Norfolk Eat & Drink festival the toast of the town

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1681707105 Norfolk Eat Drink festival the toast of the town

PostedApr 16, 2023 • Last updated 5 hours ago • 2 minute read

Nick and Sherrie Ashford, who grew up in Simcoe but now reside in Woodstock and Sherrie's brother Ben Stewart, were among the many people who spent Saturday afternoon (April 15) sampling the many offerings available at Eat & Drink Norfolk. VINCENT BALL/BRANTFORD EXPOSITOR
Nick and Sherrie Ashford, who grew up in Simcoe but now reside in Woodstock and Sherrie’s brother Ben Stewart, were among the many people who spent Saturday afternoon (April 15) sampling the many offerings available at Eat & Drink Norfolk. VINCENT BALL/BRANTFORD EXPOSITOR jpg, SR

Donna Domotor, co-owner of Vodka Friday, of Brantford, was one of the more than 35 food and drink vendors to participate in Eat & Drink Norfolk held in the Aud at the Simcoe fairgrounds, April 13-15. It was the first time Vodka Friday participated in the event and Domotor said it was an awesome experience and praised the work of organizers. VINCENT BALL/BRANTFORD EXPOSITOR
Donna Domotor, co-owner of Vodka Friday, of Brantford, was one of the more than 35 food and drink vendors to participate in Eat & Drink Norfolk held in the Aud at the Simcoe fairgrounds, April 13-15. It was the first time Vodka Friday participated in the event and Domotor said it was an awesome experience and praised the work of organizers. VINCENT BALL/BRANTFORD EXPOSITOR jpg, SR

On the final day of Eat & Drink Norfolk, the co-owner of Vodka Friday was already looking forward to next year’s event.

“This was our first time here and we’ll definitely be back next year,” Donna Domotor said Saturday. “We’ve had an awesome three days here.

“We’ve had a great response from visitors and I can’t say enough about how well this event is organized.”

Domotor said she is a detail-oriented person who really likes organization.

“I was really impressed with how smoothly everything ran, right from the moment we showed up,” Domotor said. “The organizers were ready for us, directed us to our spot and were available for support when needed.

“We do a lot of these kinds of events and I have to say that this is high on our list, one of the best we’ve attended.”

Domotor was also impressed with the security at the event and called the event’s After Party Pavilion “fantastic.”

Based in Brantford, Vodka Friday was created by Domotor and her business partner and friend Reta Mitton. It began with a group of friends who would gather weekly to enjoy some vodka and is now available at numerous locations.

Presented by CIBC Private Wealth, the event began Thursday and continued through to Saturday. It was held in the CIBC Auditorium at the Norfolk County Agricultural Society Fairgrounds and featured products from more than 30 local breweries, wineries, distilleries and restaurants from Norfolk County.

Nick Ashford and his wife Sherrie live in Woodstock but grew up in Simcoe. They return to their home town every year for Eat & Drink Norfolk.

“It’s always a good time,” Nick said. “The food, the drink, the atmosphere and the entertainment – ​​it’s all good.

The Aud at the Simcoe fairgrounds was a beehive of activity on Wednesday in preparation for the Eat & Drink Norfolk festival in Simcoe. A new feature this year was the After Party Pavilion adjacent to the CIBC AUDitorium. Ken Petheram, project lead for Premier Event Tent Rentals, and his crew installed the pavilion. Petheram, a former Waterford resident now residing in Richmond Hill, has a strong connection to the Norfolk fairgrounds. His parents are both long-time members of the Norfolk County Agricultural Society. SIMCOE REFORM
The Aud at the Simcoe fairgrounds was a beehive of activity on Wednesday in preparation for the Eat & Drink Norfolk festival in Simcoe. A new feature this year was the After Party Pavilion adjacent to the CIBC AUDitorium. Ken Petheram, project lead for Premier Event Tent Rentals, and his crew installed the pavilion. Petheram, a former Waterford resident now residing in Richmond Hill, has a strong connection to the Norfolk fairgrounds. His parents are both long-time members of the Norfolk County Agricultural Society. SIMCOE REFORM jpg, SR

“This is something we look forward to every year.”

They were joined by Sherrie’s brother – Ben Stewart, who lives in Simcoe. They all enjoyed a sample from Vodka Friday giving it their stamp of approval.

“We all took a taste and we all liked it,” Stewart said.

Chantal Zorad, the special events manager for the Norfolk County Agricultural Society, said the event is a way to showcase the best of what Norfolk has to offer.

“It’s a terrific community event that brings people together,” Zorad said. “It’s also a chance to speak with the chefs, brew masters and wine makers to learn more about their products.”

Zorad and others who helped put the event together were especially pleased with the success of the After Party Pavilion which attracted a huge crowd on Friday night. They were anticipating just as big a crowd on Saturday night.

The Friday night After Party featured Fiddlestix and their Xtreme Fiddle Rock Show while Saturday night was a DJ dance part with Black Creek Music.

Eat & Drink Norfolk, a nine-year winner of Festival and Events Ontario Top 100 award, also featured live entertainment throughout the day.

Chantal Zorad, special events manager, Aaron Culver, facilities manager, and Angela Hogeveen, general manager, of the Norfolk County Agricultural Society, were among the organizers for Eat & Drink Norfolk, held at the Simcoe fairgrounds on the weekend. VINCENT BALL/BRANTFORD EXPOSITOR
Chantal Zorad, special events manager, Aaron Culver, facilities manager, and Angela Hogeveen, general manager, of the Norfolk County Agricultural Society, were among the organizers for Eat & Drink Norfolk, held at the Simcoe fairgrounds on the weekend. VINCENT BALL/BRANTFORD EXPOSITOR jpg, SR

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