Garlic Gallop and Music Festival debuts in Paris this month Event aims to promote healthy living and raise money for Brantford General Hospital Emergency Department renovations

By Casandra Turnbull

A local man is taking an organic approach to fundraising with the hopes of bringing community together, emphasizing the importance of self-care through exercise and nutritious eating all while raising money for the Brant County Healthcare System.

The Garlic Gallop and Music Festival will debut in Paris later this month at Lion’s Park. The event incorporates a 3k and 5k run option through the beautiful Barker’s Bush Trail, followed by a post run cool down with Up Yoga at Lion’s Park. Guests can browse and shop with area vendors and enjoy live music– all in the name of health and wellness. There’s a $5 donation fee to participate in the run with all money raised going to the Brantford General Hospital’s Emergency Room department renovation.

Presented by Samuel Lynne-Davies from River Dog Farm, this one-of-a-kind, locally ‘grown’ fundraiser puts an emphasis on the importance of healthy living. Davies runs River Dog Farm in Paris, a small family farm that takes a regenerative approach to agriculture –which allows for environmental sustainability and harvests high quality, nutrient-dense produce.

“The inspiration behind this charity fun run stems from a deep-rooted belief in promoting holistic health within our community,” said Davies in an email to The Paris Independent “As for choosing BCHS Foundation as our beneficiary, I’ve made the odd visit when in need and was lucky enough to have my son born in the Brantford General Hospital too. Right now, the hospital is stressed and needs to grow, this would be a great time for the community to lighten the load by becoming more health-conscious by learning more about self-care and how food as medicine could benefit some people.”

Not only that, Davies said he believes fundraising and education events like this one gives people an opportunity to come together to support vital services like healthcare, while bonding as a community as a whole.

Garlic Gallop and Music Festival takes place on Sunday, July 21 from 8 am to 1 pm. The event kicks off with music at Lion’s Park at 8 am, followed by the Barker’s Bush Trail Run at 8:30 am.

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The Garlic Gallop and Music Festival includes a 3k and 5k run through Barker’s Bush Trails. Runners will pay a $5 fee to participate, and the money collected will be donated to the Brantford General Hospital’s Emergency Department renovation.

Families who are not participating in the run can browse through the vendors set up at Lion’s Park or take part in a special Kids’ Treasure Hunt in the park – complete with prizes! The event will also feature a special Garlic Exhibit because garlic has proven health benefits from fighting the common cold to lowering blood pressure and cholesterol. As a self-proclaimed music lover at heart, Davies was sure to incorporate some tunes into the event. Throughout the morning, Tryster Sister will headline the event from the bandshell, playing hits throughout the decades. There will also be a selection of international performers that will be able to take the stage. “Many thanks to these musicians for bringing the live music to the festival,” said Davies.

He also thanked Jill and Rachel from Up Yoga for bringing their uplifting and positive energy to the day’s programming by offering guests some incredibly soothing outdoor Yoga sessions, as well as the Paris Optimist Club who will ensure all athletes have something warm to eat during the day. “Thanks to my friends and family who have helped make this possible. A big thanks to the volunteers who are going to make sure the run on the trail is completed safely, you are all a critical part of the Garlic Gallop and Music Fest!”

If all goes well at this inaugural event, Davies plans to make it an annual gathering as an ongoing effort to promote healthy living.

“This can be a chance for anyone at the Garlic Gallop and Music Fest to look at themselves, say "I feel good", and enjoy the beautiful July weather Hopefully, along the way, people can make a few new friends while sharing common interests in music, local food, and exercise ”

Do you want to participate or get involved?

You can register for the run ahead of time online, here. There’s also spots available for interested vendors. Reach out to Samuel Davies by email: riverdogfarmcanada@gmail.com