News and event information for Williams Lake, BC - as it happens.

By Suzanne Whittingham

The second annual 'Taste of the Cariboo' local food festival took place in Boitanio Park in spite of extreme inclement weather that threatened the event on August 26th from 4:30 to dusk. 

The event was held in partnership with “Performances in the Park” and was opened with a blessing and performance by the Williams Lake Pipe Band.

Tatjana Bates kicked of fthe evening by welcoming the crowd.  Mayor Kerry Cook was present and remarked about the progress of the Food Policy Council with the Cariboo Growers' consortium. Unfortunately, Tatjana Bates' efforts at staving off the rain clouds only lasted until the first performance by local musician Brent Morton of  “Drummond Bell Tower”.

Dark skies, lightning and heavy rain shortened the performances of local musicians. It did not dampen enthusiasm for enjoying the wonderful seven course meal that included a pig and lamb roast, salads, vegetables and even the ever-popular carrot cake. All food stuffs were produced locally by the Cariboo Growers members. Locals who stood in line waiting for their turn to get their food will not soon forget the threatening storm. The darkening skies created several tense moments as high winds blew some of the tents over. The event did sell out, and many ticket holders managed to still enjoy their meals and a measure of camaraderie. A group gathered under the shelter of the stage and listened to some acoustic entertainment while eating their meals.

The Marketing and Communities Manager of the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association spoke briefly about the CCCTA's work that promotes businesses involved in tourism in the region. The Cariboo Chilcotin Coast area is the second largest in the province, second only to Northern B.C. He invited businesses involved in tourism to learn more about services available to stakeholders and what was involved in becoming a member of the CCCTA.

Gathering Storm Clouds

01/13 

   

The Williams Lake Food Policy Council (a sub-committee of the Williams Lake Social Planning Council) and the City of Williams Lake thanked all volunteers and supporters of this local event, including the BIA, WL Community Arts Council , Williams Lake District Credit Union, Community Futures Cariboo Chilcotin , Interior Health Authority, Cariboo Growers, Local Chefs & Musicians, Local farmers & ranchers, the Williams Lake Pipe Band, Thompson Nicola United Way, W. Garfield Weston Foundation, the Wolf, the Williams Lake Tribune, the Advisor and WelcometoWilliamsLake.ca. The event was a celebration of local farmers and ranchers and a culmination of efforts by the community to create a more sustainable local economy.

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