Roll up your sleeves, put on your best denim and be prepared to get your hands dirty while dining al fresco at Colony Farm Regional Park for the Long Table Dinner.
The event is hosted by a group that calls itself "The Divas:" Polly Krier, a consultant; Coquitlam Maillardville MLA Selina Robinson; and Port Moody Coun. Diana Dilworth.
They will be joined by Tabitha McLoughlin, executive director of the Coquitlam Farmers Market Society, for an event that will combine gardening know-how and tasty foods with local wines and craft beer.
It's planned for Wednesday, Aug. 31 in the verdant fields of Colony Farm Regional Park, itself once a large farm and now the site of a community garden and park.
"It's a fun event to support programs offered by the Coquitlam Farmers Market," explained McLoughlin, noting that proceeds from the tickets will support The Power of Produce Club.
POP, as it's known in the U.S., where it started, is a farmers market-based children's program that seeks to teach children ages four to 12 years old about fruits and vegetables, local food systems and healthy food preparation through fun activities. One of the highlights of POP is that children get a $3 token to try something new on farmers market days.
"It's a great way for them to experience new foods," McLoughlin said.
This is the fifth event hosted by The Divas in support of a community group and Dilworth says it comes at a time when Metro Vancouver is looking into the importance of food security.
"It's a good time to start a discussion," said Dilworth, pointing out that one of the aims of the Long Table Dinner is to talk about the importance of sustainable food systems in the Tri-Cites.
Robinson said the Coquitlam Farmers Market is a good cause to support because the market, now in its 20th year, is a "fabulous community asset we all benefit from."
THE DETAILS
Tickets are $75 and available online at Eventbrite (and at the farmers market on Poirier Street this Sunday). The Long Table Dinner takes place at Colony Farm Regional Park from 6 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 31. There will be a four-course meal made from foods sourced from the market, served with B.C. wines and craft beer, plus activities, discussion topics and a raffle.
