Classic Thanksgiving Festival at Ball’s Falls
October 03rd 2011Here’s some news from our friends at Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority:
As the trees begin donning their fall colours, the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority is busy preparing for its long-standing classic Niagara tradition with the 37th annual Ball’s Falls Thanksgiving Festival weekend. The Festival will take place from October 7 to 10 at the beautiful Ball’s Falls Conservation Area in Jordan. This event is truly a favourite family tradition where visitors converge from far and wide to enjoy the many aspects of this fun festival.
The festivities begin on Friday, October 7 and run through to Monday, Oct. 10 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Admission is $6.00 per adult; children under 14 years of age are free when accompanied by an adult. Friday, Oct. 7 is Seniors Day with admission only $4.00 for seniors.
The Ball’s Falls Thanksgiving Festival features the exceptional work of over 100 artisans offering beautiful items for sale, a host of daily live entertainment, children’s activities and numerous heritage displays. Visitors can explore the rich natural and cultural heritage of the area including the many historical features such as the Ball family home, the historical Church, a visit through the operating Grist Mill and a peek inside the Blacksmith shop.
Be sure to visit the Seeds in Disguise exhibit sponsored by Stokes Seeds in the Centre for Conservation sponsored by Stokes Seeds. Again this year, wineries of the Twenty Valley will offer an assortment of wines for sampling. This is a great way for visitors to learn about the unique growing region while sampling some of Niagara’s finest vintages.
A courtesy shuttle service from the parking lot into the park area is available for those who wish to use it and visitors will be able to utilize a courtesy parcel checking service that will be conveniently available at the NPCA Information Tent. Handicap parking is available and visitors are reminded that the NO PETS POLICY at Special Events is in effect for the duration of the festival.
DIRECTIONS: Ball’s Falls Conservation Area is located south of Vineland on Regional Road 24. To avoid the traffic congestion along Victoria Ave., visitors are encouraged to use the alternate routes as follows: From Toronto; Follow QEW Niagara to Exit 64 (Ontario St. Beamsville) Take Ontario St. to Regional Road 81 (King St.) Turn LEFT and follow to Regional Road 24 (Victoria Ave.) Turn RIGHT onto Victoria Ave. and follow to 8th Ave. Turn LEFT onto 8th Ave. then turn LEFT onto 21st St. and LEFT at 7th Ave. to enter Parking Area; From Niagara Falls/ Buffalo: Follow QEW to Exit 55 (Jordan Rd.) Follow Jordan Road to Regional Road 81and follow signs to Ball’s Falls Parking; or access via Hwy 20 to Victoria Ave. Southbound – Follow Directional signs to new park access entrance.
Ball’s Falls Thanksgiving Festival
October 05th 2010The long-standing classic Niagara tradition of the annual Ball’s Falls Thanksgiving Festival will take place this weekend. The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) hosts the 36th annual festival from October 8 to 11 at Ball’s Falls Conservation Area in Jordan. This has become a favourite tradition for families and visitors who come from far and wide to partake in the festivities. In addition to the many items available for purchase, everyone can enjoy the incredible beauty of this 19th-century industrial hamlet, set amid the majestic Niagara Escarpment and Twenty Valley. The event is a major fundraiser for the Conservation Authority, with revenues from admission directed to a number of conservation programs.
The festival opens on Friday, October 8 and runs through to Monday, Oct. 11 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Admission is $6.00 per adult; children under 14 years of age are free when accompanied by an adult. Friday, October 8 is Seniors Day, with admission only $4.00 for seniors.
This festival features the exceptional work of many artisans offering unique items for sale. Daily live entertainment, children’s activities and numerous heritage displays will keep visitors engaged. The rich natural and cultural heritage of this conservation area also offers an opportunity to explore the many historical features on site including tours of the Ball family home, the historical Church, a visit through the Grist Mill and a look inside the Blacksmith shop.
