Residents of Berwick Comox Valley had a special summer barbecue on Thursday, June 8, with a very special guest.

Thursday鈥檚 lunch consisted of barbecued burgers, along with A&W root beer floats, and a visit from the Great A&W Root Bear himself.

The collaboration with A&W for a summer barbecue started in 2020, during the COVID lockdown.

Three years ago, Berwick staff contacted A&W asking if such a lunch would be possible, and A&W management was quick to jump on board.

The lunches have happened every year since, and on Thursday it was extra special, as everyone who wanted (and most did) was treated to a legendary A&W root beer float, as well as a miniature A&W Root Bear stuffie. While they were dining, one of Canada鈥檚 most famous bears popped in for hugs, photos and kisses from fans.

Residents marvelled at how the event took them back to the days of A&W Drive-ins, where the floats and their favourites from the 鈥淏urger Family鈥� were brought out to their cars.