Northern Roots Symposium 2026: Planting Seeds of Opportunity

Northern Roots Symposium 2026: Planting Seeds of Opportunity

The District of Mackenzie is excited to welcome everyone to the Northern Roots Symposium: Planting Seeds of Opportunity, taking place August 28-29, 2026, at the Mackenzie Recreation Centre. This two-day celebration of agriculture, gardening, food, and community will feature interactive activities, competitions, local vendors, educational speakers, family fun, and the highly anticipated Plant BINGO Night.

Kick Off the Weekend with Plant BINGO

Start the symposium weekend surrounded by fellow plant enthusiasts at our exciting Plant BINGO event on Friday, August 28 in the Callahan Room at the Mackenzie Recreation Centre.

Plant BINGO Details

• Date: Friday, August 28, 2026
• Doors Open: 5:30 PM
• Games Begin: 6:00 PM
• Event Ends: 8:00 PM
• Cost: $30 per person
• Includes 15 games of bingo and light snacks.

Forget cash prizes. Plant BINGO is all about taking home beautiful plants and enjoying a fun evening with other plant lovers. Even better, everyone goes home with a plant, making this the perfect way to launch an exciting weekend celebrating local agriculture and growing.

Enter the Harvest Showdown and Sourdough Scoring Competition

Community members are encouraged to showcase their gardening and baking achievements in the Harvest Showdown and Sourdough Competition. Entries can be dropped off at the Mackenzie Recreation Centre on:

• Friday, August 28 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
• Saturday, August 29 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM

Harvest Showdown Categories

Compete for bragging rights in the following categories:

• Biggest Potato
• Biggest Zucchini
• Biggest Pumpkin
• Longest Bean
• Oddest-Shaped Veggie
• Tallest Sunflower
• Home-Grown Bouquet (People's Choice)

Sourdough Scoring Competition

Bakers are invited to submit their  baked sourdough loaves for judging. This competition celebrates craftsmanship and creativity, with no molds or stencils allowed, just great baking skills. Winners will be selected through a People's Choice format.

All entries from the Harvest Showdown and the Sourdough Scoring Competition will be displayed for public viewing on Saturday, August 29 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, with pick-up available from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

Saturday Symposium Activities

The main symposium day on Saturday, August 29 offers something for everyone. From 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, attendees can enjoy a variety of attractions and activities throughout the venue.

Featured Events Include

• Local vendors and exhibitors
• Educational speakers
• Harvest Showdown and Sourdough Competition displays
• Hands-on propagating station
• Taste testing opportunities
• Door prizes

Family Fun: Cottonwood MiniRail Train Rides

The popular Cottonwood MiniRail Train will be offering rides throughout the day from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Bring the family and climb aboard for a memorable experience. The train will be located at the Mackenzie Recreation Centre - upper parking lot.

• Cost: $3 per ride

Judging and Awards

Judging for both the Harvest Showdown and Sourdough Scoring Competition will take place on Saturday morning from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM.

Winners, along with door prize recipients, will be announced between 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM.

Join Us!

Whether you're an experienced gardener, a home baker, a local producer, or simply looking for a fun community event, the Northern Roots Symposium 2026 is an opportunity to celebrate local agriculture, connect with fellow enthusiasts, learn new skills, and enjoy a weekend full of activities for all ages.

For more information, contact:

Event Webpage HERE

Rachelle Richman
Event Coordinator
Email: ac.eiznekcamfotcirtsid@ofni
Phone:(250) 997-3221

We look forward to seeing you August 28-29 as we continue Planting Seeds of Opportunity in Mackenzie.