Thanksgiving weekend visitors looking to soak up the colours of autumn while enjoying local food, entertainment and family-friendly activities will once again have plenty to choose from at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons.
The annual Hometown Harvest Festival runs Oct. 10 to 12, offering three days of seasonal experiences that celebrate the harvest season and the region's history.
Coordinator, Marketing and Media Relations, Mikaela Lefaive, describes the event as a celebration of "the harvest and the bounty of the fall," blending the atmosphere of a traditional fall fair with the site's unique historical setting.
"It's a magical time of year," LeFaive said. "It's beautiful. And we dress up the site in local foliage. So it's extra special."
The National Historic Site will be transformed with autumn displays and activities designed to appeal to visitors of all ages. Attractions include guided barn tours, live music, beginner-friendly line dancing, heritage games, traditional Indigenous activities and a large artisan market featuring more than 30 local vendors selling handmade products.
Visitors will also have the chance to meet several farm animals throughout the weekend, including miniature goats, horses and a miniature donkey joining the site's heritage livestock.
LeFaive said the event offers enough programming to fill an entire day.
"I would say it's definitely a full day, especially if you're planning to come and have a meal," she said. "There really is something for every age."
Food is expected to be a major draw. Restaurant Sainte-Marie will serve traditional turkey dinners complete with mashed potatoes, stuffing and seasonal favourites throughout the weekend. Guests can also sample Three Sisters soup, bannock roasted over an open fire and herbal teas inspired by harvest traditions.
For those looking for a unique seasonal treat, the popular Turkey Dinner Poutine will also be available.
Festival organizers say visitors can enjoy live entertainment each day, with Madison Mueller performing Saturday, Geneviève Cyr taking the stage Sunday and Russ Clayton offering an interactive musical experience Monday. Boots at the Bay will also return for line dancing sessions on Saturday and Sunday.
The event has also become an important tourism draw for the region. Organizers say last year's festival generated nearly $600,000 in economic activity, supporting local hotels, shops and businesses during the busy fall tourism season.
"Thanksgiving weekend is all about making memories, and the Hometown Harvest Festival offers countless opportunities to do just that," said Will Baird, general manager of Huronia Historical Parks.
Listen below to Dan Blakeley's interview with Mikael Lefaive
The Hometown Harvest Festival runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily from Saturday through Thanksgiving Monday. Admission is $15 per person, tax included. Children five and under receive free admission, as do Indigenous visitors, Canadian Armed Forces members and support persons accompanying guests with disabilities.
LeFaive encourages visitors planning to enjoy the popular turkey dinner to reserve in advance, noting seating often sells out during peak meal times.
More information and tickets are available through Sainte-Marie among the Hurons.
