Anticipation Sweetly Soars for Downtown Barrie’s Inaugural Butter Tart Festival: A Sugary Celebration with Special Guests

For Immediate Release:
Tuesday July 9, 2024

Barrie, ON —  The countdown is on! Downtown Barrie is buzzing with excitement as we prepare to host the first-ever Butter Tart Festival on Saturday, July 13th. This highly anticipated event promises a day of delicious indulgence and community fun, featuring over 75 butter tart makers, bakers, and a variety of craft and retail vendors. Including award winning bakeries from across Ontario such as Doo Doo’s with their classic butter tarts, maple whisky, chocolate peanut butter and maple bacon will satisfy your sweet tooth.

Presented by Gotta Luv ButterTarts in collaboration with the Downtown Barrie Business Improvement Area (BIA), the Butter Tart Festival will transform Dunlop Street and Meridian Place into a dessert lover’s paradise. From 10 am to 4 pm, explore a variety of booths offering local crafts, artisanal foods, and merchandise including fun filled activities including face painting. Admission is free, making it a perfect outing for families and friends.

Adding to the excitement, we are honoured to welcome several esteemed guests who will participate in the butter tart judging, including the Mayor of Barrie, the Police Chief, local community members and media celebrities. 

Supporting a Noble Cause  – RVH Keep Life Wild Campaign

The festival proudly supports the RVH Keep Life Wild Campaign, aiding the future expansion of the Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH). The original butter tart recipe, dating back to 1903 and originating from the RVH Auxiliary, will be available as a collector’s cutout for a donation, with all proceeds going towards this vital campaign.

“RVH has been caring for the community for over 120 years,” says Mary-Anne Frith, Chair of the Keep Life Wild Campaign and Vice-Chair of the RVH Foundation Board of Directors. “As our community continues to grow, we also need to expand so we can keep providing the exceptional care we’re known for, right here where we live, work, and raise our families. We’re thrilled that the Barrie Butter Tart Festival is paying tribute to RVH’s history and helping us prepare for the future with this sweet fundraiser. ”

A Message from the Mayor

“The Butter Tart Festival is a fantastic opportunity for our community to come together, celebrate our local heritage, and support a worthy cause,” says Mayor Alex Nuttall. “I look forward to joining everyone in this sweet celebration and helping to judge the best butter tarts in town!”

Event Highlights

• Starting at 10am over 75 Butter Tart Makers: Sample and purchase from a wide variety of butter tarts and other sweet treats.
• Local Crafts and Artisanal Foods: Discover unique products from local vendors.
• Fun Activities: Enjoy face painting, art activities and more.
• Live Music at 7pm: Don’t miss a live performance by Terra Lightfoot in Meridian Place.

Mark your calendars for Saturday, July 13th 2024 and prepare to embark on a butter tart adventure like no other. Join us for a day of sweet indulgence, community spirit, and support for our local healthcare services. We can’t wait to see you there!

Media Contact: Downtown Barrie BIA //  [email protected] // 705-734-1414 // www.downtownbarrie.ca

About Gotta Luv ButterTarts: www.gottaluvbuttertarts.ca

About RVH Foundation Live Life Wild Campaign: www.rvhkeeplifewild.ca