Calling All Local Food Producers! Planning the 3rd annual Ag Showcase

It’s no secret that 2020 was an interesting year for everyone. In addition to shifting the way that we normally live our lives, it showcased the indomitable spirit that is present in our communities as we adjusted to pandemic conditions. The Rural Roots Farmer Showcase was no exception. We began 2020 enthusiastically planning for a full vendor market and farm-to-table-dinner and, like many producers, we had to shift our focus to an offering that respected the pandemic restrictions. 

 On August 15, 2020 with the help of dedicated volunteers and fantastic producers, we provided 50 carefully curated picnic boxes full of local food products to our supportive consumers. The response was overwhelmingly positive: 

• “It’s a great concept- a way to introduce us to local/rural producers!”

• “This was a wonderful idea; I love to support local!”

• “We totally enjoyed the whole experience and can’t wait to see what will be in the basket next year!”

• “Was amazed by how many farms/food producers/chefs were involved with one picnic box. It was a great idea and was extremely well done. I was totally impressed!”

Once again in 2021, the Rural Roots Farmer Showcase planning committee is creating an event that will focus on community and local food, while still following provincial pandemic protocols. This event is set to happen in conjunction with Alberta Open Farm Days in mid-August, at the beautiful George Pegg Garden in Lac Ste. Anne County. The day will feature a local vendor market paired with an extraordinary dining experience combining fine food and music.  The committee is actively seeking local producers who would like to participate in both the producer showcase and as supply partners for the culinary event. We are also recruiting volunteers. If you are interested in being a part of this exciting event we invite you to contact us for more information at PeggBotanicGarden@gmail.com or call Lucie 780-964-1844.

 The RRFS committee is a passionate group of producers and like-minded individuals who are dedicated to connecting people with Alberta’s roots and the vast selection of farm fresh food available in our community. By forming a connection with the producers, we hope that people will be encouraged to explore the region and buy locally.

Provincial Archives Presentation & George Pegg Garden Annual Meeting

All interested community members are invited to attend a presentation from the Provincial Archives of Alberta at the George Pegg Botanic Garden, Saturday, August 22.  Join us for refreshments at 12:30, presentation at 1:00 pm, followed by a brief annual meeting.  The Pegg Garden maintains the homestead of the Pegg family as a reminder of what life was like in the early twentieth century.

This gathering will take place in our machine shed to ensure plenty of space to remain physically distant. You are welcome to come early and/or stay afterwards to tour the Garden and see what our summer staff and volunteers have accomplished this season. We are excited to show off our new display of historic photos. During the Annual Meeting we will share news about projects completed and those under way. 

Collections Management Intern, Emily Guthrie-Plouffe will explain the purpose of the Provincial Archives of Alberta and the services it provides. Speaking via Zoom, Emily will provide a brief history of the Archive, discuss the donation process, and explain how records are organized. She will also outline what is sold onsite and online, including materials to work on genealogy and family archives projects at home.

This presentation will lead into discussion about the importance of preserving historic artifacts and the cultural significance of sites such as Pegg Garden. If you have stories about George Pegg we would be pleased to hear from you!

How the George Pegg Botanic Garden will be Operating in Light of Covid-19

We are taking extra care to keep everyone healthy by social distancing, providing hand sanitizer, and cleaning surfaces regularly. Access to some of our buildings will be restricted. visitors are welcome to explore the Garden on your their or on a guided tour with one of our staff.  We encourage visitors to practice Social distancing from other visitors who do not live in the same household as them. Admission to the George Pegg Botanic Garden is by donation. We accept cash, cheques, and e-transfer. Currently we cannot make change.  We ask that large groups to call before coming. The following our tips to enhance your visit:

• Please come prepared with your own drinking water, sunscreen, insect repellent, sturdy footwear, and anything else you might require to enjoy your visit.

• Be careful while walking as the Garden grounds are uneven.

• Dogs are welcome and must be kept on a leash. Please use common courtesy and pick up after your dog. Waste bags to be disposed of in garbage cans.

Plant-A-Row, Share-A-Row Program: Include a Row for the Food Bank

As part of your garden this year, plant and grow an extra row of veggies and donate the harvest to your local food bank.

Work is well underway at George Pegg Botanic Garden preparing for the summer season, including work in our own vegetable garden. The Garden maintains the original homestead of the Pegg family as a reminder of how life was in the early twentieth century. The vegetable garden serves to educate visitors about its importance to homesteaders’ lives. It also  produces delicious vegetables, a portion of which are donated to local food banks, in participation with the “Plant-A-Row, Share-A-Row” program. 

The “Plant-A-Row, Share-A-Row” program began in 1986 in Winnipeg when Ron and Eunice O’Donovan decided to donate their excess potatoes to their local food bank. The program has spread across Canada, and while named differently and directed under various organizations, the goal remains the same across all of the country: help all those in need. 

After a long winter and seemingly even longer time in isolation, what better way to spend time outside with your family than working together in your own vegetable garden? The “Plant-A-Row, Share-A-Row” website has a number of excellent resources to help you in planting a successful garden. Please visit https://www.growarow.org/ for useful information. Food banks recommend growing vegetables that last well without having to be refrigerated, such as potatoes and carrots. Many individuals in our community have lost jobs and are struggling to put food on the table for themselves and their families. By donating the extra vegetables you grow in your garden this year, you also help many individuals in need. 

