Tapestry of Taste set to go in East Gwillimbury Aug. 9 to 11

Yorkregion.com
August 12, 2019
Simon Martin

You may have noticed signs for Tapestry of Taste cropping up around East Gwillimbury. The time to get tasting is just around the corner. The town, in partnership with the Sharon Temple, is hosting the three-day event from Aug. 9 to 11.

East Gwillimbury manager of recreation, community engagement and events Rhonda Pogue said the town has partnered with the temple in the past, but Tapestry of Taste will bring it to a new level.

“We wanted to do something more and on a larger scale,” Pogue said.

The event will kick off Friday with opening ceremonies at the Sharon Temple. The international food and entertainment zone will be open from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., highlighted by a performance from Juno-nominated artist Glenn Marais.

Entrance to the temple grounds is $10, while children under 12 are free. Food vendors at the temple include Vince’s BBQ, Tropic Love, Churros Ricos, Twist & Shout, Mustache Burger, Beaver Tails, Laos-C-Chef and Mexican Street Corn.

Alcohol will also be available at the temple. Old Flame Brewing Co will be serving beer, Ernest Cider will be serving cider and the Holland Marsh Wineries will make sure those needing a wine fix are served.

Sharon Temple executive director Lori Woodyatt said the temple is a great location for an event like this, as guests are free to roam the four-plus acres of the property with their food and beverage of choice. Historical interpreters will be dressed at each one of the buildings to help educate festival-goers.

Pogue said the festival will bring together colourful and diverse cultures, food and entertainment from all around the world.

“It highlights the diversity of East Gwillimbury and York Region,” Pogue said. “We wanted to do a signature event in East Gwillimbury.”

The festival gets much bigger on Saturday and Sunday when the Sharon Temple grounds will host food, drink and entertainment from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. On top of that there will be an around the world kid zone open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the East Gwillimbury Civic Centre Grounds, along with an International Bazaar Market that will feature local artisans in the civic centre parking lot.

The three-hour parking bylaw will be lifted in Sharon on town-owned roads for the duration of the festival. Shuttles will be available for people who wish to park at the East Gwillimbury Sports Complex on Mount Albert road.

The town asks that you please not park where there are "no parking" signs, on fire routes and any other no parking zones.

Live performances over the weekend include Peyton Garcia, Starlite Steelband and Glenn Marais on Friday; Ashley MacIsaac, Neema Children’s Choir, John Anderson and Irish Dancers on Saturday; Mudmen, Afiwi Group, Maddy Ellen and Santerias on Sunday. For the full schedule visit eastgwillimbury.ca.

“There is something for everybody to enjoy,” Pogue said. Woodyatt said families are advised to bring blankets and lawn chairs at the temple, as there is limited seating.

East Gwillimbury director of communications Laura Hanna said the event offers a great opportunity for people to experience the Sharon Temple and learn about the local history of the area.

"This is the biggest event we have done," Pogue said.