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Carrot Fest may be cancelled, but the town's spirit is not (7 photos)

Celebrate Bradford's roots this weekend!

This weekend would have been Bradford's 22nd annual Carrot Fest, but along with every other major event across the province, it was cancelled due to COVID.

But that doesn't mean you can't celebrate Bradford and its favourite root vegetable right at home. 

This year, the town is hosting a Virtual Carrot Fest, featuring various vendors, online busker shows and Carrot Fest swag. 

Carrot Fest t-shirts and water bottles can be purchased online here. Every purchase comes with a free pair of sunglasses or pen. Merchandise can also be purchased in person at Kenzington Burger Bar or Sweet B's Bakery in the downtown core. All proceeds will go toward the Helping Hand Food Bank. 

And on Saturday morning, The Holland Marsh Grower's Association will be handing out free bags of locally grown carrots outside the BWG Leisure Centre from 9 a.m. to noon, and accepting monetary or non-perishable food items for the food bank.  

The food bank is currently in need of:

  • Juice boxes
  • Granola bars
  • Canned fruit/fruit cups
  • Kraft Dinner
  • Canned meats and stews
  • Jars and pouches of baby food
  • Size 5 and 6 diapers
  • Baby wipes

Councillor and jewellery store owner, Peter Dykie Jr. has decorated the front of his shop in the downtown core. He is encouraging other businesses to do the same this weekend. 

"We have to keep the carrot spirit alive," he said. 

Did You Know?

  • Bradford produces more than 70 percent of the country's carrots
  • Bradford is the heart of Canada's vegetable industry
  • Gwilly the carrot and Captian Carrot the rabbit are the official mascots of Carrot Fest
  • Carrot Fest draws in around 50,000 people every year
  • Carrot Fest has been the recipeint of the Top 100 Award from Festivals and Events Ontario
  • Carrot Fest used to host carrot cake and carrot soup contests

 


Natasha Philpott

About the Author: Natasha Philpott

Natasha is the Editor for BradfordToday and InnisfilToday. She graduated from the Media Studies program at The University of Guelph-Humber. She lives in Bradford with her husband, two boys and two cats.
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