Knights of Columbus Recaps Successful Harvest Fest 2024
The Knights of Columbus Sacred Heart Council 2319 is pleased to announce the successful celebration of Harvest Fest held on Saturday, September 7, 2024 at the Nick Basciano Centre in Thorold. The third annual event attracted over 200 attendees, while raising $2,100 for charities. It was great to see seniors in addition to young families participating in the activities as their kids enjoyed the free popcorn and helium-filled balloons offered by the Knights.
As a community event, Harvest Fest invited people to come together, taste the foods, and enjoy fun learning activities, while supporting charitable organizations. Profits from the event will allow for a donation of $1,050 to Hospice Niagara and $1,050 will also be given to Thorold Community Activities Group.

“I want to thank many folks for our recent success at Harvest Fest 2024 presented by our incredible Knights of Columbus members showing us their stellar volunteer involvement both during the planning stage as well as during the event, the members of our Holy Rosary Parish who volunteered, the TCAG team, the Thorold Fire Department and the many exhibitors and artisans, farmers and charity groups who showcased their special offerings to the community.
Together we were able to raise an additional $2,100 for named charities which has brought our donations total to nearly $21,000 over the past four years of Garden Fest and Harvest Fest,” said Tim O'Brien, Event Chair.
The Harvest Fest showcased Niagara's locally grown foods and plants as well as handmade crafts created by local artisans. It took many pieces to come together to produce the sucessful Harvest Fest. A farmers market featured Victors Farm Share as well as Marko Honey Bees. Gorgeous chrysanthemums from Schenck Farms and delicious apples were sold for the fundraiser by the Knights.
In the park, Simon Says Ice Cream had a booth near the Knights grilling hamburgers and hot dogs, as well as exquisite chicken satays, and chicken burgers from Kent Heritage Farms.
In the parking lot, the Thorold Fire Department was on location with their crew showcasing a fire truck, while offering kids safety tips and photo ops. The Greater Niagara Humane Society connected with visitors at an outdoor information booth to raise awareness of animail welfare.
An indoor craft show filled the hall with artisans selling their unique creations for the fall season along with the Thorold Garden Club display and the Hospice Niagara information booth. Vendors included 23 Fish Malas, Carrie’s Cozies, Crafts by Karen, Fenwick Pies Co., Josephine’s Knits, Peacock Lane Crafty Studio, Porch Swing Studio, Rewinded Art, Rvkcrochet, Suzy’s Crazy Towel Hobby, Tesori Nails with Sarah, The Wood Samaritan, Crafty Shavings. A $50 booth fee paid by each of these vendors is part of the donations to our charities.
In the hall foyer, the Knights of Columbus members welcomed visitors and sold tickets for their annual 50/50 draw to take place on December 7, 2024. At the Harvest Fest welcome desk, the Knights also sold tickets for chances to win raffle prizes. Raffle proceeds boosted the fundraiser.
TCAG instructors and community volunteer Marsha Hunt and her team presented free learning activities for the kids who created fall crafts and had lots of fun.
“This event not only raised awareness of the goodness we have in Niagara, but also showcased the incredible talent and spirit of our community,” said Tim O'Brien, Event Chair.
Thanks to Harvest Fest sponsors for their financial support; Bocchinfuso Funeral Home, Dixie Regulator and Torch Repair, Henderson's Pharmacy, Brazclean Complete Cleaning Services, Elio's Foot Comfort Centre, Thorold Foodland, Kent Heritage Farms. These sponsors supported the Harvest Fest with financial assistance to help promote the event.
Harvest Fest shows how our community can pull together to celebrate the bounty of this season. Event partners helped the Knights produce a successful event. Thanks to the City of Thorold, Air Liquide, Canal City Realty, Impact Promotions, Comprehensive Health Clinic (Dr Michael Venneri, DC), Toolbox Project Niagara, Niagara River Lions, Lyons Stained Glass Art, and Thorold Community Credit Union.
“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who attended and supported Harvest Fest, " said Tim O'Brien, Event Chair.
Looking ahead, the Knights of Columbus will continue to serve the community with their popular Beef on a Bun Dinners (second Thursday of every month at Holy Rosary Hall) and coming soon, the new Coats for Kids campaign, Keep Christ in Christmas poster design contest for elementary school students, and treats at the Thorold Santa Claus Parade in November.