A free family foodie event caps off a local effort to get people to eat locally grown and raised foods.
Langley Eats Local is organized through the Langley Environmental Partners Society (LEPS)
“The point of the event is to help Langley residents get to know the farmers and producers in their own area, to see what we are able to source from our own neighbourhood,” said Ava Shannon, LEPS agriculture coordinator.
LEPS has this year created the Eat Local Challenge to encourage people to seek out local foods.
“We want people to share their adventures – and recipes – on social media to encourage each other along,” she added.
The challenge runs Aug. 3 to 10, capped off with the Langley Eats Local event Aug. 10.
Challenge participants must register by Aug. 3 by emailing their address and phone number to her at agriculture@leps.bc.ca or calling 604-546-0337. Participants will get a little goodie bag as well, that they can pick up at the end of the challenge, at the event on the 10th. They’ll also be entered to win another locally-sourced gift basket.
At the Langley Eats Local event on Aug. 10, anyone who participates in the scavenger hunt will be entered for draw prizes featuring Langley treats like wine, cooking sauces, and locally roasted coffee. There is a kids’ scavenger hunt and prize basket and other kids’ activities, too.
The event takes place at the Langley Community Farmers Market from noon to 4:30 p.m. on Aug. 10. The market is held on the Kwantlen Polytechnic University campus.
“This is our third year at the market, but the event has been going at different locations for eight years now,” Shannon said.
Organizers expect more than 1,100 people.
“Langley Eats Local is always a fun place for the whole family to come and meet our local producers and learn about local agriculture. But this year I’m excited for a very special treat,” she noted.
People who pick up advance tickets for $5 get to take part in that special treat – sampling of gourmet goodies starting at 3 p.m. Gourmet appetizers made from Fraser Valley ingredients will be prepared by chef Adrian Beaty.
Pick up tickets Wednesdays at the farmers market or at the LEPs office, #201 – 4839 221st St., at other times. Learn about the environmental group at leps.bc.ca.