Live music and craft beverages were among the big draws for the 3rd annual three-day JarvisFest.
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“We had a gorgeous day (Saturday),” said festival chair Samantha Armstrong on Sunday. “Yesterday was perfect – it was hot, it was sunny, no rain – it was great.”
Some areas in southern Ontario were not as fortunate with tornado warnings and severe thunderstorms.
“We were lucky,” Armstrong said. “We did have some rain Friday night from around 5-8 pm but we still got our fireworks in. The bands went on and we had a decent crowd.”
The 2023 JarvisFest, which ran Aug. 16-18, had an estimated 8,000 visitors, but rain on Friday and Sunday – and Saturday’s unfavorable weather forecast – might have affected attendance this year.
“We might be a little less,” she said. “Yesterday was quite busy, but we’ll see how today (Sunday) goes. We might be a little under.”
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Saturday’s parade saw new floats join the fun.
“It was great, everyone seemed to enjoy it. It went very well.”
Saturday bingo was a popular addition in the Jarvis Lions Community Centre.
“That was something we were very excited for this year,” said Armstrong, estimating about 70 participants enjoyed “a good afternoon of bingo… and they were able to stay in out of the heat, which was nice.”
Four players shared the $500 jackpot.
The three-day festival had two rib vendors in its first two years, but featured one rib vendor in 2024. Gator BBQ, operated by the Smith family from Norfolk County, served up ‘mouthwatering deep south’ barbecue ribs, chicken, pulled pork, brisket and sausages.
“We found that one (rib vendor) is good, and we can have more variety in other food trucks,” Armstrong said. “We wanted that flexibility.”
The weekend slo-pitch tournament had to adjust its schedule to accommodate Friday’s rain. Semifinals and finals were played Sunday.
JarvisFest also featured a car show and Townsend Amusements midway rides and games.
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