Annual Fall Harvest Festival is just around the corner
Animals, artisans, and homemade goodies abound at the 16th annual Harvest Fall Festival.
Again this summer, organizers at the Glengarry Pioneer Museum have been busy finalizing details for two exciting and popular weekend events this fall; the 16th annual Harvest Fall Festival on Sunday, September 13, followed by the Battle of Glengarry, Saturday and Sunday, September 26-27.
Step back in time on September 13 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and discover how Glengarry’s early settlers lived and worked. Explore how early settlers made butter, ice cream, harnesses and saddles, leather boots, and spun thread. Be captivated by at least 25 artisans demonstrating these techniques and many more. It may get a little noisy in the afternoon during this year’s rooster crowing contest. Get your roosters’ (real and imitation) crowing perfected!
This year there will be a particular focus on animals of all kinds including a petting zoo with rabbits, a mini pig, miniature ponies, and perhaps a few surprises. Louise Paquette, of Fassifern, and her family have been volunteering at the Festival for several years. “This is a great family event,” said Paquette.
In addition to the petting zoo, Laurie Maus from Dunvegan, has been busy organizing an exhibition focusing on heritage livestock through the Heritage Livestock Club of Eastern Ontario. Maus and her group focus on educating the public about heritage breeds and also offer connections for those interested in buying local, organic meat.
Visitors will also witness one of the largest horse-drawn wagon and carriage parades in Eastern Ontario led by the Quigley Highlanders Pipe Band at 1 p.m. The parade showcases horses, of course, but also various types of devices that were traditionally drawn by horses.
Guests with a flair for fashion are invited to come dressed in period attire. There will be music by several local groups including Leo Paquette & Family, the Glengarry Girls’ Choir, Aaron Pritchard, the Caddell Family and Doug MacPherson & Co. Don’t forget all the wonderful children’s pioneer activities throughout the day including games, crafts, and a Penny Candy booth.
Barb Newman, hailing from the hamlet of Maxville, is once again the organizer of the Harvest Sale Tent at the Festival. New this year to the Harvest Tent, Newman is inviting children under 12 years of age to make their very own scarecrow to enter in the scarecrow contest.
In addition, Newman is putting out a special call for donations of preserves, local produce, baked goods, bread and plants. “It’s a chance for members of the community to share preparations from their old family recipes and to bring their heritage plants for the gardens of others,” said Newman.
The Glengarry Pioneer Museum is located in Dunvegan on County Road 24 (Dunvegan Road), at the crossroad with County Road 30 (Greenfield Road). Parking is available on the road, or nearby in the Presbyterian Church parking lot. Accessible parking is also available.
More information can be found by calling Barb Newman at 613-527-1944 or the museum at 613-527-5230, or visit www. glengarrypioneermuseum.ca.