This community will host Ontario’s only mushroom festival on Sept. 20, from 10am to 5pm.
The first annual Rockwood Mushroom Fest (RMF) will celebrate the agricultural heritage of the Guelph-Eramosa and north Halton region.
The festival will take place outdoors and inside St. John’s Anglican Church, a heritage stone building set on a hill in the small community. Officials say there will be fun for all ages, including kids 12 and under.
The inspiration for the festival theme is a local, family-owned Eramosa mushroom farm, W&T Mushroom Ltd., Ontario’s largest all-season oyster mushroom producer.
Featured mushrooms will be highlighted along with the rich variety of local produce from the agricultural region surrounding Rockwood – which includes Guelph-Eramosa Township and Milton/Nassagaweya in Halton Region.
The foremost element of the festival is the tasting of mushrooms in a culinary setting. Several chefs, Roger Dufau of Drew House in Elora, Yasser Qahawish of L’Artisanale Restaurant in Guelph and Paul Mattina of Mattina’s Cucina in Georgetown, will showcase original mushroom recipes to sample.
Five other chefs will preparing additional mushroom treats for sampling. For children and those seeking more variety, the Rockwood Lions Club will provide special mushroom-enhanced menu items as well as their regular fare. Beer, wine and other refreshments will be offered.
“All About Mushrooms” is an opportunity for everyone to learn about the edible fungi. There will be displays of different species along with a living exhibit of mushrooms in various stages of their development.
Michael Warnock of the Mycological Society of Toronto will give a presentation on mushroom hunting in Ontario, and Dr. Jenn Hillier, naturopath, will introduce guests to nutritional and medicinal qualities.
“Art on a Mushroom” is a gallery of wall art exploring the artistic profile of the mushroom. Regional artists of all ages have been invited to submit works for display or sale. Festival visitors will vote for people’s choice prizes.
For kids there will be games, crafts and activities.
Folk and country bands will play throughout the day, including Rockwood’s Ian Reid and Blue Yonder, along with Al Robitaille, Jericho and The Jester’s Eye, with a guest appearance by James Gordon.
Many varieties of mushrooms will be for sale, along with advice on choice and preparation.
The Artisan’s Aisle will feature arts and crafts by regional artists such as Walden Pottery’s Denise Keats, Doris Treleaven of Metalscape and Heather Nagel’s Felt Art.
The festival is organized by local volunteers with the support of Rockwood businesses and restaurants. Net proceeds will be donated to community organizations.
For information contact Linda Sword at lsword@xplornet.ca or visit www.rockwoodmushroomfest.ca.
