Long weekend celebrated with Hometown Harvest Festival

Candle-making using the traditional dipping method (Source: Sainte-Marie Among the Hurons/Supplied)

Sainte-Marie Among the Hurons in Midland is hosting its annual Hometown Harvest Festival this long weekend, celebrating the fall season with plenty of autumn-themed activities.

"A must-see holiday event for people of all ages," said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming in a media release. "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."

The weekend will feature an artisan market with more than 30 booths offering local handcrafted art and various baked goods.

There are also scavenger hunts for artifacts, bannock roasts, live demonstrations, live music, competitions for children, and a new outdoor beer garden hosted by Restaurant Sainte-Marie. The eatery will serve a Thanksgiving feast with turkey and mashed potatoes from noon until 8 p.m.

Sainte-Marie's historical buildings will be dressed with heritage gourds and locally harvested seasonal foliage that reflect 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," said Will Baird, general manager of Huronia Historical Parks, in a media release. "I can't wait to see the creativity and spirit of our young gardeners in the vegetable growing contests."

Admission to the Hometown Harvest Festival is $15 per person, including tax.