Carleton Place gears up for a weekend of family-friendly community events and celebrations
Friends and families in Lanark County looking for community-oriented and outdoor fun this weekend will have plenty to choose from, as Carleton Place and the surrounding area are gearing up to host a full slate of festivals and community events.
The festivities begin on Saturday, Sept. 13, with the Ukrainian Festival at Riverside Park. Running from noon until 8 p.m., this free event will showcase a vibrant array of traditional music, dance and cuisine. According to Carleton Place Tourism, visitors can expect to hear cheerful folk tunes, eat homemade perogies and cabbage rolls, and browse cultural displays designed to spotlight the richness of Ukrainian heritage.
This festival is not only a celebration of Ukrainian traditions but also a chance for neighbours to gather in solidarity and friendship in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Music will fill up the streets later in the day as Carleton Place Porchfest gets underway between 1 and 4 p.m. On Saturday, Sep. 13, front yards, porches and driveways across town will be transformed into makeshift stages for a diverse lineup of local musicians to perform to the public.
According to Carleton Place Tourism, the event is designed as a walkable interactive festival where individuals and families of all ages can wander from porch to porch, catching everything from acoustic guitar sets to energetic rock bands.
Learn more at carletonplaceporchfest.ca
Thrifters and treasure seekers will also have a reason to celebrate on Saturday, Sep 13 as Murray’s Flea Market marks its 13th anniversary. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the local market located at at 525 High Street, will offer antiques, collectibles, household items and unique finds. The anniversary promises the shopping day will have a festive feel, with loyal shoppers and first-time visitors welcome to stop by and peruse the stalls of one-of-a-kind bargains.
On Sunday, Sept. 14, the action shifts to Beckwith Park for the popular Lanark County Harvest Festival. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the family-friendly event will showcase and celebrate the season’s bounty with local farmers and artisans offering their goods at a bustling vendor market.
Children can spend the day adventuring on inflatables, enjoying hay wagon rides and a petting zoo, and dancing to live music. This year, Carleton Place is the featured community under the big coverall tent, offering visitors a chance to learn more about the town, it’s heritage and its vibrant spirit.