Tradition and fall colours shine at Ball’s Falls Thanksgiving Festival

The Ball’s Falls Thanksgiving Festival is a family tradition dating back to 1974.

In its 51st year, it’s just gotten bigger and better – keeping the same holiday traditions alive for its loyal visitors and vendors.

“We come every single year and we’ve been coming since our kids were born,” said Lesley Newton, one festival attendee.

Starting their day with sweet corn, the Newtons know exactly how they’ll end it.

“We’ll get the fritters on our way out,” said Newton.

Cari Dean will be ready for them as she leads a team of eight people, making sure they keep a steady stream of fresh apple fritters frying.

“A lot of them are family, some are past students that I had when I was a teacher and some are just friends,” said Dean.

Dean has been a regular festival vendor for the last 20 years. Her parents Darlene and Art, almost 30 years serving up their apple cider next to their daughter’s fritters.

“It’s been enjoyable. It’s a nice location, the ambiance here is beautiful,” said Art.

“The people and all the customers are wonderful too,” said Darlene.

Visitors and vendors alike all agree, Ball’s Falls Thanksgiving Festival is one of the best places to be in Southern Ontario and the Niagara Region to experience the magic of fall.

With tons of food and entertainment options, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Organizers say the festival’s success could be attributed to tradition.

“It’s wonderful to have so many exceptional artisans and craft vendors here. But it really is part of that tradition, that legacy of the conservation authority. Again, opening up our doors, welcoming folks into the festival, sharing awareness of our watershed and our traditions as conservationists and as the conservation authority here in Ontario,” said Dr. Alicia Powell from the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority.

On top of the 160 craft and artisan vendors this year, the festival also offers a glimpse of the history of the park, founded by the Balls family in the early 1800s.

The festival aims to keep the fire burning for new generations to come together in the spirit of Thanksgiving.

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