FORT MCMURRAY FOOD FESTIVAL 2020 PRESENTED BY SUNCOR RAISED $21,000 FOR WAYPOINTS AND ANNOUNCES AWARD WINNERS
The Fort McMurray Food Festival 2020 presented by Suncor successfully raised $21,000 in support of Waypoints, a local social profit organization that works to support and assist individuals and families of domestic violence, abuse, sexual assault and homelessness through prevention, treatment, intervention and referrals…
The Taste of YMM Eats presented by Suncor encompassed all aspects of the Festival by supporting both Waypoints and focusing on promoting the restaurants who are open, operating, and still providing exceptional service to the Wood Buffalo Region during these unprecedented times. Seven restaurants participated including 57 North Kitchen & Brewery, Bear & Buffalo Bar / Restaurant, Mr. Mikes Steakhouse Casual, Paddy Mcswiggins, Surekha’s On The Snye, The Club House At Miskanaw, and Zee Bar & Grill. Each competed to be named “The Best” in nine categories. Diners of each restaurant were encouraged to rate their meals in a public voting process, these ratings and comments were then taken into account with a Festival Judging Panel who tasted every meal offered by the restaurants and decided the winners of each award.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FORT MCMURRAY FOOD FESTIVAL 2020 PRESENTED BY SUNCOR RAISED $21,000 FOR WAYPOINTS AND ANNOUNCES AWARD WINNERS
(October 13, 2020, Fort McMurray, AB) - The Fort McMurray Food Festival 2020 presented by Suncor successfully raised $21,000 in support of Waypoints, a local social profit organization that works to support and assist individuals and families of domestic violence, abuse, sexual assault and homelessness through prevention, treatment, intervention and referrals.
“We are very lucky to have such great support in this community. All sectors have been hit hard by the pandemic. As a social profit, supporting our community with essential services, we have seen an increase in need but a decrease in available funding” said Michele Taylor, Executive Director of Waypoints. “We were so pleased to see our industry and business partners continue to step up to support this fundraising Festival and we were overjoyed to see our community partake in the events and donate what they were able to do during such stressful times.”
This year was the fourth year of the Festival that is organized by a committee of volunteers, who bring the community together to celebrate summer, support local restaurants, and raise funds for Waypoints. The Festival events were modified to follow Alberta Health Services (AHS) guidelines as they relate to COVID-19. The committee’s top priority was to ensure official events were managed with the safety of community members in mind.
The Festival consisted of five events that took place from July 24 – August 30, 2020; Taste of YMM Eats presented by Suncor, Virtual Patio Party presented by Coldwell Banker Fort McMurray, Strongman Community Breakfast presented by MacDonald Island Park, Food Festival Golf Classic presented by A.P.E Maintenance, Anzac Community BBQ presented by Anzac Grocery & Zee Bar.
This Festival is only possible with the support of local industry and business partners. Special thanks goes to Title Partner Suncor and their commitment to the community by supporting the festival with professional advisors on health and safety who volunteered and supported the organizers on COVID-19 safety protocol.
“Suncor is proud to support the Food Festival, an event that successfully brought people safely together, promoted local businesses, and reconnected the community during what has been a challenging time not only in the region, but around the globe ,” said Len Savoy, Suncor’s Manager of Stakeholder Relations and Community Partnerships.
The Festival volunteers were supported by Enbridge, making sure community volunteers had everything they needed to make all the events happen. Thank you to the Festival’s presenting partners and supporters who make each event under the Festival umbrella possible, Aluma Safway, Anzac Grocery, APE Maintenance, Coldwell Banker Fort McMurray, Culligan Water, Finning Cat, MacDonald Island Park, Suncor, TS Signs Printing & Promotion, Zee Bar & Grill.
The Taste of YMM Eats presented by Suncor encompassed all aspects of the Festival by supporting both Waypoints and focusing on promoting the restaurants who are open, operating, and still providing exceptional service to the Wood Buffalo Region during these unprecedented times. Seven restaurants participated including 57 North Kitchen & Brewery, Bear & Buffalo Bar / Restaurant, Mr. Mikes Steakhouse Casual, Paddy Mcswiggins, Surekha’s On The Snye, The Club House At Miskanaw, and Zee Bar & Grill. Each competed to be named “The Best” in nine categories. Diners of each restaurant were encouraged to rate their meals in a public voting process, these ratings and comments were then taken into account with a Festival Judging Panel who tasted every meal offered by the restaurants and decided the winners of each award.
The Award Winners of the 2020 Taste of YMM Eats presented by Suncor are:
Surekha’s On The Snye winning Best Plating, Best Customer Experience, and Best Overall.
