From October 4-6 the Fraser Valley Food Show attracted  crowds from all over the Lower Mainland looking to satisfy their appetites.

Some of the highlights included The Second Great Canadian Sausage Making Competition – with almost 100 entries, the overall winner was Robin Brooks of Dressed to Grill Gourmet Meat & Poultry.

In the spirit of Oktoberfest, the first 500 guests were offered sausage samples and a glass of Erdinger gluten-free beer.

Other 1st place winners included Mike Lindsay of Hopcott Premium Meats (Andouille, Italian), Viktor Kozak of Sedo’s Old Fashioned Butcher (Charcuterie, Game, Salami, Ukrainian), Jurgen Burkhardt of Black Forest Meats (Frankfurter), Anita Pichlmeier of Black Forest Meats (Liver, Polish), Jerry Gelderman of Gelderman Farms (Farmer), Ryan Heise of Lepp Farm Market (Breakfast), Renee Garnett of Spolumbo’s (Specialty), and Diane Herbert of Davis Quality Meats (Pepperoni).

Other food show highlights included the 11^th annual Master Chef Competition, (in which 2012 champion Chef William Tse defended his title by a slim 0.46 points against Executive Chef Kevin Wall), cooking competitions, cheese seminars, a wine, beer and spirits tasting pavilion, and new this year – the gluten-free living show.

With over 100 vendors this year, the Fraser Valley Food Show showcases a variety of new food items entering the gourmet scene. It’s easy to find new favourites here, like Fruli, a strawberry beer from Belgium.  With a unique blend of white beer and strawberry juice, the juice complements the zestiness of this wheat beer, resulting in a refreshing brew filled with strawberry flavour. I was hooked! Follow them on Twitter @Fruli

Or Diplomatico, a delicious multi-award winning premium rum from Venezuela with hints of brown sugar and vanilla.

Or this banana bread beer from Wells Brewery.

A couple of vendors drew my attention this year, one being Amoda Tea, a delivery service that brings premium teas to your door each month for only $12.  I tried their vanilla coconut tea and it was simply delicious! To learn more follow them on Twitter @AmodaTea

Another interesting vendor is Candy Meister  –  these guys make quality candy free of artificial flavours and colours, and they’re gluten and dairy free. You can find them at Park Royal South on their mobile van, or even better you can order your favourite treats online.  Follow them on Twitter: @CandyMeisterCA.

Cariboo Brewing makes the best ginger ale I’ve ever tasted! made with all natural ingredients, ginger extract and a splash of their Cariboo Genuine Draft. So refreshing and delicious, I’ve could’ve drank it all day. They also make a mean root beer, and their honey lager is not to be missed. Follow them on Twitter: @CaribooBrewing.

Over 100 producers, manufacturers, retailers, and food artisans showcase an assortment of products, and visitors enjoy the variety of locally grown and produced food items not usually found in groceries or supermarkets. The Fraser Valley Food Show celebrates the 155 years of bountiful Fraser Valley harvest under one roof.