Adam Prudhomme
Beaver Staff
The Napanee and District Chamber of Commerce executed a successful “take over” of the Lennox Agricultural Society arena on Saturday.
Aptly named The Take Over, the event showcased local alcoholic beverage producers and food vendors from the Lennox and Addington and Prince Edward County region.
“On behalf of the committee and the Chamber, we were very happy,” said Megan Smith, business manager with the NDCC and event organizer. “The turnout was fantastic both with pre-purchased and day-off ticket sales. All the vendors were very happy.”
Guests of the event had a chance to sample some of the region’s local beer, wine, whisky and ciders, from what’s becoming one of the region’s fastest growing industries. Outside of the arena several food trucks had set up shop to give people a taste of what’s available in the region. The all-ages event included lineup of live music to entertain people as they perused the different vendors.
Smith says the committee members will meet soon to review how Saturday’s event went, but plans are already in the works for next year’s Take Over.
“The amount of work time, effort and contributions from volunteers, vendors, sponsors, donations from the community, it was definitely worth it,” Smith said when asked if they’d hold the event again. “All we heard from people was we can’t wait till next year.”
As good as the turnout was for the event, the real benefit is expected to come throughout the next couple of months with the increased exposure enjoyed by those in the food and beverage industry. Smith says guests came from as far as Sault Ste. Marie, Ont. to attend The Take Over.
“We actually had a posting, they tagged us on social media that they came through and they actually posted on social media how they made a trip to the liquor store after our event and picked up different varieties of stuff that was locally made, so that was pretty awesome.”