There was a lot growing on at Holy Rosary Hall when the community came together to celebrate Niagara’s goodness at Harvest Fest. The 2-day event hosted by the Knights of Columbus on September 10 and 11 featured an array of vendors and activities to bring the community together and help raise funds for charities.
Farmers Market
The K of C members sold squash from Thorold Foodland, potted mums from Schenck Farms and apples from Big Red Market. Harvest Fest proved to be a hot event as a vendor featured a selection of hot peppers in the farmers’ market. Fertilizer, compost and grass seed was also on sale at the event.
Sweet Treats for Kids of All Ages
A variety of fun activities and foods created a festive atmosphere.
Ice Cream, freezies and candy floss was offered at family friendly prices for the kids to enjoy a sweet treat.
Darlene and Anna among other volunteers were happy to give the kids a treat at Harvest Fest.
Arts and Crafts Show
Inside the hall, local artisans displayed their hand-made creations at booths that filled the room. Showing a festive flair, vendors featured unique items designed to celebrate the colourful fall season.
A food court was a popular place for visitors to sit, relax, and enjoy food and drinks. On Saturday, Club Capri sold canolli and grilled hamburgers, hotdogs and sausage. The Feast of the Assumption group sold pizza, donuts, chips, coffee and pop.
Rummage Sale
A Rummage Sale in the hall showed bargain hunters some deals on sports memorabilia, household decor, art, kitchen items, glassware, toys, jewelry, and books. Sales rolled in during the weekend for a total of $725 raised from the Rummage Sale to go in the collection for the charities.
K of C Member Albert Ciamarra organized the successful Rummage Sale featuring some cool Toronto Maple Leafts memorabilia.
Tomato Sauce Contest
The Tomato Sauce Contest was a hot highlight with 10 entries at Harvest Fest. On the panel of judges, Joe Ruggi (John’s Meat Shop) Pat DiMarco (Club Capri) and Tony Scalzi (Grand Knight, Knights of Columbus) rated the entries on colour / visual appeal, smell, texture and taste. Congratulations to the top Sauce Boss, Rosa Ciocca for the first-place honours (received $100 John’s Meat Shop gift certificate), Malcolm Cain, second-place (received $100 Club Capri voucher), and Myra Pisano, third place.
I create my tomato sauce recipe from scratch and the sauce takes all day to cook. The secret to make a good sauce is to keep on tasting.
Malcolm Cain, second-place finisher, on his secret to making good tomato sauce
Kids Safety Village
A Kids Safety Village was set up in the parking lot. The Thorold Fire Department offered tips on fire safety and kids checked out the fire truck, meet the fire fighters, and take photos. The Niagara Regional Police Services was on location to chat about PROJECT 529 and show visitors how to register a bike, report a theft of a bike, check any bike before buying to ensure it wasn’t reported stolen, or if you find a bike, post it with 529 Garage to help get it back to its owner.
A Fall Crafts Workshop was also set up in the parking lot for kids to enjoy a fun, creative experience.
Joan Devine won the VIP Prize Pack that was loaded with unique items from the vendors.
Donors rolled in with bags of non-perishables to support a food drive for the St. Vincent De Paul Food Bank. A collection of empty beer, wine, and liquor bottles added $265 to the fundraising pot for charities.
“Just want to say that the Harvest Festival was wonderful, so good to see so many friends, and people, I look forward to the next one. Thank you for all the work you all put in to make it a success!”
Nella Dekker on the K of C Facebook page.
It all adds up for people to reconnect with friends, have fun, and also help those in need. Stay tuned for an official K of C announcement on the fundraising estimated to be over $1,500, which will be donated to the Harvest Fest charities, Hospice Niagara, Wellspring Niagara, and SVDP Food Bank.