ERIN – Horses, history and hospitality will be in the spotlight as the Town of Erin hosts its annual Doors Open event on June 8.
It is designed as a self-guided tour, running from 10am to 4pm, with 11 sites in Erin village, Hillsburgh and the nearby countryside.
In addition, there will be guided tours of the Woollen Mills Trail at 11am and 2pm, with participants invited to gather in the parking lot of St. John Brebeuf Catholic School on Millwood Road.
Passports are available at each site, and anyone who gets their passport stamped at a minimum of four sites will be eligible for a draw to win a night for two at a local bed and breakfast location.
“We’re trying to promote local history and economic development, and this year the equine sector is being stressed,” said county councillor Jeff Duncan, co-chair of the town’s heritage committee.
He said the Doors Open had an increase of visitors last year, with many from out of town. The town is seeking suggestions on locations to feature next year.
This year, the rural locations for Doors Open are Heartwood Farm and Cidery, 5438 Second Line, the Woodlands thoroughbred farm at 5842 Fourth Line, the LongRun Thoroughbred Retirement Society at 5674 Fifth Line and Angelstone Tournaments, 8720 Wellington Rd. 50.
Angelstone will host its Headwaters Cup show jumping competition at 6pm on June 8 – admission is free.
The Hillsburgh locations are the historic Century Church Theatre, the Hillsburgh library which opened one year ago, the Hillsburgh House by the Pond B&B and the Tailwinds B&B.
The Erin village locations are Porcupine’s Quill publishing, the Devonshire Guest House and the Woollen Mills Trail.
June 8 will be a busy day, since Doors Open is going on during the Erin Rotary Ribfest, noon to 8pm at McMillan Park, as well as Horse Day Erin, 8am to 5pm at the Erin Fairgrounds.
