Les Kletke
Friday, Moderator for Student Debate on Modern Agriculture: 9:50 am – 11:00 pm
Les Kletke is a book coach, freelance writer and speaker with an exceptional resumé. Les has coached people across the globe through the process of writing, and publishing their books. For past 10 years Les has also worked as a freelance writer, had work published in numerous newspapers and magazines, and authored six books.
Les has studied as a Nuffield Scholar in England,
has a degree in Economics and a diploma in Agriculture from the University of Manitoba. He worked as an agronomist in Russia and studied in Canada, the U.S., Korea, Brazil, New Zealand, and most recently Mongolia and China. He is also a graduate of the Continental School of Auctioneering. Having worked and travelled around the globe, Les brings experience to his work like no other.
Getty Stewart
Friday, Discover Prairie Fruit in the City: 3:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Getty Stewart is a home economist, activist and blogger . She started Fruit Share, a volunteer program connecting people who own fruit trees with volunteer pickers and social agencies.
The program is all about sharing nature’s bounty. She noticed that a lot of delicious fruit growing in backyards throughout Winnipeg goes to waste yearly because tree owners don’t have the ability, time or energy to pick their fruit. With Fruit Share, volunteers harvest unused fruit and share it equally between the homeowners, volunteers and community groups who welcome fresh produce. Her upcoming book Prairie Fruit Cookbook:The Essential Guide to Picking, Preserving and Preparing Fruit, will ensure everyone will know what’s growing in their backyard and what to do with it.
As past president of the Manitoba Association of Home Economists, she has helped develop the Farm to School Healthy Choice Fundraiser in partnership with the Province of Manitoba and Peak of the Market. Participating schools promote healthy living by selling bags of Manitoba-grown vegetables.
Her work with Fruit Share and the initiatives she spearheaded with the Manitoba Association of Home Economists, earned her a Healthy Living Award in April 2011.
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Ace Burpee
Saturday, Master of Ceremonies: 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Ace Burpee is the Program Director for HOT 103 and host of the Ace Burpee Show.
Ace was raised in Cooks Creek, Manitoba but now calls Winnipeg home. In his spare time, he enjoys fishing, skateboarding and playing hockey, soccer and basketball. Ace is a HUGE hockey fan and is thrilled that the Jets are back in Winnipeg, where they belong.
Chef Peter Ecker
Saturday, A Medley of Manitoba Food Cooking Demonstration: 12:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Peter Ecker started his culinary career in 1977 in Niagara Falls, Ontario. He worked with CP Hotels, the Pillar and Post in Niagara on the Lake, Tatlers Restaurant in Toronto, Rim Rock Hotel in Banff, and Delta and Sheraton hotels.
In 2000, Ecker was voted Chef of the Year by the Canadian Culinary Federation, and had prepared dinners such as the Queen Elizabeth 50th Anniversary Golden Jubilee dinner. He has worked with organizations such as the Bison Association of Canada and Barley and Oat Councils, and hosts live interactive cooking classes at the food studio, along with recipe development and cooking video productions at CulinaryCommunity.com. Currently Ecker works as one of the Corporate Chefs for Sysco foods in Winnipeg.
Chris Sumner
Sunday, Master of Ceremonies: 11:30 am – 3:30 pm
Chris Sumner has been in the radio business since early 2000, and has had the opportunity to hold a number of positions including afternoon announcer, music director, farm broadcaster, and now News Director at 1570 CKMW/Eagle 93.5 FM/PembinaValleyOnline.com in Winkler, MB. He’s been with Golden West Radio since early 2004, and after a break from broadcasting for just over a year as Executive Director of Manitoba Pulse Growers Association, returned in June 2009.
Chris grew up on a small mixed farm just east of Neepawa which his parents still own and operate today. He and his wife Candace live in Winkler, MB.
Chef Mary-Jane Feeke
Sunday, Canadian Climate Advantage Diet Cooking Demonstration: 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Chef Mary-Jane Feeke is a Red Seal Chef, Red Seal Baker, has her certificate in Vocational Education, Certificate in Adult Education and Bachelor of Education.
Chef Mary-Jane attended the Culinary Olympics in Germany in 2008 as a support member for Team Canada. Team Canada placed gold in all categories. She has also competed in the CCFCC Pastry Chef of the Year Competition.
Chef Mary-Jane received the notable award of Chef of the Year from the CCFCC Winnipeg Branch in 2011, being the first female to receive this award. She will be attending the Culinary Olympics again in 2012 as Pastry Chef representing Culinary Team Manitoba.
Mary-Jane opened Benjamin’s Gourmet Foods in 1999.