Have you heard of agritourism?

It’s just what you imagine: the marriage of agriculture and tourism and it offers unique and compelling experiences, whether it’s across the country or in your own backyard. You could tour a farm or a winery, visit an orchard, or take a hayride. The current season of vacationing locally is made for agritourism and you might be surprised at how delicious it can be!

Southern Alberta, one of Canada’s most important agricultural regions, is planning a series of agritourism fun with the Southern Alberta Table, centred around the small, sunny city of Lethbridge. The Lethbridge & District Exhibition, in partnership with Lethbridge Lodging Association, will make your mouth water this summer while they showcase the amazing producers and products in the area.

Agriculture Days – Lethbridge and District Exhibition

“We’re excited to show the world what’s on a Southern Alberta Table,” said Mike Warkentin, chief operating officer of the Lethbridge & District Exhibition. “There’s an exceptional demand for experiences that combine agriculture and tourism, and Lethbridge is ready to meet that demand this summer. Agritourism benefits the local economy on many levels.”

When is the best time this summer to wander over to southern Alberta? Well, take a look and decide for yourself.

June

Lingering sunsets, warm summer nights and delicious BBQ . . . what more could you ask for to kick-off summer? The Kansas City Barbecue Society (KCBS), the largest competitive barbecue organization in the world, is giving locals a chance to become certified judges for sanctioned barbecue events from June 19 to 20, 2021.

July

But you don’t need to be a judge to appreciate a good barbecue! Smoke, Wind & Fire, a KCBS-sanctioned BBQ competition, will be happening in Lethbridge from July 10 – 11, 2021. This is a major stop on the BBQ Pro Circuit. (Don’t you just love a world where that’s a real thing?) Members of the public are invited to attend the barbecue competition and learn more about grilling and barbecue skills by watching and talking to the masters. There will also be a local backyard BBQ competition, demonstrations, and other fun events.

Smoke, Wind & Fire will also feature celebrity chef judges, the king and queen of smoked meat, John Jackson and Connie DeSousa, co-chefs and co-owners of Calgary’s acclaimed CHARCUT restaurant. They will take part in demos and other events and Devynn Bohn, from Hickory Street restaurant and food truck, will also be taking part as an event partner and celebrity judge.

August

August will bring you a southern Alberta food adventure, Odyssey. This Amazing Race-style event will have teams travelling throughout southern Alberta, competing in judged challenges celebrating historic and modern agricultural practices. Grab your people and find out if you have the brains and the brawn to win it all from August 13 – 15, 2021.

In August you can also plan ahead for the Celebrity Chef Harvest Dinner in early October. This multi-course feast celebrates the fall harvest and southern Alberta’s remarkable agriculture sector. Details about what’s on the menu and the celebrity chef creating this showcase of Southern Alberta’s Table will be available later this summer. Tickets will be limited, so you’ll want to get on board early.

“It’s going to be a fun summer for locals and visitors alike,” said Shilpa Stocker, project manager for the Lethbridge Lodging Association. “The exceptional events of Southern Alberta Table will undoubtedly attract out-of-town visitors who will hopefully extend their stay and explore the wonderful restaurants and attractions the Lethbridge region has to offer.”

Plan your visit to Lethbridge here and find more to do in southern Alberta with these articles from Family Fun Canada.

This is the year to discover what’s around the corner and what’s in your own backyard. Road trip, anyone?