A lip-smacking appetizer for Summerfest was spooned out to key sponsors and guests, Wednesday afternoon.
Downtown Prince George, the host organization for Summerfest, ran the dinner bell for those VIPs to come sample what the city's cafes and restaurants had cooking for this year's family street party.
It's popular. More people come every year. We like being at Summerfest," said Spicy Greens co-owner Viji Jeyakaran. She and co-owner husband Jeyakaran Singarajah credit the downtown annual event with exposing a large audience to their small startup restaurant over the years, and now they are thriving.
"We have grown," said Singarajah. "We have two locations in Prince George and this year we hope to open in Vanderhoof and in Fort St. James."
The Coast Inn of the North Tabor Room was ringed by more kitchens and caterers just like the Spicy Greens folks. Each one offered sample-sized specialties as an indication what they will serve to the masses on Aug. 17 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Taste Pavilion is one of Summerfest's most popular features.
"I am so impressed by all the variety and the quality of the food I see in here," said Jen Tkachuk, recently moved back to her hometown to work at Tourism Prince George after being away several years. "It is not the same Prince George as when I left. Having a restaurant scene like this makes it a lot easier to sell the city. With this kind of food, the event sells itself and demonstrates to everyone just what many qualities Prince George has to offer."
Entertainment, children's activities, retail sidewalk sales, agencies and societies showing off their personalities - all this makes Summerfest a must-visit downtown event. Everything from fishing to fire trucks will be set up on the Quebec Street and the attached avenues between 2nd and 5th. Exhibitors can still reserve their spaces.
