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NEWS!
Carrot Fest Receives its Highest Ranking!
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Out of thousands of events submitted by communities and residents of Canada, BWG's Carrot Fest received its highest ranking ever! Carrot Fest was voted 14th in Ontario, and 37th in all of Canada! Thank you to all that voted, and helped Carrot Fest receive our highest ranking! Thanks for your continued support!
Out of thousands of events submitted by communities and residents of Canada, BWG's Carrot Fest received its highest ranking ever! Carrot Fest was voted 14th in Ontario, and 37th in all of Canada! Thank you to all that voted, and helped Carrot Fest receive our highest ranking! Thanks for your continued support!
BIG!
By Miriam King, www.bradfordtimes.ca
When organizers promised that this year's CarrotFest would be "bigger and better than ever", it was more than just hype. This year, the road closure stretched from Holland Court and Holland St. West, all the way down
the road to Colborne St., with over 280 vendors and organizations setting up booths. And there were other events at the Bradford Community Centre, the Bob
Fallis Sports Centre, Rotary Park, and The Bradford Shoppes Plaza, where the Carrot Cake Contest at Nancy's Nifty Nook had a record 17 entries.
The annual CarrotFast 5K Run, which started at the Bob Fallis centre, drew 129 participants - at least 30 of them competing in the Ontario Masters Athletics Association's Road 5K Championships, taking place during CarrotFest.
First across the finish line was Shaun Davis of Cannington, in 16:22.4 - but Ed Whitlock of Milton set a new record, in the 80 Year Old Men category.
There was entertainment on the Main Stage - from The Twisted Ones balloon artists to Chris McKhool in two incarnations (his FiddleFire Kids' show, and The Sultans of Strings), a Billy Joel Tribute Band, and Orangeman band - and on the street, buskers performed and stiltwalkers threaded their way through the crowds.
Dave Pooley performed his Dooley KidShow "CarrotSticks", with plenty of interactive fun and prizes, by the clocktower. Bradford firefighters demonstrated auto extrication techniques, Organ Grinder Klaus wandered, Illmask Breakdancing Crew from Montreal jumped and spun to the beat, and Brant Matthews the Fire Guy played with fire - literally.
Over at the arena, the Bradford Farmers' Market welcomed Marlene MacPherson, of Marlene's Meal Makeovers, and sold local produce, baked goods, crafts and preserves, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. - and at 3 p.m., invited everyone to join the "Big Crunch," and chomp a carrot. According to the meter, the "Crunch" reached
71 decibels.
There was a Midway, the Ontario Dock Dogs Competition - and inside the Community Centre arena, Professional Wrestling, with Rhino and Tommy Dreamer, in the Quest for the Carrot Cup V.
Frankie Ferragine helped judge the Carrot Cakes, and signed his book at Nancy's Nifty Nook... Upper Canada Ice Cream earned the undying hatred of parents by holding the annual "Messy Face Contest", with bright blue ice
cream... and kids jumped in bouncy castles, climbed a rock wall, and tried Blue Jay and Soccer challenges.
Local restaurants, including La Mexicanada, Crabby Joe's, Coffee Culture Cafe & Eatery, The Tin Roof and Bangkok Saigon Noodle, sold samples of their dishes - joined by out-of-towners offering soft ice cream, funnel cakes and Tiny
Tim donuts.
And there were charity BBQs and Bake Sales - with a $2 donation to the Bradford Community Meal purchasing a slice of prize-winning carrot cake, and Century 21 Heritage Group giving away 1,000 slices of cake, for a donation to
Easter Seals.
Although not every event was a success - the planned Rotary Bike-athon had only a handful of participants, and the rain drifted in around 5 p.m. - Carrotfest 2011 was truly the "biggest and best," attracting more than 40,000
people to Bradford in one day.
When organizers promised that this year's CarrotFest would be "bigger and better than ever", it was more than just hype. This year, the road closure stretched from Holland Court and Holland St. West, all the way down
the road to Colborne St., with over 280 vendors and organizations setting up booths. And there were other events at the Bradford Community Centre, the Bob
Fallis Sports Centre, Rotary Park, and The Bradford Shoppes Plaza, where the Carrot Cake Contest at Nancy's Nifty Nook had a record 17 entries.
The annual CarrotFast 5K Run, which started at the Bob Fallis centre, drew 129 participants - at least 30 of them competing in the Ontario Masters Athletics Association's Road 5K Championships, taking place during CarrotFest.
First across the finish line was Shaun Davis of Cannington, in 16:22.4 - but Ed Whitlock of Milton set a new record, in the 80 Year Old Men category.
