Westfield Heritage Village: June 2014

Friday, 20 June 2014

Spirit of the 1860s

Come and Discover the Spirit of the 1860s

At Westfield this Sunday

Westfield Heritage Village is very pleased to be presenting a new program on Sunday June 22, 2014 from 10:00 am. - 4:00 pm. The Spirit of the 1860s will be an opportunity to explore what life was like in Southern Ontario (Canada West), just prior to Confederation. With an emphasis on foods, fashions, technology, etiquette, politics and pastimes, Westfield will be a feast for the senses, allowing visitors to discover what daily life was like at this pivotal point in our history. Fashion shows, cooking demonstrations, food samples, medical scenarios, political debate and live music are just some of the activities that will be featured on this special day. Visitors of all ages can take a seat in the one room log school house to discover what education was like in the 1860s. Children are also invited to take part in traditional children’s games in the school yard from 2:00 to 3:00 pm. In the Gillen House yard, Mrs. Watson will be “at home,” providing a peek into the complex etiquette of visiting in this period.

An important part of the Upper Canadian story is what was happening south of the border, and Westfield has invited American Civil War re-enactors to demonstrate and describe the conflict. Military and civilian encampments will be set up in close proximity to the village, and visitors will be able to “cross the border” to meet re-enactors and learn about the issues and circumstances of the American Civil War. A battle demonstration is not planned, but visitors will be able to watch military drilling exercises, an officer’s meeting, artillery demonstrations and visit soldiers in their camp.

Westfield Heritage Village preserves and interprets more than thirty-five heritage buildings where you can meet authentically costumed interpreters demonstrating life in earlier times and places. Visit the baker at the bake oven to see what’s cooking. Find out what the printers, weavers or blacksmith’s are up to in their shops. Say hello to the storekeeper and purchase an old-fashioned treat. There’s always something new to see and do at Westfield!

The Spirit of the 1860s will take place on Sunday June 22 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. For more information, please visit westfieldheritage.ca or call (519) 621-8851. Admission Prices - Adults $11.00, Seniors (65+) $10.00 and Children 6-12 years $6.50. Children 5 and under are admitted free. Parking is free.

Monday, 9 June 2014

Birthday Cake and a Parade!

Westfield Celebrates its

50^th Anniversary on June 15th

Where can you run your hand along the wall of a 1793 log cabin, help operate a Victorian printing press, check out the sleeping quarters in an 1830 inn and admire the “modern” plumbing of an Edwardian home? And that’s just a small sample of what you can experience? Westfield Heritage Village, of course!

On Sunday June 15^th from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, Westfield will be celebrating its 50^th Birthday, and what a party it’s going to be! Visitors on this day will be able to enjoy a deluxe program with free birthday cake and popcorn, a lively parade, carnival games, special guests and live music throughout the day. Featured musicians include Love Banshee, The Ever-Lovin’ Jug Band, Tethera and the award winning Crusaders Drumline. In the Ironwood Hall, there will be a special exhibition highlighting the history of Westfield. Antique vehicles, steam engines and free steam traction engine rides will add to the fun. On this day only, special anniversary tours will highlight the original seven buildings of Westfield’s 1964 opening day. A special commemorative ceremony, costumed interpreters, food samples and lots of surprises will mark this incredible day.

Whether you are a long-time fan or have not yet discovered Westfield, you won’t want to miss this extra special, once-in-50-year event! Westfield Heritage Village is a magical place for visitors of all ages, with something interesting to see and do around every corner. The village’s more than thirty-five heritage buildings are staffed by authentically dressed interpreters who will take you back to earlier times and places.

Westfield is also planning a special reunion event on June 14 for past and present volunteers, donors and other community supporters. If you have made a contribution to Westfield in the past, please call Westfield for more information.

The Westfield 50^th Anniversary Celebration will take place on Sunday, June 15 from 10:00 am. - 4:00 p.m. Admission rates for this event are $11.00 for adults, $10.00 for Seniors and $6.50 for children 6-12 years. 5 years and under are free. Parking is free.

Westfield is located at 1049 Kirkwall Road, Rockton, just off Hwy 8, midway between Hamilton and Cambridge. For more information on the Anniversary Celebration, and other upcoming programs, please call (519) 621-8851 or visit westfieldheritage.ca.