It’s the first year without Phil Arber at the helm of the event, yet Excellent Events managed to bring people out by the thousands to experience food from more than 70 vendors.
“This year, Excellent Events produced and presented the festival by itself, this is a big step and we are really proud of its success. It’s a big shift, we weren’t sure how it was going to go, but we decided to do our very best and build on what Phil [Arber] has done and we are happy it worked out very well.” said Samme Putzel, one of the event’s organizers.
Approximately 6000 people came out to enjoy the weather, the food and the music on Vankleek Hill’s Main Street.
“I would like to thank our sponsors, the National Bank, McCaig Honey, Herb’s Travel Plaza, Foodland, Wever Financial and Champlain Township who were so supportive of our efforts and event. Phil [Arber] took over coordinating the event several years ago and it has grown to what it is today. We like to believe that Phil was up there using some of his influence and character to give us the beautiful weather last Sunday” concluded Putzel.
The event was originally 30 years ago by Mary Hatz and Elsie Bartlett of Mary’s country kitchen as a merchant association event.
