With the surge in pumpkin-spiced products and the popularity of the term “sweater weather,” it’s become all the rage in recent years for young city dwellers to romanticize the fall season — and with it comes the desire to escape to small-town events like Millbrook’s Fall Festival hosted by the Millbrook Business Improvement Area (BIA).
Now being held for the fourth time, the annual event is a celebration of the picturesque village, with businesses, residents, and visitors coming together for an afternoon of family fun, including the return of the beloved bouncy castles, live entertainment, a vendor market, a beverage garden, and so much more.
This year’s festival is taking place on Saturday, October 5 from noon to 6 p.m. on King Street in downtown Millbrook.
“For such a little village, we’re pretty mighty when it comes to festivals and downtown events,” says Kathie Lycett, BIA chair and event organizer. “It’s such a huge draw for us and helps get people together.”
This summer, Millbrook set the stage for various film productions, including commercials, exterior shots for the Netflix limited series Wayward (formerly Tall Pines) starring Mae Martin, and a episode of the third season of Amazon Prime’s action-thriller series Reacher based on Lee Child’s best-selling books and starring Alan Rickson as Jack Reacher.
Lycett notes that the BIA receives some of the revenue from the filming, which supports community events like the recent Zucchini Festival and the long-running Ladies’ Night. Filming also supports local businesses, as was evident with those hired during the Wayward shoot.
“They needed a farmers’ market, so the location manager hired people from our farmers’ market to set it up and to create the atmosphere,” Lycett explains. “It shows how this filming is beneficial to our business community in Millbrook.”
Film production companies as well as tourists are drawn to the aesthetics of Millbrook, including the historic heritage buildings and stunning trails and mills outside the downtown, but Lycett says it’s the behind-the-scenes action by locals that truly makes the village a must-see destination.
“Every weekend there’s something going on, and for the most part it’s volunteers that put it together,” she says. “That’s what makes Millbrook so wonderful.”
Lycett adds there is no better time than the fall to visit Millbrook, which is located in the southwest corner of Peterborough County.
“It’s harvest time and Millbrook has agricultural roots, so we’re more focused on our agricultural community from a historical perspective than some other regions north in the county,” she says. “We have such precious little summer that, when people go away for the weekends, they head north — but when summer’s over, Millbrook’s the place to be.”
According to Timmi Brady, BIA member at large, fall is also an ideal time for the Millbrook community to gather together once again.
“Everyone’s so busy in the summer trying to fit all the things,” she says. “This is the time to take a breath and reconnect with our neighbours.
Closing down King Street for the day, this year’s Fall Festival will see the return of the fan-favourite bouncy castles, while the NorthFIRE Circus will add all-new fun to the lineup. Geared towards children, street performer Isabella Hoops will be demonstrating an interactive hula hoop dance — with some of the hoops on fire.
“That’s an interactive part of the festival where people of all ages can get up on stage and try out the hula hoops,” Lycett explains. “It will be something different that we haven’t done before, but it will be a lot of fun for everyone.”
To give the adults a space for themselves, the festival will include the Beverage Garden, sponsored by Rice Lake Hard Cider and Dusk to Dawn Brewing Company. There will also be live music from the Fenelon Falls classic rock cover band Thermostats as well as by Peterborough musician Danny Bronson. Interactive line dancing from Community Care Peterborough will round out the entertainment.
Of course, as with every Millbrook BIA event, there will be local food and artisan vendors selling goods and products throughout the downtown. Local businesses will also be open, with many providing special offers and discounts, so visitors have the chance to explore everything that Millbrook has to offer.
“It’s just a great place to shop because of the music on the street, because of our decorating committee, because of the historical look of our buildings,” says Lycett. “All the businesses will be happy to have people drop in.”
Lycett notes the Fall Festival would not be possible without the support and encouragement of the community, including businesses and organizations contributing their own ideas and suggestions.
“Our local businesses all support each other where they can,” adds Brady. “There’s such a good support system in our community.”
When it comes to community support, Lycett singles out the work of the decorating committee, which consists of volunteers who beautify the village each season and for special events like the Fall Festival.
“They do a fabulous job,” she says. “They’re a group of women that just love doing it for our local businesses, and we wouldn’t have a BIA without them. The BIA is totally dependent on volunteers and community spirit.”
Millbrook’s Fall Festival is just the first of several family-friendly events taking place in the village throughout the fall. Another annual event that brings the village together is the annual “Get Your Spook On,” happening on Saturday, October 26 this year. The event invites children to get dressed up in their Halloween costumes and go trick-or-treating between downtown businesses.
“If parents don’t want to go out in the rain on Halloween night, they can do this instead or they can do both,” says Lycett. “It makes for a festive downtown. We’re all about really catering to young children and families.”
The Fall Festival is not just an opportunity to discover why Millbrook is such a sought-after film location, but also to experience the spirit of the close-knit community.
“I love where I work because of the camaraderie and because of our businesses,” says Lycett. “We all get along very well and support one another — that’s where the volunteerism comes from.”
The Millbrook BIA is still looking for volunteers and sponsors to support the Fall Festival. Those interested can contact Lycett at Kathie@BethanyRealestate.ca.
To stay up to date on updates on the Fall Festival, and other events happening throughout the fall in Millbrook, follow the Millbrook BIA on Facebook and visit millbrookbia.com.
This branded editorial was created in partnership with the Millbrook BIA. If your organization or business is interested in a branded editorial, contact us.
