Canada Day celebrations return to McCrae House on July 1.
Once again, the museum offers numerous military displays and demonstrations, great musical entertainment, Highland and Irish dancing, outdoor games, and, of course, birthday cake.
Festivities begin at noon and run until 4pm – rain or shine. Admission is by donation. Organizers invite everyone to visit and experience the unique Canada Day event.
Starting off at noon, Doug Larson will entertain with stories and music featuring the Guelph guitar, an instrument he created from various materials significant to Guelph. Throughout the afternoon, enjoy Highland and Irish dancing with students from the Mary Ellen Cann School of Highland Dance and Tir Na Nog Dance Academy.
Groups featured in this year’s celebrations include the recreated 20th Battalion Canadian Expeditionary Force (1914-1919) and Recreated Lincoln Welland Regiment, whose displays will include First World War and Second World War military artifacts and uniforms.
The 41st Regiment of Foot will recreate an 1812 encampment and present a musketry demonstration. The 10th Louisiana Civil War re-enactors and the Hamilton 23rd Field Ambulance will also set up camps. The John McCrae Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion, the 11th Field Regiment, 1882 Wellington Rifles – Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps, NLCC #34 Achilles Navy Cadets will also be participating.
Visitors can take part in creating home-front crafts with the Canadian Embroiderers Guild of Guelph, meet with author Gabriele Wills, check out the selection of Canadian military books at the Laurier Centre for Military and Strategic Disarmament Studies table and try out some historic games such as stilts and quoits. There will be lots of activities for the entire family.
McCrae House is located at 108 Water Street. Contact Guelph Museums at 519-836-1221 or visit guelph.ca/museum for more information. Guelph Civic Museum, 6 Dublin Street South, will be closed July 1.
