Join world's longest barbecue across Canada

Event takes place Saturday at 6 p. m.

Posted By THE CANADIAN PRESS

The Sudbury Star - Canada

July 30, 2008

Marg and Allison Weeks, of Charlottetown, P. E. I., are old hands when it comes to participating in the annual World's Longest Barbecue, which takes place each August long holiday weekend.

And so are Fred and Sandy Archibald, of Bowmanville.

Since 2003, the couples, their families and friends have joined thousands of Canadians across this land to fire up their barbecues at 6 p. m. in every time zone on the first Saturday in August.

The reason? As the founder of this unique celebration, Anita Stewart, cookbook author, founder of Cuisine Canada and one of the country's best-known foodies, says it's an opportunity to support the producers of the nation's locally grown food.

"The event, which started in 2003, is a great success and it's catching on because local food is sexy," she says.

Ever the champion of Canada's farmers, fishers, artisan wine-and cheesemakers and anyone growing anything locally, Stewart says: "People are waking up to the fact the food from here tastes better."

Sandy Archibald agrees. At her family's fruit wine outlet, Archibald Winery, she greets and meets many customers who would rather buy local products, like breads, relishes and fruit preserves, that are made in the area.

Marg Weeks echoes her sentiments.

"I believe in our harvest season it is less expensive to eat locally grown fruits and vegetables," she says. "But more important is to

recognize the primary producer who is just around the corner growing strawberries, raising cattle or hogs and selling their goods in community venues, such as farmers markets."

To find out more about the World's Longest Barbecue and to register to tell Canada about your party, log on to www.flavoursofcanada.ca.

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