Festival/Event Rating ~ Niagara Passion

Niagara Passion is a one day event that is held each year in the Niagara Region, in August, to be exact. It is a festival for food and wine lovers! It also includes silent and live auctions. I visited this event with my daughter, Ainsley Brush, and we both had a great time! The event is held in a local nursery and is set up for tasting and sampling. Even the entrance way is enticing. It is an event that captures the spirit of the Niagara Region and Niagara-on-the-Lake. Niagara Passion is a well run event, organized by the Rotary Club of Niagara-on-the-Lake as a fund-raiser.

Event Advertising & Promotion  – Rating 4

Niagara Passion has an excellent website that  contains the information needed to understand and enjoy the event. The website also contains links to local wineries, accommodations, restaurants and the Shaw Festival. You can also learn more about the event through their "Facebook Page".

Curb Appeal - Rating 5

As I mentioned, the event is held in a Niagara Region nursery and is situated in wine country. The nursery, with all its greenery and colours enhanced the charm of the event. Off site parking had been arranged and transportation for the visitors to the nursery was available immediately. As we walked through the picturesque entryway, we were met by festival staff who handed us a wine glass, a unique plate that allowed for carrying our wine glass, a clothe napkin and an event guide instructing us how to enjoy the event. Event staff were easily recognizable with their bright red event shirts.

Festival Site & Activities - Rating 5

The nursery was set up to make the most of the space available. As we entered the festival through the nursery doors, we entered a different world!  The large open space was organized to suit the mood of the event.  In the middle of the space, chairs and tables were set up with a stage at one end. Entertainers were performing when we arrived. Many of the tables had umbrellas to protect visitors from the sun. On two sides of the seating area there were food and wine stations, each featured either local wines or foods. It was all very well organized. Guests were lined up at each station eagerly awaiting their "sampling". There was also an area displaying items that could be purchased in a “silent auction”. While we were still there, an auctioneer took the stage and started "calling" a "live Auction". The audience responded enthusiastically.

Festival Theme – Rating 5

Niagara Region is known world-wide for its superb wines, the Shaw Festival, its delicious fruits and its gourmet food. Niagara Passion shows off Niagara's wines and foods and brings to life the "passion" that has made Niagara famous!

Final Thoughts - Overall Rating  5

Traveling to Niagara-on-the Lake from Cobourg is not always an easy trip. Fortunately, this time, we made our way with little hold up. Once we arrived at the event and park our car, we were immediately whisked from the "offsite" parking to the Niagara Passion location. There, we were greeted by enthusiastic volunteers who tasting utensils and instructions. Inside the event grounds everything was set-up for easy access to both seating and sampling. Music was playing as we entered. The Passion guests were lined up to receive their favourite wine or food. Volunteers, in their "red festival shirts" were available to answer questions. All-in-all, this was a delightful event, especially if you like good food and wine and a charming unique setting! This was one the best events visited in 2011.

NOTE ~ A word of caution, however, the rating and evaluation are the "opinions" of the writers and don’t necessarily reflect those of the readers. Also, we do not attend an event for its entire duration. Our visits are only a “snap shot in time”. We would encourage readers to “discover” each event for themselves. Whatever you decide, remember that Ontario festivals and events are the best and so are their event organizers and their volunteers. Anything can determine how an event appears at any given time ~ weather, time, unforeseen circumstances, etc. Always keep an open mind and if you have a suggestion or concern about an event, let the organizers know. They will appreciate your input.

(Next Week ~ Canada Blooms)