The time to feast on Bowen blackberries, tomatoes, carrots, crab and kale is coming soon! BowFEAST 2011 is August 15 to 21, with a community farmers' market on Sat., Aug. 20, 9 am to noon, on the library lawn.
Here are some Frequently Asked Questions.
See you at the feast!
What is BowFEAST, anyway?
A celebration of local eating and the harvest - honouring our island farmers. The highlight: do-it-yourself feasts around the island. The challenge: serve as much local - or regional - food and drink as you can. Gather your friends and family and feast SLOW-food style at your own house, in your own way. The point is: have fun, be thankful for what we have and savour our amazing local food!
When is it?
You can feast all week, but the farmers' market is Sat., Aug. 20, 9 a.m. to noon on the library grass.
What else?
Local retailers are getting into it: The Ruddy Potato (www.ruddypotato.com) green grocer will be featuring Bowen-grown produce. Bowen Island Beer and Wine Cellar (bibws.wordpress.com/about) is offering BC wines on special and hosting wine tastings. Cocoa West Chocolatier (www.cocoawest.com) is making its popular "Bowen berry truffles" in honour of the feast. Phoenix on Bowen (www.phoenixonbowen.com) will be spotlighting vegetable and fruit gardening books, and putting on a raffle. Tuscany/Artisan Eats (www.artisaneats.ca) will be selling its delectable baked goods and bread at the farmers' market.
What's in it for me?
Meet your island growers face to face; make plans to buy direct in future. Sell your own backyard bounty. Celebrate the harvest. Have fun!
Why eat local?
Eating locally grown food tastes better, is better for you, preserves a diverse food supply, supports farming families and a clean environment, ensures a healthy and secure food supply for the future, benefits wildlife and builds community (from www.eatlocalnow.org). Why not eat local?
Who puts on BowFEAST?
BowFEAST is a project of the Bowen Agricultural Alliance (BAA), in partnership with Bowen Island Municipality, Bowen Island Community School and Bowen Island Community Recreation, made possible by a grant from the municipality. BAA is a registered non-profit society supporting small-scale agriculture, promoting local eating and advancing food security on Bowen.
Where can I get more info?
www.bowenagalliance.ca
And if I want to sell at the farmers' market?
Contact Elle Glave: [email protected].
MICHELLE PENTZ-GLAVE
BowFeast
