Thanksgiving tradition thrives at Ball’s Falls
Since taking over Buds Kettle Corn several years ago, Norman Kreger has made a new Thanksgiving tradition.
While the kettle corn business has been a mainstay at the Ball’s Falls Thanksgiving Festival for more than 15 years, this year marked the fourth year the St. Catharines resident and his wife Paula spent the long holiday weekend making the sweet and salty treat.
“It’s a great event. There are a lot of loyal vendors and visitors.”
This year, said Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority communications specialist Erika Navarro, there were many new families making the trip to Ball’s Falls, thanks in part to a social media marketing campaign that stretched beyond Niagara’s borders.
“We’ve heard from a lot of new visitors who say they will be making this their new family tradition,” said Navarro.
While inclement weather led to some messy conditions, attendance was strong over the weekend, particularly with the sun shining down on Monday.
While visitors were able to enjoy more than 170 artisans, farmers and exhibitors, they also were able to enjoy an educational experience over the weekend. Displays and demonstrations by groups such as Niagara Antique Power Association and Niagara Handweavers and Spinners Guild joined tours of the conservation area church, grist mill, Ball family home and blacksmith shop.
Brian Pihack of Welland and Doug Nollison of Fenwick spent their Sunday forging away in the blacksmith shop. Describing themselves as “hobby” blacksmiths.
“It’s something we enjoy doing, working with you hands and seeing what you can come up with,” said Nollison.
Added Pihack, “It’s important to show people how innovative 200-year-ago processes were and compare them to modern day. We don’t always realize what they went through and the impact it has had on today’s world.”