Westfield Heritage Village

It’s going to be a

Grimm Halloween at Westfield

 

Things are looking mighty Grimm at Westfield Heritage Village.   The village’s annual Haunted Halloween event, taking place this year on the evenings of Friday October 25 and Saturday October 26 from 6:30 – 9:30 pm., will be inspired by Grimm’s Fairytales.  The village will be lit by lanterns, pumpkins and moonlight, and visitors will be treated to an evening of folklore, surprise and mystery.   During this family friendly event, visitors of all ages will be able to explore the village’s unique setting and discover the origins and traditions of Halloweens past.

While we now think of fairytales as charming stories for children, with singing elves, talking geese and handsome woodsmen, many of these early stories presented shadowy and mysterious themes and characters that would make even the bravest listener shiver. Grimm’s Fairy Tales, first published in 1812 as Children's and Household Tales by brothers Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm, was a collection of European folktales that had been passed down for hundreds of years. Generations of children have gone to bed with the blankets pulled over their heads; trembling with visions of plotting witches, mysterious trolls and large, hungry wolves prowling through the forest. 

 

This Halloween, Westfield will be tapping into this rich treasure trove of literary delights.  Dark, mysterious and sometimes funny fairytales will be the inspiration for a range of scenarios throughout the village, allowing visitors to experience both familiar and unfamiliar stories within a historical environment.   You never know who you might meet!  Who is that young woman with the long hair, calling from that upstairs window?  Are those golden eggs on the table in the farmhouse?   Why is that witch bothering the villagers in the Early Settlement area?  Courageous souls can go on an adventurous journey into the forest.  What could possibly go wrong?

Westfield Heritage Village is a magical place for families to have fun and learn together.  Children are welcome to take a seat in the one-room log schoolhouse to make a unique fairytale-themed craft and then stop by the barn.  You might have a chance to say goodnight to the furry and feathered friends settling down in the stalls.  Peek in the parlour at the Gillen House to see and hear the Edwardian Fancy Dress party underway, with a fairytale theme, of course.   Weather permitting; a rare 1880s telescope will be available for viewing the spectacular wonders of the moon.   Visitors who have worked up an appetite will find delicious, light fare available for purchase at the Ironwood Hall.  Sweet treats will also be for sale in the General Store.  Visit the Gift Shop for unique items.

Haunted Halloween takes place on Friday October 25 and Saturday October 26 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.  Admission is $11.00 for adults, $10.00 for seniors and persons with disabilities, and $6.50 for children aged 6-12.  Children 5 and under are admitted free.  Parking is free.  Tickets can be purchased at the gate or online.   Westfield Heritage Village is located at 1049 Kirkwall Road (formerly Regional Road 552) in Rockton, just off Highway 8 between Hamilton and Cambridge.  For more information on Haunted Halloween evening programs, as well as Pumpkin Sunday, which will be held on Sunday October 27 from 12:30 – 4:00, please call (519) 621-8851 or visit www.westfieldheritage.ca