Buy Canadian First - Your destination for good shopping

It's here at last: Canada Day! Time to celebrate our great nation, come together with our family, friends and neighbours and just hang out and have a good time!

For me, it's also time to share with you some of the cool You Tube videos Made in Canada created by fellow Canadiens. So here they are, in no particular order:

1)  William and Kate - Royal Tour of Canada 2011 (1:54)

2) Canada Eh! (1:25)

3) This land is your land ''Canada'' (2:42)

4) I am Canadian theme: PROUD TO BE CANADIAN! (1:29)

5) The Canadian Ceasar, eh? (3:40)

6) You Can in Canada © (3:05)

7) Canadian History in 2 mn (1:58)

8) Michael Mitchell ''Canada in my Pocket'' (4:03)

9) Classified - ''Oh.....Canada!'' - Official Video (4:39)

10) Why is Canada Priceless ? #16 (0:06)

Do you have a favourite video about Canada? Please share it with us, we'd love to see it!

A little more than six years ago, my wife and I purchased three and a half acres of high bank (that means that the last step before the water is, as they say, a doozy) waterfront property on Pender Island. Pender is one of the Gulf Islands that sit between Vancouver and Victoria. They enjoy a sub-Mediterranean climate, easy access to Vancouver and some rural landscapes.

We consulted an architect, who drew up plans. We intended to build relatively soon, but life intervened, and we moved to Malta instead.

In the next couple of years, we may get serious about building the house. So, I wanted to include a month in One Year, One Canadian about building an all-Canadian house. In short, to ask the question "how much of a house can you build using only materials manufactured and, ideally, sourced in Canada?"

As of today, I know absolutely nothing about this question. I'm the least handy person in the world. I'm 37 years old, and (while I have kissed a girl), I've never purchased lumber. I actually paid a man to hang pictures in our apartment. It's really that pathetic.

I don't even know where to start. Do you know a contractor, a carpenter or a supplier of Canadian building products? Leave a comment, and help a fellow Canadian out.

Read comments here.

Blog post re-printed with kind permission from  Darren Barefoot - 1Y1C.

We are really looking forward to Canada Day this year as our town always puts on some fantastic events. There're rides and bouncy houses for the kids, great food, made in Canada, from local vendors, music and more. Check out the Canadian Hertiage website for some of the events happening around the nation.

Along with the day time events, a fantastic way to celebrate Canada Day always includes fireworks at night! Many cities hold a public fireworks display on Canada Day including ours - and what luck - it's happening right across the street from us!! With two three year olds, we'll be enjoying the fireworks at home this year since it's so close. I wanted to pick up some Canada themed items for our party at home. I just had a look and surprise - the Canadian themed t-shirts for my boys, as well as the napkins, cups, plates, table decorations and blow up balls all say "Product of the U.S.A". Can you believe it? So with Canada Day here, this is also a great time to look at the Canadian made products in your home and even more so - what is not made in Canada.

Next time I plan a Canada Day celebration I'll be sure to pick up some Canadian made products such as these cocktail napkins by Red Canoe.

RCMP Cocktail Napkins - Red Canoe

A Roots Canada T-Shirt for my boys would be a much better idea than the ones that I actually bought.

Roots Canada T-Shirt

At least one thing I know will be Canadian for our party - the food! We'll be picking up locally made pizza and treats from our farmers market on Saturday.

Are you planning a Canada Day party this weekend? Have a peek at where your party products are made. You might be surprised!

by Stacey Kazmir

Images courtesy of Buy Canadian First members Roots Canada and Red Canoe.

SK: I have always loved hearing stories about where people get their ideas, such as J.K. Rowling's famous story about the Harry Potter characters walking into her head while she was on a train. Passionate about products made in Canada, founder of Buy Canadian First, Isabelle Remy, also has a story that I love to read, and which she relates here

SK: Isabelle, so much has happened since your 'light bulb moment' about made in Canada products. When you look back on the last four years what are your first thoughts?

IR: I'm very proud of what we have accomplished so far. We were really the first company to go out there and promote products based on their country of origin. It had never been done before, on this scale, at least. Many proud Canadians had created (and continue to create) small websites dedicated to 'Made in Canada', and we are really inspired by that! But to build an entire marketing/advertising/communications business dedicated to promoting Canadian companies and Canadian products, that was a first. We continue to grow and add services to our offering that we never thought would be available to us, such as TV segments. The business has really taken on a life of its own, and I'm really proud of that!

