Carrousel of Nations comes to Amherstburg with Irish Village

Storyteller Olwyn Coughlin offers a toast during her talk last Sunday afternoon at G.L. Heritage Brewing Co. (left). She tells a story to the crowd under a tent on the brewery’s grounds (above). It was part of the Irish Village at the Irish Village of the Carrousel of Nations, which continues this weekend.

The Carrousel of Nations made a stop in Amherstburg last weekend with the festivities continuing this weekend.

The Irish Village is at G.L. Heritage Brewing Co. with three days of events and festivities last Friday through Sunday. Those continue this Friday through Sunday.

“Absolutely fantastic is the best way to describe it,” said G.L. Heritage Brewing Co. co-owner Jen Desjardins-Grondin.

Desjardins-Grondin said they were busy all three days and people came early.

“We had people filling the parking lot before we opened for the afternoon,” she said. “People are excited for the food, beer, entertainment and the space.”

According to Desjardins-Grondin, the Irish Village is the first one to be hosted in Amherstburg. She said it was an honour for G.L Heritage Brewing Co. to host it.

“We have enjoyed the Carrousel of Nations for many years now,” she said. “It was an opportunity to bring the village to the community.”

Desjardins-Grondin said their family has seven generations of history on their property, with her husband Dwayne’s ancestor Thomas Waldron emigrating from Ireland and purchasing the land. It has been passed down and sold within the family.

“If we were going to have a village, it was going to be the Irish Village. It’s an honour to celebrate the culture,” said Desjardins-Grondin.

The Irish Village was a partnership between G.L. Heritage Brewing Co. and The Hub catering, which Desjardins-Grondin said are both locally owned.

“All of the owners live and operate in Amherstburg,” she said. 

The menu has an Irish theme, Desjardins-Grondin added.

Desjardins-Grondin added she was told this was the first Irish Village on the Carrousel of Nations since the 1980’s. She said the plan is to bring it back in future years.

“It’s been one of the most successful events and turnouts in our eight years here,” she stated. “Outstanding community support.”

Entertainment this weekend features Irish music this Friday with Mark Crampsie and Brian VancerPryit from 5-8 p.m., the return of storyteller Olwyn Coughlin Saturday from 4-6 p.m. and the Rose City Highland Dancers Sunday from 2:30-3:30 p.m.

Carrousel of Nations comes to Amherstburg with Irish Village

By Ron Giofu