That’s the premise behind the third annual Pizza Festival, which is a fundraiser for the New Glasgow Rotary Club.
“Those who like it, like it a lot,” festival co-chair Gary Hollett said about the county’s pizza, borrowing a phrase from an Alexander Keith’s commercial in the 1990s.
The saying is especially fitting considering the relationship the festival is establishing with the local craft beer industry, with Lyons Brook’s Uncle Leo’s Brewery set to provide a complimentary beer to each ticket holder (or a beverage from Big 8).
The one-day event is set to take place on April 23 with a few changes from previous years.
Organizers have added more pizza restaurants, with eight venues to sample from, as well as a change in venue in order to accommodate a bigger crowd.
It’s moving to the second floor of the Pictou County Wellness Centre, which will allow them to accommodate more than 300 people, Hollett said.
Hollett said they’re also moving away from a competition style to more of a celebration, which goes along with how they see the festival progressing.
“Our vision is to have a weekend or weeklong celebration,” he said, adding that they’d like to see it boost tourism to the area. “It’s the only pizza I know of that has a song written about it.”
The eight participating restaurants include: Acropole, Café Italia, Crossroads Country Market, Greco Pizza, Jessy’s Pizza, Pictou Country Pizza, The Original Sam’s Pizza, and Sobeys Westside. A cash bar will be available on site.
The Rotary Club of New Glasgow supports local organizations such as Admiral Murray Sea Cadets, Pictou Antigonish Regional Library, Rotary Goodman Park, North Nova Education Centre, and the Shepherd’s Lunch Room. Internationally, they support Uganda School for Girls, the Coady International Institute, and the End Polio Now program.
On Twitter: @NGNewsAmanda
Pizza Festival of Pictou County
• April 23
• 7 to 10 p.m., doors open at 7
• Pictou County Wellness Centre
• Tickets $25 in advance, $30 at the door. Includes pizza + beverage
• Tickets Available: Scotia Bank New Glasgow and Pictou Branches; Pictou County Wellness Centre; Canadian Tire Customer Service Desk; Big Al’s; from any New Glasgow Rotary Club member
