SWEET & SALTY PICNIC PARTY TAKES OVER MERRICKVILLE MAY 21

It's a good old-fashioned picnic party with a sweet and salty twist.

Pickle & Myrrh, Merrickville's artisan caramel shop, is hosting a Sweet & Salty Picnic Party Saturday, May 21, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Baldachin courtyard will be transformed into a foodie-themed micro vendors market and Pickle & Myrrh will launch three new caramel flavours — pretzel, waffle cone and unsalted.

Owner Erin Kergen was inspired by the spring season and Victorian charm of the village when dreaming up the event.

"It's something so simple. Enjoy the Saturday of your long weekend by coming to a Victorian village and having a picnic," she remarked.

Specially curated picnic boxes for all different tastes are being prepared, in partnership with local businesses. They include:

• Pickle & Myrrh Picnic Box (pretzel caramels, Mrs. Mcgarrigle's mustard, Violet's on Main soft baked pretzels and caramel dip)

• Village Bean Coffee House Picnic Box (small turkey, brie and cranberry sandwich, small ham and cheese sandwich, deli salad, brownie, San Pellegrino)

• Baldachin Inn Picnic Box (charcuterie board with garden salad, baguette and two sparkling waters)

• Violet's on Main Picnic Box (Ploughman's lunch — artisan roll, sausage roll, cheese selection, cold cuts, pickle, fruit and cookie)

• Mrs. Mcgarrigle's Picnic Box (charcuterie box with assorted meats, cheeses, fruits, crackers and mustard)

• The Yellow Canoe Café Picnic Box (half or full sandwich, side salad or soup, cookie or square and drink)

Kergen said people can order ahead and pick up on May 21 to enjoy a picnic in Blockhouse Park, the Merrickville Ruins or stake out a spot along the Rideau Canal.

"It's an affordable option for families that want to spend a couple of hours in a picturesque place like Merrickville. "There's no need to buy tickets, no pressure, and you get to experience a nostalgic event from yesteryear."

Adding to that element of nostalgia, visitors are encouraged to dress up in their best picnic, garden party or Victorian finery and win prizes. Sign up from 10 a.m. to noon at Pickle & Myrrh. A team of judges

(Kergen, Angelina Wrona of Anarchy Gallery and Julia Provost of Abel Mountain) will determine the best-dressed pets, children, ladies, gentlemen and Jewel of the Day from 12:30 to 1 p.m.

"After two years of COVID and being stuck in our sweats every day, I think we're all ready to dress up a bit!" Kergen laughed.

The market boasts 12 vendors who are new to Merrickville, as well as Pickle & Myrrh's lemonade stand. Visitors can find everything from homegrown produce (Rutabaga Ranch); fresh cut flowers (Flowers of the Field); gourmet baked goods (Willbe Cookie Co. and Jojo's Bake Co.); retro home decor and clothing (Funky Retro); handcrafted bags (Misneach); kettle corn (Flipping Good Kettle Corn); stained glass art (Roseneath Glass); and Mexican cuisine (Mi Cocina's fresh salsa and tortilla chips).

Harpist Suzanne Glaser will set the mood with music and a face-painting booth set up for children.

Fancy a photo shoot with a Vespa? Kergen is bringing along her vintage scooter, which will be styled by Flowers of the Field and with Lyndsay Oosterhof Photo.

Throughout the day, Merrickville businesses will also be joining in on the fun, offering deals and special promotions.

For more on the Sweet & Salty Picnic Party and to preorder picnic boxes, visit www.pickleandmyrrh.com.