In rural communities, fall provides the perfect opportunity to celebrate the growing season. Work winds down as the harvest is brought in. Appetites quicken as the nights get cooler and longer. The variety of fresh, local foods is better than at any other time of year. So why not take some time to enjoy?
There are events from the humble to the extravagent scheduled around the county that will let you sip and savour to your heart's content (not to mention your tastebuds'). Here are eight to choose from in September and October:
Meaford Feast of Fields
September 12
The area's only vegetarian harvest festival takes place at the Meaford Harbour Pavilion (home of the Meaford Farmers' Market). Local chefs and food producers team up to provide a four-course vegetarian meal served together with local ciders and wines and a whole lot of entertainment.
Eigensinn Farm Music - Harvest Festival
September 20
World-renowned chef Michael Stadtländer loves to host on-farm events that celebrate the best of culture and agriculture. On September 20th, you can join chef Stadtländer and others for lunch; mid-afternoon coffee and cake; and supper in the fields while being entertained by The Gryphon Trio and several esteemed classical and jazz soloists.
Hanover Lions Taste of Grey
September 27
This annual event highlights the best food and drink from the heart of south Grey's agricultural belt and across the region. This year, the spotlight is on local beverage producers, with an assortment of craft beer, wine and cider from the Saints & Sinners producers paired with great food.
Pratie Oaten Irish Festival
October 4
Every year, Grey Roots Museum & Archives celebrates Irish culture with a potato harvest festival, Pratie Oaten. Come taste delicious pratie oaten (potato oatcakes), enjoy live music, crafts, games and more in the Moreston Village.
Owen Sound Salmon Tour & Tasting
October 10
Salmon Tasting is part of the weekend's Owen Sound Salmon Celebration, and will be held from 11:30 am to 3 pm on Saturday. Chefs from the Sweetwater Restaurant at Cobble Beach Resort and The Milk Maid in downtown Owen Sound will offer tastings of fresh Georgian Bay salmon. You can’t taste local salmon anywhere else unless you catch it yourself!
Blue Mountain Apple Harvest Festival
October 10-12
Did you know that 25% of Ontario's apples are grown here in Grey County? At harvest time, the bins are full and the air is sweet with the scent of ripening fruit. The Apple Harvest Festival - a celebration of all things apple - is a favourite with locals and visitors alike.
Markdale Rotary Oktoberfest
October 17th
There is lots of great local food to be enjoyed in Grey Highlands, and many of the area's food stars come out to shine at the Markdale Oktoberfest: October 17th at the Markdale Community Centre. This year you'll enjoy beverages from several breweries and cideries on the Saints & Sinners Trail.
Autumn Chefs' Picnic at Flying Chestnut Kitchen
October 18
Visit the celebrated Flying Chestnut Kitchen (home of this summer's smash festival food hit, the Indian Taco) for an autumn Chefs' Picnic. Visiting chefs and beverage producers will offer a variety of choices. The event is all-you-can-eat for $100 and will be held outdoors rain or shine. Live entertainment, too.
ACA Field to Fork
October 22
Every year, the member of the Grey Bruce Agriculture & Culinary Association strut their stuff at a fall banquet featuring great local foods from across the region. The Field to Fork is held in a different community each year, and in 2015, the event will be held at the beautiful, historic Meaford Hall.
Fall Fairs: for even more great fall food options, see our comprehensive listing of fall fairs.
