The Cumberland Museum is joining forces with a host of community partners to present a special harvest event called Blackberries, Apples and Bears.
It happens Oct. 1 from 9 a.m. till 5 p.m. at the Cumberland Museum, Cultural Centre and beyond.
This Mountain Village Style Fall Fair will feature interactive workshops, films, kids activities, walking tours, information focused on heritage food growing, harvesting and processing, hands-on apple arts and crafts, bear awareness, an edible wild plants tour and more.
Local community groups, businesses and volunteers will be sharing their skills, expertise and interests with community members of all ages.
A big focus this year will be on bear awareness and finding ways address the issue of bears in the village in the fall season. This includes informing and educating the public about garbage, compost and fruit tree management and opportunities to share surplus fruit.
The Village of Cumberland is on board to share important resources that will help make the Village safer for both residents and bears.
Blackberries Apples and Bears will culminate with the 2011 Cumberland Pie of the Year Contest where local pie-makers compete for cash and glory. Registration forms are at the Cumberland Museum now or on the website at www.cumberlandmuseum.ca.
The Cumberland Pie of the Year Contest features local fruit pies from pie makers of all ages, experience and backgrounds. Special prizes will be awarded for the most creative entry. Judging is done by a carefully selected panel of pie experts.
Blackberries, Apples and Bears will also mark the launch of a new temporary exhibit at the Cumberland Museum focused on heritage food methods and artifacts. This exhibit will run until January.
So mark your calendar for yet another fun-filled day in the Village. All ages are very welcome and shops and restaurants will feature sales and specials all day long in historic downtown Cumberland. Be prepared for a bear costume or two as well.
For more details or to get involved, download registration forms, check schedules and more go to www.cumberlandmuseum.ca.
— Cumberland Museum