Ah, summer! It’s an exciting time to both anticipate the harvest seasons to come, and to enjoy the current bounty of our farms and land throughout. Summer is also a really neat time as we switch up not only sustenance activities (like starting a garden, getting a garden share, visiting farms to pick fruit and start preserving strawberries, etc.), but our social activities as well. It’s time for weddings, backyard barbecues, and one of favourites: Festivals!


We just recently took part of the 8th annual Local Food Fest right here in Guelph at the Ignatius Jesuit Centre on Sunday, June 23rd. It sure was hot, but it was worth it! If you’ve never been, it’s this intimate, yet burgeoning event that brings together folks from all around Wellington County to celebrate all of the amazing food our region has to offer.

Reroot Organic Farm stand

It’s put on by Taste Real, and they do a fantastic job. We have been part of the Festival since its inception at Everdale Organic Farm, and it’s truly amazing to think that it’s now grown into an event with

  • a full blown and impressive farmers’ market;
  • a prepared foods section with a creative selection of menu items to showcase local ingredients and producers;
  • live music; and
  • fun activities for the kiddies

The kids spend the afternoon having a blast together, while unknowingly being educated about the world of sustainable food practices. Yeah, it’s that good.


If you didn’t get a chance to make it this year, I would mark it on your calendar for 2014. It’s a gem that’s worth the trip, no doubt about it.

www.guelphwellingtonlocalfood.ca/2013-local-food-fest