INNISFAIL – It’s a feast for the senses.
The 2nd annual Feast On Main is returning to Innisfail on Aug. 17.
The outdoor, long-table gourmet dinner is again raising funds for the local arts community. Last year's inaugural event raised more than $10,000.
Feast On Main will also highlight local food sourced from area farms and is being held during Alberta Local Food Week Aug. 11 to 17 and on the same weekend as the provincewide Alberta Open Farm Days Aug. 17 and 18.
“We had great success last year. It was sold out,” said Coun. Glen Carritt, vice-president of Innisfail Town Theatre and event organizer.“ Last year we had 120 tickets and this year we have 135 tickets to sell.”
The event will be held in the same location on Main Street in downtown Innisfail. This year, Feast On Main begins at 5 p.m.
“We’re going to start an hour earlier this year, so it’s starting at 5 p.m.,” said Carritt, noting cooler evening temperatures as a reason for the time change.
The Ol’ Moose Hall will be a backup location if it rains, he added.
“Tickets are the same price this year ($100) and proceeds go to the arts in Innisfail,” said Carritt, noting beneficiaries including Innisfail Town Theatre and Joy’s School of Dance.
The evening includes a five-course meal prepared by local chefs. It will also feature local entertainment.
“We’re working with the Innisfail Growers, chefs Matt Burton and Derek Layden," said Carritt, noting the menu will be local and fresh, serving what’s in season. “It is a farm to table (event). We’re supporting local businesses and local farmers,” he said, adding Dark Woods Brewery and Stone Heart Brewery will also be involved with the event.
It will be a collaborative effort said Carritt, with volunteers and sponsors, including Joy’s School of Dance, RE/MAX Compass, Innisfail Fire Department and local clubs.
The idea for an outdoor, long-table, gourmet dinner originated from fellow town councillor Jean Barclay, he noted.
“It was her initial idea and ITT has taken the reins on organizing it,” said Carritt. “We had over 60 volunteers to pull this off and it was a big event.”
He noted the impact the event has locally and the positive feedback the event received from the community and from those who attended last year.
“Agriculture is a big, big industry in Innisfail and Central Alberta and in all of Canada,” said Carritt. “We need to take care of our local farmers.”
With the event’s success, they hope to continue the Feast On Main tradition every year.
“People want to come out for a nice, fancy, five course meal and just enjoy the night,” Carritt concluded.
For tickets contact RE/MAX Compass in Innisfail at 403-227-5571.
