Harvest activities, events in Waterloo Region

NEWS RELEASE

WATERLOO REGION – As one of the most popular agricultural areas in Ontario, the Waterloo Region is perhaps best known for its upcoming fall events and harvest festivals.

“The fall season is one of the most exciting times in the Waterloo Region,” said Tracey Desjardins, General Manager, Waterloo Regional Tourism Marketing Corporation.

“The region was built on its agricultural heritage and harvest time really lets us celebrate what made the area what it is today. There are so many ways to enjoy the Waterloo Region in the fall; it really is something that everyone should experience.”

Kicking off the harvest is one of the biggest events that hits the Waterloo Region, the International Plowing Match & Rural Expo, happening Sept. 12-22. The five-day event will draw 20,000 people a day to a celebration of traditional rural skills and talents, including quilting, cooking, plowing, and farming.

Another popular annual harvest event in the region is the Wellesley Apple Butter & Cheese Festival. This one day festival on September 29th celebrates the two prides of Wellesley; apples and cheese. Attendees can walk around the village enjoying the many cheese and apple products including Wellesley’s famous apple cider and apple butter. The day is filled with visiting various vendors, musical performances, stage coach rides, a boat regatta and much more.

For those looking to connect back to nature and enjoy the beautiful fall colours, the Waterloo Region is home to a robust trail system for walkers, hikers, mountain bikers, motorcyclists, and drivers. Trails weave through the region offering different experiences and scenery. From pristine natural landscapes to urban city strolls to specifically plotted motorcycle travel routes, everyone can enjoy the cool fall air and changing colours.

No trip to the Waterloo Region during harvest season would be complete without a stop at the St. Jacobs Farmers Market. Known from far and wide as one of Canada’s best markets, St. Jacobs thrives in the fall, offering shoppers amazing produce, meat, crafts, antiques and so much more.

For the architectural and heritage buffs, Doors Open Waterloo Region is a free tour of special, occasionally "secret" places in the region. On September 15th join the tour from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for FREE admission, children's activities, music, drama presentations, walking tours and other special events. 

Getoffonart.com is yet another cultural offering for visitors to the Waterloo Region in the fall. Catch the full schedule at Getoffonart.com and find out all of the artistic gems that the region has to offer.

“Perhaps the one event that has put Waterloo Region on the map in the fall is North America’s largest Oktoberfest,” said Desjardins. “If you’ve never been to Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest, you are missing out on one of the biggest and most fun city-wide parties that Canada has to offer.”

As the largest Bavarian festival in North America, the Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest sees thousands of visitors celebrate annually in the Festhallen and the 40+ family and cultural events. From October 5^th to 13th, the region celebrates Oktoberfest with concerts, a Thanksgiving parade, a 5km fun run, food drive and, of course, delicious food and drink, and so much more. Every year the Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest also raises funds for over 70 charities and not-for-profit organizations while celebrating the family friendly event. 

Fall wouldn’t be complete without a scare or two and starting Sept. 28^th Bingemans’ Screampark will have six new haunted attractions, including the Zombie Hunt, which is bound to frighten even the bravest of Screampark attendees.

For visitors looking to stay the weekend, or longer, the Courtyard by Marriott Waterloo St. Jacobs will be opening its state-of-the-art lobby in October 2012 and is the perfect stop for fall accommodations.

“If it’s for the nature, food, family friendly events, or just a quick getaway, the Waterloo Region is a must visit destination in the fall,” said Desjardins.

For more information on fall attractions and events in the Waterloo Region, visit explorewaterlooregion.com/harvesttime.

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Stephen Murdoch
Vice President, Public Relations

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