Fungi Fest is set to flourish once again in Sicamous.
The festival officially kicks off this Friday, Sept. 23, and runs until Sunday, Sept. 25.
Friday’s festivities include an all-day tour from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with the “Indiana Jones of mushrooms, Larry Evans, and a walking tour will take place between 1 and 3 p.m. with researcher, collector and consultant in forest mycology, toxicology, medicines and identification, Paul Kroeger.
After his two-hour walking tour, Kroeger will be back at the Red Barn, the hub of the Fungi Fest, to offer his presentation, a World of Wonder Between Your Feet, an introduction to mushrooms (students attend free). Entertainment, food and drink will follow.
Saturday at the Red Barn will include a mushroom-themed market, with cooking demonstrations from 2 to 6 p.m., and yoga sessions by donation from I Am Yoga.
Slocan Valley biologist and mushroom specialist Tyson Ehlers will lead an all-day tour from 10 am. to 4 p.m., Kroeger will conduct another walking tour between 1 and 3 p.m.
At 4 p.m., Kroeger will offer a presentation on magic mushrooms, and Evans a presentation on finding morels in burn zones. Food and a beer garden will be available, with entertainment by Shoe Swap from 6 to 10 p.m.
On Sunday, the Lions Club will serve up their famous pancake breakfast from 8 a.m. to noon. Shorter tour excursions will be offered during the day, followed with presentations at 4 p.m. at the Red Barn.
Participants can also participate in the Beach Park Walk/Run at 7 a.m.
To help celebrate the event, participating local restaurants will be offering mushroom-related options and other specials.
For more information, visit http://www.fungifestival.com.