IR: I was blown away! And still am today. Whenever I hear people saying "Even if I wanted to buy Canadian, I can't because we don't make anything in this country anymore.", it drives me nuts! That is a huge mistake and such a great disservice to all Canadians busy making great products! So wherever and whenever I can contribute to dismissing that rumour, I do!


SK: What has been the biggest challenge in providing information on Canadian made products?

IR: Finding them! When we started in 2007, it was so difficult to find information about Canadian-made products. It still is today, but to a lesser extent. We like to think we have been instrumental in opening manufacturers' eyes to this great big market of consumers looking for products that are made in Canada. I don't know if it has something to do with Canadian modesty or what, but we need to be cheer-leading a bit more for our country!


SK: I love watching the videos of you visiting morning news shows, such as your recent visit with /A\ Morning Ottawa. How to do you feel about being able to promote Canadian companies on TV?

IR: Thanks! It is often nerve-wracking because I want to represent our members to the best of my abilities, and live TV is not easy! Time flies and the first thing you know is that it's over and you wish you had more time! It's never about me being on camera, but always about promoting the great Canadian-made products I bring. I am very passionate about what I do and people tell me they can feel it, so I guess that's good!  


SK: I actually hadn't realized that Mr. Freeze was made in Canada! So glad I learned that during your /A\ Morning Ottawa segment! Have there ever been any companies or products that really surprised you when you found out they were Canadian?

IR: I know, isn't that great about Mr. Freeze! We all grew up with that brand, and they are such an amazing company. They support many local charities and events and are always ready to jump in and lend a hand. Shout out to them! I am often pleasantly surprised by the variety of products made in Canada. We expect lots of food products to be made here, for example, but rubber boots? Gardening tools? the world's only natural memory foam mattress? Awesome!


SK: I love that the internet and social media have made it much easier to find out about companies in general - they tweet, they post on Facebook, you really feel there are real people out there again. How has social media helped with the challenge of finding products made in Canada?

IR: Social media has really changed the way people do business, in every industry. It's now so easy to make other companies (prospects, service providers, etc) aware of your existence simply by engaging with them on Twitter & Facebook in a direct and personal way. It is getting easier to make alliances with like-minded individuals and really develop productive relationships faster. So many new Canadian friends!


SK: Has anyone ever asked about a product made in Canada that you had to tell them simply wasn't made by any Canadian company?

IR: Yes, sadly. Electronics are an obvious one, as well as small kitchen appliances, sneakers, etc. It's a sign of the times. Some manufacturing will never return, but I have faith that with the rise in oil prices and standards of living in Asia, the phenomenon of "reverse globalisation" (where manufacturing starts to return to the western world) will happen sooner or later. It's my favourite expression!


SK: Thanks so much for sharing with us, Isabelle. What's coming up in the next few months on BuyCanadianFirst.ca?

IR: Thanks for asking! Ahead, lots of new promotional events in store to continue to highlight the amazing products made in this great country of ours. Stay tuned for behind the scene info, getting to know the people behind the brands, and lots more contests and giveaways!

But for now: Happy Canada Day everyone! Let's get out there and celebrate the best country in the world, count our blessings and just have a good time!

Isabelle.

Interview by Stacey Kazmir

Photo by Lisa Howard.

Here at Buy Canadian First, Canada Day is our favourite day of the year - well, after Christmas to be totally honest...;-) We are putting together a series of special blog posts running up to the big day, so keep your eyes peeled: lot's of great Made in Canada products to be won!

Today we're thrilled to announce our Great Canada Day Giveaway, which is being co-hosted by Ginger Mommy, a lovely Mom from Ontario. It is part of The Great Canadian Blog Bash, an event that brings together bloggers from all across our beautiful land. Follow it on Twitter at #TGCBB. What a party!

Our prize pack is filled to the brim with over $ 400 worth of Canadian-made products for the whole family. Here is what's up for grabs:

Men's cyclist carbon lazer bib, made in Quebec by Louis Garneau ($ 169.99): 

Men's cyclist Canada jersey, made in Quebec also by Louis Garneau ($ 94.99):

  
Official federal-government issued Canadian flag, made in Quebec by L'Étendard ($49.99): 

Gardener's Dream Cream, made in B.C. by Aroma Crystal ($39.99):

Guest book with photos of the Northern lights, created in Alberta by artist Anna Butler ($19.95):

. 