A number of activities will also take place at the Centre for Conservation including “Northern Owls,” a travelling exhibit from the ROM. The National Film Board film, The Lady and the Owl, featuring Kay McKeever of the Owl Foundation, will be running throughout the day. Wildlife artist Mark Ricker will be painting a new work throughout the entire festival. He will also be featuring his paintings on feathers among his owl images. Mark graduated from advertising at Algonquin College, Art and Design and multimedia design at Niagara College. Upon graduation, Mark taught at Niagara College until 2001 when he decided to focus his full attention on his art career.
There will be free draws for Owl Magazine gift bags, Legend of the Guardians merchandise in conjunction with the Northern Owls exhibit as well as selected prizes awarded each day at 2:00 p.m. There will be an owl art and activities room where visitors of all ages can make an owl arm puppet, puzzles, masks and more! Join in a Scavenger Hunt with prizes and a raffle in conjunction with the next exhibit War on the Lakes 1812-1814. You can enter to win a signed print by noted marine artist Peter Rindlisbacher, or a CD by Ian Bell. Visit the core gallery and learn about the natural and cultural history of Ball’s Falls and the Niagara Escarpment UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. The gift shop will be open and offering snacks and great merchandise at reasonable prices.
Again this year, the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Foundation will host a raffle with an assortment of great prizes generously donated by the festival artisans, so be sure to visit them in the Big Barn to purchase your tickets in support this vital fundraising effort.
Ball’s Falls Conservation Area is located south of Vineland on Regional Road 24. To avoid the traffic congestion along Victoria Ave., visitors are encouraged to use the alternate routes as follows:
From Toronto: Follow QEW Niagara to Exit 64 (Ontario St. Beamsville) Take Ontario St. to Regional Road 81 (King St.) Turn LEFT and follow to Regional Road 24 (Victoria Ave.) Turn RIGHT onto Victoria Ave. and follow to 8th Ave. Turn LEFT onto 8th Ave. then turn LEFT onto 21st St. and LEFT at 7th Ave. to enter Parking Area.
From Niagara Falls/Buffalo: Follow QEW to Exit 55 (Jordan Rd.)Follow Jordan Road to Regional Road 81and follow signs to Ball’s Falls Parking; or access via Hwy 20 to Victoria Ave. Southbound – Follow Directional signs to new park access entrance.
A courtesy shuttle service from the parking lot into the park area is available for those who wish to use it and visitors will be able to utilize a courtesy parcel checking service that will be conveniently available at the NPCA Information Tent. Handicap parking is available and visitors are reminded that the NO PETS POLICY at Special Events is in effect for the duration of the festival.
Escarpment Views has been at this festival and gives you a look at the colours of Ball’s Falls in autumn! Free copies of the current Autumn issue are available at the Ball’s Falls Centre for Conservation. Pick one up when you visit the Festival.
To keep on top of what’s happening all along the Niagara Escarpment, subscribe to Escarpment Views.
Free Water Festival Family Day at Ball’s Falls Conservation Area
September 09th 2010Enjoy a day in celebration of the Niagara Children’s Water Festival. On Sept. 12, visit beautiful Ball’s Falls Conservation Area from 12:00 noon to 4:00 pm, rain or shine, to explore some interesting and fun activities related to our precious water resources. Admission is free and complimentary hot dogs and drinks will be available.
Visitors will have an opportunity to meet some special guests including Alex the Owl, the second- largest owl in the world, with a six-foot wingspan and measuring two and a half feet tall. His ‘Falcon’ companion and some ‘sciensational sssnakes’ are sure to delight kids of all ages. Experience interesting hands-on exhibits and Water Discovery Centres presented by many project partners. In addition there will be plenty of fun activities to keep the kids amused including children’s crafts, face painting, balloon twisters to name a few. The Town of Lincoln’s firefighters will let kids experience the latest in firefighting equipment and learn some great fire safety tips. The Region of Niagara, Waste Management will be on hand with a variety of recycling bins available for purchase including blue and grey boxes, kitchen catchers and green organic bins.
Water plays an important role in the quality of life that we enjoy. Grandparents, parents and kids are all welcome to come on Sunday Sept. 12 to enjoy a great outing at Ball’s Falls Conservation Area.
