Blog Articles
Downtown Barrie’s 2016 ‘Summery’ Summary
Thursday, November 3, 2016
With the Autumnal Equinox occurring on September 22nd, it’s time to admit that summer is officially coming to a close. Although we’re sad to bid adieu to sunshine and sandals, we are looking forward to an exciting Fall season ahead full of fun activities, events and new developments taking place in downtown Barrie.
Curb Appeal
We kicked off summer 2016 with our outdoor dining event, Curb Appeal . An unexpected and unique dining experience, the Barrie Bus Terminal was designated as the venue of choice for this particular Curb Appeal offering, with proceeds benefiting The David Busby Centre. Seated at long tables situated outside the terminal building, guests were treated to a five course meal prepared by a selection of Barrie’s best chefs, paired with complimenting wine and beer, while also being treated to the lovely sounds of Courtney Dubois and Ben Lemen from hometown favourites, Stone Trotter.
Thanks to the amazing weather, the unique atmosphere, as well as participating restaurants Kenzington’s, Farmhouse Restaurant, Painter’s Hall, Kohyang and The North Restaurant, ’Appy Hour’ participants Redline Brewhouse, Homestead Bakery, Lazy Tulip, Grilled Cheese Social Eatery, J’Adore and Barrie Olive Oil Co. and sponsors Georgian Mini, Meridian Credit Union, Strategic Capital, and Good Life Magazine, it was another engaging, interesting and unforgettable night.
Craft Beer and BBQ Festival
With three craft breweries located in our city and one located right in the downtown core, it only makes sense to hold a craft beer festival. Taking place July 8th – July 10th, this year’s festival offered an expanded list of featured taps including local favourites Flying Monkeys Brewery, Redline Brewhouse and Barnstormer Brewery as well as Amsterdam Brewery, Muskoka Brewery, Northwinds Brewery, Sawdust City Brewing Co., Sidelaunch Brewing Company and Thornbury Village Cider. In addition to these amazing thirst-quenchers, the festival also featured delicious BBQ foods from a variety of different vendors.
Despite the inclement weather Friday evening, diehard craft beer fans braved the rain in order to taste new beers, as well as the amazing food options. With Saturday and Sunday’s weather a little more favourable, downtown Barrie’s Craft Beer and BBQ Festival drew quite a large crowd of beer lovers and craft aficionados, making this year’s festival another great success.
Promenade Days and Canada Day Celebrations
An annual tradition and a perennial favourite, Promenade Days 2016 brought many residents and visitors downtown, simultaneously providing an opportunity to celebrate the country we live in and our beautiful city. With live entertainment, games, rides, shopping and a spectacular display of fireworks to top it all off, Promenade Days was a great way to spend a beautiful weekend downtown.
Lawn Chair Luminata and Thunder Classics Car Show
Summer evenings are perfect for enjoying the outdoors and spending time with family and friends. Our Lawn Chair Luminata series provided the perfect opportunity to do both, while also catching a great flick underneath the stars. From ‘The Little Prince’ to ‘Star Wars – The Force Awakens’, Lawnchair Luminata 2016 featured a little something for everyone, as well as a big dose of free family fun.
Summer evenings are also the perfect time for cruising with the windows rolled down and the wind in your hair. As part of Lawn Chair Luminata, the weekly Thunder Classics Car Show also continued to draw large crowds to the downtown core this summer . Every Wednesday evening, club members and other car owners met to shine and strut their stuff, while enjoying the company of fellow car lovers and enthusiasts. On hold for the winter season, this weekly favourite event will resume late next spring. For more information, check out the Barrie Thunder Classics Car Club website .
We’d like to thank all those who participated in these fantastic events, as well as our event sponsors and, of course, the amazing businesses and organizations that make downtown Barrie the exciting, unexpected and amazing place that it is.
Interested in upcoming Downtown Barrie events? Our new website will include a calendar highlighting all the unexpected and exciting things happening downtown. Watch for the launch of our new site soon!
