By Adam Brazeau
CORNWALL, Ontario – As Cornwall’s appetite for new summer events grows, Beyond 21 helps more adults with developmental disabilities flourish past high school.
Seeing food trucks, exhibitors, and performers lining the downtown street at the new aptly titled fundraiser, Food Fest left Michelle Pilon with a taste of nostalgia on Saturday (August 22).
“When we were young, Pitt Street was closed off like this, and people were walking through all the time. It’s nice to see this again,” she said.
Sitting on a curb in the sun, Pilon and her three young boys enjoyed their spoils from Big D’s and Rico Peru, while others followed their nose to restaurant sidewalk tasting stations.
“I think it’s fantastic. I love all the different varieties of delicious food,” she said.
Jane McLaren, event organizer and Beyond 21 program manager, said crowds arrived at 10 a.m., an hour before opening, and within two hours had reached thousands. Each $2 admission fee went to Beyond 21. Meanwhile, the beer tent had been full within the first 20 minutes, remaining steady all day.
“This is not paying rent, or heat – this is direct program into the hands of our participants,” said McLaren. “The funds we raise today go right back to our participants helping them go swimming, bowling, things that they’re active in, and buying food for the lunches we provide.
Beyond 21 currently provides respite to 30 families with an affordable program for their adult child.
“We always say families, because we don’t just serve the individual, we serve the entire family,” she said.
Organizers wouldn’t speculate on how much the event raised or the committee’s goal. The final tally will be released in the upcoming days.
McLaren thanked the 75 volunteers, including the entire Beyond 21 staff who gave their time freely, for making the day possible.
