It’s food, wine and words — and in that order — as Ochre Fest 2020 begins with its new, adaptive look this evening.
Started in 2013, the literary and arts festival has annually featured live performances and presentations from Ochre House Retreat, a converted church at Ochre Pit Cove in Conception Bay North, but the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a change in plans.
Instead, to will be an online festival this year, with a twist that plays on the artistic nature of the gathering, with local producers and directors paired with local artists, musicians and others to deliver video presentations of their talents, passions and thoughts.
First up today, at 7 p.m. is vegan chef Marian Frances White, offering a recipe for Veggie Pâte à Lorraine recipe with a little dash of Malone. Actually, it’s Dash Malone who is director and editor of the video.
Appropriately, good food will be followed by good wine, with some poetry being poured out as well, as poet Wade Kearley joins professional sommelier Lynne Henley as she introduces viewers to the art of wine tasting.
That presentation, with Paul Coulborne as director and editor, starts at 7:30 p.m.
The two- or three-a-night offerings will continue all week through Ochre Fest’s Facebook site.