There was entertainment on the Main Stage - from The Twisted Ones balloon artists to Chris McKhool in two incarnations (his FiddleFire Kids' show, and The Sultans of Strings), a Billy Joel Tribute Band, and Orangeman band - and on the street, buskers performed and stiltwalkers threaded their way through the crowds.
Dave Pooley performed his Dooley KidShow "CarrotSticks", with plenty of interactive fun and prizes, by the clocktower. Bradford firefighters demonstrated auto extrication techniques, Organ Grinder Klaus wandered, Illmask Breakdancing Crew from Montreal jumped and spun to the beat, and Brant Matthews the Fire Guy played with fire - literally.
Over at the arena, the Bradford Farmers' Market welcomed Marlene MacPherson, of Marlene's Meal Makeovers, and sold local produce, baked goods, crafts and preserves, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. - and at 3 p.m., invited everyone to join the "Big Crunch," and chomp a carrot. According to the meter, the "Crunch" reached
71 decibels.
There was a Midway, the Ontario Dock Dogs Competition - and inside the Community Centre arena, Professional Wrestling, with Rhino and Tommy Dreamer, in the Quest for the Carrot Cup V.
Frankie Ferragine helped judge the Carrot Cakes, and signed his book at Nancy's Nifty Nook... Upper Canada Ice Cream earned the undying hatred of parents by holding the annual "Messy Face Contest", with bright blue ice
cream... and kids jumped in bouncy castles, climbed a rock wall, and tried Blue Jay and Soccer challenges.
Local restaurants, including La Mexicanada, Crabby Joe's, Coffee Culture Cafe & Eatery, The Tin Roof and Bangkok Saigon Noodle, sold samples of their dishes - joined by out-of-towners offering soft ice cream, funnel cakes and Tiny
Tim donuts.
And there were charity BBQs and Bake Sales - with a $2 donation to the Bradford Community Meal purchasing a slice of prize-winning carrot cake, and Century 21 Heritage Group giving away 1,000 slices of cake, for a donation to
Easter Seals.
Although not every event was a success - the planned Rotary Bike-athon had only a handful of participants, and the rain drifted in around 5 p.m. - Carrotfest 2011 was truly the "biggest and best," attracting more than 40,000
people to Bradford in one day.
CARROT FEST DRAWS BIG CROWD
By Sean Pearce, www.thetopic.ca
Downtown Bradford West Gwillimbury was the place to be last Saturday.
Anyone who attended Carrot Fest 2011 knows the annual street party had a massive turnout and saw Holland Street and part of Barrie Street transformed into a giant outdoor marketplace comprised of over 200 vendors selling everything from unique home-made crafts to delicious fresh-cooked foods. There really was something for everyone running the gamut from games and a midway to street performers, live music and a few professional wrestlers for good measure.
However, for many in attendance on Saturday, Carrot Fest was all
about the kids. Sharlane Little, for example, drove all the way from
Mississauga to take in the 13th annual Carrot Fest with friend Vicky Malone and her grandchildren. Bradford’s made quite an impression on her over the years and she’ll soon be calling it home, she explained.“I’m moving here at the end of October; I love this town,” Ms Little said. “I think this year’s Carrot Fest is amazing.”Ms Malone, who lives in Bradford, agrees.“It’s even bigger than last year,” she said. “The kids are just having a ball.”
It’s safe to say that brothers Aidyn and Gavin Leib, ages six and three respectively, were also having blast perched behind the wheel of one of the Bradford West Gwillimbury Fire Department’s bright red engines. Their parents were also having a good time.
“This is our second (Carrot Fest),” dad Bryce Leib said. “We’re just browsing and taking in the sights.”“And vendors,” mom Jennifer Leib adds. “(The children) are here for the bouncy castles.”
Fortunately for them there were plenty of inflatable amusements to choose from this year. A couple of bouncy castles were set up at the far west end of Holland and seemed pretty popular with the children, especially the giant slide.
“It’s been steady,” explained Diane Matys, owner of Party Tyme Treats and Amusements, which provided
the air-filled diversions. “There’s so much going on, but these are high up, so I guess people can see them.”
And while bouncy castles and games remained in demand, other vendors weren’t so fortunate. Winnie Sin of Aghort
International/Gift Heaven wasn’t making out quite as well. Still things were bound to pick up given the variety of hand-made jewelry available at her booth.“There’s been a lot of people today,” she said. “They don’t seem to be
shopping really - for me anyway.”
Ward 6 Councillor James Leduc was also on hand to flip some hamburgers and hot dogs. All signs were pointing to a great day, he said.“I think the weather is fantastic and the crowds are building nicely,” Mr. Leduc said. “It’s going to be a great day.”
Unfortunately, that weather forecast proved to be a bit off as it poured rain later in the day.
