Streetsville’s annual Bread and Honey Festival is back again at Streetsville Memorial Park, the weekend of May 31-June 2.
Known as “The Village in the City,” Streetsville, a charming town nestled within the bustling city of Mississauga, boasts the highest concentration of historic structures in the area. Combining its old-world allure with over 300 distinct and welcoming eateries, coffee shops, bars, boutiques, and other establishments, Streetsville offers a delightful blend of the past and present.
History of Streetsville
If you are curious about its history, here is a snapshot of how Streetsville grew into a vibrant little town it is today.
In 1818, the British Government obtained the last tract of land along the Credit River’s banks. Timothy Street, a resident of Niagara Township, was tasked with surveying this final acquisition. As a reward, Mr. Street received 1,000 acres of land in the newly established township, which eventually became known as Streetsville in 1824.
In 1825, Timothy Street constructed a home for his family near his mill site, a structure that still stands proudly on the banks of the Credit River. This residence symbolizes the concerted effort by Streetsville’s merchants and residents to preserve the village’s heritage in their daily lives. It is this blend of historical appreciation and the vibrant array of modern retail shops and services that renders Streetsville the quintessential and most welcoming village within the City of Mississauga.
The foundation of Streetsville centered around its five major mill sites situated along a five-mile stretch of the swiftly flowing Credit River. By 1850, Streetsville had earned the moniker of the “Queen of the County.”
Formally incorporated as a village in 1858, with John Street serving as its inaugural Reeve, Streetsville progressed to town status in 1962, boasting a population of 5,000 and appointing Frank Dowling as its first Mayor.
Following regional government restructuring in 1974, Streetsville merged into the city of Mississauga. Despite this change, the community continues its tradition of celebrating the village’s founding every June with the Streetsville Founders’ Bread & Honey festival.
The History of the Bread and Honey Festival
The Bread and Honey Festival was originally conceived by the Promotion Committee of the Town of Streetsville in 1973.
Its inaugural success led to it becoming an annual event, organized by the Streetsville and District Chamber of Commerce, held every first Saturday in June since 1974, with Sam McCallion serving as Charter President.
The festival’s theme, Bread & Honey, stems from Streetsville’s commercial history. Timothy Street established the area’s first flour mill, with notable mills still in operation today – Kraft Canada and ADM Milling Ltd. Given the presence of many local apiaries at the time, honey was a natural addition. At the festival, attendees enjoy specially baked bread from the milling companies generously coated with local honey.
In 1984, the Kinsmen Club, Lions Club, and Rotary Club collaborated to manage the festival as a joint community endeavor. Over time, administration expanded to include members from the wider community, and numerous volunteers work tirelessly to organize and execute the festival’s various aspects.
By 1989, additional events were introduced on Sundays, and by 1990, the festival evolved into a weekend-long affair, spanning Friday through Sunday.
The Bread & Honey Festival takes place at Streetsville Memorial Park, a picturesque 30-acre natural amphitheater situated along the scenic Credit River.
The Festival’s operating hours are:
Friday, May 31st 4 pm to 11 pm
Saturday, June 1st 10 am to 11 pm
Sunday, June 2nd 10 am to 4 pm
Entry fees are as follows:
Friday night admission costs $5 per person, with children aged 5 and under admitted for free.
On Saturday, admission is free for children aged 5 and under, while those aged 6 to 12 are charged $5, and individuals aged 13 and older are charged $10. High school students with a valid school ID pay $5.
Sunday follows a similar pattern, with free admission for children aged 5 and under, a $5 fee for children aged 6 to 12, and a $10 fee for individuals aged 13 and older. High school students with a valid school ID also pay $5.
Enjoy!
