Article from Choose Cornwall. Photos by Jason Setnyk.

Cornwall Ontario – Downtown Cornwall was transformed into a food lovers paradise for the inaugural Cornwall Food Fest on Saturday.

Fourteen food trucks added to the excellent array of downtown restaurants for a one-day celebration of food and music.

Cornwall Food Fest is a joint effort between Beyond 21 and the Downtown Business Improvement Association, and organizers are hoping the event not only becomes popular with local residents, but also attracts out-of-town visitors.

“We will be creating a festival atmosphere in one of the more vibrant areas of our city,” says organizer Jane McLaren. “Food Fest will offer the opportunity to highlight different tastes that people may not be familiar with, and at the same time help draw attention to all of the wonderful merchants and restaurants that call Downtown Cornwall their home.”

Food trucks from across Eastern Ontario served up some interesting choices that include Louisiana BBQ, Italian Gelato, Mexican Churritos, and of course poutine and world-famous Beavertails. In addition to the Food Trucks, several restaurants will also be setting up sidewalk tasting stations.

Food vendors were also challenged to see whose offerings would be the most popular with Festival attendees, and this good natured rivalry will ensure that each brings their best food to the table.

The sounds of live music served as the backdrop for the festival for the entire day as local musicians took to the festival stage including Eric Francis (pictured here), Sean Harley, Tracy Lalonde, and others.

“We are very grateful to these musicians who are donating their time to Beyond 21 for the day” says Ms. McLaren. “Please come out, listen, buy their CD’s, and support their generosity and kindness!”

The festival also featured local artistans displaying their art, with several artists actually painting on-site. Artwork was available for purchase.

The United Way also operated an “Kids Area” and the Downtown BIA sponsored a Scavenger Hunt. Downtown Merchants also had extended store hours and some even had a sidewalk sale.

Proceeds from Food Fest 2015 will go towards the Hub for Beyond 21, a local community program that supports developmentally challenged adults aged 21 years or older.