CORNWALL, Ontario – The second annual Cornwall Food Fest will take place this Saturday, August 20 on Pitt Street between First and Third Streets between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m.
Over 30 vendors, 16 food vendors, face painting and artists will be lining Pitt Street. Entertainment will include a Princess in the Family Zone, a magician and acts such Eric and Grace Willison, the Night Hawks and Bang on the Ear just to name a few.
Beyond 21 is partnering with CoTiCon this year, which is taking place on the same day. CoTiCon, which is an anime and cosplay convention, is sending a regiment of Imperial Storm Troopers to parade up Pitt Street in support of the Food Fest.
Beyond 21 operates a support program for adults over the age of 21 who have developmental disabilities.
A new feature at this year’s Food Fest will be the Beyond 21 Ambassadors. The Ambassadors will be in purple shirts and will be walking around the festival informing people on the importance of the event and of the work Beyond 21 does in the community.
“We want people to know that their support really makes an impact,” Beyond 21’s People Connector Dana Bingley said. “That hot dog they’re buying makes a difference.”
Bingley went on to say that all of these different groups coming together in support of a common cause is at the heart of what Beyond 21 is all about.
“Community is really the heart of Beyond 21,” she said. “Bringing community together really fits with out mandate.”
Tish Humphries, the President of Beyond 21’s Board of Directors said that the work that her organization does relieves a lot of pressure in the lives of some families.
“So many families are suffering in silence because they don’t get the support they need,” she said. “We are here to provide support while they care for their loved one 24/7.”
Andre Pommier of Pommier Jewellers said that he is happy to support Beyond 21 and provide the use of Pommier Square for community events like Food Fest.
“We are committed to our community,” Pommier said. “This event really touches home because they chose the downtown and it is so fun to promote it. That is why we wanted to provide Pommier Square.”
