The second annual Innisfil Onion Fest, which will be held from June 23-25, will boast a plethora of activities all weekend later this month.
The event will include live entertainment, a children's zone, midway rides, fireworks, food trucks, a beverage garden, and marketplace at the Innisfil Recreation Complex located at Yonge Street and Innisfil Beach Road.
Onion Fest is hosted by Innisfil Community Events (ICE) and sponsored by local companies that bolster town pride, such as platinum sponsor, Horodynsky Farms Inc., one of the largest onion farms in North America.
Country music fans will also have reason to tear up beyond the vegetable in celebration.
Two-time Canadian County Music Association (CCMA) male vocalist of the year Jason McCoy will perform on Saturday, June 24 at 9 p.m. The local musician who has attained success as the creator and front man of The Road Hammers, one of the best-selling bands in Canadian country music history, picking up a platinum album, platinum single (Mud), three-time CCMA group of the year, and a Juno along the way.”
“Innisfil Community Events is excited to bring back Innisfil Onion Fest for another weekend full of fun for everyone,” said ICE president Chris Reynolds.
No matter which way you slice it, with activities such as daily onion-eating contests, the inaugural cornhole tournament on June 24 (teams are asked to register in advance via the Onion Fest’s website), and kid-friendly entertainment such as onion sack races, children's bingo courtesy of the Lions Club of Innisfil, a midway, and a visit with rescued horses, Oreo, Chip, and friends, organizers say there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
“We have some lovable Disney characters and activities lined up for the kids this year. And yes, Batman will be making another appearance,” said Nadine Singh, ICE's marketing and public relations director.
Reynolds told InnisfilToday that much of Onion Fest’s live entertainment is split into three musical genres. Friday will welcome rock bands to the main stage, including Fleetwood Mac Mania, while Saturday will feature country music. The weekend will conclude with blues and R&B music on Sunday.
“In addition to our local talent, Jason McCoy, we have a Shania Twain tribute band performing some longtime favourites we know attendees will love. I have a little bit of country in me, so I'm looking forward to the night,” Singh said.
Other local entertainers such as Innisfil Pipes and Drums, the Nantyr Shores Secondary School Band, Anna Goldsmith, and Madison Schofield will take to the main stage. And with so much happening on Friday (5-11 p.m.), Saturday (11 a.m.-11 p.m.), and Sunday (11 a.m.-5 p.m.), readers are invited to check out the Innisfil Onion Fest’s website to plan their weekend in advance.
Tickets are $5 per person (kids under 12 are free), except for the evening of Saturday, June 24, when the 19-plus event is $10 per person. Though there will be ATMs at the Innisfil Recreation Complex located at 7315 Yonge St., note that tickets must be purchased using cash at the door.
Free shuttle service and ticket information are available here.
