Ontario Cheese Festival returns to Elora and Guelph

A two day festival is bringing cheesy events and vendors to Elora and Guelph.

On Saturday, the Grand River Race Way in Elora showcased a variety of cheeses for the second annual Ontario Cheese Festival, which highlighted the dairy industry’s impact on the country’s economy.

Patricia McDermott, the executive director of the cheese festival, told CTV News the event spotlights local dairy products.

“We are celebrating the Ontario Dairy Farmers and small Ontario business vendors,” she said. “I thought it was really important to support not only our province, but national events. The more education we can do to the consumer, the better.”

McDermott said it’s also important for people to know where their food is coming from.

“Unless we know where our food is coming from, how do we know how to keep ourselves healthy? A healthy body knows what’s going into it,” McDermott said. “Also all of that being said, it’s important that as a Canadian citizen, we’re supporting our Canadian farmers across the board. Our Canadian makers, our artisan producers [and] the backbone of the Canadian economy is small businesses and unless we’re out here supporting them, it’s going to collapse.”

Cheese connoisseurs were able to browse hundreds of cheeses, as well as chocolate and other artisanal foods and drinks.

A vendor market as well as five tastings was available at the race way.

McDermott said around 1,500 people showed up to Saturday’s event to learn more and shop local.

Saturday’s festival also included beers and wines unique to the festival which, according to organizers, was difficult to find anywhere else.

Cheese educators also held seminars for attendees to learn more about the dairy industry and how cheese goes from milk to curd.

On Sunday, the festival moo-ves over to the University of Guelph, where Professor Mary Ann Ferrer, a dairy programs manager, will host two sessions on making cheese at home.