Festival time in Middleton

By Heather Killen

The Spectator

NovaNewsNow.com

The countdown is on for the 24th annual Heart of The Valley celebration in Middleton.

Jessica Steeves, festival coordinator, said that the schedule of events kicks off Friday evening in Rotary Park with an ATV Competition.

“This was a popular event last year, so we decided to hold an ATV competition on Friday night, and an ATV pull on Sunday afternoon,” she said.

The committee has opted to offer more live musical entertainment this year. On Friday evening, Swig will perform in the Hospitality area starting at 8 p.m. And Joker’s Right will perform during the Rink Dance on Saturday.

“This is also new, usually they have a deejay at the dance,” she said.

The usual Saturday line-up starts with the Lion’s Club annual pancake breakfast, followed by the children’s parade starting at the Macdonald Museum.

Weigh-ins for the NS Arm Wrestling Association begin at 11 a.m., while the Grand Street Parade begins at 1:30 p.m. and will be followed with live musical entertainment throughout the afternoon.

A special Middleton Farmer’s Market will be held from noon until 4 p.m., while the famous Fireman’s Chicken Barbeque begins at 4 p.m. and runs until 6 p.m. at Rotary Park.

Sunday is Family Day starting with the Kids of Steel and Adult Triathalons at noon. A variety of family events are planned in addition to the ATV pull, such as the Fireman’s Challenge, and a Roy Robinson Dog Show.

More live music is planned for Sunday evening. Fresh from the stage, the Apple Blossom Idol will perform on Sunday, along with the John Tetrault Group.

The weekend line-up ends with a spectacular fireworks finale in Rotary Park.