It's Incredible Picnic Time in Nova Scotia

Celebrate and savour the flavours of local food with Nova Scotian producers and chefs at one of 12 Incredible Picnics hosted by communities during August and September.

"We welcome all Nova Scotians to come out and celebrate with friends and family during our Select Nova Scotia local food celebrations," said the Minister of Agriculture John MacDonell.

The picnics showcase locally grown and produced items like fruits and vegetables, meats, cheeses, breads and beverages. People are encouraged to taste these delicious local foods from vendors as a picnic lunch and enjoy live entertainment and children's activities.

"When Nova Scotians purchase local foods, they contribute to a sustainable agriculture industry, which leads to economic growth, good jobs and strong communities," said Mr. MacDonell.

Together, the agriculture, fisheries and aquaculture industries contribute about $2 billion annually to the provincial economy and employ about eight per cent of the province's workforce.

The minister will kick off the first picnic at Harmony Park, Summerville, Hants County on Sunday, Aug. 7 from noon to 3 p.m.

The other picnics are:

• Aug. 13, Dempsey Corner Orchards, Aylesford, Kings Co., 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Aug. 14, Memorial Park, Kentville, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Aug. 21, Annapolis Royal Farmers Market, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Halifax Waterfront, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  Chisholm Park, Antigonish, noon to 4 p.m.
  Wentworth Park, Sydney, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  Muir Murray Estates Winery, Wolfville, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Aug. 24, Truro Farmers Market, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• Aug. 28, Noggins Corner Farm, Greenwich, Kings Co., 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  Evan's Family Farm Market, Wilmot, Annapolis Co., 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Sept. 11, Beacon Park, Yarmouth, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Select Nova Scotia was developed by the province to create partnerships with food producers, processors, retailers, food service and consumers and to promote the sale and consumption of Nova Scotia grown and produced food. For more information on the Incredible Picnics visit www.selectnovascotia.ca