Cider Fest 2017 live at Puddicombe Estate - Winona, Ontario - June 23-24, 2017; River Town Saints, Kira Isabella, Gord Bamford, JJ Shiplett, Jason Benoit, Madeline Merlo and George Canyon

Canadian Country singer George Canyon closed off the two-day Cider Fest in Winona, Ontario June 24th. (Photo Credit: Joel Naphin)

Cider Fest 2017 featuring River Town Saints, Kira Isabella, Gord Bamford, JJ Shiplett, Jason Benoit, Madeline Merlo and George Canyon
Puddicombe Estate
Winona, Ontario
June 23-24, 2017

I have been to many festivals over the years and most recently I covered Cider Fest – a two-day Country music festival in Winona, Ontario featuring a great mix of Canadian Country – River Town Saints, Kira Isabella, Gord Bamford, JJ Shiplett, Jason Benoit, Madeline Merlo and George Canyon. Cider Fest now rates as one of my favourite festivals!

I must admit, I didn’t even know where Winona was located, let alone been there, until Cider Fest. It’s a small community off the QEW tucked away in between Grimsby and Stoney Creek on Highway #8. The festival, in its sixth year, took place at Puddicombe Estate – a local winery and brewery where they make their own wine and cider beer. They have a country store on site along with many other things. It would be a great place to visit any time of the year.

The first night, June 23, featured River Town Saints, Kira Isabella and Gord Bamford. The following night JJ Shiplett, Jason Benoit, Madeline Merlo and headliner George Canyon took over the stage. The grounds was packed both nights. What could be wrong? Live music, great weather, food trucks and plenty of beer and wine made for a perfect weekend!

A lot of the artists did meet and greets. Daniel Clark of Cithara Guitars, out of Hamilton, donated an acoustic guitar made especially for Cider Fest. All the artists signed the guitar for a giveaway to raise money for charity.

Overall, I was really impressed with the entire Cider Fest. My only complaint is that I didn’t know about this festival previously. Now I’m looking forward to next year!

All photos by Joel Naphin
©2017. Please DO NOT copy or use without permission.

June 23, 2017: