The Meaford Dragons returns for its 14th year and promises to be an even more entertaining affair. At Meaford Hall on Thursday, November 3, this event will feature a dynamic new host, an entertaining new format, a catered intermission, a re-imagined prize format, and improved sponsorship opportunities.
Based on CBC’s popular Dragons Den, Meaford’s annual business battle pits local entrepreneurs vying for valuable cash, prizes, and advice against a panel of Dragons comprised of successful local businesspeople. This event has entertained sold-out crowds and launched or boosted more than 45 business stars in the local economy.
This year’s battle will feature a new slate of hopeful Dragon slayers, including Christmas On The Bay, Green Peak Therapy, L’Apothicaire Botanique, Sheardowns Wine Bar, and Spencer Safety Solutions.
These hopeful contestants will make their business pitches to a professional panel of local Dragons featuring: Blair Almond, owner of Bruce Street Technologies and Reekie Heritage Farms; Cathi Parrish, real estate agent for Royal LePage Locations North; Tim Fischer, founder and managing partner of Mentor Technologies; Trevor Shaw, representing Brokerlink Meaford; and Owner/Pharmacist of Pharmasave Thornbury, Shannon Fry.
Exciting new changes to this year’s show
This year’s event will be hosted by award-winning comedienne Adrienne Fish, who has recorded four nationally televised showcases and is regularly featured on SiriusXM and CBC Radio, and has appeared at Just For Laughs, the Winnipeg Comedy Festival, the Halifax Comedy Festival, the Hubcap Comedy Festival, Atlanta’s Laughing Skull, and JFL 42. Adrienne earned COCA (Comedian of the Year) honours in 2019 as the top comedian for Canadian colleges and universities, and was nominated for two Canadian Comedy Awards including Breakout Artist of the Year. She will kick off the show with an entertaining ten-minute stand-up set and will keep things rolling during the proceedings. The Dragons may very well be in for a roasting of their own, burned by Fish’s improv wit.
The battle royale
Since Meaford Dragons launched in 2009, area businesses have received more than $236,000 in cash or in-kind services, and during the first half of the show the five competing entrepreneurs pitch their business ideas to the panel of Dragons in the hope of winning them over and getting their share of cash, prizes, and investment. After the pitch, it’s time for the Dragons to return to their lair to chew on things, while audience members mull over their own choices. During the intermission, which will feature light snacks generously donated by Meaford’s Godard’s, Your Independent Grocer, the Meaford Hall cash bar will also be open and patrons are welcome to enjoy their drinks as they decide who to cast their vote for the $500 Audience Choice Award, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Meaford.
During the second half of the show, each contestant will endure a little more grilling from the Dragons before they make their final decision on who will receive what share of each Dragon’s $1,250+ in cash and investment. Then the winners are announced, including the entrepreneur who most wowed the audience for the Audience Choice Award.
More action for Meaford Dragons sponsors and contestants
Every year, prizes include valuable business services provided free of charge to the winners. To make sure these prizes are received by contestants who’ll benefit most from the services, this year the entrepreneurs will make their pitches for these prizes before the actual show. And major sponsors, those contributing at least $1,000 in cash or in-kind donations of $1,500 or more, will kick off Meaford Dragons with a VIP Champagne Reception sponsored by Happy Boss and Bayview Escarpment Fine Furniture & Cabinetry at The Craig Gallery. While socializing with the Dragons, host Adrienne Fish, Mayor Barb Clumpus, sponsors and their guests will enjoy catering by The Kitchen and Grandma Lambe’s.
Past winners of Meaford Dragons include Frauxmagerie, Quench Buggy, Still Fields Brewery, Kilannan Brewing Company, CTRE Productions, and many more.
Get your tickets to Meaford Dragons at Meaford Hall or online at www.meafordhall.ca and cheer on your favourite dragon slayer.
For more information, please visit www.meafordchamber.ca/meaford-dragons or contact the Chamber office at admin@meafordchamber.ca.
