This year’s festival was a smashing success. Luckily it was a little cooler than last year! Still quite hot in the bright sun but the beautiful trees in the west end of the park offered shade to cool down from shopping, browsing, playing and learning!
Welcome to the park!
The entrance to the park provided information on the region, including a map where local businesses could post their business card like La Binerie de Plantagenet , Physio Plantagenet and M.Quenneville Greenhouses. EscarpAction Jessup’s Falls, and other Not for profits organizations like Boisés Est , Ontario 211 and the Alfred-Plantagenet township were on hand to provide information on their services and of course, South Nation Conservation, the stewards for our park and sponsors for our special talks!
Kiosks
We had some great new participants this year with mini jet boats from MiniJet and beautiful garden decorations for big gardens and tiny ones. Many of our regional favourites came back to join us again to help promote organizations and businesses from the regions surrounding Jessup’s Falls.
Artists
The artist alley has grown to include steel sculptures and glass art. Authors rounded out the group of artists nicely. Those with no tents set up under the large trees to paint and discuss their writings.
Activities
There were plenty of activities for the whole family. Activities included a petting zoo by Papanack zoo . The bunnies were a hit with the little ones. MiniJet took visitors on speed boat rides up the river. And the kid’s zone offered games and activities for kids young and old. The fishing game and recycled bottle game offered a chance to go home with a little prize! We could also learn a little history in the local history tent and the cabane à pêts from La Binerie de Plantagenet .
Special Events
The big top tent doubles as local history tent and for special presentations. EscarpAction Jessup’s Falls held a contest for young students from the local high school this spring. The winning submissions were on view in the local history tent. Young Valerie performed her submission live with the help of her dad on guitar!
South Nation Conservation provided funding for a talk on fishing in the South Nation River. Raymond Lamarche, (who could fish before he could walk!), talked about fishing on the South Nation river and the variety of lures and rods that worked for each type of fish.
And food!
The barbecue was a rocking success with local sausages from Trillium Meadows, Mariposa Farm and L’Orignal Packing. And new this year, special merguez sausages from La bergerie des sables. Sides from La Binerie de Plantagenet and cool cold water in an EscarpAction bottle. Catstone farm was on hand again with fabulous breads that people canoe across the river to purchase! For a sweet dessert, C&L Fruits and Vegetables had plenty of ripe strawberries that went nicely with homemade ice cream from Kevin’s ice cream of Vankleek Hill.
Thank you to all our volunteers including Alfred-Plantagenet councillors Ian Walker, who barbecued on this hot day and Suzanne Lafrance, who emceed for our special guests.
Jessup's Falls - A Little Corner of Paradise 