There’s something special about summer in Ontario: fresh produce, long sunny days, and vibrant community festivals that bring people together. At Gwillimdale Farms, being part of our community is just as important as growing fresh vegetables. That’s why each summer, you’ll find us out in the heart of it all, connecting with families, sharing farm-fresh fun, and celebrating the local roots that make our region so unique. As a family farm with deep roots in Bradford, summer events like Carrot Fest are more than celebrations; they’re reminders of the agricultural heritage we’re proud to carry forward.
Why It Matters
Community events give us the chance to share more than just vegetables. They’re a way to inspire healthy eating, teach kids where their food comes from, and celebrate the hardworking farmers who keep Ontario families nourished. Studies show that families who connect with local farms are more likely to choose fresh, healthy foods, and kids learn about farming through activities that build food literacy for the next generation. That’s a win for everyone!
Summer Festival Highlights
There’s nothing quite like summer festival season in Ontario. The streets come alive with the sounds of laughter, live music, and the buzz of families exploring together. The air is filled with the irresistible aromas of freshly cooked potatoes, sizzling street food, and sweet treats from local vendors. Brightly decorated tents line the streets, colourful banners wave in the breeze, and parades fill the town with energy and excitement. Everywhere you look, neighbours are connecting and celebrating the season.
At Gwillimdale Farms, these moments mean so much more than just a weekend event; they’re a chance to share in the joy of community and connect directly with the people who enjoy the food we grow.
Potato Festival – July
This July, we joined our neighbours at Alliston Potato Fest! Our booth was full of laughter and activity all weekend long. Kids got creative at our colouring station, families spun the prize wheel to win farm-inspired goodies, and everyone went home with fresh recipe cards to spark new meals at home. Despite the summer heat, the smiles never stopped! If you missed us at this event, you can still get a taste of Gwillimdale recipes by visiting our recipes page.
Carrot Festival – August
In August, we were proud to be part of the Carrot Fest! Our team attended the opening ceremony in Bradford, right here in our own backyard. Thousands of farm-fresh carrots were handed out, celebrating the farmers who make Bradford and the Holland Marsh such a special place. This year was extra exciting, with the festival marking the 100th anniversary of the Holland Marsh Growers and celebrating the 66 varieties of vegetables grown in the region. We were honoured to donate 4,500 lbs of carrots to fuel the celebration and share with the community. This annual festival attracts thousands of visitors to celebrate the agricultural roots of the @townofbwg. As a farm rooted in the local community, we’re always grateful for the opportunity to give back and celebrate the vibrant agricultural heritage of our hometown. Carrot Fest is a wonderful reminder of the importance of farming, food, and community coming together.
What’s Next
The fun doesn’t stop with summer!
- September: We’ll be visiting schools and libraries, leading interactive activities to teach kids about farming, root vegetables, and where their food comes from.
- October: Catch us at the Markham Fair in the Kid Zone! We’ll be showing kids how carrots and onions grow, and if you’re lucky, you might take home some freshly harvested carrots to enjoy with your family dinner.
Stay Connected
If you missed us this summer, don’t worry, you can catch us at more events this fall and again next summer! Bookmark these festival links to join us next year:
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to see highlights from our events and stay up to date on where we’ll be next. We’d love to see you at our next stop because when food, farming, and community come together, everyone wins.