New Collaboration
This year’s Stratford Kiwanis Garlic Festival will feature chefs and alumni from the Stratford Chefs School, along with local garlic growers, artisan vendors, prepared food and live music on the Kiwanis Sound Stage.
Celebrating Local Food
Two of Stratford’s most respected organizations are joining forces in a collaboration that celebrates outstanding local food while making a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families throughout the Stratford area.
Stratford Kiwanis Garlic Festival recently announced a collaboration with Stratford Chefs School - bringing together talented, world-class chefs, passionate food lovers, area producers, and dedicated volunteers for a weekend that showcases the very best of Southwestern Ontario’s food culture.
“This new collaboration demonstrates what can happen when a community comes together,” said Garlic Festival Chair Mike Westmorland. “The Stratford Chefs School has built an international reputation for culinary excellence, while the Stratford Garlic Festival has become one of the region’s favourite celebrations of local food."
Demos and Educational Programs
The collaboration will feature Stratford Chefs School chefs and alumni - led by Chef Eli Silverthorne - participating in cooking demonstrations, educational presentations and special programming that celebrates not just Ontario garlic, but local agriculture and creative cuisine. Audience members are invited to join in and discuss their gastronomic challenges with the Chefs throughout the presentations.
Eli Silverthorne
“Having participated as a presenter at the Kiwanis Garlic Festival for the past three years, I am excited to take on a more involved role in this year’s event," said Chef Eli Silverthorne, Stratford Chefs School Instructor and also a graduate. "I deeply value the impact Kiwanis has on our local communities and am proud to support their efforts."
Signature Fundraising Event
The Kiwanis Club of Stratford has a long, rich history of serving the community through projects that improve the lives of children. The Garlic Festival has become one of its signature fundraising events, allowing the club to support food security initiatives, youth programs, educational opportunities, fitness opportunities, musical programs and many other charitable causes throughout Stratford and area.
This year's Festival will run Saturday, September 12 from 9 am to 4 pm and Sunday, September 13 from 10 am to 4 pm. Presentations and demonstrations will run on both days.
Garlic photo and story excerpts from StratfordToday.ca
Photo of Chef Eli Silverthorne teaching an Open Kitchen cooking class by Terry Manzo
Learn More
Learn more about Stratford Kiwanis Garlic Festival.
Learn more about our Enriched Cook Apprenticeship 32 week program.
Learn more about our Open Kitchen recreational cooking classes and other events.
Do you have questions about our Program?
Contact us by email admin@stratfordchef.com or call 519.271.1414