Poutine connoisseurs lined up at The Wismer House for the 2015 edition of Poutinefest August 15. This year’s event, hosted by the Port Elgin BIA, will take place on Canada Day, July 1 with funds raised going toward downtown beautification.

Hub Staff

Poutine connoisseurs can rejoice as Poutinefest is back for another heaping helping of tasty goodness.

Hosted by the Port Elgin BIA, the feast will take place on Canada Day, July 1 at Coulter Parkette. The 2017 event is a side order of the 2015 Fest that saw seven restaurants serving and 750 adults and 500 children in attendance with ticket sales raising $8,000 for the Port Elgin Splash Pad project. This year there are five participating vendors.

The 2015 event was also a contest with The Wismer House and Chester’s Bar and Grill winning the most votes while the 2017 Poutinefest will not be the same contest format.

“This year we are not having voting, just working together for a great community event,” said Laura McInnes of the Port Elgin BIA. McInnes went on to say that there will be lots of activity in Coulter Parkette for the whole family including face painting, cake and bouncy castles. The event will also feature a sidewalk sale.

A fundraising event for the BIA, admission to Poutinefest will be $10. “The funds go to beautification of the downtown, mainly infrastructure like planters, garbage and recycling cans,” said McInnes. The Queen’s Bar and Grill, Allan’s Fireside Grill, The Wismer House and Chester’s Bar & Grill will be returning to the 2017 Fest with The Hog’s Troth food truck rounding out the poutine providers.