This year a variety of activities including a horse parade at 1 pm, heritage animal breeds’ display, agricultural demonstrations, a display of Frost & Wood implements, baked goods, and entertainment are sure to delight as you explore the 20th annual Harvest Festival des récoltes at the Glengarry Pioneer Museum in Dunvegan on, Sunday, September 8 from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Organizers of this year’s Harvest Festival des récoltes are very excited to share with visitors a special display of Frost & Wood Implements.
“The Frost & Wood Company was formed in 1846 when Ebenezer Frost and Alexander Wood became partners. The company was a successful business located in Smith Falls and continued to operate into the 1930s when Cockshutt bought it out,” explains organizer Jack Fraser.
“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 agricultural technology.”
Several speakers will discuss the Frost & Wood company around 2:15 pm in the schoolhouse, on-site, giving a brief history of the company. Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to see this marvelous piece of agricultural history!
After you’ve marvelled over the Frost & Wood 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 encouraged to enter the apple pie contest happening at the Harvest Tent at 12:30 p.m. Children are invited to submit an apple tart. One of the contest judges will be Elizabeth Chisholm, the daughter of famed local pie maker Flora Chisholm. While you are checking out the Apple Pie contest 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. And, of course, don’t forget to stop by the Children’s Tent for lots of games and activities including: a Rooster Crowing contest (fowl and human), heaviest zucchini contest, sack races, old-fashioned 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 Beau’s 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.
