As local residents are out telling tales this weekend, it will be to enrich Minto’s heritage landscape.
Telling Tales: Sharing Minto’s Stories is a heritage event this Saturday in Clifford, Drew, Harriston and Palmerston. The event is will make use of the Clifford community centre, Norgan Theatre and community centres in Drew and Harriston.
On Oct. 23 and 24, Minto, through its heritage working group, will hold two heritage events.
“Listening to and recording the stories about Minto’s history is significant to the future directions of the municipality. Having residents tell their stories builds a connection leading to the protection of the town’s past,” said Mayor David Anderson. “Recognizing its heritage is a strategic initiative of the municipality which will assist in creating a unique family destination.”
On Oct. 23 from 7 to 9pm, Stephen Thorning, a well known historian and columnist for the Wellington Advertiser, will speak in the Old Town Hall Theatre in Harriston. He will provide stories of the four former municipalities and then be available for questions. If time permits, other residents can provide their memories on the history Thorning will offer.
On Oct. 24, a full-day storytelling event, Telling Tales: Sharing Minto’s Stories will be held at four different venues. Special local storytellers will start each event. Residents will have an opportunity to describe items of personal historical interest they can bring, or tell stories about the history of the town. Attendees will then travel on their own to the other venues.
The event will be held in Palmerston from 9:30am to 10:30am, Harriston from 11am to noon, Clifford from 12:30pm for lunch, and storytelling from 1pm to 2pm, and in Drew from 2:30 to 3:30pm, respectively.
Storytellers include Bob Logan, Bob McEachern, Val Harrison, Grant Mackenzie, and Bonnie Whitehead.
Register in advance with the town. To register, call Peg Schieck at the town office at 519-338-2511. There is no charge to participate in either of the events; donations to the food banks are encouraged.
