But whether it's grilled cheese or grilled salmon, a pizza slice or pork cooked nice, food finds itself in every culture and is humanity's "common ground," said Michael Olson, its wide array of tastes being the basis of all hospitality.

"You may not be into architecture and you may not be into music, but we all love food," said Olson, co-ordinator of Niagara College's Culinary program and chair of the 15th annual Niagara Food Festival.

"Whether you're two or 82, there's something for everyone. Food gives us a sense of enjoyment, and a sense of belonging."

Enjoyment and belonging will be two feelings easy to catch at this year's food festival, taking place all weekend in downtown Welland. The event has grown considerably, keeping stomachs full for three days while showcasing Niagara's best vendors, chefs, servers and artisans.

This year's festival has also jumped on board with the popular "Buy Local Niagara" movement. For the first time, the festival will feature an "Experience Niagara Market," a venue that will feature more than 35 local vendors.

Festival organizers are challenging everyone to spend $10 at the Experience Niagara market.

"We're living in a time where we're starting to realize the importance of buying foods from your own community for a number of reasons," said Olson.

The Welland Farmers Market will be open on Saturday morning, giving visitors a chance to buy local food to make before eating prepared local food.

"We'd like to encourage everyone to come out early and spend some money in their own farmers market," said Olson.

The art of food, both eating and preparing it, will also be on display at the festival. A custom-made "mobile culinary theatre" will be on the move during the event, showcasing chef demonstrations by local restaurants including the Riverbend Inn, On The Twenty and the Fallsview Casino.

"It's a one-of-a-kind piece," said Olson.

"It's not a catering truck. It's a showmobile."

Major consideration has also been taken on keeping prices affordable, he said. All restaurant vendors at the festival are required to have two $2 meals, one $3 meal and one $4 meal, and there is no admission fee thanks to major public and private sponsorship.

"In essence, it's like visiting 20 or more restaurants in one evening," said Olson.

Also new this year is the VQA Wine and Jazz Terrace, a stage set up near the downtown's recreational canal waterfront that will feature musical entertainment and a large selection of local wine.

Other entertainment includes a slew of musical acts and buskers. On Friday night, the Legends of London, a tribute band, begin playing at8 p.m. and will feature music from Eric Clapton, the Rolling Stones and Pink Floyd.

Keeping with the local theme, the festival is also presenting the Niagara Singer Songwriters Circle for the first time. The innovative show will host Niagara native Penner MacKay, who will add unrehearsed drums to the rotating local acts.

The singer songwriters circle will take place at 2 and 3 p.m. on Saturday. Buskers include the Human Pinata, Dynamike and Men in Tights.

There are also several contests, including an apple pie contest, with an age 16 and under division.

There's also a Crock-Pot Firefighters' chili cook-off and a pizza and wing delivery challenge, both Sunday afternoon.

Other contests that day include a "BBQ Chicken and Chops Chowdown," which will be held in conjunction with a master class on barbecuing held by grill expert Reg Pelletier.

For more information on contest entry or other details of the festival, including entertainment, visit www.niagarafoodfestival.com.