Thanksgiving Activities 2011 Metro Vancouver & Fraser Valley

Thanksgiving is one of my favourite holidays. Our family would gather at my Oma’s house and while the windows steamed up and the aroma of roasted turkey filled each room, we’d head outside to rake leaves. The ample limbs of the lone one oak tree across the street provided enough fuel for the giant leaf pile into which we repeatedly rode my brother’s old BMX. We’d enjoy non-traditional favourites on the table like Oma’s coleslaw and sauce-covered cauliflower, along with turkey, cranberries, and other seasonal staples.

If you’re looking for Thanksgiving and harvest-themed events in Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley, look no further than the Circle Farm Tour. These self-guided routes lead you from farm to artisan, to farm. Maps are provided for Harrison Mills & Agassiz, Langley, Pitt Meadows & Maple Ridge, Chilliwack, and Abbotsford.

Abbotsford

What: Art in the Barn at Campbell’s Gold Honey Farm & Meadery
When: October 29 to 30, 2011 from 10:00am to 4:00pm
Featuring: A variety of artisan vendors, including pottery, painters, photography, jewellery, glass art, fibre art, art metal, woodcraft and more.

What: Pumpkin Patch at Maan Farms
When: September 10 to October 31, 2011
Featuring: 25 popular pumpkin varieties, free admission.

Langley

What: Fort Langley’s 15th Annual Cranberry Festival
When: October 8 to 9, 2011 from 9:00am to 5:00pm
Featuring: A pancake breakfast, contests, live music, cooking demos, a fashion show, and over 80 vendors showcasing a marvelous selection of products.

What: Grave Tales at Fort Langley National Historic Site
When: October 7 to 30, 2011
Featuring: The Fort’s past depicted at night by expert storytellers.

What: Grape Stomp & Harvest Party
When: October 29 to 30, 2011
Featuring: Grapes from the vines will be stomped in a competition as visitors enjoy a harvest lunch, new fall releases, and live music.

Chilliwack

What: Petey’s Pumpkin Patch
When: October 2 to 31, 2011
Featuring: Pumpkin patches and over 5,000 square feet of indoor activities for family fun, including a concession with hot and cold food, a train or wagon ride, farm animals, and more.

Agassiz Harrison Mills

What: Harvest Celebration at Limbert Mountain Farm
When: October 8, 2011 from 11:00am to 5:00pm
Featuring: U-pick hazelnuts, and a stroll through the orchards. Food samples, recipes, squash, chestnuts, and more.

The Limbert Mountain Farm kitchen

What: Kilby’s Annual Thanksgiving Celebration
When: October 9 and 10, 2011
Featuring: Kilby Historic Site’s Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner including roast turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, squash, brussel sprouts, homemade rolls, cranberry sauce and gravy, and a beverage with dessert. $15.95 per adult, by reservation only.

Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows

What: Bruce’s Apple Festival
When: October 15 and 16, 2011 from 10:00am to 5:00pm
Featuring: Various varieties of new and heritage apples grown in BC, apple pies and crisps, with live local entertainment.

Richmond

Off the Circle Farm Tour path, there are a few noteworthy spots to explore in Richmond.

What: Richmond Country Farms Pumpkin Patch
When: October 1 and 2 (preview weekend) 10:00am to 4:30pm
When: October 8 to October 31 (officially open) 10:00am to 4:30pm
Featuring: While there is a cost for admission, once you’re in you can enjoy a hay cart ride, live entertainment, a corn maze and farm animals.

What: Thanksgiving Tea at London Heritage Farm
When: October 8 and 9, 2011 from 12:00pm to 5:00pm
Featuring: Homemade treats, cookies, and of course plenty of tea.

Vancouver

What: Sustenance: Feasting on Art & Culture Festival
When: October 8, 2011 (opening night) from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
When: October 8 to 19, 2011
Featuring: Art exhibit at the Roundhouse Community Centre that will celebrate 125 Years of food & agriculture in the City of Vancouver. Presented by FarmFolk CityFolk.

Photo credit: Jody Taylor on Flickr, from the Miss604 Flickr Group

You can also check out a variety of corn mazes throughout the Fraser Valley and stop by JD Farms Turkey to pick up ingredients for your big meal. Read my sister’s “Pumpkin Patch Tips” before you head out to ensure you select the very best.