An event that brought 100 people downtown last year to dine together on the main street has earned Orillia accolades from its provincial peers.
Last August, the Downtown Orillia Management Board (DOMB) organized its first Farm to Table Dinner. One hundred people gathered at tables that were set up on Mississaga Street, between Andrew and West streets, to enjoy dinner provided by local restaurants.
At the Ontario Business Improvement Area Association’s National Conference earlier this week at the Blue Mountain Conference Centre, the DOMB received the Special Events and Promotions Award (small market) for the Farm to Table Dinner.
“One of the criteria is that other BIAs can use (the event); it stands out,” said DOMB manager Lisa Thomson-Roop. “You kind of work in your own silos, away from other BIAs, so it’s very nice to be recognized by your peers when you do something very well.”
Six restaurants catered to the crowd. At this year’s event, on Sept. 15, there will be eight restaurants taking part — Rustica Pizza Vino, Tre Sorelle, Shine Juice Bar and Cafe, Era 67 Restaurant and Lounge, Patilero, Eclectic Café, and Fionn MacCool’s — and the DOMB is opening up an additional 25 seats for diners.
“It was an incredible event. Everyone that went loved it, enough that people are eager and excited about the next one. The feedback immediately after the event was that it was a success,” Thomson-Roop said. “It showcased the restaurants we have and local food. Overall, it connected residents and visitors to this downtown.”
This is the first such award for the DOMB that Thomson-Roop can remember. The organization had to submit its project for consideration. After this month’s win, Thomson-Roop said the DOMB will continue to apply in the years ahead in an attempt to showcase the unique events and promotions that happen in Orillia — not that no one at the conference didn’t already know.
“When we meet people in that environment, they are aware of downtown Orillia and have a positive view of who we are and what we’re doing,” she said.
She thanked Courtney Thompson, the DOMB’s event and marketing director, who was the project lead, as well as all of the sponsors and supporters.