The experience at Surekha’s was the best dining experience by all accounts. The staff were warm and friendly while taking the time to explain the dishes, how they were prepared, and what the best drink pairings would be. The chef took great care in making the plates appealing to the eye to wet your appetite before you even took your first bite and the taste of the food did not disappoint any expectations your taste buds had imagined along the way. There is something for everyone at Surekha’s, from comfort food stables with a delightfully tasty twist like the Crispy Glazed Wings with the Farmhouse Burger, and a simple but elegant Gelato, to the elevated foodie experience of Scallops with a perfectly cooked Rib-eye, and finishing with an alluring Blackout Torte. It is a truly pleasurable dining experience that everyone in the region will delight in.
Mr. Mike’s Steakhouse Casual winning People’s Choice and Best Steal of a Deal as voted by the public.
The public ratings and votes given to Mr. Mikes could not deny they are a fan favourite of places get a fantastic meal in Fort McMurray. The Bruschetta, New York Steak, and Sticky Toffee Pudding combination was a winning strategy for customers who then took the time to rate their meal and experience as being the best in every category to win People’s Choice. The votes were so many in the Steal of a Deal category the festival had to make it a new award just for that.
Bear & Buffalo Bar/Restaurant won Best Creative.
Creating a menu that not only tastes marvelous but also offers unique flavours is a goal all restaurants work to achieve. The Bear & Buffalo’s menu offering of Jalapeno Poppers, BBQ Ribs, and Crème Brûlée for the competition was very successful in creating flavours that had the judges wanting more.
The Club House at Miskanaw won Best Savoury. For those that crave a savoury meal, The Club House at Miskanaw is the place to go. With East Coast Mussels, Alberta Beef, and Racks of Lamb on the menu, any salty taste buds will be more than satisfied.
Paddy McSwiggins won Best Sweet.
Great pub food now includes desserts because of Paddy’s! Their whole menu is an easy fan favourite but their desserts are something special and won over the judges with their scrumptious Carmel Apple Crumble and the decadent Chocolate Lava Cake… topping it off with a shot of Laura Secord liqueur is a must.
Zee Bar & Grill won Best Value for Money. Anzac’s best-kept secret is the dining experience at Zee Bar & Grill. The judges were impressed with the amount of great tasting food you get for a very reasonable price. Wings, Beef, Elk, Bison and more all make an appearance on the menu. There is something for everyone at Zee Bar and you won’t be going home hungry that is for sure.
“We want to thank our partners, volunteers, participating restaurants, judges and of course the public for making this Festival a success for the fourth year in a row,” said Festival co-chair Clarence Buchanan.
Website FortMcMurrayFoodFestival.ca
Facebook, Instagram & Twitter @YMMFoodFestival
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For more information please contact:
Jason Beck jason.beck@waypointswb.ca
FORT MCMURRAY FOOD FESTIVAL COMMITTEE CANCELLING ANZAC BEACH PARTY
The Fort McMurray Food Festival Committee has made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s Anzac Beach Party. The Anzac Day Use Area has become an especially popular space this year for residents to get out and enjoy the summer weather after being isolated and needing space for physical distancing. After careful observation and planning with our partners, it was decided that the COVID-19 restrictions that would need to be in place to safely hold our annual Beach Party with barbeque, would end up drastically limiting the overall enjoyment residents have become accustomed to in recent weeks at the Anzac Day Use Area.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FORT MCMURRAY FOOD FESTIVAL COMMITTEE CANCELLING ANZAC BEACH PARTY
(JULY 24, 2020, Fort McMurray, AB) - The Fort McMurray Food Festival Committee has made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s Anzac Beach Party. The Anzac Day Use Area has become an especially popular space this year for residents to get out and enjoy the summer weather after being isolated and needing space for physical distancing. After careful observation and planning with our partners, it was decided that the COVID-19 restrictions that would need to be in place to safely hold our annual Beach Party with barbeque, would end up drastically limiting the overall enjoyment residents have become accustomed to in recent weeks at the Anzac Day Use Area.
The committee will be shifting the barbeque portion of this event to a fun and easy “pick-up-and-go” set-up for people to grab a burger and make a donation to Waypoints on their way to the beach. The date and location for this barbeque event will be announced once details are finalized.
We would like to thank our title partner Suncor for their guidance on safety for all of our events. We would like to acknowledge Alberta Health Service for all of their help and direction on how to modify our events to continue to keep our community safe while creating a festive fundraising environment for our charity partner Waypoints. We would also like to thank our partners Anzac Grocery, Zee Bar & Grill, UCB Radio 91.1, and Explore Wood Buffalo for their support of this event and their willingness to change the structure of the event to maintain a fun and positive atmosphere for all the residents who enjoy the use of the Anzac Day Use Area.
