Plans are well underway here for a major celebration of local history from Aug. 23 to 25.
Harriston Heritage Days will celebrate both the 135th anniversary of the community and the 100th anniversary of the local Ford Dealership.
Ron Leslie, of Leslie Motors, said the event began with the business’ plans to recognize the 100th anniversary of the dealership, which was founded in 1913, just 10 years after the origin of the Ford Motor Company itself. Leslie, who purchased the business in 1966, said it is among the oldest dealerships to operate continuously in the same location.
While making plans to celebrate the dealership’s anniversary, Leslie, a long-time Harriston Kinsman and K-40 club member, said the service group came up with the idea of reviving the Kinsmen Beef Barbecue, another Harriston tradition, for the event.
The Minto Chamber of Commerce, Harriston Historical Society and other businesses and organizations soon got involved and the celebration has grown into a weekend-long event.
Among the highlights of the Leslie Motors celebration will be a car show, featuring 1985 and older Ford vehicles. Ford of Canada president Dianne Craig will attend the opening ceremonies for the car show, which will conclude with a parade of vehicles down to the arena in time for the barbecue. Harriston’s main street will be closed from Arthur to Mill Street and the vehicles will be parked along the street for viewing. Anyone with an ’85 or older Ford is welcome to participate by bringing their vehicle. For information call Leslie Motors at 1-800-997-2310.
Other events at Heritage Days include a ‘Touch a Truck’ showcase hosted by Harriston Motors and the Minto Fire Department, live music at Tannery Park, memorabilia displays, breakfast at the Harriston Legion and historical walking tours hosted by the Grey Wellington Theatre Guild. Both Friday evening and Sunday afternoon the Ontario West Coast Garden Railway Club will run a live steam train show at Harriston Motors.
A 50-year reunion of players from the 1963 OASA and WOAA Midget softball champions from Harriston and the 1964 Grand River Intermediate champions will also be part of the event on Saturday, with ball games set for Friday night.
An Aug. 7, Harriston K-40 members will be going door to door offering local residents first chance to purchase tickets to the barbecue, which will feature music by local DJ Darrin English, for $15. For more information on heritage days visit www.heritagedays.ca.
