Surrey is well represented at the 2012 edition of Fraser Valley Food Show, happening this weekend (Sept. 14 to 16) at Tradex Trade & Exhibition Centre in Abbotsford.

The fifth annual event is a showcase for more than 100 exhibitors, a master chef competition, the inaugural Great Canadian Sausage Making contest and a tasting pavilion that involves wine, beer and spirits.

Surrey-based exhibitors at the food show include Fresh is Best Salsa Co., Cady's Cakes, Fraser Valley Gourmet, Kitchening & Co., Kitchen Pick, Grimm's Fine Foods/Direct Plus Food Group and Education Share International.

Each year at the event, the Bite of the Valley pavilion highlights popular menu items from local restaurateurs at no more than $4 per dish. This year's participating vendors include An Indian Affair Restaurant (of Langley), Frankie's Italian Kitchen and Bar (Chilliwack and Vancouver), Fresh Restaurant & Lounge (Surrey), Roasted Grape Cafe and Tasting Bar (Abbotsford) and Wok Box Fresh Asian Kitchen (Surrey).

Surrey-based chefs competing in the ninth annual Master Chef Competition are Luke Willingdon, of Elle's Organic Fare, and Ken Hookham, of Frankie's Italian Kitchen.

The event's Celebrity Stage includes appearances by Bal Arneson ("The Spice Goddess"), Reiko MacKenzie ("The Real Housewives of Vancouver") and Cynthia Lucas ("The Entertaining Kitchen").

The Tradex facility is located at 1190 Cornell St., Abbotsford, near the airport. For more info and tickets, visit www.fraservalleyfoodshow.com. Show times are Friday from 2 to 9 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

tzillich@thenownewspaper.com

Twitter @tomzillich