For Immediate Release – October 4, 2011
It’s Back . . . Holland Marsh Soupfest Returns
HOLLAND MARSH – Celebrating the best of what makes Ontario great is the main event for the Holland Marsh 4th Annual Soupfest; great food, great drink, and a great time to be had by all. Join us on Saturday October 15th, 2011
“This is an event that draws more and more people to this part of the province that is celebrated as Ontario’s Soup and Salad Bowl,” said Avia Eek, a King Township councillor and a farmer within the Holland Marsh. “People have told us, year after year, how this festival reconnects them to food and farming – and that is very important to our community.”
That is what Soupfest is about – community, family, local, partnerships, and somewhere to enjoy it all. The Holland Marsh Soupfest is partnership between the municipalities of Bradford West Gwillimbury and King Townships and the Holland Marsh Growers’ Association – and rotates between the two townships as a means of acknowledging the uniqueness of the most productive growing region in Canada. This year, the host is the Holland Marsh Winery – a newly established northern local winery making great reds and whites from grapes grown in the rich, organic-based marsh soils.
“Soupfest provides an opportunity to our fellow citizens from around the province to see where their food is grown and harvested, in the lands they are grown on, enjoy the atmosphere and farmers’ market set up with local, fresh product – and then relish the outstanding area soups, made by local farmers, restaurants and businesses, and educational institutions,” said Alex Makarenko, Chair of the Holland Marsh Growers’ Association and an area farmer. “We know that local food has a great appeal and it should. People need to know where their food comes from – and this event gives that recognition that your food is coming from a farm, in this case, within the Holland Marsh. It is all laid out for everyone to see that.”
Having the event on the winery grounds provides attendees with an extra bonus – this year, the diversity is more recognizable because no one expects grapes on the marsh amongst the rows of fresh, healthy produce. The reality is that this event brings all of the best about our community into one package – including the launching of Marlene’s Meal Makeover’s Family Style “Cook Once, Produce Twice” which features seasonal meals and 12 pages of award-winning soups from farmers and produce from the Holland Marsh.
Proceeds from the book are going back to the community, the extended community, the Southlake Regional Health Centre Foundation with it all earmarked towards childhood cancer research and prevention.
“The link between healthy foods and healthy living has never been better known than today, yet we still see ourselves floundering to get that message out to those who need it most,” said Marlene MacPherson, of Marlene’s Meal Makeover. “I believe it starts from family, community, and those people we touch each and everyday in the Holland Marsh; our farmers. These are people who do something most of us have lost touch with – they grow health. They grow our health. And they are literally in our backyard. Who wouldn’t want to be part of this?”
The event will feature the first mayor cook-off with King Township Mayor Steve Pelligrini going against Bradford West Gwillimbury Mayor Doug White in what is hoped to become an on-going annual event as to which has the best talent within the soup-making ranks. As well, there will be a farmers’ market with local product from the Holland Marsh and area, wine sampling at the winery, and local artisans with their fares.
“We are proud to give our community this kind of exposure and voice,” said Yvette Kramer, of EBY Event Management – which is helping prepare the Holland Marsh Soupfest. “This is an area that gives so much to our community, to our respective townships, and our province – and showcasing the land where we grow our food, with a wonderful autumn product like soup is the right connection for people to come out and enjoy themselves.”
The long-range forecast indicates that it should be another perfect autumn day for the event – and all our welcome to taste what Ontario and the Holland Marsh has to offer.
Saturday October 15th, 2011
Soups served from 10 am to 4 pm
www.soupfest.caFor more information, contact:
Yvette Kramer Alex Makarenko
EBY Event Management GroPak Farms
905-716-1259 905-836-3202
Jamie Smyth Michael Disano
Economic Development Economic Development
King Township Bradford West Gwillimbury
905-833-4016 905-775-5366
Avia Eek
Director, Holland Marsh Growers’ Association
Councillor, King Township
905-775-7059
Marlene MacPherson
Marlene’s Meal Makeovers
289-221-8979
