When people work together to build a stronger community, good things happen! Shroomfest, now having just completed its 17 year, is proof of that. Photo of the 2023 Event Courtesy of George Darouze
METCALFE – When the name Shroomfest is mentioned, it tends to make people smile, not because it is a fundraiser with an unusual name, but because it annually raises unusually large amounts of money to help support local activities. In this, its seventeenth year, Shroomfest Inc, a registered non-profit charity has done it again.
The 2024 edition of Shroomfest took place on Fri., May 3, at the Metcalfe Fair Grounds. Back this year by popular demand was “Funny Man” Jungle Jim Jerome. A steak supper was catered by AL Graham and the evening featured both live and silent auctions. Billed as the area’s annual men’s night, the evening once again proved a success, with more than $100,000 being raised through ticket sales, the live and silent auctions, and the incredible generosity of a very dedicated team of volunteers and sponsors.
There were many local dignitaries on hand, as is usually the case with Shroomfest, and not the least of which was Ottawa Ward 20 Councillor George Darouze. “Shroomfest is one of the largest fundraising events which occurs each year, right here in Metcalfe in the City of Ottawa,” said Councillor Darouze. “This year they celebrated their 17th Annual Men’s Night. The group that puts this event on does so much good work to ensure the evening is a success, and I really want to thank them for the work that goes into it.
“The evening brings together local businesses, community stakeholders, and residents to raise money that stays right here in the community. The money is shared with many different organizations in the area, benefitting over 40 organizations annually, from Scouts organizations, to the Osgoode Care Centre, it benefits so many different organizations.
I always truly enjoy attending the evening and seeing all the positive impacts that it has on our community, and it is another reminder that it is truly important to support local.”
They say that nothing breeds success like success, and that might very well be the case with Shroomfest. Attendance numbers keep growing, and where in the past 500 might have seemed like a lofty goal, 600 is now within reach. It’s amazing how much can be accomplished when individual efforts combine to achieve so much. When presentations are made to individual beneficiaries later this year, it will only help to promote what next year will be even greater.
