Carrot Fest

axe throwing game

band on stage

Beavertails food truck

crowd watching bubble performance

Date: Friday, August 18 & Saturday, August 19, 2023
Location: Downtown Bradford
About Carrot Fest
Voted as one of the Top 100 Events in Ontario by Festival & Events Ontario for more than a decade, Carrot Fest returns to Bradford West Gwillimbury! Carrot Fest will take place in downtown Bradford and at the Bradford & District Memorial Community Centre.
This event includes a large vendor market with hundreds of vendors, Aqua Dogs, professional wrestling events, Kids Zone, live stage entertainment and more!

The black organic soils of the Holland Marsh make Bradford West Gwillimbury one of Canada’s biggest carrot-producing regions and the ‘Heart of the Vegetable Industry’. Carrot Fest is a celebration of the region’s agricultural heritage, especially the role of the carrot in the local economy. Carrot Fest is a way to bring the community together to celebrate, encourage participation and generate pride. What started as a merchant-based community event has now developed into a historical event.

History of Carrot Fest 
Did you ever wonder how Bradford West Gwillimbury ended up hosting a huge carrot-themed festival, which attracts tens of thousands of visitors every year?
Carrot Fest has become BWG’s biggest annual event, however, it is not the first agricultural festival in BWG. In the 1970s, a Salad Festival was held each July and an estimated 20,000 people attended the 1976 Festival and parade. In 1977, the first Harvest Festival and Harvest Queen pageant was held at the former Ukrainian Cultural Centre in Bradford.
In 1991, the Town of BWG was incorporated, composed of the former Town of Bradford, most of West Gwillimbury, and part of Tecumseth. Considering this amalgamation encompassed various communities, the Town was in need of a community event that would bring people together as part of BWG.
The Heritage Environmental Agricultural Recreational Tourism (HEART) Committee was tasked with promoting tourism, economic development and downtown revitalization in BWG. As a result, the HEART Committee organized an open air market on summer weekends, with local farmers and merchants in downtown Bradford.
In 1995, this open air market became the event “Super Saturday” on Labour Day weekend. The HEART Committee found that BWG produces more than 70% of Canada’s carrots, and subsequently renamed Super Saturday to “Carrot Fest”, hoping it would become the event that defines BWG, similar to Beeton’s Honey Festival or Alliston’s Potato Festival. The first Carrot Fest in 1998 added children’s entertainment, contests, and a main stage to the existing vendor market. Since 2005, Carrot Fest has been organized by the Town’s Department of Community Services.
Carrot Fest has definitely become “a growing tradition” as the number of attendees has quadrupled since 2006, with an estimated 50,000 participants and $1 million generated locally.

Event Schedule

Friday, August 18, 2023

Kids Zone 4:00-9:00pm

Back Alley Cruisers 6:00-10:00pm

Vendor Market 4:00-10:00pm


Experience Simcoe Stage Schedule (Simcoe Road)
  • 5:00pm - Echos Acoustic
  • 6:00pm - Official Ceremonies 
  • 6:30pm - Honey Jack
  • 8:00pm - Monkey Wrench 
  • 9:45pm - Skip Tracer 

Licensed beer garden 4:00pm-midnight

TD Stage Schedule(Courthouse parking lot) 
  • 5:00pm - Canadian Musicians Cooperative Showcase

Great Gulf Busker Pitch
  • 4:00pm - Rockabilly Joe
  • 5:00pm - Mike Wood
  • 6:00pm - Rockabilly Joe
  • 7:00pm - Mike Wood 
  • 8:00pm - Rockabilly Joe 
Saturday, August 19, 2023

Kids Zone 10:00am-6:00pm
Vendor Market 9:00am-6:00pm

Experience Simcoe Stage Schedule (Simcoe Road)
  • 10:00am - Rockabilly Joe
  • 10:45am - Jesse Karawat
  • 12:30pm - Echos Band
  • 3:00pm - Honey Jack
  • 5:15pm - Queen Carolyn T
  • 7:45pm - Hip Check (a tribute to the Tragically Hip)
Licensed beer garden 11:00am-midnight 

