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Tri-Cities' farmers markets celebrating 25 years with popular fundraiser return

Grow Local Society is hoping to collect money for an agriculture program that educates about 400 children and youth each year on supporting regionally-grown eats.
GrowLocalSocietyCoquitlamPortMoodyFarmersMarketLongTableDinner
The Grow Local Society, which consists of the Coquitlam and Port Moody farmers markets, is hosting its annual long table dinner fundraiser on Aug. 31, 2022.

For the first time in two years, guests will gather at a secret location to come together, break bread and raise money for children to be educated on locally sourced foods.

Grow Local Society is gearing up to host its Long Table Dinner later this month, which is set to coincide with its 25th silver anniversary celebration of the Coquitlam and Port Moody farmers markets.

The most recent editions of the annual event were cancelled as a result of limits on gatherings during the then state of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The fifth fundraiser dinner, and first since 2019, aims to empower kids to make their own food choices through programs and activities — with a primary focus on fruits and vegetables.

All proceeds will be earmarked for the Power of Produce club (POP) to support those educational initiatives, which also includes growing and cooking food, as well as understanding financial literacy.

"This program teaches children all sorts of skills, in addition to learning where and how their food is grown, and we hear positive things from parents about how the program is benefitting their kids," said Tabitha McLaughlin, executive director of the Coquitlam Farmers Market, in an earlier interview with the Tri-City News about POP.

In a typical year, about 400 children get involved with the POP program through the summer and fall seasons.

The long table dinner will include entrees and desserts created by five B.C. chefs using a multitude of diverse products grown and raised by local entrepreneurs.

The evening's theme encourages patrons to dress in their best denim and white clothes. A cash bar, live entertainment, raffle baskets and a champagne toast are also on the agenda.

Grow Local Society's Long Table Dinner is scheduled for Aug. 31 from 6 to 10 p.m.

Tickets are $95 each plus tax — $90 for society members — and the location is revealed when a ticket is purchased.

For more information, you can visit the dinner's EventBrite page.