More than 150 unique artisans, crafters, local farmers, and talented musicians and entertainers from across Ontario and beyond will once again be featured at Ball’s Falls Conservation Area for the annual Thanksgiving Festival from Oct. 11 to 14. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Thanksgiving Festival, which began as a one-day craft show in 1974.
“We are proud to celebrate 50 years of heritage, culture, and family tradition at the Ball’s Falls Thanksgiving Festival,” says Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) Board Chair, John Metcalfe. “For half a century, we have had the privilege of hosting thousands of guests from near and far, and this year is no different. We have a fantastic long weekend planned for everyone to experience nature, arts, culture, history, shopping, and fall harvest fun all in one place. The event remains true to tradition and will feature popular vendors and artisans while showcasing local food, drink, and history.”
In addition to shopping for arts, crafts, and wares, visitors can enjoy the incredible beauty and scenery along the majestic Niagara Escarpment and colourful Carolinian forest. Take in the sights, sounds, and seasonal scents of the Thanksgiving Festival and explore the forested trails. Travel back in time to the 1800s and tour the Victorian-era Ball Family home, historic chapel, and original grist mill, operating as it did when it opened in 1809.
To celebrate 50 years, the Thanksgiving Festival will feature an extended evening of music on Saturday October 12, featuring Canadian singer and songwriter, Tebey. A Nashville resident and Ontario native, Tebey is a platinum selling artist, award-winning producer, and accomplished songwriter with multiple number one songs in his repertoire of hits. This year’s entertainment line-up, presented by Giant FM and Niagara’s New Country 89.1, will appeal to audiences of all ages. With a great mix of new and classic rock, and the best new and rising Canadian country, the music is sure to get everyone dancing.
The Ball’s Falls Thanksgiving Festival will take place from Friday, Oct. 11 to Monday, Oct. 14, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Extended hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 12.
Admission is $10.50 for adults and $7.50 for seniors and children ages 3 to 11.
NPCA is proud to donate $1 from every General Admission ticket sold to the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Foundation (NPCF). By attending the festival, guests are not only enjoying a 50-year-old tradition filled with history and heritage but also contributing to vital conservation efforts across the Niagara Peninsula watershed.
Guests are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance to allow for ease of access upon arrival. Admission will also be available at the gate all weekend long while parking space is available. Parking space is limited, and guests are encouraged to carpool. Parking is located off of Seventh Avenue, with accessible parking available for those with valid permit at the Centre for Conservation.
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.
The event is rain or shine. Only service animals are permitted at the event. For more details on this year’s festival visit www.thanksgivingfestival.ca
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Learn more about Ball’s Falls Conservation Area and NPCA: www.npca.ca
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About the 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.