TD Stage Schedule (Courthouse parking lot)
  • 10:00am - Steve Goodtime
  • 11:00am - Bella Magic
  • 12:00pm - Elite Dance Corps
  • 12:45pm - Marky Monday
  • 2:00pm - Elite Dance Corps
  • 3:00pm - Sonshine & Broccoli
  • 4:00pm - Bella Magic 
  • 5:00pm - Steve Goodtime
  • 6:00pm - Flaming Carrot Finale
Great Gulf Busker Pitch
  • 10:00am - Hoop You
  • 11:00am - Canada Rocks Aerial Show
  • 12:00pm - Hoop You
  • 1:00pm - Canada Rocks Aerial Show
  • 2:00pm - Steve Goodtime
  • 3:00pm - Canada Rocks Aerial Show
  • 4:00pm - Hoop You
  • 5:00pm - Rockabilly Joe
Bradford & District Memorial Centre
  • 10:00am-5:00pm Aqua Dogs
  • 12:00pm PWA Wrestling: Quest for the Cup 15 (Free Show)
  • 7:00pm PWA Wrestling: Quest for the Cup 15 (Ticketed Show)
Event Map
Map of Carrot Fest event area

Getting Here

Parking & Transit

Carrot Fest takes place in Downtown Bradford, on Holland Street (see road closure details below).

 

​Parking:

Free parking is offered in various municipal lots surrounding the festival:

  • 29 Drury Street
  • 24 John Street West
  • 31 Barrie Street

 

BWG Transit:

BWG Transit will be offering FREE bus service on Saturday, August 19, 2023. 


Additional event parking is available at the BWG Library & Cultural Centre (425 Holland Street West) and the GO Station (Bridge Street). ​

Road Closures
​The following road will be closed on Friday, August 18, 2023 at 11:00am:
  • Holland Street from Drury Street to Nelson Street
  • Simcoe Road from Holland Street to where it intersects with Mary Street
  • Barrie Street from John Street to Holland Street

The following roads will be closed on Saturday, August 19, 2023 at 6:00am:

  • Holland Street from Holland Court to Colborne Street
  • Simcoe Road from Holland Street to where it intersects with Mary Street
  • Barrie Street from John Street to Holland Street

All roads will re-open by 3am on Sunday, August 20, 2023

Detour Routes
Detour routes and signs have been set-up to help traffic get through town during the festival, and to keep large vehicles off residential streets.

 

Detour 1 (follow signs for D1)

Dissette Street to 8th Line to Professor Day Drive (Truck Route/Major Traffic)
Trucks MUST use D1

 

Detour 2 (follow signs for D2)

Marshview Boulevard to Simcoe Road to 6th Line to Melbourne Drive (Major Traffic)

 

Detour 3 (follow signs for D3)

Church Street to John Street to Colborne Street (Local Traffic only)

 

