By Tommy Osborne

Foodie Friday

Foodie Friday returns to Canada Games Plaza

Jul 5, 2024 | 5:31 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – Canada Games Plaza was a hub of activity today, as Foodie Friday returned for the first time this year. Following a covid shutdown years earlier, this is now the second year in a row Foodie Friday has been in Prince George, and it brings local food vendors, games, live music, and more.

“We’re here most Fridays all of July and August. That gives everybody the opportunity to come down, have some food, listen to some music, enjoy the sunshine, and just enjoy summer in downtown Prince George,” said City of Prince George Event Coordinator Susie Jones.

Jones says the vendors and the performers will be changing most Fridays, so even if you attended one Foodie Friday it’s likely it will be a new experience the next time you go. As for the vendors themselves, Jones says the City is still accepting new food trucks so if you’d like to get involved you can reach out to the City.

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“We’re completely open. So if anybody would like to come and join us, please reach out to us and we’d love to talk to you,” Jones said.

Beyond being a fun day for the community, Jones added Foodie Friday is also fantastic for the local economy. Beyond promoting the local food vendors at the event itself, Jones says the opportunity to bring people to our downtown can help bring additional business there too. For example, you may check out some stores, or even visit a centre like the Canfor Leisure Pool.

“The whole point is just to bring activity downtown in a positive way and just to get to enjoy what Prince George has to offer,” Jones said.

The main draw of Foodie Friday is, of course, the food, and the First Foodie Friday of 2024 saw a new player on the scene: Joel’s Cookies. This was its first public event, as the business is just months old, and owner Laurie Dreher explains she was inspired to start her cookie business because of her grandson Joel.

“This (Joel) is my inspiration. He’s on the autism spectrum, and he wants to learn how to work,” Dreher said.

While Dreher’s biggest inspiration is Joel, she adds the chance to get out in the community is also a huge reason she started Joel’s Cookies.

“I’m born and raised. My family are pioneers, they’ve been here since 1925. And I just love Prince George. I love my city. I love the people of my city. And this way, I get to know more people, and it’s been great,” Dreher said.

As for the hundreds of attendees, they certainly enjoyed a day with beautiful weather, live entertainment, and tasty food.

“It’s nice to see a lot of people out here just having fun, enjoying the weather and the great things Prince George has to offer,” said attendee Austin Mereski.

Foodie Friday will run for every Friday of July and August at Canada Games plaza between 12:00-4:00 p.m.

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