'Tis the season for butter tarts.
Butter tart festivals are popping up all over Ontario, and for the first time, Chatham will host the Tart and Soul Butter Tart Festival.
Organized by food enthusiast Doug Robbins (a.k.a. Dougthefoodie) and the Curious Bird Market, the event will take place on Saturday, June 28, at Sons of Kent Brewing Co. (29 Adelaide St S). It's free for all ages and promises decadent sweets, soulful music, and a vibrant maker’s market showcasing local talent.
Only one baker participating in the festival's Butter Tart Competition comes from Chatham-Kent. Others will be coming in from across Ontario, including from Welland, Windsor, Sarnia, London, Etobicoke, Innisfil, and Erin.
"We've got Tartisans coming from all over the province, but only one brave soul stepping up from Chatham-Kent," said Robbins.
The competition categories include People's Choice, Best Tart Judged, Specialty Tart, and Best Homemade Tart.
In addition to baked goods, there will be vendors selling everything from preserves to candles to handmade kitchen wares.
"We're building more than a festival - we're building community," Robbins said. "This is a chance to connect over something joyful, support local creators, and have a whole lot of fun. Whether you're baking, vending, or just indulging, there's a place for you here."
Local vendors interested in joining the market can contact Doug Robbins directly at dougthefoodie@icloud.com.
"It's time for Chatham to rise, roll up those sleeves, and show Ontario how we do butter tarts," he added.
