It’s that time of the year again!
Taste of Bragg Creek is right around the corner, marking the event’s ninth year.
This annual event brings local vendors together to share a night of food and drinks.
Last year, the event was held in the hamlet’s Community Centre.
Attendees could exchange “tasting tickets” for small food samples from vendors.
Attendees also received a map of the hamlet marked with the location of participating storefronts outside the Community Centre.
However, tasting tickets could only be exchanged at the Community Centre and served no purpose at storefronts.
Storefronts were encouraged to offer guests incentives instead.
But things will be a bit different this year.
Changing it Up
Instead of hosting Taste of Bragg Creek in the Community Centre, participating vendors will offer in-store tastings at their restaurants.
Unlike last year, attendees can use their tasting tickets to sample food at these restaurants.
According to the event’s founder, Charlie Holschuh, this approach is a hit.
“People really enjoyed getting out and about and seeing the local establishments and meeting the owners and locals,” Holschuh told CTV News.
Tickets are two dollars each at the Community Centre and include a map of local participating eateries.
What Your Taste Buds Can Expect
Over 20 vendors are participating in Taste of Bragg Creek this year, offering diverse food and drink selections.
Some restaurants participating in the 2024 event include Mountain Bistro, Rockies Tavern & Grill, Handle Bar, and more.
Many restaurants are partnering with local liquor reps, distilleries, and breweries this year to elevate their dining experiences.
For example, The Bav + Tav is partnering with Erdinger Beer & Wine Imports.
In addition to food, attendees can expect live entertainment, including a travelling troop of impromptu line-dancing instructors roaming around the hamlet.
Visitors are also encouraged to check out the local B & B’s and make a night of the event especially if you plan to imbibe in the local spirits.
Participating businesses will also offer in-store promotions.
No tickets are required to take advantage of these offers.
Stuffing Your Face For A Cause
For the first seven years, Taste of Bragg Creek attracted as many as 1,100 people from across the province annually.
The pandemic forced the event to take a three-year hiatus, but that didn’t stop Taste of Bragg Creek from being extremely popular when it returned last year.
“We probably had around 750 people come last year, and it was the first time we did this format, and the weather wasn’t the greatest,” event organizer Jennifer Jurkowski told the Cochrane Eagle.
But Taste of Bragg Creek is about more than just food and drinks; it’s about supporting the community.
One dollar from every ticket goes to vendors.
The Bragg Creek Community Association and a chosen local initiative share the remainder.
Part of last year’s proceeds were donated to the Swamp Donkey Musical Theatre Society, a non-profit performing arts organization in Bragg Creek.
This year, proceeds from the event will be donated to Easter Seals Camp Horizon, which provides kids and adults with disabilities a chance to enjoy summer camp.
As the cost of living increases, Taste of Bragg Creek is a great way to have fun without breaking the bank.
If you want a taste of Taste of Bragg Creek, the event runs from 5 PM to 9 PM on April 26.
