BrewFest CK is in contention for a coveted Ontario Tourism Award of Excellence to be handed out next week at ceremony in Hamilton.
Chatham-Kent Tourism nominated BrewFest CK for the Culinary Tourism Event of the Year award and the event is one of the finalists competing against two other events.
"We are super excited and thrilled to hear that we have been named as a finalist for the TIAO (Tourism Industry Association of Ontario) award for Culinary Tourist Event of The Year in Ontario,” said Red Barn Brewing Co-Owner Denny Vervaet. “BrewFest CK is a collaborative effort between all four Chatham-Kent Breweries that work hard to create four exciting Fests each summer at each location that includes food trucks, local vendors, local businesses, local and national entertainment and talent while celebrating beer and our local communities."
Vervaet told CK News Today it's the group's first nomination and he was very surprised to receive word about the honour.
"We're only a small little festival. This was our third year in. So, for us to be nominated on an Ontario scale, it's pretty exciting," said Vervaet.
He said the event is just getting started and organizers have a few tricks and new ideas for future festivals. Vervaet said the fourth edition of BrewFest CK will take place next year and organizers can't wait to see everyone back again.
"I think we opened eyes for beer and how local beer is celebrated. It's not a competition. We can work together and have great events together," Vervaet said.
TIAO said the Awards of Excellence celebrate success and recognize those who have made outstanding contributions to Ontario’s tourism industry.
BrewFest CK originated as Farmfest at Red Barn Brewing in 2021.
In 2024, Moonfest was held at Sons of Kent in July, Eaufest was held at Bayside Brewing in mid-August, Farmfest took place at Red Barn Brewing in late August, and Riverfest happened at Glasstown in mid-September.
“We are extremely proud of BrewFest CK being named a finalist for Culinary Event of the Year,” Chatham-Kent Supervisor of Tourism Development Shannon Paiva said. “This event is so unique due to the collaboration of our four breweries, bringing visitors to the area and elevating the local economy on four separate occasions. It’s incredible to see their efforts recognized.”
The winner will be announced at the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario Tourism Summit on October 23 in Hamilton.
More information about the awards can be found by clicking here.