A sold-out crowd of foodies, from around the globe, but primarily from Metro Vancouver, gathered in Langley Sunday to feast on farm fresh foods.
For the 23rd consecutive year, FarmFolk CityFolk Society hosted a Feast of Fields in the Lower Mainland, and as executive director Nicholas Scapillati said, the best attended events are always held at Langley farms.
This weekend’s feast was hosted at Krause Berry Farms, but in past it’s been held at Fraser Common Farm Co-op and Laurica Farms, as well – all proving popular.
“People love getting out in the country,” Scapillati said, noting events held closer to Vancouver, at facilities such as the UBC farm, just never draw the same kind of interest.
Being at Krause’s, for instance, “really gives people a sense of where their food is coming from,” he said.
The festival grounds were set up right beside fields of berries. This was the third time Feast of Fields has been held at the Krause farm.
Next year’s event might also be held in Langley – possibly at Laurica Farms, which suffered a fire more than a year ago, and is in the process of rebuilding.
“If they’re ready, we might go back there,” Scapillati said.
This year, there were 22 food vendors and 20 beverage producers participating.
“Everyone had a chance to eat and no one ran out of food,” he said, explaining that each vendor was asked to ensure they had 1,000 food or beverage samples.
The chefs brought their A-game, Scapillati said, “We’re just so grateful for all they do.”
There was “a lot of creativity” displayed in how many of the vendors showcased the locally produced food and beverages.
There were 600 tickets sold and about 1,000 people (including chefs, volunteers, and sponsors) in attendance at this year’s event.
• Click here to see more photos from the event
It’s not the largest show on record for them, but Scapillati said it’s among the biggest, raising just over $40,000 through ticket sales, sponsorships, silent auction items, and plate sales.
“Every dollar raised goes back into the system… to support all of our work,” he said.
FarmFolk CityFolk’s major project right now are assisting with young farmers, seed work, and reducing food waste.
This fundraising event is put on every year by the FarmFolk CityFolk Society.
In fact, there are three events annually. The first is held in early August in the Okanagan, the next two weeks later on Vancouver Island, and the final one in Metro Vancouver.
Over the Feast of Field’s 23-year history, there have been a total of 50 events held in B.C.
While the food and beverages are exceptional, one of Scapillati’s favourite aspects of Feast of Fields is the chance to get out and visit what he calls “amazing farms” around the province – land that is kept in the Agricultural Land Reserve, and proven to be valued and highly productive.
While his team is still wrapping up from this year’s shows, he said there will be a bit of a breather, then they’ll start work in November in planning for 2018.
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