This year a variety of activities including a horse parade, heritage animal breeds’ display, agricultural demonstrations, a display of Munro & McIntosh buggies, baked goods, and entertainment are sure to delight as you explore the 19th annual Harvest Festival des récoltes at the Glengarry Pioneer Museum in Dunvegan on, Sunday, September 9 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Organizers of this year’s Harvest Festival des récoltes are very excited to share with visitors a special display of Munro & McIntosh buggies and sleighs. “The Munro & McIntosh Carriage Company was a major industry in Alexandria in the early 1900s. At the height of the company, 10,000 horse-drawn vehicles were built each year,” explains organizer Garry Howes. “This is such an important part of local history that we wanted to highlight this company’s importance to the local economy and to the development of transportation technology.”
Norman MacCrimmon of Lochinvar is just one collector who will be sharing a few pieces with visitors to the festival. MacCrimmon began keeping an eye out for these treasures because he was, “interested in having a piece of Alexandria’s history. These are important items which I think should be kept in the area.” Mr. Lanken will speak around 2:15 pm in the school house, on-site, giving a brief history of the company. Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to see this piece of local history!
After you’ve marveled over the Munro & McIntosh items and other agricultural implements on display, don’t forget to amble the grounds and take in a variety of artisans and demonstrators on hand! Bev MacLennan of Apple Hill will share his knowledge of rope-making and he always has a selection of quirky antique tools and implements on hand. Again, this year, Kenny MacLeod will share his knowledge of trapping. If you are looking for something sweet, there will be vendors selling maple syrup and honey on-site. In addition, there will be several demonstrators from the Twistle Guild of Glengarry eager to share their knowledge of spinning, weaving, and sewing. There is something for everyone’s interests!
There are plenty of things to see and do for children of all ages. Visitors are invited to create a Super Zuke: a rendering of your favourite super hero made from a zucchini and other natural items. The Super Zukes will be judged at the Harvest Tent at 2 pm. There will be prizes for the most creative Super Zuke. While you are checking out the Super Heroes at the Harvest Tent, don’t forget to check out the bake table which will be filled with delicious, home-baked goodies, preserves, fresh produce, and Heritage Plants. Once you have dropped off your Super Zuke, don’t forget to stop by the children’s tent for lots of games and activities including: sack races, lumber jack inspired relay races, crafts, and a penny candy booth. And if that isn’t enough, race over to the ice cream booth and try some old-fashioned ice cream!
Each year, visitors are delighted by the horse-powered parade that fills the streets of Dunvegan with the sounds and smells of this beautiful animal and the various “vehicles” they are hitched too. The parade will be led by the Quigley Highlander Pipe Band and will be starting at 1 p.m. Before and after the parade, be sure to visit the other animals on-site in the Heritage Livestock Club of Eastern Ontario’s area by the blacksmith shop.
Thanks to the hard-work of the Dunvegan Recreation Association delicious sausages, desserts, chips, drinks, and other goodies will be available for purchase should you need to re-fuel as you take in all that the Harvest Festival des récoltes has to offer. Once again, the Star Inn Bar will be open and serving Cassel Brewery beer to quench your thirst after browsing all the wonderful displays.
Admission to the event is $10.00 for adults, $5 for students, $25 for families, with children under 12 getting in free. Cash only please. This year’s festival is co-sponsored by Caisse Populaire de la Vallée, Munro Agromart Ltd, John & Julie Hope & family, and many other local businesses.
The Glengarry Pioneer Museum is located in Dunvegan, Ontario on County Road 24 (Dunvegan Road) at the crossroad with County Road 30 (Greenfield Road). Parking is available in several locations. Please follow signs and parking volunteers. Accessible parking is also available. www.glengarrypioneermuseum.ca 613-527-5230
