After a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, planning is once again underway for the Slow Food Cycle Sunday in Pemberton, which will take place on August 21.
The event aims to bring together consumers and producers in a "unique, 'green,' agri-tourism experience," which draws participants from the Sea to Sky corridor, Vancouver and worldwide, according to a Tourism Pemberton press release. The event highlights the slow food movement—food that is produced in accordance with local culinary traditions, using locally-sourced ingredients—and the importance of farm land and supporting local producers.
"It will be interesting to see what the turn out rate from a participant, vendor and farm perspective will be this year given where we are to date with the pandemic," said event manager Carlee Cindric in the release. "We're hoping folks will feel ready to celebrate the joys of biking and farming in the Pemberton Valley after two years without this fun, family-friendly community event."
At the event, participants can choose their own cycling adventure, using an interpretive map to highlight all the participating farms and venues along Pemberton Meadows Road.
Along the 30- to 40-km route, participating farms will be hosting mini farmers' markets where cyclists can purchase or sample everything Pemberton has to offer including baking, coffee, Pemberton potato french fries, burgers and locally grown fruits and vegetables.
With approximately 75 per cent of the participants historically coming from outside of Pemberton, the event represents a huge economic opportunity for the village and can bring in up $200,000 to the town and local producers.
"We are excited for the return of this important agri-tourism event. The Pemberton Slow Food Cycle Sunday educates locals and visitors alike on the importance of farming in the area and promotes the message of eating 'farm to table' all while showcasing our beautiful community and Valley," said Tourism Pemberton president Andy Meeker in the release.
Anyone looking to participate is encouraged to pre-register online at tourismpembertonbc.com. Tickets are five dollars and only available online.
