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New energy
It used to be a dark time of year. Visitors mostly stopped coming after Remembrance Day. By now many residents had also fled or were making plans for a winter in the sun of Florida, Portugal or elsewhere. Others simply retired indoors to venture out again in the spring.
Yet, late fall in the County has always offered the properly attired explorer a great many opportunities to discover the bounty of natural beauty that surrounds us.
Watching November clouds accumulate and come storming across the lake while wandering our mostly empty beaches is as majestic a display of nature as can be witnessed anywhere. And we have 1,000 kilometres of such shoreline calling us out. When that is too bracing, we also boast a 49-kilometre long scenic wonderland. The Millennium Trail rewards the curious with a truly unique way to discover the County—from Carrying Place, across Lake Consecon, through the vineyards of Hillier, into Wellington, past the farms and marshland into Bloomfield and on to Picton.
About a decade ago, Richard Johnston sensed that visitors were keen to continue to visit the County long after the cold weather arrived. Johnston and Vida Zalnieriunas, owners of By Chadsey’s Cairns Winery, along with their Prince Edward County winegrowing colleagues conjured Wassail—a celebration of the County in November and December.
Wassail is an old English term that refers to both a drink—mulled cider—and a social gathering that was originally intended to chase evil spirits from the orchards. The tradition of Wassailing also features much singing, imbibing and merrymaking. In the County, participating wineries celebrate over the next four weekends— enticing visitors with a variety of tasty attractions. Savoury tourtière, roasted chestnuts, hearty lamb stew and smoked sausage are just a few of the temptations on offer over the next four weekends in County wineries and cideries.
When first imagined, it was not at all clear that Wassail would catch on. It was a bit of an obscure and archaic tradition. Furthermore, by this point in the season winegrowers were worn out, many still hilling their canes to protect from the January cold.
But catch on it did. The crowd continues to grow each passing season. Nearly every seat on the Wassail bus tour has been spoken for already. It turns out folks grasped any invitation to visit Prince Edward County. Visit wassailinthecounty.com to join in the celebration of the County over the next three weekends.
Countylicious—a celebration of the County’s fine cuisine is another important draw in November. This year 14 restaurants are participating— each offering a three-course prix-fixe menu at just $40 per person. Reservations are recommended. Many nights are sold out well in advance.
Yet, the village of Wellington remains dark. The sun disappears shortly after 4:30 p.m. Sooner with each passing day.
So for the past three years, Wellington has pushed back against the darkness—with a celebration of light. Wellington Sparkles is a project of the Wellington District Business Association that illuminates the village core, buildings, trees or anything that will stand still. The goal is to make the village more attractive and accessible when the light is so short. It also offers incentive to others to join in putting lights up their homes, businesses, trees and shrubbery.
This year’s project was in deep jeopardy, however. The fellow who had volunteered his time and bucket truck in previous years couldn’t help us this time around. Another lift was kindly offered by a local winery—but this machine refused to roar to life despite the tireless efforts of Joe Engelsdorfer.
So on Friday morning, Craig Alexander, owner of Sybil Frank Gallery, got on the phone to an equipment rental company to rent a lift and have it delivered to Wellington. Craig made his case to the rental company, who subsequently offered a great rate. Then Craig went up and down Main Street Wellington collection funds to pay for the lift. Within an hour he had a mitt full of cheques and cash—enough for the lift. It was a rousing vote of support for the project. Another example of the gracious spirit so abundant in this community.
So, the lights will go on.
Join us this Friday evening in Wellington (6 p.m.) as we flick on the lights in the village and park to illuminate the village. This event shares billing with the kick-off for Wassail in the County at the Town Hall in Wellington. There will be samples of County wine, music and a delicious variety of other treats to start your Wassail right.
In the park, members of the Hastings and Prince Edward Regional Chorus, a youth and children’s choir will assemble around the Christmas tree to serenade the beginning of the holiday season. Also performing will be the combined talents of the Wellington United Church Choir and the Golden Voices.
There will be Firelight Lanterns and folks dressed as Whos from Dr. Seuss’s famed holiday story. Down the street, Santa will be taking requests from Children at the General Store. Photos with Santa are $10. Meanwhile over at the Wellington museum, hot apple cider will be on offer.
These are just a sampling of the ways in which Wellington will sparkle on Friday.
Join us as together we push back the darkness, launch Wassail and celebrate all the goodness the County has to offer in November.
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