The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) is getting ready to host more than 150 vendors and thousands of visitors from across the watershed and beyond at the 50th anniversary of the Ball’s Falls Thanksgiving Festival this weekend.
“For our 50th anniversary celebration, we knew the festival had to be extra special. We’re thrilled to offer an extended music night featuring award-winning Canadian country artist, Tebey, with opening act The Redhill Valleys,” says Alicia Powell, Manager of Conservation Areas Programs and Services with NPCA. "We also have limited-edition merch, so everyone can take home a piece of the festival to enjoy and remember throughout the entire year.”
Taking place from Oct. 11 to 14, guests will be immersed in the history of Ball’s Falls when they visit the Heritage Village of Glen Elgin. Watch blacksmithing, wood carving, handweaving, and spinning demonstrations given by NPCA staff and volunteers. Guests will travel back in time to the 1800s as they tour the Victorian-era Ball Family home, historic chapel, and original grist mill, operating as it did in 1809. Fresh ground whole wheat flour from the mill will also be available for purchase.
Families can enjoy daily birds-of-prey shows presented by the Canadian Raptor Conservancy and magic shows by entertainers like Calvin’s Magic and Scoop McCoy. Children will especially love free face painting, story time, games and crafts in the village, and train rides by Niagara Antique Power Association.
The festival will feature Niagara’s best local wine and craft beer from Bench Brewing, Newark Brewing Company, NB Distillers, Calamus Winery and Kacaba Vineyards Winery will be pouring. Don't miss longtime vendors such as the Peanut Gallery, Art Dean Apple Cider, Sprucewood Handmade Cookie Co. and more!
Diverse flavours from local craft food vendors and food trucks such as Hunger Station FT, Lokanta Mediterreanean Cuisine, Avella's Wood Fired Oven, and Mis Amigos Festival Catering will surely satisfy all who attend this year’s festival and offer the perfect pairings to any beverages. Delectable options also available will include Ontario Corn Roasters, Buds-Kettle-Corn, and Heavenly Dreams Ice Cream.
This year’s entertainment line-up, presented by Giant FM and New Country 89, will appeal to audiences of all ages with fan favorites like Four Ounce Pour, Andy Colonico, The Rebellion Dogs, Mackenzie Leigh Meyer, and Nate Haller. They will be joined by several other great musicians and entertainers on the main stage all weekend long.
The Ball’s Falls Thanksgiving Festival is supported with funding provided by the Government of Ontario, Niagara Benchlands and radio station partners which include Classic Rock 91.7 Giant FM and Niagara’s New Country 89.1.
Carpooling is encouraged as on-site parking is limited. The use of alternate routes to Victoria Avenue is also suggested to avoid traffic congestion and wait times. Parking is available off Seventh Avenue, and accessible parking is available to permit holders at the Centre for Conservation at the conservation area.
Ball’s Falls Conservation Area is located in Lincoln, Ontario – south of Vineland. The event is rain or shine.
Only service animals are permitted at the event.
For more details on this year’s festival, including entertainment schedule and list of participating artisan, food and beverage vendors, visit www.thanksgivingfestival.ca
For more info about Ball’s Falls Conservation Area and the NPCA, visit www.npca.ca
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About Ball’s Falls Thanksgiving Festival:
From its humble beginnings as a one-day craft show, the event has become a family tradition and a Niagara staple. In its 50th year, it will celebrate fall with a unique and exciting weekend unlike any other! The Ball’s Falls Thanksgiving Festival is a significant fundraiser for the NPCA, with revenues directed to Ball’s Falls Conservation Area and various conservation, recreation and education programs and projects.
About Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA):
As a community-based natural resource management agency, the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority envisions a healthy and vibrant natural environment with shared greenspace and clean water for all. NPCA’s work supports the conservation, enhancement and sustainability of healthy watersheds with programs and services that focus on drinking water source protection, flood and hazard management, endangered species protection, ecosystem restoration, community stewardship, education, and land management.
NPCA is the caretaker of 41 conservation areas within the Niagara Peninsula watershed held in public trust for recreation, heritage preservation, conservation and education. These natural and shared greenspaces marry nature, culture and adventure to create limitless opportunities for discovery.
Questions related to the above release should be directed to:
Erika Navarro
Communications and Marketing Specialist
Cell: 905-650-4027
enavarro@npca.ca