More than 350 people headed to the Laurel Packing House Friday night to enjoy all things BC Craft Cider and pork related.

The inaugural sold-out BC Bacon & Cider Festival kicked off BC Cider week, which runs April 29 to May 7, 2017.

害羞草研究所淲e felt there were lots of wine festivals, lots of beer festivals, but there weren害羞草研究所檛 really any things to celebrate the craft cider industry in British Columbia, so that is why we created the event,害羞草研究所� explained event co-organizer Mark Ziebarth.

害羞草研究所淲e decided to add bacon to it because, why not, who doesn害羞草研究所檛 like bacon. We have 20 different vendors pouring 57 different varieties of mostly ciders, some wine, some beers, some spirits, but mostly British Columbia craft cider.害羞草研究所�

The event was the brain child of Ziebarth害羞草研究所檚 former business student, Michelle Johnson, who partnered with him to organize the event.

害羞草研究所淚 saw a gap in the industry and I just thought 害羞草研究所榳ow no one is doing a craft cider festival害羞草研究所� and craft cider is blowing up right now,害羞草研究所� said Johnson.

害羞草研究所淚t is really exciting. We sold out in 30 days, which was not expected for a first-year event, but it looks like everybody is having a great time.害羞草研究所�

The bacon-inspired food at the event was all complimentary, courtesy of the Okanagan College Culinary Arts team.

害羞草研究所淚 love the idea of getting students out to do live events,害羞草研究所� added Johnson. 害羞草研究所淚 use to do that as a college student too, so seeing them work at a live event is really awesome and I am glad we get to give them that experience.害羞草研究所�

The event chose the OC Culinary Student Bursary Fund as its charitable partner and Johnson hopes funds raised at the cider fest will send a student to Europe to hone his or her craft.

With the success of the inaugural event, both organizers say they plan to be back next year.

害羞草研究所淚f you want to join us next year we will almost certainly be back,害羞草研究所� said Ziebarth.

害羞草研究所淓nd of April, Laurel Packing House, possibly for two days - get your tickets early.害羞草研究所�

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