Bite of Beaver - October 6, 2018

[MJ Pike]

The licorice confection called Good & Plenty, is an appropriate way to describe what is in store for those attending the 2018 Bite of Beaver Festival. All available space at the Bite’s food hall, Holy Cross Church Hall, sold out on September 21. There will be 13 food and drink vendors on October 6th, 50% more than in 2001!
If you are an Islander, know that many of your favorite purveyors will again be setting up tables at the Bite, such as Josh Runnberg from the Circle M, Tammy McDonough of Dalwhinnie, and Dale and Terry Keyes from the Paradise Bay Coffee Shop. The members of the Holy Cross Church Altar Society are again preparing savory meatballs, the Women’s Circle of the Christian Church are dishing up a variety heavenly desserts and the Wellness Center Gardners and Friends are offering up a splendid table of garden fresh salads. Members of the BI Chamber of Commerce, which sponsors and hosts the event, are planning to ladle homemade soup and the Community Schools sport booster group, which is participating for the first time, plan to whip up meat and vegan chiles. Other first time participants include the Bocce Tournament organizers, who are featuring a variety of breads that will go nicely with chile, soup or salad, and the Beaver Island Historical Society, which is preparing flavorful tacos. Ann Woodring is making her third appearance at the Bite and will again offer her successful recipe for seafood mac and cheese, plus custom cupcakes. Bite newcomers Elizabeth Janovic and Carol Kuhnke are preparing fattoush, Turkish meatballs, hummus and tzatziki --both served with toasted pita-- as well as homemade caramels. Patrick McGinnity is offering to quench your thirst with an IPA made from Island grown hops, as well as a smooth porter. For those under 21 or those seeking a non alcoholic libation, pop, water and cider will also be available for purchase at the Paradise Bay Coffee Shop Table.
In addition to the food hall, the Bite offers attendees the opportunity to purchase arts and crafts at the BIC Center from 10:00am until 2:00pm.
Bite Co-Chairs are Marijean Pike and Frank D’Andraia. Pike said: “The Bite of Beaver helps to promote the Island as a visitor destination during the shoulder season and livens up main street for residents. The Bite is the perfect event for a family to spend their Saturday!” D’Andraia added, “Attendees will have an opportunity to meet Paul Cole, the new Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, as well as have an opportunity to win cash when a dozen lottery tickets are given away at random at 1:00pm.”
The Bite of Beaver, Saturday October 6th, good food and plenty of food, arts, crafts and fun for all. Hope to see you there!

[steveandelaineonbeaver]

Well done MJ and Frank. Sounds like the best Bite-O-Bev ever.

[MJ Pike]

The Beaver Boodle, in connection with the Bite of Beaver will not be held this year but those walkers who enjoyed the event in the past years are planning to meet at the beach parking lot @10:30 AM, Saturday morning. They will walk the 5K donning their Beaver Boodle shirts from previous years. Anyone wishing to donate to the Sports Boosters can do so at this time and place. Newcomers are encouraged to join the group, too!

[MJ Pike]

Saturday, October 6 is going to be a great day on Beaver Island!!! Our new chamber director, Paul Cole is now on the island and will be introduced at the Bite of Beaver at 1PM and will be announcing the winners of the twelve $2.00 lottery tickets, donated by Frank D'Andraia. The food this year is going to be the best ever with Josh Runberg (chef at The Circle M) maintaining two tables and Tammy McDonough is once again using her deli skills to put out some incredible appetizers. I could go on and on but you will just have to see for yourself! The Beaver Bite starts promptly at 12 noon and will close down at 2PM. P.S. Heidi Vigil from the Beaver Island Gardens made some gorgeous centerpieces for the dining room tables.