Good eats at Food Fest

Alycia Douglass

CORNWALL, Ontario – The downtown core was a hive of activity as Cornwall residents took in all the sights, sounds, and flavours of the fourth annual Food Fest.

Whatever your palette, Food Fest had it. From authentic Mexican street food to gourmet poutine, there was no shortage of spots to grab some grub.

“It’s bee a really exciting day – we’re changing things up a little bit this year,” said Jane McLaren, Program Manager with Beyond 21. “It’s just a really nice vibe on the street. People are just happy and enjoying being out downtown.”

Joining forces with CoTiCon and the Kinsmen in Motion Car Show, the event sprawled the length of Pitt and Third all the way down to Lamoureux Park.

“I don’t think we’ve ever had a day where there have been things going on from the bandshell straight through to the downtown,” said McLaren.

With a full roster of vendors, merchants and entertainment, McLaren says she’s impressed with the local synergy the event has inspired.

“What I find neat about today is the fellowship and support between events,” said McLaren. “There’s been a lot of cooperation, rather than a bunch of events working in isolation.”

Food Fest is one of the organization’s major fundraisers, with sponsorships covering the cost of the event. This allows all money raised to go directly back to Beyond 21 to help support programming costs.

“We start at ground zero every year with our fundraising,” said McLaren. “If you buy a $2 bracelet, 100 percent of those funds go back into our programming. When people come out to this event, they’re supporting individuals within our community.”

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