Cozyn’s Fall Fest kicks off Sept. 13 to bring community together

Workshops and community education play a vital role in Cozyn’s Garden Gallery’s ongoing support to the locals. On Sept. 13, it hosts its first Fall Fest.

As the leaves turn, Stratford’s own Cozyn’s Garden Gallery is turning up the fun. The business is debuting its Fall Fest on Sept. 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., where families can enjoy live music, fall-themed workshops, food, drinks and more – all while celebrating the community that has supported Cozyn’s for 44 years.

“The community has supported (us) for the past 44 years. Cozyn’s has always been involved in the community,” Shay Mitchell, marketing and social media coordinator at Cozyn’s Garden Gallery, said.

“We like to have these events to show our gratitude to the community, and this event is free admission. It’s very family-friendly; it’s a festival where there’s something for everybody that they will enjoy. I hope our attendees feel appreciated.” 

Mitchell said that the gallery hosts many events throughout the year for the community, but this will be their first-ever Fall Fest. The celebration will feature live music running all day, plenty of food and drinks and activities spread across the property. Guests can also enjoy Girl Guide cookie sales, face painting and a variety of workshops. Money that’s raised will be given back to support the community. 

Each spring, Cozyn’s Garden Gallery hosts a two-night fashion show that draws community support and raises funds for the Rotary Hospice Stratford and Perth. There will also be an upcoming Fall Fashion Show taking place in the green houses on Oct.1 and Oct. 2, with proceeds donated to the hospice as well. 

“Coming in the winter we do a VIP night to show our most loyal customers our appreciated and we also have a Christmas open house for the community as well,” said Mitchell. “Since we’re a garden centre, a lot of people think we’re closed but we’re open and hosting events all year round.

“This year there have been a lot of new ideas swirling around especially for Christmas, we have many ideas which we will announce in the coming months.”

Mitchell said that she’s looking forward to meeting all the new community members that will be participating at the Fall Fest tomorrow. She adds that staff will put on a wonderful show and notes that their ambition and teamwork is carried to the gallery’s year-round events. 

“I think Cozyn’s just grows and gets deeper and deeper in the community. Everyone working here is very friendly and hardworking. We have to thank the staff. They are very ambitious, and everyone is willing to grow and work hard,” said Mitchell. “Listening to the community is how you grow and move forward as a business, we have feedback forms, and we are very attentive and every time we work our hardest to make that a reality. We have evolved a lot through the feedback over the years. I think that’s why this business has been so long lasting.”