagan summer to dream of. As the province’s “fruit bowl,” the region’s flavours will not disappoint – juicy, local strawberries will soon make way for delicious cherries, raspberries, peaches, corn and veggies galore. The bounty of farmer’s markets will inspire you, as they do the menus of talented local chefs, and the region’s dozens of wineries can’t wait to share their latest vintages.

Feast of Fields Okanagan is an event to capture all of this, and much more. On Sunday August 23 Summerland’s Valentine Farm will play host to the celebration of farmers, vintners, chefs, artisans and producers of all kinds. Brought to you by FarmFolk/CityFolk and heartily supported by some generous local and regional business – Feast of Fields Okanagan promises to be one delicious and exciting event.

Already one-third sold out Feast of Fields Okanagan and Farm Folk/City Folk are pleased to announce the line up of sponsors and participants. Sumac Ridge Estate Winery has stepped up to the plate as title sponsor – a Summerland neighbour, the long-standing, award-winning winery has graciously demonstrated significant support for this first annual grass-roots event. Generous sponsorship has also been provided by the second tier sponsor and community supporter, The Penticton Herald , followed by Choices Market. Other key event sponsors include Scoutmagazine.ca, Von Rosen Creative, Green Wave Press, Avalon Rentals, Summerland Chamber, and Crystal Heart Photography.

Dozens of Okanagan businesses have made a commitment to showcase the strong connections between farmers, producers and chefs to present a fantastic culinary showcase all while raising awareness of the importance and enjoyment of eating locally. See below for a complete list of confirmed participants to date.

Tickets are going quickly – get yours today at www.farmfolkcityfolk.ca. Tickets are $85 for adults and $15 for children 7 – 12 and free for those under 6. Keep up with all the Feast of Fields happenings – click here to visit our blog and check us out on Facebook and Twitter.

The Feast of Fields experience takes guests on a delicious journey through the area’s many faces and flavours. Upon arrival at the host farm they are handed a wine glass, a linen napkin and a program that outlines all that’s on offer to see, drink and eat. Wandering throughout the farm, guests meet chefs, farmers, vintners, brewers and food artisans, to taste their products, ask questions, and learn more about where their food comes from. Feast of Fields provides the public with an up-close-and-personal opportunity to sample and swirl local products while supporting a not-for-profit organization that has been committed to food security projects in British Columbia since 1993. Proceeds from Feast of Fields benefit the provincial work of FarmFolk/CityFolk and a portion of the first year’s proceeds will benefit their Okanagan-based Seed Security project.

Participants:
8th Generation Vineyard
Bench Artisan Food Market
Black Hills Estate Winery
Blasted Church Vineyards
Blossom Fruit Stand
Blue Mountain Vineyard & Cellars
Bonfire Restaurant
Burrowing Owl Sonora Room Restaurant
Cabana Bar & Grille
Cannery Brewing Co.
Caramoomel
Carmelis Goat Cheese Artisan
Cellar Door Bistro
Choices Market
Codfather’s Seafood Market
Corked Cook Food & Wine Co.
Crannóg Ales
Crowsnest Vineyards, Restaurant and Bakery
Delta Grand Okanagan Resort
Dunham & Froese Estate Winery
Elephant Island Orchard Wines
Fester’s Peppers
Harker’s Organics/ Rustic Roots Winery
Hillside Estate
Honest Food
Joie Farm Wines
Joy Road Catering
La Vida Restaurant
Lake Breeze Vineyards
Lake Country Culinary Farms
LaStella Winery
Le Vieux Pin Winery
Little Creek Gardens
Local Lounge & Grille
Localmotive Organic Food Cooperative
Meadow Vista Honey Wines
Mission Hill Family Estate
Naramata Heritage Inn & Spa
Nelson Brewing Company
Noble Ridge Vineyard & Winery
North Okanagan Game Meats
Okanagan Grocery
Okanagan Spirits
Orofino Vineyards
Passa Tempo
Poplar Grove Cheese
Poplar Grove Winery
Priest Creek Ranch
Quail’s Gate Estate Winery
Quails’ Gate Old Vines Restaurant
Raven Ridge Cidery Inc.
Road 13 Vineyards
Rollingdale Winery
Second Wind Farms
Shuswap Chefs
Stellar Seeds
Stent Family Farm
Stoney Paradise Farm
Sumac Ridge Estate Winery
Summerhill Pyramid Winery
Table 24 Restaurant
Taste of the Okanagan Specialty Foods Inc.
Terrace at Mission Hill Family Estate
Tin Whistle Brewing Co.
Tinhorn Creek Vineyards
Township 7 Vineyards & Winery
Two Rivers Specialty Meats
Urban Harvest Organic Delivery
Valentine Farm
Valentini’s Café
Victoria Road Deli & Bistro
Waterfront Restaurant
Wild Goose Vineyards