Thousands of butter tart fans descended on Chatham on June 28 to sample treats from the Tart & Soul Butter Tart Festival.
Organizers called the event a “sweet success,” as more than 3,000 people attended.
“From gooey classics to outrageous tart mashups (bacon-infused, anyone?), the community showed up in full force – forks in hand and smiles on faces – to sample, shop, and soak up the sounds of the live Soul Stage, which served up a smooth soundtrack to the day’s sticky indulgence,” organizer Doug Robbins wrote in an email.
“We knew people loved butter tarts – but the turnout and support absolutely blew us away,” he said. “We had folks drive in from hours away just to get a taste. Chatham really showed up – and so did the rest of Ontario.”
Bom Bish Bakery of Welland dominated in the awards, earning People’s Choice, Best Judged, and Best Specialty Butter Tart.
Buxton National Historic Site & Museum took top spot for Home Baker’s Best Butter Tart.
Bent Tin Bakery from Thamesville placed second in the People’s Choice category.
Robbins said the turnout has all but assured Tart & Soul will return in 2026, with Sons of Kent once again the expected host site. He added fans can expect an expanded schedule and new surprises.
