For something so small, the mighty cranberry can pack quite a punch.
Cranberry juice is said to be rich in antioxidants and vitamin C and can relieve many health conditions.
And the berry is good with turkey.
In the community of Callander, about 2 kilometres from the start of the aptly named Cranberry Trail is a cranberry marsh where families spent part of their Saturday picking the delicious red berry.
Adult, children and dogs walked the trail, enjoying the natural setting as part of the municipally organized Cranberry Day celebrations.
It is not uncommon to see three generations of one family together making memories.
Susan McLeod hiked the trail with her husband and two grandchildren.
“We have just enjoyed the horse and wagon ride and that took us halfway to the cranberry marsh and we’re walking back,” smiled McLeod.
“It is a nice family get together for the beginning of fall before Thanksgiving arrives, and they put on a lot of very nice things for the children to see. We enjoyed seeing the Callander Museum and all the exhibits they have and talking to them about all the events they put on for children. So, it is just a really nice family day.”
Cranberry treats like cranberry cookies and cranberry juice were waiting for those who made their way to the viewing station near the marsh.
In the parking area at the mouth of the trail, vendors were set up for the day, live music filled the air, there was face painting for the youngsters and a scavenger hunt to keep them busy.
“I really enjoyed it. This is my first time being out here with all of this. I have come out here and walked the Cranberry Trail before, but I never experienced the whole festival event,” said Katelyn Jalabois who readily admitted she doesn’t really have a penchant for cranberries.
“No, not a whole lot,” she laughed.
“But we’re here for the nature and everything that comes with it. It is so nice. They have music and everything. It was just a great day. I think the wagon ride was the highlight. It was the first time for me and my daughter. We’ll be back next year for sure.”
Event organizer Catharina Nordbeck estimated a crowd of roughly 800 took in the annual festivities.
