Rather than hosting a garlic festival, Abbey Gardens is expanding its culinary repertoire with an inaugural food festival Aug. 16.
Executive director Angela Kruger said the new event is sponsored in part by the County of Haliburton tourism department.
“We are excited to host our inaugural food festival at Abbey Gardens, and we want this to grow into a signature tourism experience in the County of Haliburton,” Kruger said.
She said this Saturday’s event will run from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
“The festival will be serving up food favourites with woodfired pizza from Into the Blue, BBQ from Till Death BBQ, fresh baked bread, ice cream from Kawartha Dairy, and unique vendor treats,” Kruger said.
She added Boshkung Brewery will be offering craft beer on-site; and the Food Hub will be selling coffee and baked goods, along with café favourites.
Angelica Ingram, manager of tourism for the County of Haliburton, said “the launch of this new food festival presents an exciting opportunity to highlight the incredible local producers, farmers, and culinary talent that call the Haliburton Highlands home.
“By celebrating our homegrown flavours and farm-to-table experiences, we’re not only attracting visitors with a passion for food, but also building stronger ties between tourism and agriculture.
“This festival is a meaningful step forward in growing agri-tourism in our region and showcasing the vibrant food culture that sets the Highlands apart,” Ingram said.
Kruger said people can enjoy family fun with Pockets the Clown, try their hand at Abbey Gardens’ disc golf tryout area, and visit on-site heritage animals and play areas.
She said they could also shop from artisan vendors such as Malty & Hoppy Delicacy, Algonquin Craft Co., and Dainty Permanent Jewelry.
Meanwhile, a Beach Party Boys concert is happening too. Doors open at 4 p.m., in the big white tent, and the show starts at 4:30 p.m.
Entry into the food festival is by donation, with all proceeds going towards supporting Abbey Gardens’ environmental education and restoration projects.
Tickets to the Beach Party Boys concert are $45. Go to abbeygardens.ca for more information and to purchase tickets to the concert.
Abbey Gardens is at 1012 Garden Gate Dr., Haliburton. It is a charitable organization in the Haliburton Highlands created with a mission to transform a spent gravel pit into a green space dedicated to developing economic, ecological, educational, and recreational growth. They are FEASTON certified for carrying Ontario products in their Food Hub. It is a social enterprise that produces, promotes, and sells sustainable, local food to engage the community and support Abbey Gardens.
