New Westminster's River Market hosts Labour Day weekend BBQ festival

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      This Labour Day weekend is shaping up to be the mother of all meaty weekends. Downtown, the second annual Gastown BBQ and Chili Festival will be filling Carrall Street with the smoky scent of burnished meat. A quick Skytrain ride away in New Westminster, the revitalized River Market at Westminster Quay is hosting its own barbecue celebrations.

      On Saturday (August 31), from noon to 4 p.m., five teams of market vendors will have a barbecue battle on the south patio at River Market. The chicken competition starts at noon, followed by veggies at 1:30 p.m., and salmon at 3 p.m. Onlookers can help judge the winners for a minimum $2 donation, and proceeds go to the Royal City Farmers' Market. 

      Also on Saturday, there will be a pie-baking contest. Participants must register by August 29 to enter.

      On Sunday (September 1) at 5:30 p.m., River Market eatery Re-Up BBQ is hosting its third annual Labour Day BBQ. This year, the party takes place on the upper floor of the River Market, overlooking the Fraser River. The family-friendly feast includes "endless" slow-smoked pork, beef brisket, and housemade sausages, as well as sides, appetizers, and dessert. There will be music by River Market’s resident DJ Gabsung Lim, roving performances by the Vancouver Circus School, beach party games, and meat draws. Tickets cost $50 and include one drink.

      Proceeds from the meat draws and the bar--which will be stocked with Road 13 Vineyards wine and Parallel 49 Brewing Company beer--will go to New Westminster City Councillor Chuck Puchmayr’s charity, A Beef With Hunger Society

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