The BC Food Systems Network (BCFSN) will be experiencing two firsts this year, as it will held in July and in 100 Mile House instead of usually held in September in Sorrento.

“A couple of years ago, we decided to take it on the road and hold the gathering at other communities,” says local liaison and BCFSN board member Trish Chung.

“September can be a busy month with harvesting, so we’ve decided to hold this meeting in July to, hopefully, make it easier for people to attend.”

The gathering is slated for July 7-10, and the final preparations are getting done, Chung says, adding there is no end to what they can do with the topic of “diversity of each community, the resilience of the variety of plants, flora and fauna, and the needs of farmers, ranchers, people and the environment.”

Chung says she is excited about the weekend, particularly the special public forum and wine-and-cheese reception July 8, from 7 to 10 p.m., at Martin Exeter Hall.

She hopes local residents who cannot participate in the whole weekend come out to the forum and learn more about BCFSN. The cost for the evening is $25 and tickets are available at the door.

“We have a panel of speakers; it will be quite interesting. It’s not just about agriculture and food; it’s a focus on what nature provides and that includes hunting.”

The panel will provide an opportunity to explore and learn from experiences of people who overcame the great depression, as well as the way food plays a central role in resilient community development, Chung explains.

To learn more about BCFSN or to register for the public forum, or reserve tickets for one day or the weekend, go to http://drupal.fooddemocracy.org/gathering-registration.