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Bradford Carrot Fest peels back to full format after hiatus

Carrot Fest returns this weekend with more than 200 vendors and two stages for performances
CarrotFest
Carrot Fest returns Friday, August 19 and Saturday, August 20 on Holland Street in Bradford West Gwillimbury.

Carrot Fest returns to Bradford West Gwillimbury this Friday, Aug. 19, and Saturday, Aug. 20, on Holland Street. It begins Friday, running from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. and returns on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Carrot Fest began as a way to support local farmers and local business a there will be more than 200 unique vendors attending Carrot Fest with the vendor market running for the entirety of the festival.

Additionally, there will be two stages — the Curtis Goddard Stage on Barrie Street and the TD Stage in the Courthouse Parking Lot — with performances each day.

Curtis Goddard Stage performance schedule:

  • Friday  5 p.m.: The Orangemen
  • Friday  6:30 p.m.: Opening Ceremonies
  • Friday  8 p.m.: The Hip Experience (Tragically Hip tribute)
  • Saturday  10 a.m.: Elite Dance Corps
  • Saturday  11 a.m.: Fire Guy: Skateboard Fire Show
  • Saturday  12 p.m.: The Imbayakunas
  • Saturday  1:30 p.m.: Nemesis: Hip Hop Fusion
  • Saturday  2 p.m.: Fire Guy: Skateboard Fire Show
  • Saturday  2:30 p.m.: The Circus Drummer: Stilt Drumming
  • Saturday  3:30 p.m.: Generation Gap
  • Saturday  5:30 p.m.: True Rodeo (Blue Rodeo tribute)

TD Stage performance schedule:

  • Friday  5 p.m.: Little Peter & the Elegants
  • Friday  8 p.m.: Green River Revival (CCR tribute)
  • Saturday  10 a.m.: Lukas Stark Magic
  • Saturday  11 a.m.: Sonshine & Broccoli: Children’s Concert
  • Saturday  12 p.m.: Lukas Stark Magic
  • Saturday  1 p.m.: Elite Dance Corps
  • Saturday  2 p.m.:  Karaoke by Scaraoke Entertainment 
  • Saturday  3:30 p.m.: Nemesis: Hip Hop Fusion
  • Saturday  4:30 p.m.: TBA
  • Saturday  6 p.m.: The Flaming Carrot Finale

The festival will also include the Back Alley Cruisers Car Club Classic Car Show on Holland Street East Friday, the Kids Zone (Simcoe Road), a “Busker Pitch" area (Holland Street West), and performances at the Bradford & District Community Centre on Saturday and Sunday.

Kids Zone schedule:

  • Friday  4-9 p.m.: inflatables and games
  • Friday  4-9 p.m.: crafts
  • Friday  4-9 p.m.: cupcake decorating
  • Saturday  10 a.m.-6 p.m.: inflatable and games
  • Saturday  2 p.m.: 3 Scoops ice cream eating contest (Barrie Street)

Bradford & District Community Centre schedule:

  • Saturday  10 a.m.-5 p.m.: Aqua Dogs
  • Saturday  11 a.m.: PWA Wrestling: Quest for the Cup 14 (free show)
  • Saturday  12:30 p.m.: Jagger Sports BMX Stunt Show
  • Saturday  2:30 p.m.: Jagger Sports BMX Stunt Show
  • Saturday  7 p.m.: PWA Wrestling: Quest for the Cup 14 (ticketed show)
  • Saturday  10 a.m.-5 p.m.: Aqua Dogs

There will be free parking in lots surrounding the festival at 29 Drury St., 24 John St.West, and 31 Barrie St.—additional event parking is available at the BWG Library and Cultural Centre (425 Holland St. West). BWG Transit will also be offering free bus services on Aug. 20.

As a result of the festival, Holland Street from  Holland Court to Nelson Street, Simcoe Road from Holland Street to where it intersects with Mary Street, Barrie Street from John Street to Holland Street will be closed on Friday at 11 a.m. and Holland Street from Holland Court to Colbourne Street, Simcoe Road from Holland Street to where it intersects with Mary Street, Barrie Street from John Street to Holland Street will be closed on Saturday at 6 a.m. All roads are expected to reopen by 3 a.m. on Sunday.