Autumn warms Farmtown Park up for Christmas

Margaret Grotek, Manager at Farmtown Park says that once the park closes on September 30th, it’s an all hands-on focus as they immediately turn their attention toward their annual Christmas event, “the Festival of Trees.” While they get ready for this event, they have also rented their facilities, especially for weddings that she says are “extremely popular in September.” (People who call or email inquiring about their venues during this time should know that phone messages and emails are monitored.) Grotek said, “The most popular rentals are the Heritage Village and the Pioneer Room which are two separate venues available to rent from May through to the end of September. When a customer rents the Heritage Village they have only the use of that building.” She adds that “Farmtown Park is accessible and has wheelchairs available for guests to use at no charge, no need to book as long as the chairs are available our guests are welcome to use them.”

September is a popular month for weddings at FarmTOWN park.

Christmas tree decorations are always a favourite with visitors to FarmTOWN park.

While “we do not offer full service, catering is done by the caterer of the customer’s choice. We do list caterers that are familiar with our venue on our website. The Stirling Lions Club looks after any bar here, they have the staff with the proper training and a fully stocked bar,” she added. People also enjoy coming out for the corn roast that is held in September and for their Music in Heritage Village program that takes place on the second Sunday of every month from May through September.

Tying a variety of red ribbons around this Christmas tree makes for an inviting “Country Santa” feeling.

For Grotek her favourite event of the fall season “has to be our Festival of Trees. It is such a beautiful venue for this festival, and I love to see the looks of excitement and wonder on everyone’s faces, especially the children.” Each year the Festival of Trees has a different theme. This year it is “The Magic of Christmas.” Held on the third weekend of November, there are light refreshments available and Heritage Village is dressed for the holidays. She says that “approximately thirty trees are beautifully decorated. There are many lovely wreaths, our signature toy trees and many other unique items all available to be won by raffle.” Grotek goes on to say that “In addition there is a wonderful “Ye Olde Christmas Shop” in Heritage Village where there are many gorgeous and appealing items available for purchase.” (This event is also their major fund-raiser for the museum with the proceeds going directly into the upkeep and maintenance of Farmtown Park.)

These automobiles from an earlier era have been lovingly restored.

For Grotek, the best part of organizing this event is “is working with our many talented volunteers. They are truly amazing! And they do great work. In fact, we are always looking for more volunteers; anyone interested just needs to drop-in or call. There is always something needing to be done in order to help maintain our beautiful facility.”

She says that “once our Festival of Trees is finished, we close for the year. We do open again in May on the long weekend.” The month of May features a Pancake Breakfast, and it’s the month when the museum hosts Agribition whereby Grade 4 students from all over Hastings County come to the museum, and rotate through ten stations for a day of fun and learning.

Admission is $5.00, children under 12 are admitted free.

Thursday, November 15, 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. Enjoy a social night out with your friends (cash bar).

Friday, November 16, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

Saturday, November 17,  10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Sunday, November 18, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. immediately followed by the draws.

For more information contact: Margaret Grotek, Manager at Farmtown Park (613) 395-0015.

Website: www.farmtownpark.ca, or email: info@farmtownpark.ca