The Fort McMurray Food Festival 2020 presented by Suncor will continue to host the remaining four events as planned starting tomorrow, July 24th, with Taste of YMM Eats presented by Suncor. Followed by the Virtual Patio Party presented by Coldwell Banker Fort McMurray on July 25th. Sunday, July 26th MacDonald Island Park presents the Strongman Community Breakfast, and Monday the 27th A.P.E Maintenance presents the Food Festival Golf Classic. Details on each event are listed below and on our website.
Website: FortMcMurrayFoodFestival.ca | Facebook, Twitter, Instagram: @YMMFoodFestival
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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 24 - August 31, 2020 | In-restaurant purchase
Participating restaurants are competing for YMM Food Festival Awards of Best Creative, Best Plating, Best Savoury, Best Sweet, Best Customer Experience, Best Overall and the coveted People’s Choice award chosen by you—the guest—and a panel of Food Festival Judges.
Virtual Patio Party presented by Coldwell Banker Fort McMurray
Saturday, July 25, 2020 | Ticketed event
This year’s Patio Party’s COVID-modified format means the event is virtual this year. The whole region will be able to participate on their own patios by joining us online as DJ Qpid spins the tunes right in your backyard. 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
TASTE OF YMM EATS PRESENTED BY SUNCOR LAUNCHES RESTAURANT PARTICIPATION
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.
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
FORT MCMURRAY FOOD FESTIVAL 2020 PRESENTED BY SUNCOR IS BACK THIS SUMMER IN A MODIFIED FORMAT
The Fort McMurray Food Festival 2020 presented by Suncor is returning this summer with a series of events modified to follow Alberta Health Services (AHS) guidelines as they relate to COVID-19. The fourth-annual Festival will take place from July 23-27, 2020.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FORT MCMURRAY FOOD FESTIVAL 2020 PRESENTED BY SUNCOR IS BACK THIS SUMMER IN A MODIFIED FORMAT
(June 12, 2020, Fort McMurray, AB) - The Fort McMurray Food Festival 2020 presented by Suncor is returning this summer with a series of events modified to follow Alberta Health Services (AHS) guidelines as they relate to COVID-19. The fourth-annual Festival will take place from July 23-27, 2020. All proceeds from the event will go towards supporting Waypoints, a local social profit organization that works to support and assist individuals and families of domestic violence, abuse, sexual assault and homelessness through prevention, treatment, intervention and referrals.
Suncor has been a key partner for the Fort McMurray Food Festival since its inception in 2017. This year Suncor has partnered as the title sponsor. Additionally, with respect to the current environment, Suncor has committed one of their professional advisors on health and safety to volunteer and support the organizers on COVID-19 safety protocol. This will help ensure official events are managed with the safety of our community members in mind.
“Suncor is proud to support the Food Festival. This will be an event that safely brings people together, promotes local businesses, and helps reconnect the community,” says Len Savoy, Suncor’s Manager of Stakeholder Relations and Community Partnerships.
The Fort McMurray Food Festival is organized by a committee of volunteers, who bring the community together to celebrate summer, support local restaurants, and raise funds for Waypoints. Although events this year will be adjusted for public health and safety, the core pillars of the Fort McMurray Food Festival remains the same.
“The Fort McMurray Food Festival 2020 is back for its fourth year, in a modified and safe way,” says Festival volunteer co-chair Krista Balsom. “Suncor’s commitment to the Festival and safety has always been strong, so it was a natural fit when they also offered to support the committee with a health and safety professional to advise us on how to carry out our festival in a safe way that will protect our community.”
The Fort McMurray Food Festival 2020 presented by Suncor has an objective to promote and support the local restaurants, pubs and food establishments that have struggled during these unpredictable times. The Food Festival will be working closely with participating businesses to cover costs while still creating a donation supporting Waypoints, making our community stronger together.
“We’re excited to be able to host the Fort McMurray Food Festival again this year. Although this year’s events are not exactly what we had in mind when we had our first committee meeting in January, I’m very pleased with the creative ideas and innovations the team has come up with to continue to celebrate the best of food and entertainment in our region and support such an amazing cause,” adds Festival co-chair Clarence Buchanan.
This year’s 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.
“We’re grateful to Suncor for once again stepping up and being a great community partner. And to all of our local vendors, partners, and to the incredible volunteers that make the Festival happen,” says Waypoints Board Chair Cliff Dimm.
The Fort McMurray Food Festival Committee is looking forward to offering the community we call home a safe and fun festival that showcases just some of the wonderful places our region has to offer. We hope all residents will find some way to participate and enjoy the festival with us. 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, Twitter @YMMFoodFestival
-30-
For more information please contact:
Jason Beckjason.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