The inaugural Rockwood Mushroom Fest drew big crowds on Sept. 20.
About 1,000 attendees of all ages came to learn about mushrooms. Most wanted to be sure that the festival would return in 2015 and some attendees have already offered to help next year.
At the centre of all the activity, Father Marcus Germaine, minister at St. John’s Church, which provided the festival site, served as master of ceremonies.
All day people crowded around the “All About Mushrooms” display featuring mushrooms at various stages of growth and 15 varieties of mushrooms which people were able to see, touch and smell.
At another booth, baskets of mushrooms sold like hotcakes. Two presentations on mushrooms’ health and foraging for mushrooms in Ontario garnered questions from the audience.
In the church hall hundreds of mushroom recipe samples were available from eight regional chefs, as well as wine from four Ontario wineries Southbrook, Tawse, Bachelder and Scotch Block.
There were also three chef demonstrations from chefs Yasser Qahawish of Artisanale, Roger Dufau of Drew House and Paul Mattina of Mattina’s Cucina.
Fourteen vendors displayed everything from felt mushroom tea cosies to metal sculptures. Festival suppliers included W&T Mushroom, Rockwood; Tithorea’s olive oil, Guelph; Glen Duff Farms lamb, Rockwood; and Daniel’s Cheese, Cambridge. The Concerned Residents Coalition booth featured hand-made jewelry, hand warmers, bird feeders and sewn goods. Thirty-three regional artists displayed mushroom-themed art.
Many community groups were also present to provide information to festival attendees. Winners from the Kiwanis Festival of Guelph played in the church, while performers took the stage outside. Listeners enjoyed ice cream beside children playing on a giant snakes and ladders game.
Officials say it was “an auspicious beginning for a little idea that has now bloomed.”
