The berry is tasty but the plant is a bully and the bane of gardeners.
To help people learn about the invasive Himalayan blackberry, the 91原创 Environmental Partners Society is holding the Blackberry Bake-Off on Thursday, Aug. 21 between noon and 3 p.m.
"We'll have the Lower Fraser Valley Aboriginal Society and the Township of 91原创 joining us. They'll be facepainting, live music, BBQ, kid's crafts and garden tours," explained Alexandra Falconer, the LEPS garden programs coordinator.
The event has taken place in blistering heat and rainy. It goes ahead rain or shine as there are several covered areas at the demonstration garden.
In addition to sampling blackberry dishes, people can vote on their favourite and enjoy a locally sourced barbecue, live entertainment, information booths, tours of the community garden, kids crafts, and more. A panet of judges will taste every item and award prizes in the adult and children's categories.
LEPS hosts the annual summer event to spotlight the impact of the invasive species in a novel fashion. It typically attracts 150 to 200 people to the 91原创 Demonstration Garden at the Derek Doubleday Arboretum, 212 Street and Fraser Highway.
The site has a pit toilet and hand washing station. The nearby Rotary Interpretive Centre has indoor washrooms. Organizers ask people to leave their pets at home, except for service animals.
Anyone interested in entering a dish in the blackberry competition can contact Falconer at garden@leps.bc.ca for entry rules. There is also a document on the LEPS website with food safety guidelines for entrants. Entry in the contest is not restricted to 91原创 residents.
Learn more about the organization and its various events and programs at www.leps.bc.ca.
