You're invited to Eat Algoma

NEWS RELEASE

RURAL AGRI-INNOVATION NETWORK (RAIN)

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See you in Desbarats for the third annual Eat Algoma local food festival

SAULT STE. MARIE - The Rural Agri-Innovation Network (RAIN) is excited to announce the third annual Eat Algoma local food festival, taking place at the Johnson Township Community Centre in Desbarats on September 17, 2016 from 12 to 5 p.m.

This annual event features a “Farm to Fork” style paring, where local restaurants and chefs are paired with local food suppliers to create a variety of delicious bite size appetizers.

Eat Algoma highlights what sources of food are available right in our own backyards.

“Now in its third year, Eat Algoma continues to showcase the talented food producers and dish creators in the Sault and Algoma District in a fun and engaging way with our community members,” said David Thompson, RAIN research project coordinator with the Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre. “We are thrilled to have these exceptional local restaurants on board ready to serve up tasty dishes created with locally sourced foods from Algoma’s hard working farmers.”

“Eat Algoma is a perfect opportunity for the public to experience all the products that are available to them right here in the Algoma District,” said Ted Hicks, mayor of the Township of Johnson. “It is absolutely amazing what is being produced locally and I would encourage everyone to take the time to enjoy and see first-hand what is here in our own backyard."

Local restaurants preparing fresh dishes onsite that have been confirmed include Café Natura, Shabby Motley, and Monique’s Bistro and Catering.

More restaurants may be added leading up to the event.

This year’s festival will also feature an assortment of vendors including Fromagerie Kapuskoise, an Artisan Cheesemaker; Lock City Dairies with milk and ice cream tasting; Algoma Highlands wild blueberry farm and winery; and more to come.

“Eat Algoma is a great opportunity to show the community how local food can be served and enjoyed," said Kelly, of Cafe Natura. "The harvest season is one of the best times to experience what local farms have to offer.”

Johnson Farmers’ Market will be operating as usual under the pavilion, and the annual Sylvan Circle’s Artist and Artisan Tour will also be taking place at the Johnson Township Community Centre and surrounding area.

Live music from local bands will be playing throughout the day, along with family friendly events and kid’s activities.

Proceeds generated will support various RAIN projects, including ongoing efforts to increase local food production in Algoma, as well as its activities to enhance Algoma agriculture through research, education and marketing.

Eat Algoma is free to attend, but a ticket must be purchased to participate in the taste testing.

Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children aged 3 to 12.

Tickets can be purchased at any Scotiabank location in Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma.

The first 50 tickets purchased will receive an Eat Algoma promotional bag filled with fun and useful goodies, including an Eat Algoma t-shirt, eco-friendly bag, reusable utensil set and more.

If you would like more information about Eat Algoma visit www.eatalgoma.com.

To be a part of the festival as a vendor or a participating restaurant, contact David Thompson (RAIN) at [email protected] or 705-942-7927 x3027.

Eat Algoma is proudly sponsored by Scotiabank.

About the Rural Agri-Innovation Network (RAIN)

The Rural Agri-Innovation Network (RAIN) is a project of the Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre (SSMIC) and NORDIK Institute.

RAIN is supported by the agricultural community, municipalities, the private sector (farmers and businesses), and funding partners to conduct research and provide business development and networking support.

RAIN’s vision is to build a resilient farm and food sector in northern Ontario through innovative research and agricultural development projects.

www.rainalgoma.ca

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