Professor Noggin's History of Canada card game, made in B.C. by Outset Media ($12.99): 

Professor Noggin's Geography of Canada card game, made in B.C. also by Outset Media ($12.99):

Dark chocolate açai & blueberry, made in B.C. by Brookside Foods ($ 4.99): 

Dark Chocolate pomegranate, made in B.C. also by Brookside Foods ($4.99): 

5 RimRollers, specially branded for Buy Canadian First and made in Ontario by Novel Solutions ($ 2.49 each = $ 12.45): 

For contest rules and to find out how to enter, click here.

Good luck & happy countdown-to-Canada-Day!

THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED. 

Images courtesy of Buy Canadian First members

After renting a cottage last year and in anticipation of more made in Canada cottage adventures in the future, my husband thought it would be a good idea to take the Boaters Exam so we can rent a boat next time. With the Canada Day long weekend coming up, and the great weather we've been having, this would also be a fantastic time to go boating. You must have a Pleasure Craft Operator Card to operate any powered boat. What's great though, is that once you have the card, it's good for a lifetime. My husband used Boaterexam.com - taking the three hour, in-class course where the exam follows at the end and you get a temporary card right there if you pass.

Once you have the card you are ready to rent (or maybe even purchase) a boat. Please remember that everyone must be wearing a life jacket at all times while on a pleasure craft. Not having a life jacket will cost you $250 (each) if you’re stopped by a police marine patrol - but even more important is your safety. A good Canadian-made life jacket you can pick up is one from Buy Canadian First member - Salus Marine.

Abacus Sail adult life vest - Salus Marine

Many other pieces of equipment are required to be on a powered boat at all times, such as a sound-signalling device, a hand-bailer or manual pump, a buoyant heaving line and more. If the police stop your boat for a safety check you could be fined up to $200 for each piece of missing equipment. Boats can be rented for as little as one hour or as long as seven days or more, depending on what you are looking to do and how much you are willing to spend. Renting a boat is not cheap. Depending on the marina you are renting a boat from, you may have the option of having the boat delivered to where you are staying or, if the marina is on the same lake you wish to use the boat, you can pick the boat up there. While there is still some confusion on the subject, it's possible that you may not need a Pleasure Craft Operator Card to rent a boat. Sometimes you just have to fill out a rental boat safety checklist. Check with your marina on the subject before assuming anything, though.

If you plan on doing some fishing while on the boat, remember that your province may require you to carry a fishing licence. Don't forget some Canadian made fishing lures, too, such as those made by Buy Canadian First member, Lucky Strike.

Fishing Lure - Lucky Strike

To celebrate Canada Day and safe boating, we are giving away a Salus Marine life jacket (made in Canada, of course!) with a retail value of over $ 125.00!

How can you get your hands on that beauty? Simple, each of the following actions will give you one chance, so the more the merrier!

1) Like us on Facebook and leave a comment mentioning ''Salus Marine giveaway'';

2) Follow us on Twitter or DM us mentioning ''Salus Marine giveaway'';

3) Leave a comment below telling us what's your favourite thing made in Canada.

The winner will be picked at random the day before Canada Day. Good luck! 

by Stacey Kazmir

Images courtesy of Buy Canadian First Members Salus Marine and Lucky Strike.

Early September of last year, we opted for a vacation made in Canada and rented a cottage in the Muskoka region; it's real "cottage country" there, located in Central Ontario. We've been on our share of different types of vacations; my husband and I both camped when we were younger and I've even been to a bed & breakfast or two, but we had never rented a cottage before. Let me tell you, it's a bit of an adventure!

We were lucky, though, and after a couple of false starts we found a fantastic company to work with: Ontario Cottage Rentals. If you aren't familiar with the cottage scene, I highly recommend using a local company like Ontario Cottage Rentals to help you through the process so that you know that you are renting safely and securely. They provide a service to the cottage owners by handling the rental process and, in turn, you know you are handing over money to a reputable source. They inspect the cottages, which is fantastic for both sides, and if something were to go wrong during your stay, they are there for you.

Once you have your cottage booked, it's time to gather supplies! If you have never been to a cottage before you might be surprised at the amount of things you actually need to take with you. The cottage will likely require you to bring your own linens for the beds, towels & toiletries for the bathroom (don't forget the toilet paper! one ply is likely all that is allowed), your own dishes/cutlery/cooking utensils and please - do not forget plenty of bottled water. Unless you confirm with your cottage on the water source, it is likely that it's filtered lake water that is coming out of the taps. This is something you not only don't want to drink but don't forget everything else you use water for - brushing teeth, washing hands, washing dishes, rinsing food and more - this requires a lot of water! Many cottages on the water have a dock and the cottage often provides a canoe or other water toys - make sure you know if your cottage has life vests available to use in your size. If not, be sure to pick up some Canadian-made ones from Buy Canadian First member, Salus Marine.

