Eat & Drink Norfolk highlights ‘local’
- Apr 10, 2025
- 3 min read
Chris Abbott
Editor
This year’s Eat & Drink Norfolk, presented by CIBC Private Wealth, marked 15 years showcasing some of the best local food and flavours, brews, wines and ciders.
The April 3-5 gala festival, hosted by the Norfolk County Agricultural Society, celebrated local pride and promoted community spirit, said Special Event Manager Chantal Zorad in a media release.
Recognized as one of the Top 100 Festivals and Events in Ontario, Eat & Drink Norfolk started as a small gathering to highlight the county’s growing food and beverage scene. Over the years, it has annually drawn thousands to the CIBC Aud – including more than 1,000 on April 4 - putting a spotlight on Norfolk’s vibrant community, food and beverage vendors, and local talent.
“I think it’s been on the Festival & Events Ontario’s Top 100 list for about 10 years and we got that accolade again this year,” said Angela Hogeveen, General Manager of the Norfolk County Agricultural Society, on Friday. “So that’s quite the honour.”
Festival & Events Ontario awards its Top 100 through a panel of judges based on criteria including effect on the community, economic impact, general appeal, uniqueness, and longevity.
Norfolk County Fair and Horse Show is also on the Top 100 list, Hogeveen noted.
Friday’s Eat & Drink Norfolk crowd was estimated to be an average number, said Hogeveen. Even more were expected Saturday.
“At last count there was about 1,000 people in the building, but they come and they go throughout the night. Saturday is typically a bit bigger, and we have Fiddlestix which is a real favourite around here. We haven’t had them at this event in a couple years so they are a big draw. Locally, people love them. Sometimes it gets really full and we have to hold the line at the door when we get to capacity.”
Over the three days at Eat & Drink Norfolk, participants sampled signature dishes from some of the area’s top restaurants and food artisans, sipped wines, brews and cocktails from Norfolk’s finest producers, and enjoyed live entertainment by Paul Mallard, Jesse Murphy Band, Eric Brousseau & Co., The Treeline, Claire & Chris, Felicia McMinn, and Saturday’s headliner, Fiddlestix.
“This event is so important to our schedule,” said Hogeveen. “It’s a staple. It’s the first thing in the spring, it gets people out of the house. We had beautiful weather today (Friday) and it feels like spring when Eat & Drink is here. Everybody looks forward to it. Shake off those winter blahs and get out and see everybody. It almost has a reunion feel.”
Presented by CIBC Private Wealth, local sponsors included Morison Insurance, Jess Morris Trucking and Excavating, Scotlynn, the Equipment Centre, and more.
Vendors at the 2025 curated show, usually featuring a couple new ones every year, included the Barrel Restaurant, Bush Dog, Charlotteville Brewing Co., Concession Road Brewing Co., The Back Kitchen, Gator BBQ, The Good Bread Company, Hometown Brew Co., Joy Bakery, JP’s Barbecue, Marshview Patio, Tacos N’ Tequila, The Apple Place, The Dover Cheese Shop, The Shucking King, Turkey Point Hotel, Mann’s Distillery, Burning Kiln Winery, Hounds of Erie Winery, Inasphere Wines, Smoke & Gamble – Frisky Beaver, and Wishbone Brewing Company.
Future Norfolk County Agricultural Society events include Norfolk Night Market in June, and the summer Fairground Music Festival, which Hogeveen says is going to be a little different this year “but still fantastic.” Announcements for those events will be coming soon, she said.
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