BY KATHLEEN RAINES
Taste of Markerville, a country food fair, is taking place Saturday and Sunday in Historic Markerville.
This second annual event is designed to celebrate great local food, farmers and community, and to showcase the authentic culture and history of the Markerville district.
The Country Market kicks off on Saturday with a feature barbecue at Markerville Creamery starting at noon, and visitors can browse over a dozen displays all over the hamlet from 1-5 p.m. Vendors have designed their booths to be interactive, so you'll have the opportunity to try your hand working with fibre, separating milk, churning (and sampling!) butter and ice cream, and to shop for locally grown veggies, fruit and eggs, antiques and collectibles and artwork. Just like at the Farmers' Market, it's best to bring cash as not all vendors can process debit or credit cards.
But that's not all — in fact it's just the beginning! Once the market closes at 5 p.m. Markerville Creamery will be transformed for ‘Appy Hour, a chance to visit and sample locally sourced appetizers made on-site and Alberta beverages while your appetite builds for the Long Table Dinner starting at 7 p.m. on the banks of the Medicine River in front of Fensala Hall. Tickets are required for the dinner.
The dinner is being created by six Alberta chefs, members of the Alberta Ate collaborative, led by Darren MacLean of Calgary's downtownfood. Using the best of our farm partner's produce at its seasonal peak, the menu is guaranteed to delight your palate while the presentation and stunning country setting leave you awestruck.
There's more — Fensala Hall will host two “Tasty” classes on Sunday. Chef and caterer Nan Dell of Red Deer will profile summer garden fresh produce in the two hour sessions focused on creating amazing salads, pickles and frozen treats to extend your enjoyment of the season's bounty. Each class will end with a meal and a chance to sample all the dishes created by the group.
For complete details, maps and registration information visit www.TasteofMarkerville.com.