Thanksgiving in Eastern Ontario 2024: How to Celebrate, Why It Matters, and the Traditions of Embrun, Prescott & Russell, and Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry

Thanksgiving in Canada is a cherished holiday filled with family, food, and gratitude, and nowhere is that more true than in Eastern Ontario, where communities like Embrun, Prescott & Russell, and Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry (SDG) embrace the holiday with unique local traditions. Set against the stunning fall landscapes of these rural regions, Thanksgiving here is marked by a deep connection to the land, local harvests, and long-standing customs. In 2024, these communities offer a vibrant blend of modern celebrations and historical traditions, all focused on gathering with loved ones and reflecting on the year’s blessings.

This blog explores how to celebrate Thanksgiving in these charming regions, including the best local customs, events, and decorations, with a spotlight on their distinct ways of marking the holiday.

### A Glimpse into Thanksgiving in Eastern Ontario

Thanksgiving in Canada originated as a way to give thanks for the year’s harvest and the blessings of good fortune. This sentiment is particularly strong in rural areas like Embrun, Prescott & Russell, and SDG, where agriculture is deeply embedded in local life. The rich farmlands of this region yield an abundance of produce that is celebrated during the harvest season, from pumpkins and squash to apples and corn. As families come together for Thanksgiving, many turn to local markets and farms to source ingredients for their meals, keeping traditions alive while supporting local farmers.

While the Thanksgiving holiday across Canada shares common themes of food, family, and gratitude, each community brings its own unique touch to the celebration, and Eastern Ontario is no exception.

### How to Celebrate Thanksgiving in Embrun and Surrounding Areas

#### 1. Host a Traditional Farm-to-Table Thanksgiving Dinner

One of the best ways to celebrate Thanksgiving in Embrun and the surrounding counties is by preparing a traditional farm-to-table dinner. The region is known for its strong agricultural roots, and it’s easy to find fresh, local ingredients to incorporate into your meal. The **Vankleek Hill Farmers' Market** and **Maxville Farmers' Market** are excellent places to start your Thanksgiving shopping, offering everything from farm-fresh vegetables to locally raised meats.

For a true local touch, consider featuring ingredients that are prominent in the area. Turkey, of course, remains the centerpiece of the meal, but don’t overlook other local delicacies. You might include **Embrun’s artisanal cheeses**, **Prescott & Russell’s famous apples**, and even **wild game** like venison from nearby hunting grounds.

A traditional Thanksgiving dinner in this part of Ontario often includes roasted root vegetables like parsnips and carrots, creamy mashed potatoes, stuffing made with local herbs, and, of course, a rich, spiced pumpkin pie for dessert. You’ll find many of these ingredients at local farm stands, such as **Beau’s All Natural Brewing Company’s taproom and farm store** in Vankleek Hill, which not only sells beer but also seasonal produce and treats.

#### 2. Embrace Nature’s Beauty with Outdoor Activities

Thanksgiving falls during the peak of fall in Eastern Ontario, making it the perfect time to embrace the region’s natural beauty. **Prescott & Russell** and **SDG Counties** are known for their stunning fall foliage, and a walk or hike is a great way to start or end your Thanksgiving weekend.

A visit to **Voyageur Provincial Park** near the Ontario-Quebec border offers breathtaking views of the fall leaves reflected on the Ottawa River, while the **Long Sault Parkway** in SDG is a scenic drive that winds between islands and offers picnic spots with beautiful vistas. Families might enjoy taking a leisurely drive through the countryside, where you’ll see the rolling farmland dotted with barns, silos, and golden fields of harvested crops.

For those looking to combine exercise with tradition, **Prescott & Russell’s annual Thanksgiving Run** is a great way to join the community while getting some fresh air. This event is a favorite for both locals and visitors, offering routes through scenic trails and roads lined with vibrant autumn colors.

#### 3. Attend Local Thanksgiving Events and Festivals

Eastern Ontario communities take pride in hosting events that highlight the region’s rural charm and close-knit spirit. Thanksgiving is no exception. Many of the local festivals and fairs include harvest celebrations that bring neighbors together to give thanks and enjoy the fruits of the season.

In 2024, you can look forward to **The Glengarry Highland Games Fall Gathering**, which coincides with the Thanksgiving weekend. Though the main event happens earlier in the year, the fall gathering is a great way to celebrate local culture with Highland dancing, bagpipes, and a hearty Thanksgiving feast that highlights local cuisine.

