Most wouldn’t associate the usual trappings of harvest time — turning leaves, preserves and Halloween treats — with the seaside, but that is exactly the mix you’ll find at the Deep Bay Marine Field Station (DBMFS) next Saturday.
On Oct. 25, the research and interpretive centre will host its Artisan Harvest Luncheon and Craft Fair from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
“We have such a strong culinary tradition at the station and we wanted to do something that focused on that and the upcoming harvest season,” said Stephanie Richards, the field station’s facility co-ordinator. “And we know not everyone is into seafood.”
The event will feature an optional buffet lunch prepared by the station’s chef Lila Ruzicka, who came up with the harvest theme in the first place. Ruzicka will focus on non-seafood dishes in her menu of a hot option, sandwiches and salads.
“It’s always interesting and amazing food,” said Richards.
Food also plays a central theme in the craft fair that will be held throughout the event. Booths will feature homemade chutneys, baking and treats. Richards said there will also be live demonstrations at around 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m., probably focusing on cooking and making preserves.
Of course, there will also be a selection of non-edible craft items for sale. All in all, the station is hoping for 10-15 vendors to take part.
The Artisan Harvest Luncheon and Craft Fair is just one of a variety of special events hosted by the station. Throughout the year, the station used concerts, cooking classes and afternoon teas — all catered in-house by Ruzicka’s kitchen — to try and attract people that normally wouldn’t visit, said Richards. “We’re trying to get a whole range of people in.”
Once there, Richard hopes visitors will also take advantage of the facility to learn about marine ecology and conservation through self-guided tours, on-site aquaria and touch tanks and observing on-going research in the facility’s labs.
Tickets to the harvest festival are available at the door and cost $10 for adults, $3 for students and free for children under 12. This price includes admission to the craft fair as well as to the field station. The buffet lunch costs an additional $15.
Also, if you are interested in being a vendor, booths are $25. To book a table or for general information on the event, call the DBMFS at 250-740-6611.
