Carrots, carrots and more carrots! It’s that time of year again — the 20th annual Carrot Fest has arrived!
There are plenty of activities for the whole family all weekend long, plus some other events around the community.
Here is a look at what’s happening in Bradford West Gwillimbury and area this weekend.
FRIDAY, AUG. 17
Holland Marsh Food Market
9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
1153 Canal Rd., Bradford
Fresh produce straight from the Holland Marsh, plus baked goods, flowers, Sheldon Creek Dairy milk, Homestead Farms eggs, and Fresh Acre Farms meat.
Food trucks and firewood also available.
Annual Summer Water Games
2:15 p.m. to 4 p.m.
BWG Leisure Centre
Family activities, learn how to choose and wear a life-jacket, and compete to win prizes
Carrot Fest Day 1
General hours: 4 p.m. to midnight
Vendor market: 4-10 p.m.
Kids Zone: 4-9 p.m.
Main stage performances: 5 p.m. to midnight
Legends and classic cars: 6-10 p.m.
Carrot Fest opening ceremonies: 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the corner of Simcoe Road and Holland Street.
The Twisted Ones Balloon Show (Carrot Fest)
5 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
Carrot Fest Kids Zone, Holland Street West
Balloon Twisting (Carrot Fest)
6-8 p.m.
Carrot Fest Kids Zone, Holland Street West
Scarlet Black Butterfly Circus Show (Carrot Fest)
5:30 p.m.
Carrot Fest Kids Zone, Holland Street West
Hula Hoop Workshop Zone (Carrot Fest)
7 p.m.
Carrot Fest Kids Zone, Holland Street West
Annual Pork Chop Barbecue
4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Bond Head United Church, 4221 County Rd. 88, Bond Head
Continuous serving of smoked pork chops, baked potatoes, baked beans, coleslaw, pickles, tea or coffee, and homemade pie for dessert.
Cost is $20 for adults and $6 for children under 12. Buy tickets at the door.
SATURDAY, AUG. 18
Fight the Phrag
Two shifts at 8 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Battle invasive plant Phragmites australis where it has invaded the Collingwood shoreline. Volunteers and staff with the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority will cut and remove Phragmites below the waterline along Georgian Bay.
Free barbecue lunch for volunteers.
Bring sunscreen, hat, drinking water, sturdy footwear, and prepare to get wet. Register at fight-the-phrag-2018.eventbrite.com.
Bradford Farmers’ Market
8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Outside BWG Public Library
Every Saturday until Oct. 6.
Enjoy live music, meet local community groups, and find produce from the Holland Marsh and beyond, including plants, flowers, herbs, honey, dairy products, maple syrup, cured meats, free-run eggs, baking, preserves, and a variety of fruits and vegetables, plus handmade arts and crafts.
Holland Marsh Food Market
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
1153 Canal Rd., Bradford
Fresh produce straight from the Holland Marsh, plus baked goods, flowers, Sheldon Creek Dairy milk, Homestead Farms eggs, and Fresh Acre Farms meat. Food trucks and firewood also available.
Alliston Farmers’ Market
8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Main Street, Alliston
Find warm, out of the oven baked goodies, jams, jellies, honey, syrups, crafts, plants, local potato chips, meats, fruits and veggies, all from local farmers.
Carrot Fest Day 2
General hours: 9 a.m. to midnight
Vendor market: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Kids Zone: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Main stage performances: 9 a.m. to midnight
And much more!
Ontario Aqua Dogs (Carrot Fest)
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Bradford & District Memorial Community Centre
Pony rides (Carrot Fest)
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Bradford & District Memorial Community Centre
Jagger Sports BMX stunt show (Carrot Fest)
Showtimes: 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.
BWG courthouse parking lot
PWA Wrestling — Quest for the Cup 12 (Carrot Fest)
Showtimes: 11:30 a.m. free wrestling show; and 6:30 p.m. paid show
Bradford & District Memorial Community Centre
Tickets available online
Ice cream contest (Carrot Fest)
Registration at 1 p.m. and contest at 3 p.m.
3 Scoops, 11 Barrie St., Bradford
Freestyle soccer performances (Carrot Fest)
Show times: 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m.
BWG courthouse parking lot
Flaming Carrot Finale busker (Carrot Fest)
7pm
Intersection of Holland and Barrie streets
Rods by the River
11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Ray Twinney Recreation Complex, 100 Eagle St. W., Newmarket
Hosted by the Newmarket Car Club
Car entry gates open 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
$10 entry fee
All show vehicles welcome — any style, any vintage
Event includes vendors village
For more information, call Lisa at 416-890-3422
Gilford United Church steak barbecue
5-7 p.m.
Gilford United Church, 1477 Gilford Rd., Gilford
Cost is $20 for adults and $8 for kids (hamburger/hotdog)
Come on out and enjoy steak, corn on the cob, and homemade pies
SUNDAY, AUG. 19
Holland Marsh Food Market
10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
1153 Canal Rd., Bradford
Fresh produce straight from the Holland Marsh, plus baked goods, flowers, Sheldon Creek Dairy milk, Homestead Farms eggs, and Fresh Acre Farms meat. Food trucks and firewood also available.
Ontario Aqua Dogs
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Bradford & District Memorial Community Centre
Family Fun Fest
Noon to 4 p.m.
Lions Park, Colborne Street, Bradford
Hosted by Bradford Community Church
For more information, visit the website.
Kids Karaoke
3-6 p.m.
Hosted by Kidergy, 389 Dissette St.
For ages 0-12
Cost is $9 per child (includes access to playground and karaoke)
Event presented by Scaraoke Entertainment
Dinner in White fundraiser for the Innisfil Arts Culture & Heritage Committee
5 p.m.
Mystery location
Participants will be notified of the site just hours before the dinner.
Bring your own table décor, gourmet dinner, and friends — all dressed in white for the celebration. Tables, chairs and music provided.
$30 per person, or $200 for table of eight.
See iachc.ca for details.
