INNISFAIL - With the Taste of Markerville and its celebrated long table event now in the books for another year it's time for Innisfail to step up to the plate.
The fifth annual Taste of Markerville Long Table event welcomed 124 guests on July 28.
INNISFAIL - With the Taste of Markerville and its celebrated long table event now in the books for another year it's time for Innisfail to step up to the plate.
Organizers for the town's first-ever long table event, Feast on Main, are delighted with the public response and support they have received since it was only recently announced that the town, led by Innisfail Town Theatre (ITT), would try its own long table brand on Main Street on Saturday, Aug. 18.
Long table events have grown in popularity throughout Alberta in recent years, with Taste of Markerville enjoying continued success on July 28 with 124 guests. Tickets for the event went for $125 each and sold out in 30 hours.
Norma Hoppins, a member of ITT and head of volunteers for the Feast on Main organizing committee, said last week that 86 tickets, which are selling for $100 each, have so far been sold for Innisfail's gala, which is being held the same weekend as Alberta Open Farm Days.
Like the Taste of Markerville, there are 100 seats for sale, along with an additional 20 complimentary ones for sponsors. Organizers have repeatedly emphasized the event is designed to promote and enhance not only Main Street but local produce and meat.
"We are very pleased. Besides corporate sponsorship from businesses we also have most of the product that is going on the table that is donated," said Hoppins, noting the three-hour early evening culinary gala on Main Street will feature a six-course meal prepared by chefs Matt Burton and Derek Layden and highlighted by offerings of lamb, bison and trout.
"The Innisfail Fire Department will set up the tables and chairs, which will receive instant transformation by Debbie Carter and Bev Bovey into elegant and gracious fine dining," said Hoppins, adding the decor for the 110-foot-long table will be enhanced by selected pieces of art from the Innisfail Art Club's upcoming September art show. She said entertainment will be provided by local musician Colin Langstraat.
While there is undeniable community excitement building for Innisfail's first-ever long table event, there have been some public concerns the $100 price tag is just too steep for many Innisfailians.
However, Hoppins pointed out that if anyone walked into any restaurant and wanted a six-course meal with "exotic" dishes like lamb, bison and trout, along with an assortment of fine beverages, he or she would "pretty much" spend $100.
"So there is value for the $100 and the fact of what we are promoting is local homegrown raised food and we are celebrating Main Street to say to people, 'look at the beautiful flower baskets and planters, and the decor'" said Hoppins, noting she's encouraging skeptics to participate in the organization of the event. "In terms of one other person who said it was pricey I said, 'Join us to serve and be part of the fun. You can be part of it without having to spend that much money.'
"She said, 'I have plans that weekend but I would like to serve next year'" added Hoppins. "So a comment that discouraged me or made me think about it turned out to be quite a positive comment. There is something for everyone at this event."
In the meantime, Hoppins said more volunteers are still needed, especially to help serve the meal. If any citizen wishes to volunteer he or she can contact Hoppins at 403-227-4144 or 403-877-1466.
Remaining tickets are still available online from Eventbrite (www.eventbrite.ca) or can be purchased at the office of Innisfail's RE/MAX Compass in the Co-op Mall.