Now, I don't want to scare anyone, remember, once you get there you are in for the time of your lives! We created so many memories - the kids were in the canoe and fishing (don't forget to get a fishing licence!), we had fires every night and visited the beautiful town of Huntsville every day, we went to Algonquin Park, saw deer everywhere, flew kites, played cards, sat by the lake and listened to the loons, rode the train at the Heritage Centre and more. Don't forget to pack things for relaxation like a puzzle to do together, a game to play or a book to read while you sit by the water. I recommend Water for Elephants by Canadian author, Sara Gruen.

Honestly, once you find the perfect cottage, get it booked and get the packing list down - you are in for a really wonderful time, I promise.

Have you ever rented a cottage? What was your experience like?

by Stacey Kazmir

::images courtesy of Buy Canadian First members.

Back from another fun Made-in-Canada adventure on A Morning in Ottawa! As usual, my husband and I drive down from Montreal the night before and enjoy a nice relaxing evening in our nation's Capital. As we both have businesses and lead very busy lives, we welcome the time we get to spend together. This time around, we stayed at the Indigo Downtown Hotel on Metcalfe Avenue, within walking distance of the Parliament. I had never heard of it, but what a great place! A boutique hotel, very chic and simple all at once, beautiful design and great big rooms with great big beds! Next time you're in Ottawa on business or pleasure, do yourself a favour and check it out. You won't be disappointed!

So, off we went to the studio for 7h10. Just in time to set-up on the patio and ...action! Why does on-air time seem to pass so fast? I never understood that...Maybe it's because it's so much fun! Watch it here.

So today we featured gift ideas for Dad for Father's Day. Four companies and their products were featured:

Lawn care products made in Ontario by C-I-L & Wilson (Premier Tech):

Multi-bit screwdrivers made in B.C. by Picquic Tool Company:

Closson Chase wines from Ontario's Prince Edward County:

Cycling apparel made in Quebec by Louis Garneau:

What will you be giving your Dad on Father's Day? Any other suggestions of products made in Canada? How about something handmade? Please share them with us!

P.S. In case you're wondering, I am wearing a dress made in Toronto by Lundstrom. Love their designs; so classy & comfortable.

Images courtesy of Premier Tech, Picquic Tool Company, Closson Chase Winery and Louis Garneau

As I'm sure you know, June is the month to celebrate Dads and to celebrate all the Graduates in our lives. What better way to celebrate then with a Made in Canada product? Buying Canadian first is an especially good point to make for those Grads looking for job opportunities close to home!

Here are a few ideas that I have that would be perfect for both Dads and Grads this June!

Kobo has recently announced a new version of their famous Kobo eReader: the Kobo Touch Edition. With new infrared technology you can swipe to turn pages, highlight phrases, look up words, zoom images, increase font sizes and more. I received a Kobo eReader Wireless for Mother's Day and I love it! I am a huge book fan and with the eInk technology it is easy on the eyes, just like reading a paperback with all the pluses of having 100s of books at your finger tips. I also found that the Kobo is easy to use and comfortable to hold in one hand - which I love.  I always get books in a series right when they come out and with the Kobo there's no holding bulky, hardcover books. You can purchase new books through your wireless eReader the day they come out! The perfect gift for Dad and for new Graduates at any point in their education.

This Father's Day, my boys and I are getting their Daddy BBQ supplies like this BBQ sauce from Everything Maple:

The BBQ is such a Summer time staple and a great time to try out some new sauces and flavours. Everything Maple has a whole line of fantastic sauces, dips and mixes - you are sure to find something perfect for Dad to use on the BBQ or to stock up a new Grad's pantry.

Another fantastic gift idea is a watch. Graduation is a perfect time to give a watch as it will hold great memories every time your Graduate puts the watch on in the morning and looks at it during the day. Watches are also something every Dad needs - we bought one for my husband last year and he loved getting a watch from his boys. This watch by Diane Balit is absolutely gorgeous with the enamel dial hand painted with a picture of a sailboat.

We are really looking forward to Father's Day to celebrate all the Dads in our lives and surprise my husband with some fun BBQ items (better not let him read this!).

