This is an archived article (June 20th, 2010)
On June 26, Centre Wellington residents and visitors will once again have the opportunity to participate and explore the many “doors opened” during the annual celebration of the area’s heritage, architecture, parks and culture.
Now in its third year, Doors Open Fergus – Elora will feature several public, commercial, private and not-for-profit structures that are part of what weaves and shapes the fabric of the community’s past.
Parks, places of worship, places for fun, creativity and recreation are all part of this year’s event featuring over 18 specific sites in Elora, Fergus, and rural Centre Wellington Township.
Visits to all Doors Open Fergus-Elora sites will be guided, or will have volunteers on hand to show visitors the surroundings and properties.
Sites will be open from 10am to 4pm in every location.
Especially exciting and of great interest at this year’s event, is the first ever Riverfolk Music and Art Festival in Fergus.
With a line-up of award winning musicians, visitors will be able to browse artists’ displays while being serenaded by the sounds of the Grand River and live music. The kids can even get their faces painted by award winning Kricket the Klown.
Elora will also be hosting its own Art Walk, following the success of its inaugural event last year. In celebration of its strong artistic community, Elora invites everyone to linger and enjoy music and art.
Along with the downtown artistic displays and folk music, Fergus Legion Branch 275 will be hosting a musical tribute to the Great Wars.
As part of its 75th anniversary celebrations, visitors will enjoy the music that helped so many people through the dark days of WWI and II.
Dance Hall tunes will be recreated for fun and laughter throughout the day. Also on display will be the branch’s historic collection, including uniforms, medals, pictures and special objects from HCMS Fergus.
The Dalby House in downtown Elora makes its first appearance in Doors Open in its current incarnation as a medical centre.
Built in 1865 by W.H.L. La Penotiere, the stunning brick flatiron building has had a colourful history, housing bars, a hardware store, a barber shop, lawyers’ offices, and a photography studio before becoming a medical centre.
Refurbished in 2008 by Brian McCulloch, of Fryett Architects, it opens its doors so everyone can visit the masterpiece and see how a modern renovation has breathed new life and beauty into this centuries’ old building.
Another new event for Doors Open this year is the Downtown Fergus Historical Walking Tours featuring Older Voices. Meet on the steps of the Fergus Library (190 St Andrew Street West) and take time to visit the past with some of the memorable characters who helped build both the architecture and the community of Fergus. Tours leave at 11am and 2pm, admission is free.
Also in its first year with Doors Open is the Elora Culinary Walking Tour.
Come for a stroll through the streets of historic Elora and enjoy the culinary delights found there.
During the tour visitors will have a chance to sample specially created dishes at various locally owned and operated restaurants and shops while learning about the history and architecture of the area.
The walking tours bring together food, history and architecture in a unique and fun way. The cost is $10 per person, it starts at 1pm, and to obtain reservations in advance call 226-384-7000).
Two rural properties and one of the “prettiest farmers’ markets in Ontario” will be featured again this year.
The Elora Farmers’ Market will be open, featuring recipes, special taste treats, and a mouth watering selection of local produce, local meats, baking and more, all on the banks of the Grand River.
The Wellington County Museum and Archives will return as a featured site, this time focusing on the heritage farming equipment, a century barn and the annual Herb Fair held each year on its property.
New to everyone will be the freshly opened, state of the art archives addition, which will have its grand opening just the day before.
Fergus-Elora is also proud of its many beautiful parks most notably Victoria Park in Elora, overlooking the famous Elora Gorge where visitors can walk down steps to the river bed and see caves where First Nations’ treasures were discovered in the 1800s, Bissell Park also in Elora, is perfect for picnics alongside the Grand River.
In Fergus, the Templin Gardens gives visitors a taste of the power of the Grand River as it cascades into the deep whirlpool below the walking bridge, and the newly remodelled BT Corners, with its dry stone walls, shows creativity and timeless craftsmanship at its best.
The fun continues with a starlit outdoor movie experience in Fergus’ downtown east end. Bring a lawn chair and sit under the stars for entertainment, food, and fun.
A joint undertaking of Heritage Centre Wellington, Wellington County Museum and Archives, and Elora Fergus Tourism, Doors Open Fergus Elora is also part of Doors Open Ontario an Ontario Heritage Foundation province-wide initiative to celebrate community heritage.
A lot of energy and time commitment by volunteers went into making the event such a success over the years.
For a complete list of venues visit www.doorsopenontario.on.ca and search “Fergus-Elora” or contact: Deb Dalziel 519-846-9841.