Map of detour routes

Vendor Market

Vendor Market Hours

Friday, August 18, 2023 - 4:00-10:00pm

Saturday, August 19, 2023 - 9:00am-6:00pm

Vendor List
3 Scoops Barrie Street
Aardvark 169, 171
Arbo Dental Care 200
Art Tekniks 47
Asiri's Treasures 99 101
Auntee Donna's Jerk Products 135
BeaverTails Simcoe Muskoka Mobile Barrie Street
Believe Me Marketing Ltd. 173, 175
Bella Lovelee Beads 154
BIG LEAGUE GEAR 158, 160
Bling Face Painting Barrie Street
Blooming Flower Farm and Jo's Juice Jazz Barrie Street
Boreal Pet Food 10
Bradford Academy of Music 56
Bradford Bahai Community 193, 195, 197
Bradford Board of Trade 85
Bradford Comics 172
bradford eyecare 208
Bradford Farmers' Market 72, 74
Bradford Jewellery 84 86
Bradford Lions 82
Bradford North Dental Centre 62
Bradford Skin Clinic 68
BWG Fire Holland East & Colborne
Carries Creative Collection 170
Casalingo Burger Inc. Barrie Street
Central Hair Boutique Barrie Street
Central York Girls Hockey Association 174
Century 21 22
Ceramic Concepts 132, 134
CHATS Community & Home Assistance to Seniors 199, 201, 203
Chung Chun Rice Hot Dog Barrie Street
CHURRICOS 129
Close with Rose 103, 105
Code Ninjas East Gwillimbury 31
Community Living for South Simcoe 168
CONTACT Community Services 16, 18
Corey Quinlan Insurance - Desjardins Agent 108, 110
County of Simcoe 231 233
Crochet W Bay 144
Curiously Krafting 43
Darlingling Wooden Toys and Gifts 167
Decor by Darmora 136
Douglas Law Firm 32
Dream Destinations 190
Dutch Treats 94
El Tambache 114, 116
EVioletCrochet 198
FacePainting4U 148
Flint Innovations 58
Fruit and Nut Co. 151
Genesis Gymnastics 22, 24
Gents & Co Ltd. 2
Glad I Ate Here Barrie Street
Glad I Ate Here 124
Global Pet Foods 1-15
GQ Tech 83
Gradience barbershop 100
Grandmother Chrysler Creations 138
Greater Life Community Church 70
Green Valley Alliance Church 178, 180
Handicraftdesire 40
Hay Caramba Restaurante 19, 19
Hearts of Gems 150, 152
Highlight Motors 80
Hola Dentistry 42
Holland Haus 65
Holland Street Dental 206
Ice Cream 4 U 210, 212
Innisfil Creek Honey 125, 127
Jaydee’s Market 21
Jellybean jewelry 142
Jenn's Busy Bees to go 186
Jennifer Donkin - Pampered chef 34
JMC Marble 66
John E's Woodcrafts & Creations + More 187
JUNGLE HOUSE CLOTHING CO 196
Just For Fun Concrete 163, 165
KabZza 115
KAL Solutions Inc o/a Liberty Tax 30
Kale + Clay 146
Kate's 126
Kawigga Pet Products 12
Kumon Math and Reading Centre of Bradford 29
La Mexicanada 109, 111, 113
Laseluxe Studio 194
LiteWave Media 102
Little Laura's Big Sweets 143
LittleGlamour / Crash+Duchess 36
Livstrong 4
Love My Leggs 107
Lyra's Furry Friends 192
Macrame Made Me Do It 181
Magical Events 23, 25
Marcia Talbot 162, 164
Marigold Prairies 28
Mark It Up by Anna 184
Michael Bailey Century 21 Heritage Group 92
Minervas Creations 27
Miss Richie's Kitchen 117
Mister Treats HW Busker Pitch
Mr Bamboo Plus 93
Mr. C’s Freeze Dried Treats 157
My Lil Gem 53, 55
Nana, Mama and Me 176
Nature's Hug Pet Food 8
New Style Barbers 79, 81
Newmarket Ringette Association 205
Nick's Dairy Bar o/a Dairy Belle 120, 122
Nickel 9 Distillery Inc 45
Northwind Baits 91
Off Cut & Co 128
onefive1 179
OneUp International Inc 207, 209, 211
Origin Smoothies Barrie Street
Ornament Craze 118
OSBORNE GODDARD TEAM 71, 73
Panetta Bros. Grooming Essentials 188
Paradigm Martial Arts Inc. 213, 215
Pet Furtography 14
Petkind 6
Pook Designz 140
Prime Event Rentals / Alpha Detailing 153, 155
Promise Church 49, 51
Red Heart Wine 204
redheadco scrunchies & accessories 191
Rosemary's Country Kitchen 159
Sabari Orthodontics 217, 219
Sandra’s Fitness Club 227, 229
Saree Boutique 96
Shelly's Crazy Critters 161
Sidewalk Artist 33
Silver Rose 89
Smokes Poutinerie Barrie Street
South Simcoe Basketball Club 41
Speak For Success 202
StudioM 156
Sumak Arts 50, 52
Sunny Hotdog 131
Sunny Sky’s Designs 38
SUPERIOR MEATS 119, 121, 123
Sweet B’s 75
Sweet magnolia prints 182
The Amazing Andrew 166
The Campus Church Bradford 44
The Elden 90
The Kings Daughters 149
The Loving Soul 60
The Silver Galaxy 95, 97
The Sunny Side of Life Co 98
THE WHIMSICAL CRISPIE CO 141
Top Property Maintenance 221, 223, 225
Tresanas Decora 54
Trinity Anglican Church 177
Tupling Insurance Brokers Ltd 69
Tupperware 185
U at Home 104, 106
Uni Bubble Tea 139
Union FC 87
Verona Travel 37, 39
WE HELP! UKRAINE TO GTA 20
Well Care Medical 112
Wild Kernel Co. 145 147
Wild Rabbit Beads 189
Wing Zone 17
Women Lifestyle Clinic Inc. 61
Young Engineers Newmarket-Bradford 64
Zuccas Ristorante Barrie Street

