Activity at the Saltscapes office is humming along at an accelerated pace this week as we gear up for our annual consumer show running this weekend at Exhibition Park, in Halifax. What to expect if you go?

Sure, I could tell you how great it is, but I don't have to: here's part of an independent review of last year's event from online food blogger Ruth Daniels:

"The aisles were full of great booths with information about everything imaginable: must-see places to visit; picturesque towns, outdoor activities, artisan crafts; and naturally, food, wines and other beverages locally-produced, serving delicious samples to whet your appetites and remind you that it's so much better to eat/drink local. If you don't live here, you must come for a visit!

Even the non-food items were tasty--I obviously suffered from tunnel vision--but there were lovely artisan creations like serving platters and even the soaps from Pampered Damsel that look good enough to eat. I now understand why you can buy a weekend pass to the Expo in addition to the regular day pass. I'm already planning for next year.

In each corner of the exhibition hall was a stage. The Cottage/Home/Do-it-Yourself Stage shared great advice from local pros. The Yardscapes Stage experts provided lots of tips for gardening and outdoor living. The Living Healthy Speakers' Corner brought a host of health care professionals together for wellness seminars.

Anne of Green Gables was wandering about as were many other costumed individuals ready to tell you all about the wonderful heritage parks and museums of [Atlantic Canada]... 

I heard someone say there were 16 booths devoted to wines and spirits of the Maritimes. I'll just share one that is new to me: Lunenburg County Winery located on the South Shore of Nova Scotia and has been a working farm for three generations. You can pick your own blueberries and raspberries in addition to tasting (and purchasing) some award winning Wines: blueberry, black currant, strawberry, raspberry and, of course, grape.

Of course, I hung out at the Taste of Nova Scotia Culinary Stage (they were one of the sponsors) with demonstrations and competitions with local great chefs from across the region. I was lucky enough to catch a few demos… along with more than 100 equally excited audience members, gathering great tips, plus a taste, if you were lucky enough to get in line before the samples ran out...

It was a lovely expo and I'm still savouring it and sorting through all the brochures to plan some summer excursions."

To read more postings in Ruth's delightful blog please go to http://onceuponafeast.blogspot.com/. Saltscapes Expo is held at Exhibition Park, 200 Prospect Road, April 30, May & 2. Hours: Fri 12-9 pm; Sat 10 am-6 pm, Sun 10 am-5 pm. Free parking. Price at the door is $12.50/ ticket. Go to http://www.saltscapesexpo.com/ for a special online ticket price-$11/ticket. 

Hope to see you there!