The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority's 52nd annual Ball's Falls Thanksgiving Festival has wrapped up another year, bringing thousands of families and visitors together at Balls Falls Conservation Area to celebrate the best of Niagara.
The annual festival has become a Thanksgiving tradition for generations of families, while also providing a showcase for local businesses, artisans and food producers.
NPCA CAO and Secretary-Treasurer Leilani Lee-Yates says preparations begin months before the festival itself.
This year's festival featured more than 160 vendors, a significant increase from the fewer than 100 vendors Lee-Yates recalls when she joined the NPCA five years ago. Visitors could browse handmade crafts, jewelry and specialty foods, while enjoying offerings from local breweries, wineries and food trucks.
The event has also become a multi-generational tradition, with families returning to Balls Falls year after year.
While the Thanksgiving Festival may be one of the area's biggest annual attractions, Lee-Yates says Balls Falls Conservation Area is worth visiting throughout the year.
The conservation area offers hiking trails, waterfalls and Carolinian forests along the Niagara Escarpment, with each season bringing a different experience.
From the fall colours to the quieter winter months, Balls Falls remains a destination for people looking to enjoy Niagara's natural beauty long after the festival has ended.
(Written by: Matt Latour)