Save the dates June 17-19 for the inaugural Onion Fest in Innisfil.
The event, presented by Innisfil Community Events (ICECorp) has been in the works for over two years, and will finally be able to happen now that COVID restrictions have eased.
For over 25 years, ICECorp has been putting on local events and entertainment for the community, including Summerfest, Ribfest and the Polar Bear Dip.
"This is hopefully the biggest one we have put together," said Chris Reynolds, who has been volunteering with ICECorp for the past 10 years. "I am getting excited now that we are almost two weeks out, it will be fun."
There will be live music, vendors, a midway, a beverage garden, fireworks, food trucks and more all happening at the Innisfil Recreation Complex at Yonge Street and Innisfil Beach Road.
Meet the world-famous competitors in the 'Canadian Rib Championships', featuring the tastes of Mean Moe's BBQ, Hellent BBQ, Heavy D BBQ, Wine Country BBQ, and Rusty's Smoke BBQ.
There will also be an amateur BBQ competition. Residents are welcome to step into the battle of the one-day cooking competition which will put 12 contestants against one another to create the ultimate burger and earn the title of 'Innisfil BBQ Boss'.
Simply Queen, Zac Brown Band tribute band Chicken Fried, and Errol Blackwood will be performing over the weekend. You can also enjoy some local talent including the Carl Rundown Band and Brian John Harwood.
When asked why the festival was named after an onion, Reynolds said it's a way to pay homage to one of the largest onion farmers in North America, located right in Innisfil.
"You have CarrotFest in Bradford, Potato Festival in Alliston, and cranberries up in Muskoka, so why not celebrate Innisfil's heritage in a farming town? Make it unique to Innisfil," said Reynolds.
Tickets to the event are $5. Children 12 and under are free. Tickets can be purchased at the door. Cash only. ATMs will be on site.
Shuttle buses are available throughout the weekend from popular landmarks. Gates open Friday, June 17, at 5 p.m.
All money raised from the event will be going back to the community.
ICECorp hopes to make this an annual summer event.
To learn more, visit the Onion Fest website, here.
