Feast in the Village at Kings Landing
Setting the Long Table
While I sat in the shade on The King's Head patio enjoying a refreshing lemonade, many of the villagers were as 'busy as bees', setting the long table up amongst the apple trees and buzzing around preparing every last detail for the upcoming Harvest Dinner. You could almost tangibly feel the anticipation and excitement in the air.
The Village was Abuzz
Even the villagers, that you met when walking about the village were abuzz about the first Long Table Feast at Kings Landing. The weather couldn't be better. The rumours that young Hannah Ingraham would be singing a solo for the guests and that Mrs. Long's Zucchini Pie was being served had some downright giddy. After another long day of labouring on the farm, the menfolk were looking forward to filling their bellies with all the savoury bounty of food that would be offered in hearty portions. They talked of the Baked Atlantic Molasses Salmon, Creamed Potatoes, Citrus Asparagus and the tangy Traditional Mixed Bean Salad. It has been a good hunting season too, so they knew Roasted Venison Loin would surely be on the menu too. Mary's Famous Brown Bread, Rhubarb Pudding & Gingerbread with Whipped Cream would no doubt round out the meal. It was going to be a wonderful coming together of good food, good drink and good times to be had by all, of that they were sure. The Village Print Shop even made special labels for all the New Brunswick heritage dishes that were to be served.
Celebrate Good Times!
Once preparations were complete, and everyone took a seat, thanks and prayers were given for the plentiful harvest and a few well thought out words were shared to honour the Queen with a toast on this day of celebration of her Coronation. The gathered guests and villagers raised their glasses joyfully. Surprisingly, it was discovered that many visitors from afar were celebrating their own landmark occasions, I overheard a well-deserved retirement for one father with his extended family accompanying him and a special birthday being honoured in another family. There were so many happy reasons to be together and celebrate. The villagers didn't quite understand the term 'retirement' but being the gracious hosts they were, they congratulated the gentleman ‘from away’ on his accomplishment. Then to everyone's delight, Hannah Ingraham arose and indeed offered a solo captivating the gathered group with her angelic singing voice then the other talented musicians continued to entertain filling the air with delightful music to dine by.
Let the Kitchen Party Begin!
As soon as bellies were full, benches were lifted and gathered closer around the musicians for a lively 'Kitchen Party' el fresco. After a few brief instrument playing tips were given, spoons and drums were doled out and toe-tapping and dancing ensued. It was an evening of joviality.
Kings Landing Historical Village
Some guests arrived an hour before the Harvest Feast, but many others, (like myself and my guest Mrs. Brown), spent a full day of exploring all of the historical settlement prior to the Harvest festivities.
There are many upcoming Autumn/Harvest/Thanksgiving Events to be enjoyed at Kings Landing Historical Settlement. If you decide to travel back in time to spend a day and/or attend a special event in Kings Landing tell them the Maritimes Maven sent you.
Enjoy all the festivities and merriment! Happy Harvest Time!
This post was sponsored by Kings Landing Historical Settlement; however, all thoughts and opinions are my own. Follow Maritimes Maven on FaceBook, Instagram, Pinterest, LinkedIn, Threads & X. Subscribe to be the first to receive my latest articles. Share articles you love with your social media community so they, too, will discover, There’s No Place Like Home!