Competition stiff at Lynn Valley Day Mocktail contest

The Sassy Shakers were the toast of the town at Lynn Valley Day on June 22, carrying off the much-coveted Mocktail Mix-Off trophy and having their "Blueberry Bomber" declared Lynn Valley's Drink of the Summer.

The competition was fierce, with the parents of Sassy Shaker Katherine Jang placing second with their Lynn Valley Lavendar Lemonade. Coming in third were the Rosemary Babies with a strawberry-ginger-rosemary concoction, crafted by a grandmother-grandson-granddaughter trio.

Sitting in the judges' seats were North Vancouver District Councillor Jordan Back, Black Bear Neighbourhood Pub assistant bar manager Chris Hogg, and St. Clement's interim priest, the Rev. Philippa Segrave-Pride. The contestants did their best to charm the judges - one entrant even reading them a very fine poem written for the occasion by his mother - but the judging trio were all business and kept a steady eye on the flavour blends, mocktail umbrella-twirling technique, sweet-to-sour ratio, and overall drink presentation. 

The contestants were all well supported by a crowd of enthusiastic cheerleaders and shepherded through the event by MC John Stowe, and St. Clement's was also grateful to the Lynn Valley Lions, who were delighted to welcome this new event to the annual Lynn Valley Day line-up. 

St. Clement's had a table on the grounds for the day, and it proved a fine way to meet up with old friends and meet new people. Many passers-by were happy to add a tag to our mini Prayer Tree, learn about Salal + Cedar's work on Coleman Creek at the rear of our property, pick up one of our brochures and take away a complimentary St. Clement's cookbook. We were glad that despite the overcast weather, rain held off and the parade, community booths, food tents, rides and visiting persisted well into the afternoon. Thanks to all who pitched in to make this a fun event!

Winning mocktail recipes are yours for the taking - just click here! And here's a great story about the event from The Global Canadian.

Photos from Kath and Peggy include the group contestant shot, the judges' panel, contestants showing their stuff, the Sassy Shakers celebrating the win, the award-winning Blueberry Bomber, Ian Gunn in the parade, and the St. Clement's booth in the fairground, complete with a mini prayer tree.