The foodie trade show EAT! Fraser Valley returns to the Tradex this weekend, with more local exhibitors.

"September is harvest time in the Fraser Valley, so it's the best time to have a food show," says Heather Angeard, co-owner of Executive Event Productions.

She called the 2008 turnout "overwhelming" with more than 10,000 people showing up.

"Probably our biggest disappointment was that there was not as much involvement from local producers as we would have liked," said Angeard.

"This year we have a lot more truly local companies represented."

Honeyview Farm will be offering samples of their sticky sweet bounty, confirmed farm co-owner Pia Awram.

"We were at the show last year and it was great," she said. "It always helps to generate interest in our products and new customers."

They've been producing and selling honey from their Rosedale farm for 24 years, which also features a farm store.

Over the three-day food and cooking festival, Awram will be handing out tastes of their different honey varieties from blueberry, raspberry or blackberry honey, to flavoured ones like cinnamon or lemon.

What sets their golden honey apart?

"We take a lot of care when we produce it not to overheat the honey, which can destroy some of the beneficial compounds," Awram explained.

Also from Chilliwack are exhibitors like Anita's Organic Grain and Flour Mill and Atlas Chiropractic.

Chef David Rocco of Dolce Vita fame will be at EAT Fraser Valley, as will CTV TV Chef Ned Bell.

Angeard said new to the show this year will be the presence of the B.C. Cranberry Marketing Commission, and ag producers like Glenwood Preserves and Windset Farms who will be bringing fresh produce to sell.

"The other thing that fits beautifully with harvest season is the canning demonstrations we'll have on-stage," she said.

Visitors to the show can check out new offerings from local restaurants, explore the range of products, and watch chefs create mouth-watering dishes.

The layout of the show will include specialty areas dedicated to wellness, as well as wine, and beer tasting.

EAT! Fraser Valley, at the Tradex in Abbotsford, Sept. 11-13.