Country Fêtes

This was a weekend for many people to enjoy farm and rural activities. The Two Cylinder John Deere Tractor Show was held in our small town so my hubby and I took a stroll over to check out the tractors and to share these images with my brothers, one of which has all John Deere tractors on his farm.

I love the 'ancient' look of this tractor and try to imagine what life was like in 1937:

Great head lamp and steering wheel:

John Deere 5020 diesel:

Portable Shingle Mill:

The John Deere tractors arrived in all sizes and were proudly lined up for display:

"Nothing Runs Like a Deere"

Just added:

My brother's family read this post and sent me a photo of their 5 John Deere Tractors in front of their barn, the farm that I grew up on.
I love the way all the tractors are lined up!

A special family in our community is moving out of the area and we wanted to wish them much happiness and many blessings in their new farming community. The neighbourhood had a bbq/potluck for them, hosted by/at the farm our dear friends, Reg and Liz. Many neighbours came out to join in the festivities as well as to enjoy good food and fellowship.



These lovely garden flowers graced the welcome table where cards awaited J&A and a guest book was made available for signing.



I love the setting of this farm and the way the gardens have been incorporated...you can peek here.

Great window boxes:

Rustic and yet elegant:

We left the Barn Potluck/BBQ, then headed over to a 'stag and doe' event for a couple from our church who will be getting married this Fall. There were many games to be played, as well as prizes to be raffled. One of the tables had a display of beautiful, creative cakes of many kinds to be auctioned off. It was fun to watch the cake auction and to witness the enthusiasm the bidders displayed in their very generous bidding. We had the privilege of enjoying the most stunning views as their home/farm is built on a hill over-looking the Conestoga River. As the evening progressed, a beautiful sun was setting over the valley and fog/mist was rolling in above the river, making it look truly magical. (no camera with me)
Oh, and one more thing...
Don't you just love the pretty summer packaging of this cake, Angel Lush?
After our evening 'stag and doe' event, we found this cake waiting for us in our car. So lovely and such a surprise. Thank you to the dear sweet people who were so kind and generous to us! The cake was delicious and was shared at our Bible Study on Sunday evening where many people enjoyed it, so the blessing went around:)

Tulip Festival

I love my library! I know I can get repetitive, but I truly love the Wellington County Library System with its amazing availability of the materials, including all the newest releases in book titles, DVDs, CDs etc.
It is no surprise then, when we want to promote an event or topic, that we have a comprehensive selection in the library system to choose from!
Recently, members of our faithful Historical Society came in to do a display for the upcoming Tulip Festival to be held here in town, to commemorate the 65th Anniversary of the Liberation of Holland.
Along with their dutch display in the glass cases, we set up a table with many items related to Holland including the tulip industry as well as books/DVDs on the Second World War and the liberation of The Netherlands.
We also had an Open House at the library with refreshments as well as playing a DVD created by the Veterans Affair Canada entitled:
Sacrifice, achievement, legacy: Canadians and the Second World War 1939-1945 Canada. This video chronicles Canada's participation in the Second World War both on the homefront and overseas, through veterans' testimonials and wartime video footage. (click photos to enlarge)

This past Saturday we celebrated the local Tulip Festival.
This is what was advertised, and the organizers, along with the participants, truly delivered a wonderful program for the many people who came from all over Ontario.
"You can expect this and more at the Drayton Tulip Festival:
~Dutch and Canadian Food
~Craft and Garden Show
~Merchandise
~Outdoor Beer Gardens
~Parade @ 11am - begins at the fairgrounds and ends at the arena
~Tulip Queen contest: Open to Mapleton Women agen 19-21, Friday May 14
~Opening Ceremony at 1 pm to commemorate the 65th anniversary of the liberation of Holland
~Special display of garden scale model railroad"
The crowds were large and the enthusiasm was contagious! I am sure that the organizers of this event will be pleased with the outcome and success of this 65th anniversary event! Several of the photos in this post were 'borrowed' from Anja, who also posted about the festival. You can see more of her photos here.

Elmira Maple Syrup Festival

Every year, during the early part of Spring, the Elmira Community hosts a Maple Syrup Festival, which brings people from all over. It is a great event and we usually visit annually to take part in all the festivities.
This is how it is described:
"The Elmira Maple Syrup Festival builds and strengthens community spirit through the involvement of a large number of area residents in the planning and operation of a one day festival. Participation in a fun filled day supported by 2000+ volunteers raises funds to support local charities and non-profit organizations. Since 1965, the Festival continues to promote our community, surrounding areas and local maple syrup producers."
“The Festival grows each year because of the people: people who chose to get involved and stay involved. Community spirit inspired the Festival and is the driving force keeping it alive.”
—D. Everest-Hill, past Committee member.





Although we are unable to attend this year, I did purchase my first maple syrup of the season, to go along with our Sunday morning pancakes:



Check out this blog for the best buttermilk pancake recipe:
http://lettersfromahillfarm.blogspot.com/