Heritage_fest

Jeff Green | Feb 07, 2008

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The second annual Central Frontenac Heritage Festival is slated to open on Tuesday February 19 but there are so many events in this year’s festival that it will really be getting underway a few days earlier.

The Heritage Festival will take place in all corners of Central Frontenac this year, and Central Frontenac Mayor and key organiser Janet Gutowski (photo left) is hoping this year’s event will build on the success of the inaugural event.

“I am hoping we can increase attendance from 800 to 1200 this year,” Gutowski said, “so the businesses can benefit, and the vounteers can feel successful. We’ve achieved a lot of what we’ve set out to do since the whole commuity is involved this year, reagrdless of age or geography. That was a major goal.”

The first event in what has become a 10-day, 16-venue etravaganza, will be the 2nd Annual Snow Rodeo on February 16 at the Sharbot Lake High School.

The Snow Rodeo is a celebration of motorised winter sports, and is sponsored by the “Safe and Sober Alliance” which includes the Sharbot Lake Snow Riders and the Frontenac ATV club among others

Other events in the days leading up to the official start of the festival include a Family Fun Day at the Tichborne rink on February 17, with curling, a BBQ, and skating, of course, and a family matinee movie at the Kennebec Hall on the Family Holiday Monday (February 18)

The Festival itself, which has the theme of “Our Crafts and Heritage” will open on Tuesday February 19 with the unveiling of a new railway mural at the Sharbot Lake Pharmacy. A Historical Night will follow at the Oso Hall. There will be a potluck dinner and everyone is encouraged to bring old photos and dress in vintage attire. There will be a prize for the best attire. Among the evening’s entertainment will be the announcement of the winners of the 2008 photo contest, as well as a “meet the authors” event, featuring several local authors.

Highlights of the events that will be taking place over the next five days include a special display at the Crow Lake Schoolhouse.

Heritage Festival goers last year are sure to remember the quilt exhibit that was provided by Peter Bell at the North Frontenac Telephone Company. This year, Peter Bell has provided more from his collection of historical artifacts and antiques, enough to turn the restored schoolhouse into a replica of a pioneer kitchen, complete with furniture, a hearth, and anitque kitchen tools. “Lunch with Ludwig” will be an added attraction, with Master Chef Ludwig Ratzinger preparing wild leek soup, homemade pies, and buns for sale. The proceeds will go to the schoolhouse. Ludwig will be cooking in the schoolhouse kitchen, so no antiques will be harmed in the preparation of the pies or the soup. The antique kitchen display will be open for the five days of the festival.

Outdoor events will be featured in this year’s festival. A snow sculpture contest is scheduled, and the awards will be presented on Feb. 20. Participants can build their snow sculptures in their backyard or elsewhere in Central Frontenac. Call Community Living at 613-279-3731 to be included in the contest.

There will also be a cross country ski run, a girls’ pond hockey tournament, and snow golf and soccer.

A major craft exhibition will take place at the Oso Hall from Thursday to Sunday, and will include a gallery of major works, demonstrations, affordable gifts, and a continuous slide show, all courtesy of the Land O’Lakes Artisans Guild.

The popular First Nations Food and Heritage display, will be back at St. James Major Church for another year. There will also be other displays and demonstrations, including cheesemaking, canoe paddles, maple syrup, bow making, willow basketmaking and a display by the Trappers Association.

Musical events this year include a Square Dance (with live band) at Land O’Lakes School in Mountain Grove, a Variety Show (hosted by Roger James) at Sharbot Lake High School, and a Kitchen Party at the Arden Legion, where the festival’s closing ceremonies will take place on Sunday afternoon, February 24.

Look in next week’s Frontenac News for more detailed information and a brochure containing a full scehdule of events.