I am sure that at this point you are tired of me writing about lights. It's funny to think that I went to 7 different events this year and didn't even crack the surface for what I could have done. I promise that after this I'll post a hiking video and we'll return to our regularly scheduled program.
Tanya was the one who contacted me about Ball's Falls. She has learned that if you send a link my way I will typically say yes. I had never been to Ball's Falls, only passed it while during out to Niagara. I knew it was a conservation area, and that it had hiking trails and a waterfall. The link Tanya sent me had the promise of Christmas lights. I was definitely up for the adventure, as I always am.
When the day arrived Tanya and I made our way over there, and were indeed met with lights. We were also met with a barn full of music and beer. This was something I could definitely get behind. Tanya requested Barenaked Ladies, and the band was able to come up with one song. Here's a clip that youtube wouldn't let me post.
We sat for a while drinking our Bench beer and then headed back out to explore. Explore we did as it turns out the conservation area is home to historic buildings once belonging to the Ball family. The name suddenly makes sense. We were able to explore the church, original family house, a smaller house that the lower class would have lived in, and the old barns. The staff was wonderful about giving information, and it was a really cool addition to the winter lights. Finally, they had the waterfall lit up all blue and it was spectacular to look at.
Overall, it was a fabulous night and I would highly recommend going if you're in the area. Although, it wasn't as glamourous as previous light shows.
On the other hand, there was Simcoe and the surrounding area. I had seen it while searching for things to do. I quickly reached out to Sam & Stuart who lived in the area to see if it was worth my time. Sam quickly replied that yes, I should go and they would love to take me to it. Simcoe Panorama has been occurring for over 60 years. Both Sam & Stuart grew up going to it, and were happy to take me around. It all takes place in one park, filled with different displays, diorama like boxes, and apple cider for sale. There was a marching band to provide music, and it was clear this was a much loved holiday tradition. Some of the displays were clearly older, dating back probably to the original years of the festival. However, other were newer, including my favourite A Nightmare Before Christmas themed diorama.
This alone was enough to please me for the night, and I recommend the trip out for anyone. However, that wasn't all Sam & Stuart had planned for me. They put me back in the truck, with a plate full of cookies, child locks on the doors, and drove me to Jarvis.
For years Jarvis has attempted to get their own light festival off the ground. However, there's is very different. It takes the form of a contest, with the entire town fighting for the right to call themselves the most decorated. The houses were so well done. The amount of work definitely showed and I recommend that if you head to Simcoe, to stop by in Jarvis and see this as well. Well worth the drive through the county.
I think that's it for light shows, at least for a few months. You can watch the full adventure of Ball's Falls and Simcoe here:
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