Ingersoll’s fourth annual Pizzafest brings in hundreds

Downtown Ingersoll was bustling with pizza lovers and shoppers alike. (Kyrah Smith photo)

Kyrah Smith, Echo Correspondent

There was not a parking spot to be found downtown Ingersoll on July 24th. The town’s fourth annual Pizzafest was in full swing with local vendors, music, and most importantly pizza. The event took place from 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. with free admission.

Ingersoll Pipe Band gave a performance drawing a crowd while Ingersoll BIA Coordinator Virginia Armstrong and volunteers set up for the Pizza Contest. Five local pizzerias (Tito’s, Domino’s, Pizza Hut, Little Caesars and Gino’s) would compete for the title of Best Pepperoni Pizza and Best Creative Pizza.

The panel consisted of six judges including Brian Petrie Mayor of Ingersoll, Ingersoll Councillor Kristy Van Kooten-Bossence, town employee Kale Kruse, Oxford OPP Staff Sergeant Rafal Schubert, Marcie Culbert from Heart FM and our very own Lee Griffi, Editor of the Woodstock-Ingersoll Echo. After two rounds of the judges tasting pizzas and giving their scores, it was time to tally up the points.

“The truth is, it was very hard. It came down to the technical details. They were all absolutely fantastic,” said Petrie. “When it came to pepperoni, Domino’s took it home! And when it came to the Best Creative Pizza, Gino’s,” he added during the awards ceremony.

Petrie congratulated everyone involved and thanked Armstrong for her hard work. The winning pizzeria’s were presented with trophies, but the evening didn’t stop there. Returning from last year, Darren Bedford performed a new act, showing off his surprise bicycle and encouraging goers of the event to take it for a spin. Street performer Ben also entertained with his balancing/unicycle act. Local band Rated Blue performed throughout the evening, including covers from the Rolling Stones, ZZ Top and Bob Marley.

A Classic Car Show was newly added this year and JP from Hands on Exotics returned featuring new animals such as a Savannah Cat, an epileptic Sugar Glider, a Macaw and an Albino Ball Python. Attendees were able to grab a drink and slice from their favourite pizza place, have a seat and take in all the festivities. Various Pizza themed chalk artwork could be found scattered around the streets. Mario, Luigi and friends also made an appearance throughout the night. All proceeds from the event went to supporting local charities. Ingersoll’s fourth annual Pizzafest clearly was a huge success and I look forward to attending next year.

To quote the Mayor Petrie, “You can’t lose when it comes to Pizza.”