Nice weather brings out crowds in the capital for one final taste of summer

From pumpkin patches to pastry shops, people in Ottawa were out enjoying a last taste of summer. CTV’s Kimberley Johnson reports.

It’s the final weekend of summer, and people across Ottawa had many ways to enjoy the sunny warmer weather the city is seeing right now.

Rebecca Simon spent the day at Taste of Wellington, on Wellington Street West on Saturday. She says sampling treats at places like Lavendar Pastry has been fun.

“I’ve never heard of it before, so it’s cool to try really good pastries,” she says.

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The drinks and cookies were part of a larger festival going on through Hintonburg. Shops and restaurants line the streets with stands filled with food and clothes throughout the day.

Simon says taking it all in means also taking in the good weather.

“We live in Westboro and it’s such a close walk, and it’s such a beautiful day,” she says, “and we just wanted to experience the community and see all the small businesses.”

Environment Canada tells CTV News Ottawa the city is enjoying a streak of slightly above average temperatures for this time of year.

Ryan Moleiro, who owns Paradise Poke, says the nice weather is vital for an event like this – and for businesses like his.

“It’s alive. The city is alive, you know?” he says. “Especially when the weather’s good, people are out and trying our food, which we’re grateful for.”

Mike George, owner of Aurelius Fine Oils and Balsamic Vinegars, agrees.

“We’ve kind of seen a little bit of everything throughout the years, but I would say this is one of the best weather days,” he says. “So, we’re really fortunate the street is full of people.”

While some are trying tastes of summer, others are getting into the feeling of fall at the pumpkin patch.

Coming to the opening weekend of Pumpkinfest at Saunders Farm is something Charlotte Thorn and her six-year-old son Atlas do every year as a family.

“We just love all things fall and pumpkin and we’re really just excited to come out here today,” Thorn says.

Environment Canada says Sunday could bring a high in the 20s – with the humidex pushing it even higher.

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Despite the warmer daytime temperatures, Environment Canada also says there is a frost advisory in effect heading into Sunday morning.

Mark Saunders says the combination of chilly and warmer weather is a good mix for businesses like his.

“Generally speaking, opening weekend is quite quiet and we’re probably going to have double the amount of people here this weekend that we would normally have, which is amazing for business,” he says.