Food for those most in need is a big theme for Delicious Downtown taking place this weekend part of Downtown Courtenay WinterFest.
In addition to the farmers' market, tasting events, restaurant specials, book signings, music events, busking for charity and free eco-craft activities, the downtown community is joining forces to raise funds and food for those most in need this Saturday.
Everyone is invited to bring a few cans or a whole bag of non-perishable groceries to the Downtown Courtenay WinterFest Food Bank Drive at the old Dollar Store building (WinterFest Hub) at the corner of Fifth and England from 11 a.m. till 3 p.m.
All donors will be entered in a draw to win dining gift certificates contributed by local restaurants and caterers. Bring the kids for a free hands-on eco-art and craft activity with Gayle Bates from the CVRD when you drop off your donation.
At 1 p.m., the Celebration Singers will serenade donors and crafters with some beautiful music.
Just up the street, oyster lovers are in for a special treat. Visit the Oyster Bar for the Food Bank, a raw oyster bar presented by Pentlatch Seafoods and Tria Culinary Studio right on the street in front of Union Street Grill and Grotto from noon to 2.
A $1 donation gets you a succulent sample and all of the money goes to the food bank. Union Street owners Mark and Danielle will sweeten the pot and donate $1 from every oyster dish sold from Nov. 30 to Dec. 1 to the local food bank.
Butchers Block will host Natural Pastures and Bitesize Condiments from noon to 3 for tastings and they'll be serving up delicious house made sausages and Golden Phoenix samples cooked on the barbecue starting at 11. The donation jar will be out with all funds going to a stocking fund for the homeless.
Come and celebrate local food, community and coming together to share with those most in need this weekend.
For ongoing updates and other details about Delicious Downtown, including music and event schedules and other Downtown Courtenay WinterFest events, visit them on Facebook.
— Downtown Courtenay WinterFest