By Ezra Black
The Taste of Fernie was last put on in 2009. Next week the Fernie Chamber is resurrecting this tasty event, with a twist.
In past years the event was held in a single location but this year participants will have to ferry themselves from one eatery to the next.
Amy Levesque, the Chamber’s visitor information coordinator, said the Chamber decided on this new format to encourage more businesses to participate.
“We’re doing it a bit differently,” she said.” In previous years the businesses that participated had to hire extra staff to run their businesses that day or they had to close,” said Levesque. “We figured if we brought the people to them, they would be able to stay open. They’d also be able to have special deals or offers to encourage these people to buy.”
Fifteen restaurants and retail shops are participating in the Taste of Fernie Food Festival, which is happening Nov. 24 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Tickets can be purchased at the Fernie Chamber of Commerce office or on its website for $35. Maps to guide eaters to participating businesses will be provided. Only 100 tickets are available.
“We just think it’s really cool and it’s something we wanted to bring back,” said Levesque. “It gets people excited about Fernie. It gives them an opportunity to learn more about the businesses we have in town and what we have to offer as a really awesome destination.”
Restauranteurs across the community are preparing specially created edibles for the event.
Alejandro Verdi, owner of a recently opened Mexican restaurant in the Red Tree Lodge called Frida, said he would be offering a sampling of tacos.
Frida offers 11 different varieties of the iconic fried and folded tortilla dish from a short rib variety to a tempura taco, “So when they come they can choose from any one of those,” said Verdi.
Freshies Cafe will be serving its recently introduced variety of crepes, which will be both sweet and savoury, said cafe spokesperson Melissa Mainwaring.
“We’ll also be serving hot drinks throughout the evening,” she added. For more information on participating businesses or to purchase tickets visit Ferniechamber.com