Wine, beer, artisan foods, cooking demonstrations, and live entertainment are all on the menu for the 12th annual London Wine and Food Show.
More than 16,000 people are expected to take in the three-day event at the Western Fair District Agriplex beginning Thursday. The show allows people to sample a wide range of food and beverages from local restaurants , bakeries, wineries, and breweries.
"We have 120 vendors ranging from wineries to breweries, tourism groups, and all sorts of difference specialties in between," said Rob Lumsden, show manager of the London Wine and Food Show. "We have five different themed lounges throughout the show, where you can come and relax and take a couple of minutes away from the sampling. With those there is everything from a man cave to a country lounge. They are nice places to sit down and enjoy."
The show kicks off on Thursday with Connoisseurs’ Night, which features performances by Eh440, an acapella group with just a beatboxer, bass vocalist, and three very different lead singers. Friday is ladies night, where the first 200 women through the door will receive a gift bag. London firefighters will strut their stuff on the main stage for the annual firefighters fashion show at 8pm.
The final and longest day of the show is Saturday, running from noon until 10:30pm.
Unlike in years past, cooking demonstrations and musical acts won't be sharing the same stage.
"We have separated our main stage where in the past we would have culinary and entertainment offerings on one stage. The feedback from both our guests and our chefs was that the culinary offerings were a little lost there. So we decided to split that and we have a quieter area where the chefs can really key in on the audience and put on a heck of a show," said Lumsden.
Fanshawe College has expanded on to two stages this year as well. One will offer demonstrations on things such as ice wine chocolate truffles from culinary and hospitality students, while the other will feature the sounds of the Fanshawe Industry Arts Program.
Lumsden said officials have also taken steps to ensure anyone who over-indulges at the show has a safe way home.
"Right at the front door we have Diamond Designated Drivers who will be there the entire weekend. You can pre-book your trip home. They will take you home in your own car," said Lumsden. "We also make the effort to make sure that Coca Cola joins us every year with some non alcoholic drinks, as well as Culligan Water. We want everyone to come in, have a great time in a safe secure environment, as well as make it home in a safe manner."
Lumsden recommends anyone wanting to attend the show purchase their tickets in advance as they do tend to sell out, especially on the Saturday.
Advance tickets are available until midnight Wednesday at the guest service booths at the Western Fair District or online at westernfairdistrict.com.
