FreshFest to FrozenFest - Local Foodies Surprised by 2017 Festival Shift

FreshFest 2017 - Photo by Local Amateur Boating Enthusiast 

Lake Margaret’s Jessica Paige, a self-described “food nut”, is concerned with the direction of FreshFest. The local food bash is held every August--this year on August 17 at the CASO station--and brings together a mix of our region’s food vendors.

But some say the spirit of the festival is moving away from its intended goal, with news in July that Cisco Foods has signed on as headline sponsor.

According to one vendor who wished to remain anonymous, “we’ve been asked to incorporate frozen asparagus into our buckwheat crepes.”

Paige is less than enthused. “What we're seeing is a nefarious co-opting of our beloved annual celebration of local food”, she said. “Where is the summer squash ratatouille? Where are the beet fritters and garlic scape ice cream of past years?”

Joe Luzzo from Talbot Meatworx and Gym doesn't get the negativity. “I source all my frozen shrimp from Metro now that my Aylmer supplier upped their prices. I don't see the fuss, isn't that local enough?”

Todd McDaniel, author of the St. Thomas food blog Railway City Bites, sees the festival’s evolution as a symptom of changing times.

“Sure, there's a mix of vendors this year. We live in a globalized world. Your pork comes from Rodney. Deal with it.”

Festival organizer Patricia Hunter could not be reached for comment from her family home in Mississauga.

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