Dear Friends of the Similkameen Wineries Association:
It is that time again! Time for the annual Similkameen BBQ King event being held on July 9, 2016. Early bird tickets are on sale until June 30th and can be purchased here. Ticket prices go up on July 1st, so don't delay - get your tickets today!
You are invited to enjoy an extraordinary evening with distinguished chefs vying for the title of Similkameen BBQ King/Queen 2016 and award-winning wines from our Similkameen wineries and cider members. This year, competing chefs will create their own unique dishes that will include amazing organic ingredients from local farmers in the heart of Canada's organic capital. In addition to main dishes, talented chefs are also competing in our small bites competition providing you the opportunity to graze and sample a variety of tasty small plates as well.
Your will have so many options as you visit 11 wine/cider and more than 8 food stations and taste and sip all that the Similkameen has to offer!
Our 2016 Similkameen BBQ King is on Saturday, July 9th from 5-9 pm at the Historic Grist Mill & Gardens in Keremeos. This event is a partial fundraiser for the Grist Mill and includes a silent auction. Click here to learn more about their beautiful site.
Voting
After you enjoy each dish, you will have the opportunity to cast your vote for the Peoples' Choice Award for the Similkameen BBQ King competing chefs. A panel of food and wine judges will also be on hand to present awards and, of course, crown the 2016 Similkameen BBQ King or Queen!
Entertainment
We are pleased to announce this year's entertainment, the amazing Aidan Mayes and Mandy Cole. Described as "powerful and soft, edgy and smooth" this Penticton based duo is a crowd pleaser. Their mix of country, rock and folk sounds and their energetic stage presence will enhance your BBQ King experience even more! Click on their web link above to hear a sample of their music and watch one of their new videos.
Photo booth
Guests had so much fun with our photo booth last year Something Blue Photography will be back again. The team sets up a fun photo booth featuring chef hats, BBQ gear and historic clothing from the Grist Mill. Visit the photo booth and create a special memory of the evening.
Get home safe
This is a safe ride home event. We have shuttles available throughout the Okanagan and Similkameen. Our thanks go to Westland Insurance, Artus Bottling,TricorBraun WinePak, CellarTek, Okanagan Label & Print, and Universal Packaging for their support and sponsorship of our shuttles. You can book your shuttle seats here. Special thanks to Authentically Okanagan for working with us to coordinate our shuttle service this year.
Accommodations
If you are looking for accommodations in the area, there are a limited number of campsites available at the Grist Mill. There are also B&B's and guest houses in the area including our Associate Members Klippers Guest Suitesand Tree to Me. Newly opened, guest suites are now available at our own Orofino Vinyards. Walnut Beach Resort and Watermark Beach Resort in Osoyoos are also beautiful resorts within easy driving distance, and are accessible by shuttle.
Wine Glasses
Thanks to the generous support of Valley First, everyone in attendance will leave with a beautiful wine glass, co-branded with the Similkameen Wineries Association and Valley First logos.
Silent Auction
We are building an amazing assortment of prizes for our silent auction. Partial proceeds from the silent auction go to support the gorgeous Grist Mill and Gardens, a Heritage BC site.
Purchase your tickets by June 30th to get early bird pricing. Ticket prices go up on July 1st. You can purchase your tickets at any of our member wineries, at the Grist Mill, at Tree to Me and at the Keremeos Visitor Centre, or you can buy them online here. The link for online ticket purchase is also on our website atSimilkameenwine.com. if you have questions, contact us at info@similkameenwine.com
Watch for regular Facebook posts including announcements and profiles of our competing chefs. Follow the Facebook event updates here.
Hope to see you there!