Additionally, many communities host **fall fairs** or **harvest festivals** around Thanksgiving, including **The Vankleek Hill Harvest Festival**. These events often include hayrides, pumpkin picking, and opportunities to sample local foods and drinks. There’s nothing quite like sipping hot apple cider while strolling through a fair, picking out pumpkins to carve, or choosing a bouquet of fall flowers to bring home.

### Thanksgiving Decorations with a Local Touch

Decorating for Thanksgiving in Embrun, Prescott & Russell, and SDG blends classic autumnal themes with touches of rural charm. The region’s strong agricultural heritage means that many families decorate their homes with natural elements sourced from nearby farms and markets.

#### 1. Rustic Floral Arrangements

One of the most popular decorations for Thanksgiving in this area is a beautiful floral arrangement that incorporates local, seasonal flowers and foliage. You’ll often see bouquets featuring sunflowers, chrysanthemums, and asters, accented by wheat stalks, dried grasses, and vibrant fall leaves. For a more personal touch, visit **Ferme Dagenais** in Embrun or **Riverdale Orchards** in Prescott for locally grown blooms to create your own arrangement.

In SDG, many families combine floral decorations with produce from their own gardens or local farms. Pumpkins, gourds, and squash in a variety of colors are arranged on tables, mantels, and doorsteps, symbolizing the abundance of the harvest. You might also see corn husks and hay bales adorning porches and front yards, creating a welcoming, harvest-themed atmosphere for guests.

#### 2. Homemade Centerpieces and Table Settings

In the tight-knit communities of Eastern Ontario, Thanksgiving table settings often emphasize simplicity and natural beauty. Homemade centerpieces are popular, with families gathering materials from the countryside to create stunning displays. For example, a long wooden tray filled with small pumpkins, pinecones, candles, and greenery can be the perfect rustic centerpiece.

In Embrun and the surrounding areas, the table itself is often dressed in neutral colors, allowing the food and natural decorations to take center stage. Wooden or burlap placemats, cloth napkins, and ceramic plates help create a warm, inviting atmosphere. Incorporating heirloom tableware or dishes passed down through generations adds a sentimental touch to the meal.

#### 3. Wreaths and Outdoor Décor

Thanksgiving in this part of Ontario often starts right at the front door, with many homes featuring handmade wreaths that highlight the area’s agricultural bounty. Wreaths made from grapevines or corn husks, decorated with dried berries, pumpkins, and flowers, are a common sight in Prescott & Russell and SDG.

Front porches are also decorated with hay bales, scarecrows, and wooden crates filled with pumpkins and gourds. Many families take pride in creating a display that reflects the season’s harvest, often with materials gathered from local farms. This blend of rustic charm and practical decoration not only enhances the home’s curb appeal but also honors the agricultural roots of the community.

### The Unique Traditions of Embrun, Prescott & Russell, and SDG

Thanksgiving traditions in this region are a blend of long-standing rural customs and modern celebrations. Many families in Embrun, Prescott & Russell, and SDG have passed down their Thanksgiving recipes for generations, with an emphasis on cooking from scratch using fresh, local ingredients.

Hunting and fishing are also a part of many families’ Thanksgiving traditions. Wild game like venison or duck often finds its way to the table, reflecting the area’s strong connection to nature. A big Thanksgiving meal might be followed by a walk in the woods, with children learning the importance of respecting and conserving the land.

Another important tradition in these communities is the focus on giving back. Many families donate food to local shelters or participate in food drives organized by churches and community groups. In 2024, **The Prescott & Russell Food Bank** and **SDG Community Food Bank** will be hosting their annual Thanksgiving drives, and volunteering is a great way to show gratitude while helping neighbors in need.

### Conclusion: Thanksgiving in Eastern Ontario

Thanksgiving in Eastern Ontario, with its mix of rural charm and community spirit, offers a unique and heartfelt way to celebrate this cherished holiday. Whether you're enjoying a farm-to-table feast in Embrun, taking a scenic drive through the fall foliage of Prescott & Russell, or attending a local harvest festival in SDG, the region provides countless opportunities to reflect on what truly matters—family, community, and the beauty of nature.

This Thanksgiving, take the time to embrace the traditions of these rural counties, whether through rustic décor, outdoor activities, or simply sharing a meal made from locally sourced ingredients. By honoring both the land and the people who make up this vibrant part of Ontario, you’ll create lasting memories and celebrate Thanksgiving in its truest, most meaningful form.