Pride Picnic features Chopped Canada champion chef, plus Pride Run fun

    1 of 1 2 of 1

      Vancouver's Pride Week is almost upon us and here's a delicious and nutritious way to get into gear for it.

      This year's annual Pride Picnic in the Park, which takes place at Brockton Oval on Saturday (July 26) from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., boasts two of Canada's top culinary competitors on board: Shelley Robinson and Rockin' Ronnie (who will be cooking from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.).

      Shelley Robinson is certainly a chef to be reckoned with. She was not only a Top Chef Canada contestant, but won the Food Network's Chopped CanadaTV show competition.

      Robinson has over 25 years of culinary experience, owned restaurants, co-authored cookbooks, and is a private chef and Vancouver Community College instructor.

      She's also happy to be supporting her community.

      She'll be preparing the vegetarian option, which will include her signature cauliflower and quinoa koftas on pita.

      Meanwhile, International Canadian BBQ champion Rockin' Ronnie Shewchuck will be cooking up a storm with his award-winning pulled pork and coleslaw in a savoury bun.

      Chatelaine magazine called him one of Canada's food gurus while Food & Wine magazine listed him as one of North America's greatest grillers.

      If you're in need of working off some of those calories, there'll be no shortage of LGBT–themed, family-friendly activities to participate in, such as the high-heel shoe toss, a drag race (presumably the queen kind, rather than vehicular), and games hosted by the Vancouver Gaymers, plus DJs, a beer garden, and lots more. Whew! Sounds like quite the jam-packed program.

      But if you truly want to keep in shape, there's the 10th annual Pride Run and Walk that'll take place from 8:30 am to 11 am, just prior to the Picnic lunch.

      It's hosted by Vancouver Frontrunners and offers both 5K and 10K routes that start and end at Brockton Oval.

      This year includes a new gender variant category and to make it a true LGBT event, there's also a disco-and-glitter water station as well as prizes (including best dressed). Great to see people remembering to put the fun into fitness.

      Proceeds raised by the event will benefit Qmunity's Pride Legacy Fund, which support LGBT programs, and Out in Schools, which addresses queerphobias and bullying in B.C. schools.

      Comments