Migration Festival through the lens

Story and photos by Deanna Bertrand

KINGSVILLE - The 51st Migration Festival was a go this past weekend, despite the current pandemic.

That didn’t stop locals from paying homage to Jack Miner and the town’s unique heritage. Masks were given out to anyone who didn’t arrive already wearing one and everyone was asked to sanitize hands before entry into any event such as the market or PJs and Pancakes, in which visitors were asked to pick up a free kit filled with pancake mix, berries, paper airplanes, links to videos of storybook readings and more to do with the family in the comfort of your own home.

Picking up their kit for the PJs and Pancakes with Community Heroes are Rachel, 11, Brendan, 9, Madison, 6 and Margaret Dyck.

These young guests were given a tour and learned the history of Jack Miner at the Sanctuary on Saturday afternoon.

Other events included Pumpkins and Pics, where children could pick out a free pumpkin to take home, and the annual Migration Fest Wild Goose Chase, where Canada Geese decoys are located in the storefronts of 25 local businesses.

Artists could be found throughout the town Thursday through Saturday afternoon with easels set up and paint brushes in hand, creating their perceptions of various locations and objects as part of the first Great Migration Paint Out.

Gavin Tinus, 8 of Kingsville, picks out the perfect pumpkin to take home.

A total of 16 artists took part in the event which was judged by artist Bruce Bezaire. The artwork was then on display at the newly restored Grovedale House at 103 Park Street.

Denise Antaya took home first place honours, with second place to Ober-Rae Starr Livingston. Third place went to Lindsay Longpre. The A.S.K. (Arts Society of Kingsville) Award was given to Vera Graham while the Best Nocturne (sponsored by King Fischer Studio) went to Sarah Trudell. The Joan Cotte Award was given to Sheila Laurin.

Denise Antaya, the first place winner of the Great Migration Paint Out.

Leamington artist Randy Bryan, paints a tractor across from the Jack Miner Sanctuary Saturday as part of the Great Migration Paint Out.