Castanet Penticton
Long table dinner a success
Deborah Pfeiffer-Oct 12, 2016 / 5:00 am| Story: 178011
Photo: Preserved Light Photography
The Naramata Centre welcomed 184 local residents and visitors to asinglelong table for a community potluck dinner on Sunday.
The NaramataSlow long table potluck dinner was provided by the guests, with attendees challenged to showcase as much Naramata grown, raised or sourced ingredients in their dish to share.
"The weather was perfect and the whole community came out to support this initiative," said organizing committee member Miranda Halladay. "The Cittaslow designation prompts us to think and talk about our community and to protect and foster the elements that are integral to living NaramataSlow."
The dinner was convened by the local CittaSlow Committeeto raise awareness and create conversations around Naramata’s designation as a Cittaslow Community.
In 2010, the Regional District of Area E, commonly known as Naramata, was only one of two communities inCanadato receive the designation.The Naramata Bench Wineries Association and RDOS Area E are also supporters.
This first local event was sold out in less than 10 days.
Included in the Naramta-raised food Sunday was a pig provided byBella Homestead Farm ownerJay Drysdale. The animal had been raised less than two kilometers from the site of the dinner.
“It is so gratifying to see one of our animals used to feed our community.There is no higher reward as a farmer to see the thanks given for your efforts,” said Drysdale. “It’s truly inspiring to see how this movement is taking hold in our area.For me to be able to contribute in this way is quite an honour.”
A select group of Naramata Bench wineries also set up an open air wine lab tasting experience to showcase theterrior of the Naramata Bench.
All wines were sourced from vineyards located within the Cittaslow designated area.
Guests were given the opportunity to sample varietals such as Pinot Noir, Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Viognier and Chardonnay.
Those involved with the centre were happy to provide the use of its facilities as the main gathering place on the Thanksgiving Day weekend.
“The spirit of togetherness is the foundation of the centre, and we instinctively offered our support because the Cittaslow values are very similar," said Naramata Centre Society member Jim Simpson. "Sunday was a perfect example of what can be done when we all work together.”