Whether you scoop it, slice it or roll it, slather it
with toppings or use it as a topping itself, your
yen for ice cream is typical
Ice cream festivals dot the globe, with themes and activities ranging from
all-you-can-eat, to educational, to filled with live music. In Italy there is even a
four-month-long gelato festival, spanning four cities to celebrate the sweet treat.
Locally, you don’t have to go any further than Amherstburg, which hosts its annual
ice cream festival on Canada Day this year. Featuring arts and crafts and food vendors,
this year’s festival also celebrates Canada 150. The day of ice cream festivities
culminates with fireworks for Canada Day.
Kim Hamilton started as a vendor at the Ice Cream Festival five years ago. When
it came time for vendor applications again, she learned the event organizers had backed
out.
“ I thought... well, this could be fun,” said Hamilton. “I had no idea what was
involved with the planning and organizing of a festival. Luckily now MPP Lisa Gretzky
was onboard with me from day one.”
Four years later, Hamilton finds herself and the festival swept up in the Canada150
celebrations.
“This is officially the 10th year of the Amherstburg Ice Cream Festival,” said
Hamilton. “We’re expecting close to 20,000 people through the gates.”
Hamilton is the sole organizer of the event, and gets no funding from the town or
the province. Vendors purchase spots to be able to sell their wares or perform.
“I have donated five booth spaces this year to very important fundraisers. I think
helping in the community is so important,” said Hamilton. Past vendors have included
charitable organizations such as Group Hug Apparel.