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.
Starting at noon, local band Kid Coma, featuring Doug Larson, Nathan Larson, Scott Fitzpatrick, and Kent MacMillan will entertain with a musical selection of blues, country, and rock-and-roll. They will also be highlighting the Guelph guitar, an instrument created by Doug Larson from various materials significant to Guelph. In the afternoon, there will be 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) whose displays will include WWI military artifacts and uniforms. The 41st Regiment of Foot will recreate an 1812 encampment and present a musketry demonstration.
Civil War re-enactors and the Hamilton 23rd Field Ambulance will also set up camps. The John McCrae Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion and the 11th Field Regiment will also be participating. Visitors can take part in creating home-front crafts with the Canadian Embroiderers Guild of Guelph and try out some historic games like stilts and quoits. There will be lots of activities for the entire family.
McCrae House is located at 108 Water Street. Admission is by donation for this event. 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 on July 1.
