More than 170 unique artisans, crafters, local farmers, and talented musicians from across the country will once again descend upon Ball’s Falls Conservation Area this long weekend, for the 45th Annual Ball’s Falls Thanksgiving Festival.
“We are thrilled to offer this family tradition for the 45th year in a row, where guests can experience culture, history, and fall harvest fun all in one unique place,” says Alicia Powell, Acting Manager of Strategic Initiatives at Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority. “The Festival has something for everyone; from live entertainment and local craft beer and wine, to family-friendly activities, historical tours, a farmers market, and unique craft vendors with one-of-a-kind products.”
Guests will have a chance to travel back in time to the 1800s at the Ball’s Falls Historical Village, with blacksmithing and hand weaving and spinning demonstrations, and tours of the original Ball Family home, and grist mill. Fresh ground flour from this operational grist mill will be available for purchase at $7 per bag, or $10 for two.
The Festival will feature local wine and craft beer from Niagara’s own Silversmith Brewing Company, Bench Brewing, Calamus Winery, Tawse Winery, and Flat Rock Cellars. The ever-popular Farmers Market will welcome Weiland Farm, Langside Farms Organic Garlic, Happy Bees Apiary, and Food 4 Life Market Garden among others. A number of food trucks will also be on site, including; Pig-out Catering, Country Boys Mobile as well as Avella’s Wood Fired Oven.
This year’s entertainment lineup presented by Giant FM and Country 89 includes fan favorites like Riley Michaels, The Country Junkies, and Road Waves. Organizers have put together an entertainment line up that will appeal to varied tastes and ages. Some of the different musical genres will be new country and rock, to Celtic, blues, and folk music. The NPCA promises lots to do for the kids as well, including magic shows by Scoop McCoy and Calvin’s Magic, pony rides, face painting, and inflatables all weekend long.
The Ball’s Falls Thanksgiving Festival is a major fundraiser for the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA), with revenues directed to Ball’s Falls Conservation Area, and the NPCA’s various conservation, recreation, and education programs and projects.
The festival begins Friday, Oct. 11 through to Monday, Oct. 14, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Admission is $7 per adult. Children 13 and under are free when accompanied by an adult. A special rate of $6 will be offered to seniors on Friday, Oct. 11.
Ball’s Falls Conservation Area is located in Lincoln, Ontario – South of Vineland. Visitors are encouraged to use alternate routes to Victoria Avenue to avoid traffic congestion.
For additional Festival details, including the 2019 event details, entertainment line-up, vendor list, and more, visit www.thanksgivingfestival.ca.