Watch out for updates on our vegetable garden and other happenings on George Pegg Botanic Garden’s website, Facebook, and Instagram! We look forward to the fall when we donate the produce from our vegetable garden to local food banks in Lac Ste. Anne County. We hope to see you there with your extra vegetables. Wishing you a bountiful garden! 

Emily Fyfe

Garden Supervisor

Get Ready For the second ever Rural Roots Farmer Showcase!

Last year, the first ever Rural Roots Farmer showcase was a smashing success. During the vendor food market portion of the showcase vendors rejoiced at the opportunity to network with attendees. Furthermore, Janice Beaton Cheese Partners and Collette's kitchen were both able to sell out of all the stock they brought. Additionally, last years meat vendors- Aspen Acres Market Garden and Blue Ridge Farms- had steady business throughout the day. Cindy and Brad of the Culina To Go restaurant provided a flavorful meal, using the food products provided to them by the vendors. For example, Denise from Hill and Dale graciously provided the folks at Culina with some farm fresh produce, and Jillian from Blue Ridge Farms provided them with bacon for the meal. Bob Chelmick, the host of the CKUA radio program “On The Road Home”, was the m.c. of the night and was able to create a lovely atmosphere for the evening. Overall, the first ever Rural Roots Farmer showcase was a magical event. Because of its overwhelming success, we are elated to announce that the George Pegg Botanic Garden will be hosting another Rural Roots Farmer showcase in 2020. Right now, the RRFS committee and Pegg Garden are moving forward with planning the 2020 Rural Root Farmer Showcase.

How the First Ever Rural Roots Farmer Showcase Went

In the days leading up to the rural roots farmer showcase event organizers could not help but feel excitement. The historic former homestead of the Pegg family provided the perfect backdrop for  the first ever Rural Roots Farmer Showcase event. The event consisted of a two part producer showcase.

The first part was the vendor market. The vendor market took place from 9 am to 4 pm on Saturday, August, 17, and was filled with some of the freshest local food around. After 10:30 am the vendor food market saw a steady influx of people. Many vendors rejoiced at the opportunity to network with attendees. Janice Beaton Cheese Partners and Collette's kitchen were both able to sell out of all the stock they brought. While our meat vendors Aspen Acres Market Garden and Blue Ridge Farms had steady business throughout the day.The vendor market was also home to the Coralee Mercer Petting Zoo. Children and parents alike marveled at the goats, chicken, bunny, and ducks at the petting zoo. Children at the event were also entertained by the Lac Ste Anne County Kids tent. The kids tent included activities such as giant Connect four and Jenga, face painting, glitter tattoos, etc. Thus, by all accounts the vendor food market was a success.

  The second part of the rural roots farmer showcase was the farm to fork dinner. The dinner was catered by Cindy and Brad of the Culina To Go restaurant. Cindy and Brad prepared a flavorful meal, using the food products provided to them by the vendors from the vendor food market. For example, Denise from Hill and Dale graciously provided the folks at Culina with some farm fresh produce, and Jillian from Blue Ridge Farms provided them with bacon for the meal. The delicious food coupled with the  m.c for the evening -the wonderful Bob Chelmick the host of the CKUA radio program “On The Road Home”- created a lovely atmosphere. Attendees were also wowed by the variety of beverages available to them courtesy of Bent Stick Brewing, Black Diamond Distillery, and Color de Vino Wine & Spirits. All in all the farm to fork dinner was a major success

  In summary, it was magical to see the months of planning and coordination lead to such a marvelous event. We hope to continue on year after year, and witness the events popularity and notoriety grow. We thank all who organized, volunteered and attended.

Summer fun – and Fine Food! – at Local Farmer Showcase!

It’s a first. And a family event not to be missed. Local food producers in and around Lac Ste. Anne County are hosting the Rural Roots Farmer Showcase on Saturday August 17th at the George Pegg Botanic Garden near Glenevis (off Hwy 43). The popular Alberta Open Farm Days is celebrated province-wide that weekend and this Showcase will feature local area farms and artisan food producers proudly offering their goods at a vendor market. But this is not your ordinary farmers market. It’s a unique opportunity for food lovers to find growers and producers who share their passion for quality.  The wide and wonderful variety of fine local area products for sale includes: beef, pork, chicken, turkey products, rabbit, and fresh eggs, as well as organic garden produce and naturally grown vegetables, fruits, canned goods and other delicacies.  Come for The Ruby Apron’s fresh sourdough bread along with fresh baked pizzas and other baked goods from the outdoor cobb oven.  Take home fresh flowers, unique condiments from Janice Beaton Cheese Partners, and locally roasted coffee from Rio Better Beans in Edmonton.  Culina to Go, Edmonton’s newest take-home food shop, will be selling a selection of their special edibles. There will be tours of the historic George Pegg Garden, with its pioneer artifacts and buildings, and there will be kids’ events, animals onsite and other family fun.  The Farmer Showcase runs 9AM to 4 PM on Saturday August 17th. Come and enjoy the day - rain or shine. Free admission. But that’s not all! A gourmet culinary event follows the Market!  Get your tickets for the fabulous Farm to Fork Dinner in the Pegg Garden from 6PM to 9PM that evening.  This dinner will be prepared by the acclaimed chef team of Brad and Cindy Lazarenko, (Culina Restaurants, Edmonton) using proteins and produce from the day’s vendors. 