Still, despite the sudden deluge things went very well, the town’s leisure events & marketing programmer Joe Lotto said. The rain only impacted the evening’s festivities up on the stage, he said, adding that when the rain did
come the bands and spectators enacted Plan B, which was simply to move the party inside the Village Inn and keep the fun going there.
As many as 45,000 people turned up at Carrot Fest last Saturday, Mr. Lotto said. That’s well in excess of
the 35,000 who attended in 2010 and marks a new record.“Things went very well,” Mr. Lotto said. “(It was) the smoothest Carrot Fest yet!”
All in all, the turn-out was fantastic, Mayor Doug White said, adding everything was well organized including the clean-up effort afterwards. It really speaks to the diligence of the staff who work to put on the event each year, not only because it keeps growing, but also due to the fact one would hardly know a festival had even taken place looking at the streets the following day, he said.“I’m thrilled with the turn-out, because every year it keeps getting bigger and better,” Mr. White said. “It’s justified to be one of the top 100 festivals in Ontario.”
Downtown Bradford West Gwillimbury was the place to be last Saturday.
Anyone who attended Carrot Fest 2011 knows the annual street party had a massive turnout and saw Holland Street and part of Barrie Street transformed into a giant outdoor marketplace comprised of over 200 vendors selling everything from unique home-made crafts to delicious fresh-cooked foods. There really was something for everyone running the gamut from games and a midway to street performers, live music and a few professional wrestlers for good measure.
However, for many in attendance on Saturday, Carrot Fest was all
about the kids. Sharlane Little, for example, drove all the way from
Mississauga to take in the 13th annual Carrot Fest with friend Vicky Malone and her grandchildren. Bradford’s made quite an impression on her over the years and she’ll soon be calling it home, she explained.“I’m moving here at the end of October; I love this town,” Ms Little said. “I think this year’s Carrot Fest is amazing.”Ms Malone, who lives in Bradford, agrees.“It’s even bigger than last year,” she said. “The kids are just having a ball.”
It’s safe to say that brothers Aidyn and Gavin Leib, ages six and three respectively, were also having blast perched behind the wheel of one of the Bradford West Gwillimbury Fire Department’s bright red engines. Their parents were also having a good time.
“This is our second (Carrot Fest),” dad Bryce Leib said. “We’re just browsing and taking in the sights.”“And vendors,” mom Jennifer Leib adds. “(The children) are here for the bouncy castles.”
Fortunately for them there were plenty of inflatable amusements to choose from this year. A couple of bouncy castles were set up at the far west end of Holland and seemed pretty popular with the children, especially the giant slide.
“It’s been steady,” explained Diane Matys, owner of Party Tyme Treats and Amusements, which provided
the air-filled diversions. “There’s so much going on, but these are high up, so I guess people can see them.”
And while bouncy castles and games remained in demand, other vendors weren’t so fortunate. Winnie Sin of Aghort
International/Gift Heaven wasn’t making out quite as well. Still things were bound to pick up given the variety of hand-made jewelry available at her booth.“There’s been a lot of people today,” she said. “They don’t seem to be
shopping really - for me anyway.”
Ward 6 Councillor James Leduc was also on hand to flip some hamburgers and hot dogs. All signs were pointing to a great day, he said.“I think the weather is fantastic and the crowds are building nicely,” Mr. Leduc said. “It’s going to be a great day.”
Unfortunately, that weather forecast proved to be a bit off as it poured rain later in the day.
Still, despite the sudden deluge things went very well, the town’s leisure events & marketing programmer Joe Lotto said. The rain only impacted the evening’s festivities up on the stage, he said, adding that when the rain did
come the bands and spectators enacted Plan B, which was simply to move the party inside the Village Inn and keep the fun going there.
As many as 45,000 people turned up at Carrot Fest last Saturday, Mr. Lotto said. That’s well in excess of
the 35,000 who attended in 2010 and marks a new record.“Things went very well,” Mr. Lotto said. “(It was) the smoothest Carrot Fest yet!”
All in all, the turn-out was fantastic, Mayor Doug White said, adding everything was well organized including the clean-up effort afterwards. It really speaks to the diligence of the staff who work to put on the event each year, not only because it keeps growing, but also due to the fact one would hardly know a festival had even taken place looking at the streets the following day, he said.“I’m thrilled with the turn-out, because every year it keeps getting bigger and better,” Mr. White said. “It’s justified to be one of the top 100 festivals in Ontario.”
NEW!
