You'll fall for these food festivals, says Andrew Coppolino
Eat your way through a smorgasbord of food festivals and events in and around Waterloo region
September means back to school and a return to the more usual routines following the summer months.
It is also time for the bounty of fall harvest and a smorgasbord of food festivals and events that take place in Waterloo region, Wellington and Perth counties.
In many neighbourhoods, block parties, campouts and community barbecues are taking place, so here are a few events to keep your calendar full for the month of September.
Eid al-Adha celebration and potluck dinner
Sept. 9, Victoria Hills Community Centre on Chopin Drive and Westmount Road, Kitchener
This celebration takes place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The timing of Eid al-Adha corresponds roughly with the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, Islam's holiest city.
Stratford Kiwanis Garlic Festival
Sept. 9-10, Stratford
There will likely be no vampires to be found during the weekend of the annual and pungent garlic festival. But you will find music, information sessions and presentations by chefs about cooking with garlic over the course of the two days.
Best Bites
Sept. 10, Shade's Mills Conservation Area, Cambridge
From 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., this garden party features about two dozen local restaurants and food purveyors, along with wineries and breweries, combining at a beautiful location in support of the Cambridge Memorial Hospital Foundation.
Taste Local! Taste Fresh!
Sept. 10, Steckle Heritage Farm, Bleams Road, Kitchener
Now in its 14th year, Taste Local! Taste Fresh! is a fundraiser for Foodlink Waterloo Region. This "barn event" takes place between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Your passport takes you through an afternoon of taste samples by teams of 17 local restaurants and 20 farmers.
Pollinator workshop
Sept. 16, St. Agatha
This isn't a tasting event, but the Grand River Conservation Authority is hosting a pollinator workshop and tour from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The premise: Much of our food — fruits, nuts, oilseeds and many vegetables — require insect pollination, and bees play a critical role. Landowners with properties greater than five acres may be eligible for funding for tree planting or naturalization projects.
Food Fest in the 'Burg
Sept. 23, New Hamburg
New Hamburg is hosting their inaugural Food Fest in the 'Burg. It's two events in one: The new Hamburg-er Burger and Beer Festival features burgers and local beer. It starts earlier in the day followed by a Medieval-style long harvest table communal dinner on Mill Street beginning at 5:30 p.m.
Equinox Barn Celebration
Sept. 24, Hillsburgh
Miijidaa restaurant in Guelph and Zocalo Organics present this event with the Guelph Symphony Orchestra from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. The hors d'oeuvres, three-course meal along with beverages will be set amidst the music of Aaron Copland and Conductor Judith Yan. The event will be held at Zocalo Organics in Hillsburg, Ont. Proceeds go to Grand River Conservation Foundation.
Fall Farm Day
Sept. 30, Ayr
To round out the month, you can head to Oakridge Acres Country Meat Store on Greenfield Drive in Ayr between 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to learn about their farming techniques and sample food from their suppliers. Admission is a donation to the Cambridge Self-Help Food Bank, if you can.
Taste Real fall rural romp
Sept. 30, Guelph and Wellington county
A self-guided tour of Guelph and southern Wellington County farms and markets. You'll meet local farmers, eat delicious food and learn about local agriculture businesses and how they are important to our communities.
More food columns from Andrew Coppolino
- Tiny, baby vegetables a growing trend
- Mobile greenhouse demonstrates Ontario's indoor industry
- Pickles enjoy a Renaissance
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