By Brian Lockhart

If you have a sweet tooth, there will be an opportunity to indulge in a variety of treats this weekend at the Ice Cream and Dessert Fest. 

The event will be held at the Orangeville Fairgrounds on Saturday, July 22, from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. and will raise money for Family Transition Place, a not-for-profit that supports women fleeing domestic violence. 

Presented by The Hometown Market, this family-friendly event will focus on ice cream, desserts, and everything sweet.

Event organizer Melissa Shea has previously held markets in the region featuring local vendors. Most recently, she organized the “Market on Mill Street” for the Orangeville Blues and Jazz Festival.

Melissa's love for sweets led her to the idea of organizing the Ice Cream and Dessert Fest.

“I have a huge sweet tooth,” Melissa admitted.

For the event, she noted, “It will take place outdoors at the [Orangeville] Fairgrounds. Entry is a $5 cash admission for ages 15 and up. 100 per cent of the admission fees will be going to Family Transition Place. It will be a cash admission because it's going to a great cause. There will be a bouncy castle. There will be food trucks and desserts.”

A variety of vendors will be set up on-site with everything from home décor, woodworking, candles, and many other unique items.

Melissa has been hosting market events for four years, and she always tries to come up with different themes for her Hometown Market events.

“We try to come up with different themes to keep the interest going,” Melissa explained. “This is our first food themed event, so we are very excited.”

In the past, she has also hosted Halloween and Christmas events.

Melissa said there's lots to enjoy at the Ice Cream and Dessert Fest. 

“We have ice cream trucks and food trucks, and it's a family event. The main focus is to support Family Transition Place,” she noted. 

The event has received a lot of interest, with over 3,000 people clicking on “interested” on the event's Facebook page.

Most likely, it will be a rain-or-shine event.

The Ice Cream and Dessert Fest will take place at the Orangeville Fairgrounds on Saturday, July 22, from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.