Local flavours, drinks and laughter shine at Plates and Pours Comedy Night in Clinton

Big names bringing the comedy to small town Clinton. Comedians Cedric Newman (left), Ryan Hillis and Paul Haywood (right).

An evening of food, drink, and laughter brought the community together at the recent Plates & Pours Comedy Night, hosted by The Central Huron BIA.

Held on Saturday, March 28 at Clinton Town Hall, the event delivered a thoughtfully curated experience that showcased the best of Huron County’s local producers, paired with live comedy that kept guests entertained throughout the night.

Guests were welcomed with a handcrafted cocktail from Bayfield Berry Farm and a locally inspired appetizer before mingling ahead of the evening’s opening comedy set by Cedric Newman. 

For more than two decades, Newman’s a familiar and dynamic presence on comedy stages across Canada. His career highlights include performances at Yuk Yuk’s, a finalist finish in the Great Canadian Laugh Off, and a featured appearance at the Halifax Comedy Festival.

Beyond the stage, Newman has shown his determination in a different arena, testing his endurance as a competitor on The Amazing Race Season 8 and his mastermind strategy in The Traitors Canada Season 2.

Despite his national experience, Newman says performing in smaller communities remains especially rewarding. He believes audiences everywhere deserve the chance to enjoy live comedy.

“Clinton is another speck on the map,” Newman said.

“I’ve been all over Canada, so it’s just another place—but it’s also a place that doesn’t get a lot of comedy. That’s what makes it fun. They’re ready to laugh.”

The vibrant energy carried seamlessly through intermission and into the second act, as guests indulged in crisp beer or refreshing ciders from Cowbell Brewing Co., paired with a mouthwatering spread of tender pulled pork tacos, juicy turkey sliders, and fresh, flavourful salad skewers. Dessert was equally enticing, featuring a mouthwatering tart served with a perfectly chilled scoop of ice cream.

The second comedy set was performed by Ryan Hillis. Hillis is the producer of both the Cannabis Comedy Festival and the Whitby Comedy Festival. He brought his passion for stand-up to audiences beyond the big city lights and straight into the heart of small-town communities.

He’s a seasoned performer who has been behind the mic since 2011, Hillis has developed a style rooted in personal storytelling, drawing heavily from his own life experiences. His approach to comedy emphasizes relatability, weaving humor into everyday moments that resonate with a wide range of audiences.

“I’m a storyteller,” Hillis explained.

“I tell jokes that have to do with my life, and I embellish it. For the most part, I just tell stories about my life, and usually it’s relatable to most people.”

Hillis found a special appreciation for more small-town settings. He says performing in smaller towns offers a unique and rewarding experience that keeps him coming back.

“I love coming to small towns and doing comedy,” he said. “It’s one of my favourite things to do. Every time I visit, people are looking to have a good time—they want to come out, have a great laugh, and it’s always a welcoming community crowd."

According to Hillis, it’s that sense of connection and enthusiasm that makes small-town performances stand out.

“It’s always really fun,” he added.

“I enjoy small crowds for that reason.”

The event proudly featured a wide range of local partners and sponsors from; 2nd Streetlight Estate Winery, Salt Mine Creamery, Hayter’s Farm, Lipman Family Farms, Bartliff’s Bakery & Restaurant, Corrie’s Foodland, Community Futures Huron, 5 Chicks and a Farmer, and Gateway Casinos Clinton.

The evening made a positive impact by supporting a meaningful cause. Proceeds were donated to United Way Perth-Huron, helping to fund programs and services for community members facing challenges.

The third comedian of the night was Paul Haywood. He’s a big presence on Canada’s comedy circuit.  He’s won the Toronto New Comic Search, earned a reputation for both versatility and relatability. His career highlights include a one-hour special on Comedy Now! and a standout appearance at CBC’s Halifax Comedy Festival.

For Haywood, the strongest comedy doesn’t come from punchlines or far-fetched scenarios, but from real-life experience.

“Real kind of stuff is the best,” he said.

“Something’s happened to you that you can’t repeat. It’s your experience, so you can bring it back exactly how it happened on the day. It’s unique to you.”

He believes being authentic truly resonates with audiences.

“It’s funny because it’s true,” he added. 

Haywood finds a different kind of reward performing in smaller communities.

“It’s exciting,” he explained.

“There are so many options in the big city, and it’s nice to get away from that and bring comedy directly to people. In my opinion, they appreciate it more.”

With a career that spans national stand-up comedy, advertising, and on-screen acting, Haywood has proven himself to be a jack of all talent.

The strong turnout and positive response highlighted the community’s enthusiasm for events that celebrate local flavour, talent, and connection, which making Plates & Pours a memorable night for all who attended.