Adrian Pedro grilling for the Town of Fort Macleod in 2022.
The Fort Macleod Chamber of Commerce will once again offer a Taste of Fort Macleod.
The popular showcase of local food and drink takes place Thursday, Sept. 7 from 5:30-9:30 p.m. on Main Street.
“I think it’s a unique event for the town,” Chamber president Mike Bourassa said of Taste of Fort Macleod’s popularity.
The event is heading toward a sell-out, with 300 tickets sold. Tickets are still available at the $40 earlybird price Wednesday and Thursday, Aug. 30-31.
“My goal is to hit 500 at least, and if we go up from there I’ll be super happy,” Chamber administrative assistant Sydney Tobler said.
Main Street will be closed to vehicle traffic between Second and Third avenues, with vendors at booths offering savoury dishes, desserts, cocktails, wine, beer, and much more.
There will also be a barbecue cookoff featuring competition between local entries Avail, Structural Truss, Pincher Creek Meats, Beusekom Farms and the Town of Fort Macleod.
The admission fee provides guests with 20 tickets that can be redeemed at the vendors’ booths, with more tickets available for purchase during the event.
Country singer Cody Hall will provide the entertainment for Taste of Fort Macleod.
Vendors are Crystal Springs Cheese, Eleventeen Bean, Dutch Grill, The Cakery for Muggles, Trudhco, Georgina’s Food Truck, MA Catering and Digbee’s Diner.
Leo Durand and Sun Life will have cotton candy available and MNP will provide popcorn.
Adult beverages will be available from tents at both ends of Main Streets. Vendors are Stronghold Brewery, Pivot Spirits, Italian Table, Lost Things Distillery and Two Rivers Distillery.
Bourassa said vendors have expressed satisfaction after participating in Taste of Fort Macleod.
“We do it because we want to support the events in town,” Bourassa said of MA Catering being a vendor. “And it’s good exposure. We have booked other events from Taste of Fort Macleod. Any vendor that goes in it has the opportunity to get business from it.”
In addition to showcasing local products and businesses, Taste of Fort Macleod is drawing people into the community.
“Last year we sold 50 tickets the day of the event to tourists,” Tobler said.
The Chamber of Commerce will once again allow children into Taste of Fort Macleod. There will be face-painting and other activities.
“We did it because there are a lot of young families in town,” Bourassa said. “It went over really well so we’re going to do it again.”
The Chamber of Commerce is offering sponsorship opportunities for businesses that would like to support the event but don’t have a way to be a vendor or in the cook-off.
At present, Gold sponsors are Scougall Motors, Davis Dodge, IG Wealth Management, Connect First, UFA, Westco, Mountain Precast, House of Cars, Town of Fort Macleod, and Crazy Stitch.
Silver level sponsors are Fort Macleod Agencies, Structural Truss, GulikerVis, Real Estate Centre and The HR Advantage.
Bronze level sponsors are Boot Trucking, Alberta Hardware, Evert’s Concrete, MA Catering and ATB.
The Chamber of Commerce is getting help from the community at large, with Fort Macleod Minor Hockey helping with set-up and take-down in return for a donation, and ATB staff and Claresholm Chamber directors volunteering during the event.
In the event of bad weather, Taste of Fort Macleod will move to the Fort Macleod and District Sports Centre.
Tickets to Taste of Fort Macleod are available on the Fort Macleod Chamber of Commerce Web site.
To register as a vendor, become a sponsor or get more information, contact Sydney Tobler at 403-715-2125 or fmchamber1888@gmail.