For more gift ideas for Dad, watch BuyCanadianFirst.ca Founder Isabelle Remy on /A\ Morning in Ottawa this Wednesday June 15th. We will link to it when it has aired.

What are you getting the Dads and Grads in your life? 

Images courtesy of Buy Canadian First members, Chapters-Indigo, Everything Maple and Diane Balit.

When I describe this project to people, the category they usually commiserate with me about is movies and television. "I could never do that," they say. "I like way too much." They often also confess how they watch TV passively-they keep it on in the background, or simply surf the dial (kids, once upon a time televisions had chunky dials you had to turn).

I'm the master of my own denial, but they're right to sympathize on this category. Since April, I've been on a steady diet of Canadian TV and movies. It hasn't exactly been wall-t0-wall cinematic magic.

I began with a sampling of English Canadian comedy and light drama. I've watched several episodes of Little Mosque on the Prairie, Corner Gas and Republic of Doyle. The shows are, I'm afraid all studies in mediocrity. They're mildly amusing, and it's fun to see Canadian places and hear Canadian accents on TV, but they don't really hold a candle to my comedy favourites like 30 Rock, Community and, because I'm kind of an Anglophile, The IT Crowd. Compare Republic of Doyle to, say, Sherlock and you'll see what I mean.

Watching these shows is a bit like watching AHL hockey. It's mildly entertaining, but you'd rather be watching something a little better.

I'm a little embarrassed to admit that, of the Canadian fictional shows I've watched, I've enjoyed Being Erica the most. It's kind of Cathy meets Quantum Leap but, you know, not awful.

A little side note on Being Erica: the show's music is co-produced by indie singer-songwriter Lily Frost, who I always think of as "the girl from that Telus ad". There seems to be rich tradition of hiring recognizable Canadian musicians to produce music for TV shows. Due South's theme was written by written and performed by Jay Semko, front men of the long-defunct Northern Pikes.

Now Due South. That's a Canadian show I really enjoyed. Maybe it was the magnetism of Paul Gross and Callum Keith Rennie, but I never felt like I was being charitable or patriotic by watching a hometown show.

I do sympathize with Canadian television producers. They have an English language talent pool that's less than one-tenth of that of the US, and much less funding to work with.

That said, I remember a different result when I lived in Ireland. Despite the availability of Coronation Street and East Enders, the Irish-made soap opera Fair City apparently remains the most-watched drama in the country. Perhaps that reflects the Irish's natural disdain for any kind of British incursion.

While comedy and drama have been something of a wasteland, I have discovered a couple of Canadian shows I like: Canadian Pickers and Canadian Antique Roadshow. I'm no great lover of antiques, but I do like to learn about the history that accompanies every object. I suppose it's a bit lame that both shows are Canuck versions of shows devised elsewhere, but that's the case for nearly every show we see in North America (American Idol, Survivor and The Killing, to name three).

These shows succeed on the strength of the concept, and so they can compete on even terms with similar shows produced in larger markets. Canadian Pickers is just two guys poking around old barns and garages, and the Roadshow is basically a televised craft fair.

Along with NHL hockey and reruns of The Rick Mercer Report, these shows have been sustaining me over the past couple of months. I'm eager to fall for some Canadian fictional shows, but nothing has really stuck. What would you recommend?

Read comments here.

Blog post re-printed with kind permission from  Darren Barefoot - 1Y1C.

If the name Irving Tissue Corporation doesn't ring a bell, perhaps "Majesta" will. I thought so! You probably have a box of Made-in-Canada Majesta tissue or paper towels or a roll in your bathroom with their name on it. I'm a tissue box fanatic/collector myself...I use them in my art! And I blow my nose alot, so it's a win-win kind of situation, all around! We buy our Majesta tissue at No Frills in bulk.

Like most people in Canada, we use a ton of toilet paper, and thinking about what happens to it all can be somewhat concerning. It's reassuring to know that, for every tree that is used to make Majesta products, 3 more are planted by the Irving Tissue Corp., to replace them! As a matter of fact, you can help them achieve their goal of planting 2.5 million trees in 2011 just by buying Majesta TREEsponsible (TM) products.

I like how there are no dyes, chlorine or fragrances used in these products and all tissues are septic tank safe, so good at the cottage, too. They call it "the soft, green tissue"!

Right now, one lucky Canadian school can win an outdoor classroom worth $20,000.00 with the help of Majesta, Tree Canada and Focus on Forests!

