Vineland, Ontario
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The village of Vineland is an unincorporated community within the Town of Lincoln in the Niagara Peninsula in the province of Ontario, Canada.
Its location between the southern shore of Lake Ontario and the Niagara Escarpment provides for a moderate climate with mild winters. Vineland and the surrounding area is known in Canada for its orchards, vineyards, wineries and restaurants that feature local produce and wines.
Vineland's fruit crops include cherries, peaches, apples and pears, and during the summer attract many tourists from all over Ontario, particularly Toronto. A well known grower of these fruits is G.Montefore & Family Farms.
Vineland is also host to a large craft fair that takes place over a period of 4 days on Canadian Thanksgiving weekend. Craft stalls are set up on the main street, Victoria Avenue, and at the Ball's Falls Conservation Area. This festival also extends into the ball park in neighbouring town of Jordan.
The hollow connecting Vineland and Jordan is home to a diverse flea market every summer Sunday afternoon.
Vineland and the surrounding area was settled in the mid-1700s by German immigrants. Prominent names in the community included Albright, Culp, Honsberger, Mewhiney, and Moyer — names which can be found in the centuries-old Mennonite cemetery on the corner of Regional Road 81 (former Highway 8) and Martin Road. These names still sprinkle mailboxes along country roads today. The cemetery is also the location of the first Mennonite church of Canada.
The village gained notoriety in 1956 when it was revealed that radioactive material was found in one of the landfills. Its small population has made it an unknown area to most people. Most of its traffic comes from its road Victoria Ave. as drivers become confused and think they are by the Niagara Falls, due to there being a Victoria Ave. there as well.