2023 Vendor Applications are CLOSED! 

We are no longer accepting vendor applications for Carrot Fest 2023

Vendor Application Information

Applications for Carrot Fest 2023 opened on January 30, 2023. Vendor spaces for local businesses and store fronts residing in the festival area are given priority. Applications will be evaluated by entertainment and uniqueness of booth and products. Due to a high volume of applications, please remain patient while your application is being reviewed. 

 

Please review our 2023 Vendor Application Information Package

 

Vendor Fees

Friday, August 18, 2023

  • Local Vendors (10X10 ft space) - $20
    located within Bradford West Gwillimbury
  • Non-Local Vendors (10x10 ft space) - $35
    located outside of Bradford West Gwillimbury


Saturday, August 19, 2023

  • Local Vendors (10X10 ft space) - $50
    located within Bradford West Gwillimbury
  • Non-Local Vendors (10X10 ft space) - $75
    located outside of Bradford West Gwillimbury

Payment is accepted once your application has been approved.

Food Vendors and Food Trucks

Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit - Vendor Permit

If you are a food vendor, interested in selling food at Carrot Fest, you are required by the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit to fill out the Special Event/Farmers Market Vendor Application Form 10 days after acceptance. Failure to abide by these rules and regulations may result in removal from the festival. 

 

Food/Beverage Truck Business Licensing

As per the Town’s Business Licensing By-law 2014-70, all food vendors that are considered to be a refreshment vehicle or refreshment cart that wish to participate at Carrot Fest will require a temporary Business License from the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury. Please note that not all food vendors will have to obtain this license i.e. if they are a restaurant serving outside their store front or handing out food samples. 

Vendor Market Hours

Friday, August 18:

  • Vendors may begin setting up starting at 1:30 pm.
  • All vehicles must be out of the festival area by 3:00 pm. If arrive after 3:00 pm you will have to walk your items into the festival area.
  • Vendor market operates from 4:00-10:00 pm.
  • Tear down is permitted after 10:00 pm. No vehicles will be permitted into the festival area until after 10:00 pm. All vendors must be out of the festival area by 10:30 pm.

Saturday, August 19:

  • Vendors may begin setting up starting at 6:30 am. Specific set up times will be assigned based on location. Please do not enter the festival area prior to 6:30 am.
  • All vehicles must be out of the festival area by 8:00 am. If you arrive after 8:00 am you will have to walk your items into the festival area.
  • Vendor market operates from 9:00 am-6:00 pm.
  • Tear down is permitted after 6:00 pm. No vehicles will be allowed into the festival area until after 6:00 pm.
Booth Size & Requirements:
  • Each booth area is 10X10 feet in size. You may purchase additional booths, but are restricted to maintaining an extension of 10 feet from the curb (e.g. 10X20, 10X30).
  • You are responsible to bring anything you may require for your booth, including a tent, weights, table, etc. Access to power/lighting and/or water is not provided.
  • ALL booths are expected to have a trash receptacle and ensure that it is disposed of before leaving the festival.
  • Vendors using generators must indicate so on their application and ensure the generator is under 70 db.

Photo of Carrot Fest vendor market

dogs dock diving competition

busker fire show

band on stage

vendors on Holland Street

Thank-you to our 2023 Event Sponsors 

Address: Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury, 100 Dissette St., Unit 7&8, Bradford, ON, L3Z 2A7

Phone: 905-775-5366,

By GHD Digital