The Frontenac Heritage Festival Returns

Jeff Green | Feb 08, 2023

One of the casualties of the pandemic is making a full return in 2023. The Frontenac Heritage Festival is back for its 15th year. Some of the features of the early years of the festival, which originally took place the weekend before the annual Family Day Weekend, have gone by the wayside.

Those events included the annual polar plunge, heritage displays and quilt shows, which all were replaced, over the years, with more outdoor activities.

The pandemic put a stop to everything, but the Heritage Festival committee has been rejuvenated, and a full slate of activities between Friday, the 17th, until Family Day on the 20th.

Everything kicks off on Friday night with the opening ceremonies at the Oso Hall (6:30pm) followed by Frontenac’s Got Talent, starting at 7pm. The annual talent show will feature guest judges, the returning champion, as well as local beer and popcorn for sale.

The Anglican Church in Sharbot Lake is hosting a breakfast on Saturday, the 18th, and then Rural Frontenac Community Services in partnership with Kingston Frontenac Public Library is hosting activities at the Child Centre, including: storytime, robotics discovery, snow shoeing, and a chili and bun lunch.

There will be free skating and Crokicurl demonstrations at Oliver Scott Park between 10am and 3pm on Saturday as well, and the canteen will be open.

On Sunday, February 19, the focus shifts to the Arden area. The Kennebec Lake Association Winter Fun Day will take place at 1281 Nordic Road (off Henderson Road) – Ice fishing, skating, snowshoeing, a snow slide and world famous hot chocolate, cider, and soup will all be happening between 11am and 3pm.

Back in Sharbot Lake, the new hockey rink at Oliver Scott Park will be the site for a 3 on 3 tournament from 9am-3pm, and the Crokicurlers will be back as well. The canteen will be open, of course.

Finally, on Family Day Monday, February 20th, the Arden Heritage Day, one of the longest running events of the Festival, hosted at the Matson Farm, will be back between 11am and 3pm. (entry by donation)

Oliver Scott Park in Sharbot Lake will once again host a 3 on 3 tournament at the rink and Crokicurl between 9am and 3pm.

“It is a thrill to bring the Heritage Festival back after the pandemic,” said organiser Rob Moore, “hopefully the weather will cooperate and people will come out and enjoy the events we have planned for the weekend.”