Carrot Cake Contest
The Carrot Fest Carrot Cake Contest brought to you by Nancy's Nifty Nook, located at 152 Holland St. East, Bradford, ON. The contest takes place on Saturday August 20, while judging will take place at 1pm. All cakes should be in to Nancy's Nifty Nook between 10am - 12pm (noon). A toonie donation to the Bradford Community Dinner will buy a piece of cake after the judging at 1pm. You may pre-register by Monday August 15th at Nancy's Nifty Nook, The Bradford Times (74 John St. West) or the Bradford & District Memorial Community Centre Customer Service Offices. If you have any questions concerning the contest, please contact Nancy's Nifty Nook at 905-775-7874 or email nancysniftynook@sympatico.ca.
| carrot_cake_contest.pdf |
Carrot Fest Named One of Top 100 Festivals and Events in Ontario for 2011!
Outstanding Events - Festivals and Events Ontario awarded Carrot Fest the distinction of being one of the top 100 events in Ontario. "This is a very prestigious award, which the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury values greatly, and we strive to present a festival which this community is proud of and raises our profile as a destination area to the rest of Ontario" stated Joe Lotto, Leisure Events & Marketing Programmer.
Sponsored by VIA Rail Canada, The Top 100 Festivals and Events in Ontario designation is presented to a select few of more than 2,000 events that occur annually within the province.
''With over 2000 festivals and events in the Province, the winners of these awards have truly achieved industry greatness. It is our hope that Ontarians and visitors to our province take the time to experience these amazing events and/or support their own local events this year,'' stated FEO President, Gerry Ginsberg to conference delegates.
The winners of the 2011 Top 100 will be highlighted in the annual Festivals and Events in Ontario Guide. A list of the 2011 winners can be found on the FEO website, http://www.festivalsandeventsontario.ca/. Copies of the Festivals & Events in Ontario Guide can be obtained at your nearest Ontario Travel Information Centre.
Sponsored by VIA Rail Canada, The Top 100 Festivals and Events in Ontario designation is presented to a select few of more than 2,000 events that occur annually within the province.
''With over 2000 festivals and events in the Province, the winners of these awards have truly achieved industry greatness. It is our hope that Ontarians and visitors to our province take the time to experience these amazing events and/or support their own local events this year,'' stated FEO President, Gerry Ginsberg to conference delegates.
The winners of the 2011 Top 100 will be highlighted in the annual Festivals and Events in Ontario Guide. A list of the 2011 winners can be found on the FEO website, http://www.festivalsandeventsontario.ca/. Copies of the Festivals & Events in Ontario Guide can be obtained at your nearest Ontario Travel Information Centre.
Simcoe County's MEU (Mobile Education Unit)
Revving up waste management promotion and education, we come to you!
The MEU is a 30-foot trailer wrapped in wall-to-wall graphics both inside and out and serves as a travelling classroom to promote waste reduction and County waste diversion programs. It is free of cost and features various interactive stations consisting of a total of six 24-inch touch screens and eight digital photo screens.
The first interactive station is the 'Green Grocery’ this game teaches the importance of making the choices which benefit our environment at point of purchase. The second interactive station is the 'Smart’s Home' during this game participants will learn the importance of recycling in the different areas of the home.
The third station is 'Lifecycle Lane' where information is provided on the lifecycle of common recyclable items and organic materials, as well as disposal information and the values of waste reduction and diversion.
The fourth station is the 'Waste Plant', in this activity, various waste items move across a virtual conveyor belt with the player required to drag and drop the material into the proper bins at the bottom of the screen.
Sounds exciting doesn’t it, for more information please visit us at the Courthouse parking lot at Carrot Fest or contact us at : MEU@simcoe.ca.
The MEU is available for large groups and events located within the County of Simcoe's waste service area; subject to accessibility and scheduling availability.
The MEU is a 30-foot trailer wrapped in wall-to-wall graphics both inside and out and serves as a travelling classroom to promote waste reduction and County waste diversion programs. It is free of cost and features various interactive stations consisting of a total of six 24-inch touch screens and eight digital photo screens.
The first interactive station is the 'Green Grocery’ this game teaches the importance of making the choices which benefit our environment at point of purchase. The second interactive station is the 'Smart’s Home' during this game participants will learn the importance of recycling in the different areas of the home.
The third station is 'Lifecycle Lane' where information is provided on the lifecycle of common recyclable items and organic materials, as well as disposal information and the values of waste reduction and diversion.
The fourth station is the 'Waste Plant', in this activity, various waste items move across a virtual conveyor belt with the player required to drag and drop the material into the proper bins at the bottom of the screen.
Sounds exciting doesn’t it, for more information please visit us at the Courthouse parking lot at Carrot Fest or contact us at : MEU@simcoe.ca.
The MEU is available for large groups and events located within the County of Simcoe's waste service area; subject to accessibility and scheduling availability.
