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My name is not Elaine
It’s not fall-fair season just yet, but there are a number of agricultural fairs and exhibitions coming up soon.
That means it’s time for fair food, chef competitions, and getting to know where your ingredients come from.
There is a handy calendar from the BC Association of Agricultural Fairs and Exhibitions, found at https://bcfairs.ca/, as well as info on the provincial Buy BC program that aims to educate foodies and fair goers on the importance of supporting your local farms.
Some fairs are large, some are small. Some have rodeos, some have loggers performing tricks, and a handful have unique contests:
- Goat milking
- Lawnmower racing
- Rooster crowing
- Llama costume contests
- Zucchini races.
The Peachland Fall Fair celebrates 100 years this September, the Summerland event continues to grow, and the Grand Forks fair is a fun day trip to the edge of the Kootenays and back.
Rock Creek brings in 15,000 fairgoers, impressive for a town of 1,000, and a weekend getaway to Creston will get you to a fall fair feast.
Just before school starts and summer unofficially ends, and under two hours away, is the largest agricultural exhibition in the province. The Interior Provincial Exhibition in Armstrong covers five days of family fun and mini-donuts.
For me, it’s my end of summer working vacation.
This year? Explore wacky food such as dill pickle lemonade, corn dog poutine, and bacon cheddar hush puppies. If you’ve never had a horse blanket or a hay stack, this is the year – the 120th IPE – to try these iconic bites.
And if you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to compete as a chef, sign up for the popular Top Chef competition.
Home cooks will challenge other competitors in their age category to be judged and tasted by a panel of judges (me included).
It wouldn't be exciting without the mystery ingredients and crucial timeline that creates drama as the competitors create their culinary masterpieces.
Sign up here, and I’ll cheer you on: https://www.armstrongipe.com/IPE%20Top%20Chef/
UPCOMING EVENTS
Aug. 15 (and other dates), Summerland: The Lobster Dinner series takes place at Dirty Laundry Vineyard on Thursday evenings through August.
Aug. 16, Naramata: Join the winemakers at Roche for a dinner in their cellar with Chef Chris Van Hooydonk of Backyard Farm.
Aug. 16, Naramata: Tightrope Winery shows The Greatest Showman for movie night in the vineyard.
Aug. 18, Kelowna: Garagistes North is a wine festival for the smaller producers. Hard to find gems, plus cider as well.
Aug. 18, Summerland: Visit Evolve Cellars to create a fabulous rustic sign to complement your home décor while enjoying a glass of wine and the view.
Aug. 24, Okanagan Falls: Noble Ridge hosts the West Coast Kids Cancer Foundation Concert, featuring performer wiL, to raise funds for a permanent facility to send kids to camp.
Aug. 25, Penticton: Head to Township 7 for SPCA Sip & Support. Food trucks, music, and meet some adoptable dogs.
This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.
