It's that time of year to follow the trail downtown and collect treats along the way.
The fifth annual October Tasting Trail, which begins Saturday, as was announced at a news conference at Unity Market Cafe on Toronto Street, Thursday.
The Community Connects event is put on by the Downtown Barrie Business Association (BIA) in an attempt to get people to head downtown during the colder days of fall.
Visitors purchase a $10 tasting passport at any of the participating restaurants or cafes and follow the trail to enjoy free samples during select times.
Poeple who make more than 10 stops along the October Tasting Trail can submit their stamped passports at their final stop to be eligible for entry into a draw for a prize package.
Every year, Community Connects partners with a local organization to give back and this time, $10 from the purchase of each passport will be collected for Gilda’s Club of Simcoe Muskoka.
Ruth Watson, the acting chief executive officers at Gilda's Club, explained to BarrieToday why the tasting trail is so important for the organization.
“It is such and honour to have been chose to partner with the BIA on this fun campaign,” Watson said. “Some may not know, but Gilda’s relies on the charity of the community and donations, as we get no government funding.
"Events like this are what make us who we are and it's also so much fun for everyone," she added.
An affiliate of the Cancer Support Community, Gilda’s Club is dedicated to providing support, education and hope to all people affected by cancer, family members and friends of those diagnosed, children, and people who have lost someone to cancer.
The October Tasting Trail runs every Saturday this month with 12 different establishments participating.
Head to the BIA website to find out times and locations.
