TASTE OF YMM EATS PRESENTED BY SUNCOR LAUNCHES RESTAURANT PARTICIPATION
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TASTE OF YMM EATS PRESENTED BY SUNCOR LAUNCHES RESTAURANT PARTICIPATION
(June 22, 2020, Fort McMurray, AB) - The Fort McMurray Food Festival 2020 presented by Suncor is pleased to announce details for its showcase event “Taste of YMM Eats” and encourages restaurants and diners alike to get involved.
This year’s COVID-modified format has combined the signature event Taste of Fort McMurray and our YMM Eats event to create “Taste of YMM Eats presented by Suncor”.
The Taste of YMM Eats presented by Suncor will run from July 13-31, 2020 and is designed to focus on promoting the restaurants who are open, operating, and still providing great service to the Wood Buffalo Region during these unprecedented times.
“We encourage restaurants to sign-up for this exciting program that will showcase the best eats Fort McMurray and our surrounding region have to offer,” said Krista Balsom, Food Festival Co-Chair. “We want you to rally your staff for some friendly competition and let your team’s passion show.”
Taste of YMM Eats presented by Suncor will have participating restaurants selecting a fixed-3-course menu with optional suggested drink pairings from items already on their standard menu. These items could be fan favourites, best sellers, or items the restaurant feels are amazing and more people should try, or try together. Printed Taste of YMM Eats presented by Suncor menus will accompany standard menus during the event.
The donation is decided by each restaurant and fully goes to support the work of Waypoints, a local social profit in our region. The Food Festival will be promoting participating restaurants through advertising campaigns on radio, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and other media outlets.
Only restaurants participating in Taste of YMM Eats presented by Suncor are eligible to compete for coveted bragging rights of being “the best” in YMM. A judging panel selected by the Food Festival will visit each restaurant to decide awards in the following categories:
Best Sweet
Best Savoury
Best Creative
Best Customer Experience
Best Plating
Best Overall
People’s Choice (voted on by participating guests)
People’s Choice is, of course, chosen by the residents in our region who visit the participating restaurants. Guests will be asked to rate your restaurant from 1-10 on Sweet, Savoury, Creative, Customer Experience, and Plating. The best overall score in all categories will win People’s Choice. Each time a guest votes with a provided code they will be asked if they want to enter to win prizes. When guests visit 6 (or more) separate restaurants they are entered to win a prize. The goal is to have the average customer explore more of the Fort McMurray food scene while having a friendly competition between local restaurant staff.
This year’s full event line-up (see below) will have something for everyone. With a variety of options for families and the 18-plus crowd, all in COVID-modified formats to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19.
Restaurants who are interested in participating can view the Vendo Opportunities package online at www.fortmcmurrayfoodfestival.ca/vendor.
If you are looking for more information about how to get involved as a sponsor, volunteer or vendor with the 2020 festival, please visit our website at FortMcMurrayFoodFestival.ca or email Jason Beck at jason.beck@waypointswb.ca.
Website FortMcMurrayFoodFestival.ca | Facebook & Instagram @YMMFoodFestival | Twitter @YMMFoodFest
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For more information please contact: Jason Beck jason.beck@waypointswb.ca
EVENT LINE-UP
Taste of YMM Eats presented by Suncor
July 15-31, 2020 | In-restaurant purchase
To keep one of our original signature events this year “Taste of Fort McMurray” has been combined with our “YMM Eats” program. The COVID-modified format will see participating restaurants offer a tasting menu and guests will be able to vote online for their favourite and win prizes by participating. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Waypoints.
Best Pub Food Club
Friday, July 24, 2020 | Ticketed event
A festival favourite, this event will be COVID-modified to accommodate physical distancing and other AHS guidelines. Guests will visit local establishments and vote on the best food and drinks of the night. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Waypoints.
Anzac Beach Party
Saturday, July 25, 2020 | By donation
A beautiful day at the beach with BBQ and safe COVID-modified activities is the best way to enjoy a family fun summer Saturday. Donations to Waypoints will be accepted via tap on credit or debit cards.
Virtual Patio Party presented by Coldwell Banker Fort McMurray
Saturday, July 25, 2020 | By donation and purchase options
The Patio Party’s COVID-modified format means the event is going mostly virtual this year. With a few officially hosted locations throughout the region, the whole region will be able to participate on their own patios via Zoom. Participating restaurants will provide Patio Party Kits for pickup or contactless delivery with a portion of the proceeds donated to Waypoints. Virtual party-goers can compete against each other for prizes and bragging rights all-night long!
Strongman Community Breakfast presented by MacDonald Island Park
Sunday, July 26, 2020 | By donation
This event was a family favourite last year and the committee is happy to bring it back in a COVID-modified format. Bring the kids, watch some amazing feats of strength and enjoy a free stack of pancakes. Donations to Waypoints will be accepted via tap on credit or debit cards.
Food Festival Golf Classic presented by A.P.E Maintenance
Monday, July 27, 2020 | Ticketed event
Get your foursome together and enjoy an evening of golf, friendly competition and of course food! The golf course already has COVID-modified protocols in place and the organizers will be making sure our additional fun activities are just as safe. One thing will be unchanged: delicious food and beverages in this food and fun-forward tournament.
*Please note that all events are subject to change or be cancelled based on safety and environment concerns. We will continue to monitor to ensure we are in adherence with all AHS and government guidelines in relation to COVID-19.
If you are looking for more information about how to get involved as a sponsor, volunteer or vendor with the 2020 festival, please email Jason Beck at jason.beck@waypointswb.ca or visit the website www.fortmcmurrayfoodfestival.ca