NANAIMO – “FEASTIVAL” is Nanaimo’s second annual festival celebrating the Island’s culinary culture. This year, the mid-Island’s food and beverage festival takes place over two days on June 17 & 18 at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre.
Friday’s daytime program is devoted to Industry & Government with the focus on “Exporting Vancouver Island Products Globally”. Panel Discussions and Keynotes will lead discussions around agriculture, viniculture, fisheries, processing, value-added food products and how to get to market more profitably.
At the end of the day… Friday evening introduces an addition to Feastival called “Sips” – the sipping and sampling of “local” craft brews, ciders, wines, and spirits. And by local, we mean some of the finest Vancouver Island and lower mainland craft producers! A beverage festival different than most – with its own food trucks!
On Saturday, Feastival visitors will rediscover last year’s favourite attractions like our Celebrity Chef Stage, this year headlined by Karen Barnaby, Vancouver Sun columnist and past Executive Chef of the Fish House in Stanley Park. She’ll be followed by three other noted chefs, well-known authors and food experts.
Family Cooking Lessons are presented by FoodShare once again with three classes offered during the day, one each for families, teens, and adults.
The third annual Seafood Chowder Competition invites public participation through the People’s Choice Award. Two-time champion “Bold Knight” is already registered and eager to take on all other chowder-chef-challengers. Admission to Feastival includes unlimited taste tests of all the chowders so you and your family can help decide the People’s Choice this year.
Visit local restaurants’ booths for samples of their specialties – tasting tickets provided with admission and available for purchase. The inter-connected trade show presents products and services to make your dining experience better – many exhibitors here will also be offering samples and tastes.
The daytime “Sips” section features tastings of Island wines, craft brews and spirits. Come and discover some interesting local producers and see how their businesses impact the economy and will change the beverages on your ‘favourites’ list. Out on Gordon Street, Feastival features the return of the food trucks with their diverse fare and selection of street-eats.
Don’t miss Feastival this year. Get a taste of the Island’s culinary culture in all its delicious forms. Vendor and exhibitor booth opportunities and sponsorship opportunities are available now at www.feastival.ca.
– Kim Smythe is CEO of the Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce. He can be reached at ceo@nanaimochamber.bc.ca.
