Photo Gallery & Chapter Highlights
Photo Gallery & Chapter Highlights
2008
Strawberry Summer Solstice - June 21, 2008
Click the image to view the poster created by Carrie Ann.
We teamed up with Slow Food Hamilton for this first event of its kind for COG Hamilton. Chapter member, Carrie Ann Watson spearheaded the planning for this auspicious event that would celebrate the longest day of summer with seasonal flavours from local organic farms.
Slow Food chef, Karen Burson and her assistants from from Bread & Roses Café provided a scrumptous spread of food - every dish, created with organically grown strawberries from Bomberry's Farm in Ohsweken. Archie Bomberry and his partner Sonya were able to join us too.
The event was held at the scenic, Old 99 Farm in Copetown and our host, Ian Graham gave tours of his farm to the 70+ guests and volunteers that attended, including many of Ian's neighbours. The farm was purchased in fall 2007, and is curently in transition to being certified organic. In addition to growing organic vegetables for local farmers markets and specialty food stores, Ian raises rare breed animals and also has shared vegetable garden plots on the property. One bonus for Ian, was the incentive for volunteers to come out and assist him with the completion of his new composting toilet prior to the event. A welcome bonus for Ian and our guests.
The highlight of the afternoon though, was a visit from Canadian Author, Margaret Webb, presented by Brian Prince Booksellers in Westdale. Margaret gave a reading from her latest book, Apples to Oysters – A food Lovers' Tour of Canadian Farms. Followed by an interactive question and answer period from the audience. [ Apples to Oysters was honoured with a silver at the 2009 Cuisine Canada Culinary Book Awards, celebrating excellence in food and drink writing. ]
Words were also given by writer Katrina Simmons, who spoke about the history of COG and the importance of the work COG is involved in. Karen Burson spoke in praise of Slow Food and it's mandate for fair, clean and just food.
CHCH TV showed up, as did photographers from the local papers. Guests were able to dine in the barn that has been converted for learning workshops and many people chose to sit on the grassy hill and look out over the countryside. A local musician played acoustic guitar during the meal. Unfortunately the weather was too windy and we had to cancel the bonfire.
Overall, the event was an astounding success. Awareness was rasied about local food issues, COG and Slow Food. The event sold out and we broke even. There was a small profit, which was shared between COG, Slow Food and DOIT (Dundas Ontario In Transition). COG donated their share to Karen Burson for all of the work she donated in making all of that glorious food.
A great big thank you goes to Ian Graham and all of the volunteers, Margaret Webb, Brian Prince, Katrina Simmons, Carrie Watson, and Karen Burson and of course, our guests and all the farmers everywhere, for making this a very special summer solstice.
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