This will be the 20th Cranberry Festival in Fort 91原创, a testament to the popularity of the tart treat as well as its importance in the history of 91原创.
The festival is always held on the Saturday of the Thanksgiving weekend to celebrate the harvest and history of the cranberry.
According to some First Nation legends, cranberries were delivered to earth in a dove鈥檚 beak by the Great Spirit.
Used as food, medicine, even dye for clothing and blankets, cranberries have a long and honoured history.
They are also a great way to attract people to a family-friendly, day-long party.
鈥淭he last few years we have had great weather, and generated attendance of approximately 60,000 people from all over the region, from Chilliwack to West Vancouver,鈥� according to organizer Meghan Neufeld.
The Fort 91原创 Lions will be cooking breakfast from 8 a.m. to noon (or as long as the grub lasts). There will also be approximately 15 food trucks on site.
Don鈥檛 relish the thought of finding parking in Fort 91原创 on a busy day? Organizers have a shuttle bus for the public. It runs from both Trinity Western University and Walnut Grove Secondary. Shuttles start at 9:30 a.m. and run until 5 p.m., approximately every 15 minutes.
The festival runs 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. rain or shine and is possible thanks to the Fort 91原创 BIA and about 50 volunteers.
A highlight is the sale of fresh cranberries (10,000 pounds), which goes to fund the festival. As well, there are vendors at the village鈥檚 biggest annual event, family activities, and local performers offering entertainment throughout the day. The stage is in front of the Fort 91原创 Community Hall.
Historical perspective
The Fort 91原创 National Historic Site is offering half price admission on Oct. 10. That鈥檚 the best place to learn about the role of cranberries in the history of the community.
Long used by First Nations and later European settlers, the berries were a vital source of nutrients.
On Oct. 10, people can take part in popular activities including the cranberry stomp, berry-related games, crafts and other farm and history-related fun (an interactive chicken display and the site鈥檚 milking cows). There鈥檚 treats to try as well, including cranberry bannock.
More history
In conjunction with the 20th Annual Cranberry Festival in Fort 91原创, the 91原创 Centennial Museum will be offering free, festive crafts, including a chance to make corn husk dolls and paper sunflowers.
Try the Cranberry Guessing Game for a chance to win a prize from the museum鈥檚 gift shop and enjoy a free hot cider.
On the water
No matter what the weather, there are teams of people willing to put themselves through a challenge.
Paddlers and non-paddlers of all ages and experience in teams of 10 including a steersperson will compete in three races, including the infamous Cranberry Race Final.
The 2015 Cranberry Races take place on Bedford Channel on festival day and are hosted by the Fort 91原创 Canoe Club.
All the team spots are filled, and there鈥檚 plenty of good spectating opportunities from the banks of the Fraser River.