Guests will be treated to a welcome cocktail by Black Diamond Distillery, followed by an array of dishes that showcase the diverse offering of our local farmers. There will be a cash bar featuring Bent Stick Brewery and Color de Vino Wine & Spirits, offering craft beer and wine paired to the menu. Guests will dine under the big tent (rain or shine). Tickets are available online at eventbrite.ca(rural-roots-farmer-showcase-farm-to-table-dinner-tickets) As a family outing during the day - or a unique fine dining occasion in the evening - the Rural Roots Farmer Showcase is not to be missed.

How The Art in The Garden outdoor Art show and Art Sale went

On Father’s Day, Sunday, June 16th, the historic George Pegg Botanic Garden hosted the 7th annual Outdoor Art in the Garden Show and Sale. It was a day full of sunshine and warm weather and the event went off without a hitch. The lovely weather helped create an atmosphere that encouraged attendees to peruse vendor tents at a leisurely pace. This was the perfect setting for visitors to learn about the artists’ craft. Phenomenal live music was provided by the Joe Saumer Big Band, the Magic Lamp Singers, and Lester Jodzio. Attendees could be seen bopping their heads along with the music at any given moment. Children at the event were kept occupied at the craft corner and artist Dave Hogg let some young artists try out his sculpting tools. Four legged friends also enthusiastically explored the property. The George Pegg Botanic Garden would like to thank all the volunteers who made this event possible, the musicians who knocked our socks off, the artists whose skill blew us away, and the attendees who made the event worthwhile. Four special events are planned for July. High Heat Composting with Dawn Boileau of Sunrise Gardens on Wednesday, July 3, 6:00pm-8:00pm. Join Artist Rayma Peterson on Sunday, July 14 for An Introduction to Botanical Art, from 10:00am-2:00pm. Fabulous Flower Pots with Lac Ste.Anne County’s Parent Link Program is Thursday, July 18 from 1:00-3:00pm. The fine china is coming out again for the 2 nd Annual Tea in the Garden- Thursday, July 25. Join us from 1:00-3:00pm for a light lunch and musical entertainment. For all the details call 780-203-0331, check out our Facebook page, or visit www.PeggGarden.org.

Enjoy a Day of Nature, Art, and Music: Art in the Garden

Staff and volunteers at the George Pegg Botanic Garden have been raking, mowing, weeding, and planting to make its 2019 season as great as it’s predecessors. All those involved with the botanic garden are optimistic that summer 2019 at the George Pegg Garden will yield some of the best turnouts to Garden events. The first major event at the George Pegg Botanic Garden this year will be the 7th annual “Art in the Garden: outdoor art show and sale” taking place on Sunday, June 16th, from noon till five. The “Art in the Garden: outdoor art show and sale” will surely be a can’t miss event as it has something for everyone. Children will have the opportunity to create crafts at the kids creative corner. Meanwhile, Youth and Adults will be preoccupied with marveling at the wide array of flowers and, vegetation, including some that are a rarity in Western Canada, at the garden. Additionally, all members of the family will enjoy the multiple musical performances at the “Art in the Garden: outdoor art show and sale” by local talent. Attendees will also get to appreciate amazing art pieces by local artists. The highlight of this event will be the youth art showcase. Attendees of the “Art in the Garden: outdoor art show and sale” will get to revel at a plethora of art pieces created by local Youth. The youth art showcase will include pieces of art of different types and media’s, all competing for the chance to win a $65 and $50 gift certificate. Furthermore, the “Art in the Garden: outdoor art show and sale” will provide its attendees with the opportunity to meet the local artists whose pieces will be on display and for sale. This event will also provide its attendees with the opportunity to view art demonstrations from masterful artisans. The “Art in the Garden: outdoor art show and sale” will have food, beverages, and accessible washrooms available to the public. Admission to this event at the George Pegg Botanic Garden is by donation. All donations collected will go towards the maintenance of the George Pegg Botanic Garden. Join us on Sunday, June 16 from noon till five, for a day filled with nature, art, and music, all in support of the George Pegg Botanic Garden.

George Pegg Annual General Meeting

The George Pegg Botanic Garden Society annual general meeting is scheduled for April 12th at the Gunn Hall.

Speaker Presentation: "Quilts and Cucumbers. Discovering Alberta’s History... One Quilt at a Time"

Location: Gunn Community Hall

6pm light supper

6:45  Lucie Heins, Assistant Curator Western Canadian History,  A Royal Alberta Museum Curatorial Presentation

8pm Annual General Meeting, photo review of 2016, hear about exciting plans for 2017

No charge to attend - anyone with an interest in the Pegg Garden or interested in western Canadian history is welcome to attend