NEWS RELEASE
HURONIA HISTORICAL PARKS
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This Oct. 12 to 14, the grounds of Sainte-Marie among the Hurons will transform into a charming backdrop for a vibrant tapestry of autumnal activities at the annual Hometown Harvest Festival.
This year’s event promises to be more exhilarating and immersive than ever, combining cherished traditions with fun new fall experiences for guests of all ages.
“This long weekend, Sainte-Marie among the Hurons is showcasing the wonder of fall at its annual Hometown Harvest Festival — a must-see holiday event for people of all ages,” said Stan Cho, minister of tourism, culture and gaming. “With a variety of fun fall activities, unique food experiences, and exceptional sights steeped in history, this family-friendly event offers the perfect opportunity to make new memories as you celebrate the joys of Thanksgiving.”
Pull on a cozy sweater and visit the historic mission from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. to wander an expansive artisan market brimming with local, handcrafted treasures. Explore over 30 unique booths offering everything from delectable baked goods to exquisite jewelry.
Get ready for an adventure through time with a new family scavenger hunt for artifacts. Take part in captivating historical demonstrations and test your lacrosse skills, or make your own hand-dipped candles. Enjoy toe-tapping live performances by children’s music sensation Russ Clayton. Engage in colossal games of pumpkin checkers, gourd tic-tac-toe and corn darts.
Also new this year is a brand-new outdoor beer garden, hosted by Restaurant Sainte-Marie. Located right on the historic site, amongst historical buildings, this vibrant space lets parents kick back and savour the moment while keeping an eye on their kids as they enjoy historic games and crafts. But that’s not all — prepare your taste buds for a treat. The restaurant will be debuting an exclusive lager crafted just for Sainte-Marie among the Hurons by the talented brewers at Quayle’s Brewery. Known for their innovative approach to craft beers, Quayle’s is sure to deliver a brew that perfectly complements the historic atmosphere.
The festival wouldn’t be complete without beloved classic attractions, including opportunities to tour Sainte-Marie’s barns and meet heritage animals, savour mouthwatering three sisters’ soup prepared in the historic cookhouse, and roast delicious bannock over an open fire.
Sainte-Marie’s historical buildings will also be beautifully dressed up for the fall with heritage gourds and locally harvested seasonal foliage so that guests are truly immersed in the captivating hues of the fall season.
“This festival is a wonderful opportunity for families and friends to gather, embrace the bounties of the harvest, and connect with the rich traditions of our past,” says Will Baird, general manager of Huronia Historical Parks. “I can’t wait to see the creativity and spirit of our young gardeners in the vegetable-growing contests.”
Restaurant Sainte-Marie will serve up a sumptuous Thanksgiving feast featuring tender turkey, creamy mashed potatoes and all the trimmings from noon to 8 p.m. Reservations are encouraged, and the full menu is available at SainteMarie-events.ca.
Young festival goers are invited to showcase their harvest and artistic creations. Submit entries by Oct. 10 in categories like Most Unusual Vegetable, Best Looking Squash and Best Paper Plate Pumpkin Art.
Submissions will be judged by Sainte-Marie’s agricultural specialist, Madelaine MacDonald. The winner in each category will receive four tickets to First Light at Sainte-Marie, as well as four tickets to Pumpkinferno at Discovery Harbour — a total value of $120 per prize. The overall winner — across all categories — will receive four season passes to Huronia Historical Parks, valid for most events at both historic sites throughout the 2025-26 season.
Admission for the Hometown Harvest Festival is just $15 per person, taxes included. Advanced tickets are not required but may allow guests to skip the line upon arrival. Tickets and details are available at SainteMarie-events.ca.
Take part in a historical autumn adventure at Sainte-Marie Among the Hurons — where history comes alive.
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