Eat Local Week a huge success

During Caledon's first annual Eat Local Week, people got to sample some local wine and food at Chesslawn Vineyard and Winery. Raising a toast to the event were (l to r) family member Ann Matson, Chesslawn owner Lisa Matson, Caledon Countryside Alliance executive director Karen Hutchinson and local food program co-ordinator Jennifer Clark.

September 9 to 15 marked Caledon's First Annual Eat Local Week. Coordinated by the Caledon Countryside Alliance, Eat Local Week enlisted participation from residents, restaurants, food shops and farmers throughout Caledon.

In total, more than 100 Caledon residents, 15 food establishments and numerous farmers took part in this inaugural week event. Events throughout the week included a Caledon farmers' market; wine tasting at Chesslawn Vineyards & Winery; local food cooking class at Gourmandissimo Catering & Fine Food Shop; and a local food potluck hosted by Mayor Marolyn Morrison.

The CCA wishes to extend a special thank-you to everyone who contributed to making Caledon Eat Local Week a success.

The following Caledon food establishments went out of their way to feature local food specials during the week and also donated generous prizes towards the prize draw: Terra Cotta Inn; The Belfountain Inn; The Shed Coffee Bar; Inglewood General Store; Caledon Village Bistro; Lynn's at the Cataract Inn; The Millcroft Inn; Ray's Bakery; The Consulate Dining Lounge; Gourmandissimo Catering & Fine Food Shop; Trailside Bistro & Café; Howard the Butcher Fine Foods; Chef Talk Bistro; and Garden Foods.

Events were made possible through efforts and product donations by Howard the Butcher Fine Foods, Chesslawn Vineyards & Winery; Gourmandissimo Catering & Fine Food Shop; and Albion Orchards. Farmers and growers at the Caledon Farmers Market included Albion Orchards, Honey Hills Farm & CSA, Music Farm, Our Farm, Whole Village Sustainable Farms, Forks of the Credit Honey and Neil Morris.

On the last evening of Eat Local Week, Mayor Morrison graciously hosted 20 participants in her home for a local food potluck.

Overall the enthusiasm that Caledon showed towards supporting local farmers and producers was impressive and encouraging. The CCA is already looking forward to organizing next year's 2nd Annual Caledon Eat Local Week for September 2008.

In the meantime, look for upcoming local food initiatives and events from the CCA, including October Pumpkinfeast; Food & Farming - Making Connections (a series of trade meetings between local farmers, distributors, retailers and restaurants); Local Food Dinner Club; and much more.

For more information about the initiatives of CCA's Local Food Program, and to access the listing of local producers in Caledon and Area, visit www.caledoncoutryside.org. You can also reach the CCA via telephone at 905-584- 6221.