Talent and tradition at the 2015 Frontenac Heritage Festival

Feb 18, 2015

Highlights included the opening Friday night talent show, which took place for the first time at the cafetorium at Granite Ridge Education Centre. A large crowd of music lovers gathered for an eclectic line up that covered a wide expanse of musical ground and included many first time performances. The Arden duo known as Sympathy Ghost, comprised of Dan Keeler and Kate Turner, gave a heartfelt performance that included one original they co-wrote and which they performed for the first time.

Rob Moore, who emceed the event, kept the ball rolling and sang an original comedic ditty about his home town of Sharbot Lake, titled “One Cold Town”, the lyrics paying respect to its local folk and businesses. The local Sharbot Lake line dancers glided their way through a number of country and pop favorites, and Brian Robertson, accompanied by brother Sid and their good friend Fred also performed a number of locally inspired originals written by Robertson, which highlighted the unique rural landscapes and communities of Maberly and Mountain Grove.

The show-stopping sibling duo of Natalie and Lucas Reynolds charmed listeners with their highly polished and mainly Celtic-inspired repertoire. These two young musicians amazed listeners at the talent show last year and this year they were even better. Mike Procter played the town clown and did an impressive set of stand up comedy. Nancy and the Plaids closed out the show with an energetic set that left the crowd wanting more.

On Saturday it was the area’s pioneer traditions that were front and center at Dr. Bell's magical pioneer log home. A horse-drawn wagon brought visitors to and from the house courtesy of Bill Lee and his gorgeous equine team. There were quilting and spinning demos courtesy of Jean Clair and Beth Abbott, and local musician Gordon Wright alternately played on the bagpipes and banjo. Dr. Peter Bell and his crew of traditionally dressed pioneers offered up warm cider and Scottish oatmeal biscuits to their guests, and Dr. Bell, who can speak at length about the house, its construction and every single artifact that graces it, was on hand to answer questions.

For those who have yet to visit it, Dr Bell’s log house is alone worth the trip to the festival. It has the ability to transport visitors back in time to what living a pioneer life might have been like and is so inviting it makes one want to move right in.