After somewhat threatening weather the morning of August 12^th, the sun came out to welcome over 500 guests and volunteers from across Niagara at SLIDERFEST 2023.

“We were a tad concerned about the weather forecast, however SLIDERFEST has always been a rain or shine event and our organizers were prepared with an oversized tent for guests and tents for the chefs and band,” said Pat O’Hara, President of the Fonthill Lions Club.  “We were even prepared to escort our guests with large umbrellas to pick up their sliders from each of the restaurants.”

SLIDERFEST is a People’s Choice contest for the best tasting slider, as voted on by guests in attendance.  Their entry punch card ticket is also their ballot to vote.

A wide range of slider recipes were on the menu at this year’s friendly competition between five local restaurants.  It was a close race, but in the end Backroad Barbeque Company from Port Colborne became the new reigning champ with their authentic southern smoked brisket slider being voted the best.  Other recipes included flavourful ground turkey, infused with feta and roasted red pepper from Smokin’ Buddha; delicious beer-brined roasted Canadian peameal, topped with summer tomato, peach and pepper jam from Righteous Monger (Kame & Kettle); tasty ginger/hoisin-infused beef from Butcher & Banker; and savoury Tunisian spiced-ground lamb with feta cheese from Culinary Dropout.

The Grand Prize trip to Turks & Caicos was won by Roger Grenier and Suzanne Payeur-Grenier of Welland, which includes a three-night stay for two adults in a Classic Cottage at Kokomo Botanical Resort. The prize package also includes a three-day car rental and a $50 daily resort credit good for dining at Kokomo’s famous WE Grill + Wok restaurant, luxurious Balinese Spa Treatment or Island Eco-Adventures Tour and a $750 Cash Airfare Allowance. Roger and Suzanne have the option to extend their stay at Kokomo at a rate of 10% off the most attractive rate at the time of booking. For more information about Kokomo Botanical Resort, visit https://kokomobotanicalresort.com/.

The winner of the 50/50 draw of $680 wishes to remain anonymous, however did advise that the winning would all be donated to the Greater Niagara Association of the Deaf (GNAD), an organization that is near and dear to the winner’s heart.

Adventure and Adrenaline

2023 was the fourth SLIDERFEST event, which like the first three from 2017 – 2019 inclusive, sold out well in advance.  Because of potential of bad weather, a limited number of tickets were donated back to the Lions, however available tickets were quickly scooped up.

“We are proud to be a part of this exciting event,” said Don Vloet, Owner of Dun for You Contracting, and Title Sponsor of SLIDERFEST 2023.  “We really enjoyed trying the sliders and mingling with friends.”

In addition to the slider competition, Grand Prize, 50/50, there was Silent Auction, loaded with unique and fun experiences such as glamping at Allegheny A-Frame Cottage, Sundance Hot-Air Ballooning, GTA Exotic Car Racing experience, and a set of F. DICK knives, along with a Profboard cutting board with interchangeable top sheets, just to mention a few.  There was live music by The Rhythm Hounds, dancing, a Kid’s Fun Zone with inflatables and carnival-type games, organized by Dube Realty.

It was a fun event for all ages.  Proceeds go to Fonthill Lions Community Service, which is very diverse and wide reaching in scope.

For more information about SLIDERFEST visit www.sliderfest.ca.