The Irving Tissue Corporation has been based in Dieppe, New Brunswick since 1988 and is part of the Irving group of companies, which are all family-owned Canadian companies. It has grown to become one of North America's leading manufacturers of household paper products.

Committed to managing its operations in an environmentally sustainable and socially responsible manner makes the Irving Tissue Corporation another fine Canadian company to boast about! Here at Buy Canadian First, we are proud to have them as a member!

How would you like to help plant some trees?

Visit Majesta's site.

:: images courtesy of Buy Canadian First member, Majesta.

Here at Buy Canadian First, we are truly blessed to be surrounded by individuals and organizations who believe in the Made in Canada message we promote, and strive to support us in very special ways.

One such organization is /A\ Morning in Ottawa, with whom we are proud to have been associated with for the last 2 years. The entire team, from on-air hosts to behind-the-scene producers, have always welcomed us on the show with open arms and enabled us to promote products made in Canada and the great companies who make them.

                           The set of /A\ Morning Ottawa

Cast and crew are deeply involved in the local community. They really do care, and it shows. For the past month, they have been auctioning off a selection of products and services donated by local businesses and raised almost $ 15,000 for the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation!

Last Friday, to kick-off Ottawa's  Weekend to End Women's Cancers, the /A\ Morning team became the Pink Army and hosted a Pancake Breakfast live outside their studios in the ByWard Market. I was invited to attend, so I got up at 4 AM for the 2-hour drive from Montreal! An early start to a beautiful day, and great fun was had by all!

I had to return home that afternoon, but Saturday is when the real work began: a 32 km walk around the city, the first part of the 60-km walk which would take place Saturday and Sunday. Almost 1,000 walkers joined in to raise funds for this all-important cause, some walking in memory of a lost one, others in celebration of their own success in beating the disease.

And along the way, some sweet support from another great Canadian company: Kisko, makers of the famous Freezies! When they heard that the Pink Army was looking for some cool treats for the walkers, they graciously donated over 1,000 Freezies to the cause! A family business making Canada's favourite frozen treats since 1977, Kisko is 100% committed to supporting community events such as these. Thanks Kisko, we're so proud to have you on board at Buy Canadian First!

Their efforts raised more than $1.8M! Congrats to all...together, we really can make a difference!

Images courtesy of Isabelle Remy and Ziyada Callender.

When I told my editor that this summer I was teaching a friend to make perogies for her wedding, I was a little apprehensive to be assigned a made-in-Canada wedding post. What do I focus on? Dresses, wedding favours, flowers or bridesmaids' gifts? I could feel the grim realisation that I wasn't meant to write about weddings. This prairie girl loves the simplicity of the outdoors, pretty lights, a sun dress, good friends, food and drink, family, and daisies . No seating arrangements, rehearsal dinners, or stressful snafus; just a mellow, fun and loving day. Then it dawned on me, something so fun and undoubtedly Manitoban; the wedding social!

I recall, as a child, attending several socials. When I was 9, my aunt, uncle and cousin took me to one held in a new barn. It was  huge and had fabulous lighting and a DJ, the room glowed a golden hue with the natural wood walls and floor. All of a sudden Old Time of Rock and Roll by Bob Segar (part of a long list of manditory social songs ) blared from the speakers. There was not a soul sitting as the the floor thumped and vibrated. Everyone was stomping and singing and it was magnificent and a wonder the barn didn't fall to the ground. 

It was a great surprise to me to discover that not only was the social, Manitoban, but only us Manitobans practice it! It is known by several names; the wedding social, the Winnipeg social or the Manitoba social but it's most commonly referred to as just a social. Organised by the couple's friends, the social  is the most fruitful fundraiser to help pay for the wedding ceremony. The recipe for a social  is fairly simple; one engaged couple, one rented hall, barn or community centre, a temporary liquor licence, raffle prizes, a DJ or a live cover band and a small army of people to sell tickets to anyone who wishes to come. 

The night is far from complete without some Canadian made beer such as Labatts Lite, Kokanee, or Molson Canadian and spirits like Canadian Club whiskey , vodka and dark and light rum. The night is capped by a midnight snack tray. Traditionally the fare is keilbasa, Manitoba Kub Bread, cold cuts, cheese, mustard and polish dill pickles, all of which are made in Canada, some are made right in Manitoba and I suspect that the pickles were taken from someone's grandmother's cold room. There you go, one fabulous, home grown, made in Manitoba, wedding social! 

Do you have a favourite social story? Tell us!    

:: images courtesy of Andrea Willowcat