Why Cattails?
For its first 14 years, the Verona Festival adopted a new theme each year. In 2010, the Festival Committee decided that it was time to adopt a permanent theme that could be built on from year to year. The quest for a new theme was on, and the Committee spent months sifting through ideas and researching other successful annual festivals.
As the Committee members looked around Verona, the theme of "Cattails" occurred to more than one member. Cattails were the natural choice. Look around Verona and you will see them everywhere. Verona is located next to the Cameron Bog (see aerial photo below). Geologically speaking, this is where the limestone to the south meets the Canadian shield to the north, resulting in a 5,000 acre wetland - prime growing conditions for cattails.
The village is nestled on the edge of this marshland. It is a significant part of our history. Until 1938, there was no road north to Verona, because it was impossible to build a stable roadbed through the bog. The only access was the railway line. (That's why our main road "Road 38" - previously Ontario Highway 38 - is named as it is. It was opened in 1938).
Cattail Fried Rice Recipe
This savory version of a well-known Chinese dish combines left-over rice with wild plants.
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil1/2 cup peeled and chopped cattail shoots
1 cup shallots, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
3 cups cooked brown rice
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon chili paste or 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet over a medium flame. Add the cattails, shallots and garlic and saute for 5 minutes. Add the remaining ingredients and cook until the rice is hot. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
Serves 4
Courtesy of "Wildman" Steve Brill
Cattails are very versatile. Early settlers found the cattail to be a bounteous plant with many uses. The cattails were a valuable source of food and raw material. Google "cattails" and you will be amazed at the versatility of this plant. Already the Verona Festival Volunteers have come up with lots of cattail-related games and activities to hold during the festival.
Below: A satellite photo of the Verona area and Cameron Bog
(courtesy of Google Maps)
