Soupstock fuelled by large local contingent

Posted October 25, 2012

Soupstock drew 40,000 people to Woodbine Park in Toronto last Sunday, in support of the movement to protect the farmland and water threatened by the proposed Highland Mega Quarry. Conceived by Singhampton’s Micheal Stadtlander and continuing from the success of last October’s Foodstock event, the Canadian Chefs’ Congress in partnership with the David Suzuki Foundation organized the biggest event ever held in Woodbine Park.

Dave Vander Zaag and his 13-year-old son Ryan spoke to the crowd on behalf of the farming community. Once again, two powerful organizational forces behind the scenes were Maple Valley’s Miriam Streiman of Mad Maple B&B and Honeywood’s Blaine VanBruggen of Dot Dot Dash.

Many other local folks generously offered their talent and support. Some of the local farms involved were the New Farm, the Armstrongs, Lennox Farm, J&D Blacks and sons, the Vander Zaags, Fiddle Foot Farm, Duntroon Farm, Mulmur Hills Honey, and Quiet Pine Farm.

Local restaurants, businesses and food providers were also involved, including Eigensinn Farm, Creemore Kitchen, Azzura, Men With Knives, Espresso Post, Café Chartreuse, Meredith’s Ginger Syrup, Creemore Springs Brewery, the Creemore 100 Mile Store, Oliver & Bonacini café and grill, Forbes Wild Foods, Sequel Catering, K2 Milling, Sheldon Creek Dairy, Saugeen County Yogurt, Chapman’s, 100 km Foods Inc., and Matthew Flett.

The following musicians and artists from our area entertained the crowd: Jim Cuddy, Jesse Cook, Patrick Keating, Mike Giles, Bruce Ley, Whitey Somers, Romney Getty, Steve the Potter, Peter Adams, Jill Price, Jim Leithead, Jordan Eveland, Brian Wall, Our Shotgun Wedding, and the group Artists against the Mega Quarry.

The participants and attendees of Soupstock enjoyed glorious weather as they meandered between numerous soup tents throughout the park and enjoyed the offerings of over 200 chefs. To read further about the event and those involved check out www.soupstock.ca.