WATERFORD, ONTARIO

'Waterford' is a small town located in Norfolk County, Ontario, Canada about 11km (7 miles) north of the town of Simcoe, which is the ''county seat'' for Norfolk County. Population of the town is approximately 2,500 (2001). Antiques as well as food of all genres can be purchased either in the town or near the town on Highway 24.
The town sits on the old Canada Southern Railroad, preceding various other rail company takeovers, the latest of which was by CN/CP. The now idle line passes through Ontario between Buffalo, New York and Detroit, Michigan. Norfolk FS also holds a major base of operations here, which provide chemicals, dangerous goods, and feed to local farmers.
The area surrounding the village is primarily agricultural land, with tomatoes, tobacco and corn among the chief crops. Other natural health and organic crops are being explored, such as ginseng, but area farmers are generally suffering from the decline of the tobacco industry. In 1979, a freak tornado swept through Waterford, devastating trees, homes, and public property. The tornado also caused blackouts which lasted for hours throughout most of Norfolk County.
Former Minister of Agriculture and Liberal MP Bob Speller lives with his family in the community of Villa Nova, just minutes east of Waterford.

Contents

Academia and sports

Pumpkinfest

Vango Adventure Farm

External links

Academia and sports

Waterford is home to the Norfolk Harvesters men's and women's rugby teams. The organization was founded in 2002 by Ryan Elliott. The local high school is called Waterford District High School and their teams are collectively called the ''Wolves''. There are also two elementary schools and Bloomsburg Public School is located to the south in the hamlet of Bloomsburg.

Pumpkinfest

Every October the weekend of the third Friday of the month, the community hosts a Pumpkin Festival. This includes a fireworks display, parade, home decorating contest and a spook house. The event is centered around the pumpkin harvest. Tourism reaches a peak during this time for Waterford. The Pumpkinfest was the backdrop for a national ad campaign featuring President's Choice Pumpkin Cheesecake.

Vango Adventure Farm

Vango Adventure Farm is located just south of Waterford proper, and is owned by Mr. Mark VanGoethem. It was featured on the Dragon's Den television show but it was not chosen. There are a lot of things for young families to do and although the admission is pricey, the entertainment value is worth it in the summer and early autumn. The theme park was officially opened on September 30, 2006 and there was live country music playing throughout. The farm is open on weekends for tourists until after Halloween.
Attractions include a corn maze, an old fashioned hay ride, rabbits, goats, alpacas, birds, mini-putt, food, a pavilion, a place to measure your height, a splash pad, and a water slide. This theme park is slowly expanding into 15 different phases. People heading from Brantford, Turkey Point, Long Point, Port Dover, and Simcoe can enjoy a quick and convenient ride to the theme park.

External links

★ Pumpkinfest

★ President's Choice advertisement tying in Pumpkinfest

★ VanGo Adventure Farm