The first Downtown Courtenay WinterFest continues this weekend.
If the first two weekends are any indication — this event is picking up steam! Cuisine is on the scene this Friday and Saturday with the first Delicious Downtown.
Experience the tantalizing tastes of Downtown Courtenay! Make a date with friends and family and go enjoy some incredible cuisine from local food creators.
From butchers, bakers and chocolate makers to organic groceries, local cheese and seafood and special treats from around the world — you can find it all in Downtown Courtenay. Add to that mouth watering desserts, fair trade coffee, specialty teas and perfect deli sandwiches and your tummy should be rumbling.
Local restaurants will be offering up fresh sheets featuring all kinds of local fare including oysters, bacon and chocolate — the perfect culinary triple threat. Stop by Union Street Grill and Butchers Block for special tasting events right out on the street. There are rumours of local sausages and raw oysters.
Join other coffee lovers for the Quest for the Ultimate Downtown Coffee. In the week leading up to Delicious Downtown coffee lovers are invited to join in on the Downtown Courtenay WinterFest Facebook page for the Quest for the Ultimate Downtown Coffee conversation. The most creative comments will be entered to win prizes.
Saturday, from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., check out the Book Launch, Cooking Demonstration and Tasting with Chef Eric Akis — Everyone Can Cook Everything at 'Beyond' the Kitchen Door. Eric is an author, food columnist and creator of the weekly recipes in the Thrifty Foods flyer and he will be signing copies of his latest book (his seventh) in the Everyone Can Cook series.
This is an opportunity to meet one of Canada's best-selling authors and take home fresh, new ideas for cooking and entertaining in Everyone Can Cook Everything. There is no need to register for this free event.
Food for those most in need is a big part of the theme this weekend and on Saturday the Downtown Courtenay WinterFest is holding a food bank drive.
Bring down non-perishable goods to the WinterFest Hub between 11 and 3 and be entered to win dining gift certificates contributed by local restaurants and caterers. The Celebration Singers will be performing at 1 p.m. to serenade folks dropping by with donations.
And keep your eyes our for little surprises popping up on street corners, restaurants, galleries and alcoves as the Busking for Charity campaign continues!
This weekend join Jilli Martini and Friends at the Comox Valley Art Gallery Craft Fair as they busk for their favourite charities — the St Joseph's Hospital Foundation and www.gofundme.com/Helping-Ursula.
Add to that live music events at the Farmers Market, Union Street Grill, Sid Williams Theatre and Zocalo and you have an awesome weekend unfolding.
Check the Downtown Courtenay WinterFest Page on Facebook for ongoing updates and exciting new announcements throughout the week.
Friday
Anderson Jazz at Zocalo, 7:30 p.m.
Paisley Bandits Movember Wrap Up Party! Come with your 'stache — leave without it — Bridge Lounge.
Saturday
Delicious dining and food specials throughout downtown:
Comox Valley Farmers' Market, 9-noon.
Special Free Tasting Event — Butchers Block and Union Street Grill
Celebrations Singers at WinterFest Hub, 1 p.m. Bring food!
Courtenay Museum Open House, Treats, Tales and Activities, 11-4.
Book launch with Chef Eric Akis, 10:30 -1 at 'Beyond' the Kitchen Door.
Downtown food bank drive at the WinterFest Hub at Fifth and England, 11-3.
Fiftieth Parallel at Union Street Grotto WinterFest Music Series, 3-5 p.m.
Music in the Streets 11-3.
Alan Jossul at Zocalo, 7:30 p.m.
Just in Time Jazz Choirs present Wave, a collection of water-themed music that meanders through all musical genres, 7:30-9:30 p.m. at Sid Williams Theatre.