It was another successful Empty Bowls Festival over the weekend all in support of the Wood Buffalo Food Bank.

743 people attended the 4th annual event held on Sunday at Jubilee Plaza – raising $22,695 for the social-profit.

The Festival allows attendees to purchase locally handcrafted bowls and sample food from six stations hosted by local restaurants.

People were also given a chance to buy 18 celebrity bowls through a silent auction.

There were a few changes to this year’s event, including moving the date from September to August and allowing people to purchase tickets ahead of time.

“We heard the ask from the community for online ticket sales, and we were at the place with the event where we could try that out,” says Dan Edwards, Executive Director. “With this being the fourth year hosting the Empty Bowls Festival, each time we are learning what we need to tweak and improve on. It’s a constant learning process and we love hearing the feedback from the community so we can continue to grow this event each year.”

While the fundraising total fell short of the $25,000 goal, the Food Bank says they’re doing a follow-up bowl sale next month to raise additional funds and allow those who missed the event a chance to purchase a bowl.

A date for when this will happen will be announced within the next week on social media.