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Writer's pictureESSEX FREE PRESS

Crowds flock to Kingsville for Migration Festival 




by Garrett Fodor

In recognition of wildlife, the Town of Kingsville has celebrated the annual tradition of migration – along with the life and legacy of the Father of Conservation, Jack Miner – for more than 55-years. 

  This past weekend, Kingsville was the place to be with events happening throughout the area for the Migration Festival. The event is centred around the Jack Miner Migratory Bird Sanctuary.

  The family-friendly festival spans across three-days, featuring programs, events, music, and educational material for the whole family. The festivities kicked-off at the Grovedale Arts and Culture Centre for the “Great Migration Kick-off.” on Friday evening. It featured a chili dinner from the 2nd Kingsville Scouts, before a performance from Leamington’s Jody Raffoul. 

  “This is a celebration of migration, heritage, nature conservation, and of course, this organization and the namesake, Jack Miner, who’s done a lot in the community to put it on the map worldwide. And also, over the last century, has really shaped the identity of this region,” Matthew Olewski, Executive Director for the Jack Miner Migratory Bird Sanctuary, said.

  “We're always excited to put a spotlight on his legacy and honor that through continued focus on community engagement. So, [we’re] bringing people here not just to showcase what we do at the sanctuary in terms of habitat and wetland wildlife restoration and conservation, but also to celebrate our community and to celebrate that transition to fall. [It] is great and is always something that bookends another great year for us here and the hard work everyone has contributed to.” 

  With conservation and wildlife as a theme, education was spread throughout the festival. The Kingsville Horticultural Society was on hand in front of Laona’s butterfly garden, highlighting the work they do. The Essex Hunting Retriever Club was also onsite, hosting various demos, while the Art Society of Kingsville showcased artists and provided a chance for people to beautify their spaces with locally created pieces. 

  Throughout the weekend, attendees were able to, at their leisure, enjoy retriever demos and learn about bird banding. The Canadian Raptor Conservancy also hosted demonstrations.

  The festival also featured various additional opportunities to participate through the “Great Migration Paint Out,” which featured painting competitions throughout the weekend. This allowed artists to showcase their talents and the scenery as a part of the “en plein air” exhibition. 

  Over the course of the years the event has been hosted, it has grown and changed. This year in particular, Olewski noted that through a partnership with the St. Clair College Alumni Association, they have added additional entertainment in the Ty Cobb Field, including a beer garden Saturday, live entertainment, a vendor market, and food trucks. 

  A highlight of the festival, Olewski noted, is the pancake breakfast, which took place Sunday, along with the car show. Olewski said the pancake breakfast featured maple syrup made and cultivated from the 100 acres of forest located in the Kennedy Woods, created with the hands of countless volunteers to get it from farm to table.

  “It is great to be able to see so many families enjoy the event from Kingsville and even elsewhere,” Olewski said. “We are happy to offer this for the community and to continue to support local tourism. No matter their background, there’s something for everyone and we hope to continue to celebrate migration and conservation for another 55-years.”

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