Welcome to Pemberton — A Farming Valley
Pemberton is home to lots of different people. Our culture is diverse and varied, and that's one of the things we like best about it. But around this time of year, everyone notices something - There are a lot more slow moving tractors and other farm vehicles out on the road, there are fewer and fewer farmers enjoying a leisurely night out, and, on a certain Sunday coming soon, the Pemberton Valley is inundated with an awesome sort of visitor: the agritourist.
The Slow Food Cycle Sunday is coming August 16th. It's held annually each August in Pemberton, and was started as an effort by concerned citizens to help farmers realize they are appreciated by those who enjoy the food they grow, and to help people get to know, intimately, where their food comes from.
Slow Food Cycle Sunday
As Anna Helmer, one of the founders, says, "It's (essentially) a bike ride." That it is. It's a 50-kilometre bike ride through Pemberton farm country. A day when local farmers can host visitors and give them a glimpse of a working farm, let them see where their food comes from.
Slow Food Cycle Sunday brings out live music, tasty treats, and cyclists - each year the day grows, but around 4,000 people participate in the event. It's a self-paced day, so take your time, but do plan for the heat and be prepared. For a list of tips and more about the event, take a look at Tourism Pemberton's website.
Dreamcatcher Meadows Tour
This year, a special addition to Slow Food Cycle Sunday is the inclusion of Dreamcatcher Meadows. This incredible opportunity to tour a working world class horse breeding and training centre is a chance to see, first-hand, something that most will never have a chance to see.
The 60-minute tour will feature the breeding centre, a tour of the foaling barn, a chance to watch foals play in the paddocks with their mothers, and so much more. You'll get to see world class stallions, champion horses, a 19-year-old grand Prix champion. At the end of the demonstration, you'll have the chance to see the stars ridden with trained Dreamcatcher Meadows riders choreographed to music. It's a rare opportunity. Because of the nature of the tour, pre-booking is necessary.
We hope to see you over the Slow Food Cycle Sunday weekend, enjoying the valley, the food, and the unique culture that is our own. For well over thousands of years, this valley has sustained us, and we welcome a chance to share that sustenance with you.
Posted: Tuesday, August 04, 2015
