Food fair a Taste of Edmonton for longtime vendor

Every year, Normand Campbell spends 10 days in a row standing in the sweltering July heat at Churchill Square — getting a Taste of Edmonton.

The longtime restaurateur behind Normand's and Normand's Bistro has been participating in the food fair of the same name there since it began in 1984.

"I'm addicted to it. I do it for 10 days. I'm here every day, every night for 10 whole days," Campbell said Sunday.  

I'm addicted to it. I do it for 10 days. I'm here every day, every night for 10 whole days.- Normand Campbell

Thirty-two years ago, 16 restaurants participated in the first Taste of Edmonton at the Shaw Conference Centre. Campbell was one of them. 

That year, the restaurateur served bison kebabs — and was shocked by the number of people who lined up to try them.

"We'd throw on a hundred and then just throw on another hundred," Campbell recalled.

A growing festival

The inaugural Taste of Edmonton was such a hit that it moved to Churchill Square the following year. It's not just the crowds that had to be accommodated. The number of vendors participating was growing as well.

This year, there are close to 70. Campbell said the vendors trade dishes, which gives them an opportunity to try new flavours.

"You get hungry. You can't eat your own food for 10 days," he said with a laugh.

Over the years, Campbell has met people who can eat his food for days on end.

"This kid has been coming and he's hooked on the braised beef shortribs. The first year, he came once and then he was back five times that day and then he came the next day and then he comes again and he comes again and we just became good friends," he said.

Campbell said he's watched Taste of Edmonton bring people together, this year being no exception.

As he was closing up shop last week, he noticed the staff of Langano Skies, which serves Ethiopian cuisine, serving meals to the homeless.

"It was heartwarming," Campbell said.