Carrot Fest offers 2 days of vendors, music, shows, contests

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

There will be more than 200 vendors at Carrot Fest for the entirety of the festival, which began as a way to support local farmers and business.

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:

• Aug. 19 5 p.m.: The Orangemen
• Aug19 6:30 p.m.: O. pening Ceremonies
• Aug. 19 8 p.m.: The Hip Experience (Tragically Hip tribute)
• Aug. 20 10 a.m.: Elite Dance Corps
• Aug. 20 11 a.m.: Fire Guy: Skateboard Fire Show
• Aug. 20 12 p.m.: The Imbayakunas
• Aug. 20 1:30 p.m.: Nemesis: Hip Hop Fusion
• Aug. 20 2 p.m.: Fire Guy: Skateboard Fire Show
• Aug. 20 2:30 p.m.: The Circus Drummer: Stilt Drumming
• Aug. 20 3:30 p.m.: Generation Gap
• Aug. 20 5:30 p.m.: True Rodeo (Blue Rodeo tribute)

TD Stage performance schedule:

• Aug. 19 5 p.m.: Little Peter & the Elegants
• Aug. 19 8 p.m.: Green River Revival (CCR tribute)
• Aug. 20 10 a.m.: Lukas Stark Magic
• Aug. 20 11 a.m.: Sonshine & Broccoli: Children’s Concert
• Aug. 20 12 p.m.: Lukas Stark Magic
• Aug. 20 1 p.m.: Elite Dance Corps
• Aug. 20 2 p.m.:  Karaoke by Scaraoke Entertainment 
• Aug. 20 3:30 p.m.: Nemesis: Hip Hop Fusion
• Aug. 20 4:30 p.m.: TBA
• Aug. 20 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 and District Community Centre on Saturday and Sunday.

Kids Zone schedule:

• Aug. 19 4-9 p.m.: inflatables and games
• Aug. 19 4-9 p.m.: crafts
• Aug. 19 4-9 p.m.: cupcake decorating
• Aug. 20 10 a.m.-6 p.m.: inflatable and games
• Aug. 20 2 p.m.: 3 Scoops ice cream eating contest (Barrie Street)

Bradford & District Community Centre schedule:

• Aug. 20 10 a.m.-5 p.m.: Aqua Dogs
• Aug. 20 11 a.m.: PWA Wrestling: Quest for the Cup 14 (free show)
• Aug. 20 12:30 p.m.: Jagger Sports BMX Stunt Show
• Aug. 20 2:30 p.m.: Jagger Sports BMX Stunt Show
• Aug. 20 7 p.m.: PWA Wrestling: Quest for the Cup 14 (ticketed show)
• Aug. 20 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 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 Aug. 19 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 Aug. 20 at 6 a.m. All roads will re-open by 3 a.m. on Aug. 21.