In this case, the early bird may catch more than a worm! There is good incentive to purchase tickets for the Vancouver Island Chef’s Collaborative Local Food Festival, Defending Our Backyard, early this year. The event will be held May 30th at Fort Rodd Hill, but you’ll want to buy your tickets ahead of time, as each ticket purchased before May 1st will enter you in a monthly draw. The March 1st prize is a culinary tour of Chinatown for two with Chef Heidi Fink, the April 1st prize is dinner for two at The Mark, and the May 1st prize is a weekend for two at the Union Club. Tickets are available for purchase at Spinnakers, Sips, Cook St. Village Liquor, La Piola, and other locations. Check the ICC website for more details.