Carrot Fest returns to its roots in BWG in August

Carrot Fest returns to its former glory on August 19 and 20, 2022. (CTV NEWS FILE PHOTO)

A whole town is rooting for its favourite orange vegetable.

After two years of virtual and modified festivals, Carrot Fest returns to the streets of downtown Bradford West Gwillimbury on August 19 and 20.

Carrot Fest began more than 20 years ago and has been named as one of the top 100 Festival and Events in Ontario for more than a decade.

The event celebrates the importance of the Holland Marsh soils, focusing on the importance of carrots in the local economy.

“We are excited to have Carrot Fest return to its normal capacity,” says Bethany Kuboniwa, BWG’s leisure events and marketing supervisor.

“We look forward to seeing BWG supporting the local vendors and enjoying free music and entertainment while celebrating the town’s roots,” she said.

BWG will stage the festival along Holland Street, Barrie Street, Simcoe Road, and at the Bradford & District Memorial Community Centre.

The festival boasts a large vendor market, music and entertainment and a Kids and Youth Zone.

Visitors can grab a complimentary bag of locally grown carrots courtesy of the Holland Marsh Growers’ Association.

Two stages, one on Barrie Street and another in the courthouse parking lot, will feature a variety of local talents such as Little Peter & the Elegants, the Orangemen, the Hip Experience, Sonshine and Broccoli, the Imbayakunas music group, Elite Dance Corps, Generation Gap, a Blue Rodeo cover band, and more.

There will also be a handful of buskers and street performers including Fire Guy, Hercinia Arts Aerial Show, a circus drummer, Lukasz Stark Magic and Nemsis Hip Hop Fusion at the busker pitch or on stage.

The Kids Zone will be located on Simcoe Road and include inflatables and free games for children. On Saturday, continue walking down Simcoe Road to the Bradford & District Memorial Community Centre, where you will find BMX stunt shows, the Aqua Dogs, the Youth Zone and wrestling.

Parking is limited. BWG Transit will be offering free bus service during the event.