Vancouver Sausage Fest to live on

The Vancouver Sausage Fest, a tradition that many thought was coming to an end after a 43-year run, will continue in 2015 and beyond under a new name.

The decision to bring the festival back was announced on Friday by a group of committed partners, led by Shelton Louie, founder and principal of Vancouver-based GSL Solutions.

According to the group, the festival will return under the name “Vancouver’s International Food Festival,” and will feature authentic food from locations around the globe, along with international beers and fine wines.

“First and foremost, this is a community event,” said Louie. “Whether you’re seven or 70, brand new to town or a life-long resident, you will love the atmosphere and everything that the new fest has to offer.”

While bringing a new look and feel to the event, the group said it is committed to maintaining its family atmosphere.

As in years past, the festival will be held on the grounds of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and School, and will continue to be scheduled on the weekend after Labor Day. The festival will also continue to raise funds for the school, as well as other local charities.

“We took great inspiration from everything that fest was, but more importantly, what it could be,” Louie said. “We’re thrilled to update and expand it to be a modern, international and inviting event for the entire community. The Sausage Fest had great tradition for over 40 years – always on the first weekend after Labor Day – and we look to build on that tradition with Vancouver’s International Food Festival, for the next 40 years, or more.”