Pull up your socks and get ready for a tasty ride! Foodie fans are in for a delight; this week marks the first ever Alberta Local Food Week, meant to celebrate our local producers and get Albertans to think harder about how and where our great food is made. In the spirit of Alberta Local Food Week, we highlighted our favourite local producers and farms in the Go East Region. Hope you’re not too hungry after reading this!
Local Producers
Barr Winery – Strathcona County
Strathcona County’s only cottage winery, this family-run farm has some of the best fruit wines in the province. Handcrafted and fermented to perfection, their fine wines are developed using sustainable farming methods. They are more than willing to show it off too; tours and tasting are available! You will get to see the entire process from start to finish, learn about the wine-making process, and end it with a refreshing glass of wine. What could be better?
Serben Farms – Smoky Lake County on Highway 28
This Smoky Lake farm, established in 1912 and now home to 4th generation family farmers, is a farming powerhouse. They feature everything raised and produced on their own farm such as free-range meats, poultry, eggs, vegetables, and honey. Their store also happens to be well-stocked with pork, chicken, lamb, artisan cheeses, pickles, sauerkraut, traditional Ukrainian foods such as perogies, pyrizhky and cabbage rolls, beef jerky, soups, pickled eggs…need we go on?
Erdmann’s Gardens – Near Thorhild County
This family run farm is home to all of your veggie needs. Thanks to their 60 acres of vegetable space, they are more than capable of growing and harvesting truly mouthwatering delights such as cauliflower, broccoli, beets, lettuce, carrots, corn, cucumbers and more. Your kitchen will thank you but so will your yard: Erdmann’s also offers a wide variety of homegrown bedding plants and hanging plants.
Rocky Meadows Country Getaway – North of Bonnyville
Rocky Meadows Country Getaway is all about fresh air and fun, but did you know this campground is also home to a U-Pick berry grove with 1,000 Saskatoon bushes? There are five types of berries for your picking pleasure, or you can let the staff do the heavy lifting and opt to buy a freshly baked pie. They also have premade jam, salsa, and jars of preservatives ready for pick up at their cafe!
Irvings Farm Fresh – Round Hill, Camrose County
This farm was voted by Vue Weekly readers as the #1 Best Bacon in the Edmonton area and it’s easy to see why; this local family-owned pork farm takes great pride in their products being top-of-the-line. They avoid using fillings or artificial flavorings. Even their sausages are free of gluten, dairy, mustard, MSG, eggs, nuts and soy, making them an inclusive delight for all.
Ribstone Creek Brewery – Edgerton
Award-winning brews right in our backyard! Visit the historic brewery located right on Main Street Edgerton for a quality pint or two. Their craft beer selection is a solid selection of IPAs, ales, porters, malts and lagers. Ribstone makes no bones about their local connections either: each can of beer proudly displays their brewing location.
Open Farm Day Events – Besides celebrating local food, plenty of Albertan farmers and producers will be opening their doors this weekend for Open Farm Days. Here’s a look at some of the events in the Go East region you should visit!
Flagstaff County Event – This full-day celebration of food, farms, and history will have you smiling from ear to ear. Take a chartered ride to several heritage sites, including a dairy farm, a dandelion farm, and two historical churches. Cap it off with a delicious supper including refreshing cocktails and joyous entertainment.
Prairie Fun Days – The fun doesn’t stop there! Take a weekend to experience an unprecedented tour of more than 15 farms and historical buildings found in Camrose County. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at how this Prairie region came to be, checking out cool locations in scenic Camrose all the while being chauffeured on a deluxe coach ride. Plus you will get plenty of food and drink during the day, proving that southern hospitality is thriving in Alberta.
Farmers Markets
Wondering where else you’ll be able to find these locally grown delights? You’re in luck: the Go East region is home to some fantastic farmers’ markets. Here is a sampling of some great markets sure to delight!
Lamont County – Andrew Arena 5013 51 Ave. Saturdays from 1 – 3 P.M. Running until October 6
Redwater – Pembina Place 4944 53 St. Tuesdays from 4 – 7 P.M. Running until September 4
Thorhild County – Long Lake Provincial Park (Day Use Area open shelter) Saturdays from 11 – 2 P.M. Running until September 1
Vegreville – Pysanka Park Market (Under the Egg) Thursdays from 5 – 8 P.M. Running until September 13
Looking for a place to stay?!
For a campground? See our blog!
If a hotel is more your style, here’s a few great places to stay…
Lamont Heartland Hotel
Vegreville Pomeroy
Smoky Lake Super 8
Redwater Paradise Inn
Cold Lake Waterfront Harbour Bed & Breakfast
Cold Lake Hamilton House
Cold Lake Marriott Hotel at Casino Dene
Sherwood Park Hotels
Sherwood Park – Park Centre & Hotel
Canalta Hotels
Please feel free to contact our Go East of Edmonton team at 1-888-632-8755. We hope you enjoy your weekend!!
Don’t forget to send us your photos for the photo contest!