Dear Editor,

Food security and robust local economies both flourish when there is a network of strong relationships between producers, entrepreneurs and consumers.

This year, the Pemberton and District Chamber of Commerce harnessed these relationships to host our first Slow Food Cycle Dinner event on Saturday (Aug. 14) at Pemberton Valley Farms, as a benefit for what has become Pemberton's signature agri-tourism event.

We sold out, contributed funding support to Slow Food Cycle Sunday, and introduced 15 media guests, as well as 65 other foodie-fans to the diverse and passionate growers of the Pemberton Valley. 

Many seeds were planted over dinner conversations at Marty and Andrea Van Loon's beautiful property at Pemberton Valley Farms. This event not only raised awareness for Slow Food Cycle Pemberton, which saw its most successful turnout ever, but will also provide key funding to further promote the Slow Food movement in the Sea to Sky corridor.

The Pemberton and District Chamber of Commerce would like to thank all the volunteers involved in this year’s Slow Food Cycle Dinner Event. 

Araxi Executive Chef James Walt and Grant Cousar and the team from Whistler Cooks Catering continue to be incredible ambassadors for Pemberton produce, and treated guests to a four-course dinner that incorporated produce from eight local farms.

Thanks also to Pat Allan from Araxi, Mark Blundell from Pemberton Valley Supermarket and Kym McCarthy from Whistler Printing.

Paul Vacirca

President

Pemberton and District Chamber of Commerce