by A. Gortan, Citizen Journalist

Grab your sun hat and bring your appetite – it’s time for the annual North Saanich Flavour Trail event. Here is a chance for the whole family to embark on a two day rural adventure and discover the importance of local agriculture, through a variety of tours and events.

Fruit Trees and More is offering a guided tour where visitors can learn how to grow lemons, limes, olives and pomegranates – right in their own backyard!

For the urban farmer, discover what you can produce on half an acre. Meet Bernadette Greene of Greene’s Farm and see the fruits, veggies and flowers her family has been growing since the 1960’s.

Wild Edge Garden Farm will be sharing art, music and refreshments in their incredible edible landscape and outdoor gallery; featuring sculptures by local artist Heather Goulet.

And did somebody say pie???

Make sure to drop by Cartref Gardens and dig into a slice of freshly baked fruit pie by The Pie Social (served with ice cream of course).  And while you try to eat slowly, so the experience lasts a little longer, you can discover the secret behind creating a stunning cut flower bouquet. So kick off your shoes, relax in the shade of the fruit trees and watch the dragonflies play at Cartref Gardens.

And what better way to end the festivities, but with “Sip & Savour” at the Mary Winspear. The first half of this evening event starts with “Sip”, which includes tastings of tempting beverages such as local wines, spirits, ciders and coffee. And for those with an appetite for more, Sippers can stay for the second half and “Savour” a sumptuous dinner showcasing local fruits, vegetables, meats and other culinary delights.

This year, the two day North Saanich Flavour Trail event will launch the beginning of the new  Saanich Peninsula Flavour Trail.  Soon, “flavour trailers” can look forward to trekking further south, as event organizers broaden their horizon to include neighboring food and agricultural producers on the Saanich Peninsula.

Flavour Trail Coordinator Robert Thompson, in conjunction with the Capital Region Food and Agriculture Initiatives Roundtable (CRFAIR), will facilitate the newly expanded version of the North Saanich Flavour Trail.

CFAIR Coordinator Linda Geggie, is looking forward to growing the original Flavour Trail concept beyond North Saanich, to include on-going support for other Saanich Peninsula food and agricultural events throughout the year.

“We have all the makings right here on the Saanich Peninsula to experience fantastic foods, wines and spirits from the land and sea.”  says Linda.  She adds that the new Saanich Peninsula Flavour Trail will also “connect people to a one stop resource where they can find out about local food events and celebrations.”

So to all the “flavour trailers” out there, remember to mark your calendar. August 24-25 is the weekend to discover local food, spend time in nature, and best of all… it’s the weekend you don’t have to cook dinner!

For event information and schedules visit www.flavourtrails.com

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