Category Archives: News

Saturday, Sept. 14th: Harvest Fest / IncrEDIBLE Picnic!

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That’s right! The PACO community has been busy pulling together a celebration of all things Dartmouth, fresh and local.  An (early) Harvest Fest!  Big thanks to the Downtown Dartmouth Business Commission and the Alderney Farmers Market for assisting in the coordination; and thanks to Select Nova Scotia and the Dartmouth Community Health Board, whose support is allowing us to put this great event together!  Mark your calendars and plan to drop by the park on September 14th between 12 noon and 6:00 PM. What should you expect?

Food

Like our regular Open Oven’s on Saturday we’ll have a hot oven for those interested, to cook their favourites starting at noon.  A second burn will take place mid-afternoon for a second cooking time around 4:00.

While we’ll be firing the oven and baking some delicious pretzels for picnickers, local businesses in and around downtown Dartmouth will be selling ready-to-bake goodies that you can pick up en route to the oven.  There’ll be variety in price and taste, something for everyone, so watch this space for a soon-to-be-complete map indicating where to buy what.  There’s rumour that there could be a food truck or two for those of you who prefer your food on wheels….

Entertainment

What’s a picnic without some amusements?  There’ll be some guest speakers sharing their wisdom about local food, community health and the neighbourhood.  Kids can enjoy some organized activities, a story-circle and some face-painting.  There’ll even be a bit of dinner music!

As we finalize a few last minute details, a full schedule will be posted.  Please visit this site again soon and make plans to join us in the park on the 14th!

What’s New PACO?

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PACO is well into it’s first full season hosting our regular weekly Open Ovens every Saturday (weather permitting).  Those interested in volunteering can come by at 10 each Saturday for training and stick around to cook with our volunteers and others from the community.

Local chef Brady Muller – a committed and enthusiastic PACO volunteer – is hosting bi-weekly workshops where local chefs teach attendees how to make local food meals in the oven to demonstrate its versatility (PACO can cook more than just pizza!).

Another committed volunteer – Ali – has been meeting with HRM Parks to hopefully have signage around the oven and the adjacent community garden to describe the projects and our desire to have the community make use of this truly wonderful addition to the beautiful Leighton Dillman Park.

Alderney Market vendor Pie R Squared has begun selling pre-made, ready-to-bake pizzas (gluten-free options available) so people can take the ferry to Dartmouth, stop at the market en route to the oven and cook their pizza in Nova Scotia’s first outdoor community wood-fired oven.

The group  is still seeking dedicated volunteers interested in learning how to fire the oven and support PACO by helping to host community events and accommodate requests from groups who want to use the oven throughout the week.  Interested?  Email us or just come on down!

PACO will be hosting a Harvest Celebration on a Saturday in early September with support from the Downtown Dartmouth Business Commission, the Dartmouth Community Health Board and Select Nova Scotia. Details will be announced soon and will be available here as they are confirmed.