[1]The Tweed Festival of Trees is one of two Christmas events happening in central Hastings this weekend. Photo by Bay of Quinte Tourism.
By Bevan Hamilton [2]
BELLEVILLE – Christmas is coming to central Hastings this weekend.
The 11th annual Tweed Festival of Trees [3] takes place in Tweed from Thursday to Sunday. The event, at the Tweed-Hungerford Agricultural Centre at 617 Louisa St., showcases a “wonderland of beautifully decorated trees and wreaths while enjoying some seasonal music while sipping a warm drink and tasting a delicious homemade cookie,” according to the festival’s website.
The theme at the festival this year is Creating Magical Moments. Participants can purchase a $2 raffle ticket and will have a chance to win one of more than 80 decorated trees and wreaths. Draws will take place on Sunday.
The entry cost for the festival is $2 for a single person or $10 for a family. A weekend pass costs $10 for adults and $5 for seniors or students.
Christmas at O’Hara’s [4] takes place in Madoc Township on Saturday and Sunday. It is an old-fashioned Christmas family gathering at the O’Hara Mill pioneer museum.
The museum, which includes a log house and mill, is a historic landmark in central Hastings. It gives people an opportunity to relive the day-to-day hardships and rewards of early pioneer life in Ontario.
Hot chocolate, hot cider and Christmas cookies will be available, along with roasted chestnuts. The event also boasts local musicians, carol singing, and storytelling by candlelight. There will be pancakes and sausages available until 2 p.m. each day. Hot dogs and peameal bacon will be available the rest of the time.
The event runs from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is free, although donations are welcomed.