For the second year in a row, Meaford’s downtown core came to life for a mid-summer festival created and organized by three downtown businesswomen.
The second year for the event was greeted with enthusiasm by both locals and those visiting the municipality over the Civic Holiday long weekend, with attendees filling downtown shops, and exploring the harbour area.
The event was organized and launched during last year’s Civic Holiday weekend, by three downtown businesswomen, Grace Morin, Jessica Kenyon, and Hope MacDuffie. MacDuffie has since moved away from Meaford, but she returned for the second annual event over the weekend.
Many were pleased to see the return of the poutine making competition, as local restaurants once again competed for bragging rights for their best take on the traditional French Canadian dish of French fries served with a growing variety of toppings.
The winner of the poutine competition was announced on Tuesday afternoon, and this year’s winner is Tilly’s cafe, with Sheardowns Wine Bar taking both second place, and the People’s Choice award.
In addition to the sidewalk sales, a vintage car show on Bayfield Street, along with a Jeep show, and busy restaurant patios, the event also saw local artists paint some more of the doors to downtown buildings with an artistic flair, bringing new life to otherwise standard doorways.
Another event that was a hit with attendees was an air-show performed by Gord Price of the Dam Pub. The 81 year old pilot has been performing air shows since 1976, and his airborne antics thrilled the crowd who watched on from Meaford’s waterfront.
With two successful Summerfests having been held, the event appears destined to be a highly anticipated summer festival in the years to come.
