Saugeen Culture Bus Tour showcases region’s history, culture

SAUGEEN REGION – People had the chance to explore the northern part of Wellington County and into Grey County on the recent Saugeen Culture Bus Tour.

The Oct. 26 event saw 62 participants depart Hanover, Arthur and Harriston on three dedicated buses to visit a variety of cultural destinations, “each reflecting a distinct aspect of the Saugeen region,” a news release said.

Stops included:

  • Silver Fox Distillery – This Arthur distillery offered guests a tour and tasting;
  • Mount Forest Museum and Archives – Guests took in the museum’s exhibits on the area’s history, and enjoyed lunch provided by Misty Meadows Market of Conn;
  • The Barrel House – At this Clifford site, guests saw a traditional barrel firing demonstration, tasted signature butter tarts, and received a bottle of raspberry vinegar;
  • Casa Verde Imports – At this Arthur shop, each participant received a hand-crafted ornament;
  • Grey Wellington Theatre Guild at the Harriston Town Hall – Guests got a behind-the-scenes tour of the town hall and a preview of the guild’s upcoming production of Anne of Green Gables;
  • Hanover Civic Theatre – The town crier provided a tour and demonstration of Hanover’s community spirit, and the Hanover Community Players told guests about the creation of props for their upcoming production of the Sound of Music. Guest were also treated to locally-made doughnuts from Schultz Bakery and coffee or tea from Ashanti;
  • Stone Stories at Hanover Cemetery – Led by local historian  Al Morrow, this tour invited participants to reflect on the stories and heritage of the Hanover community.

“We are new residents, and it was a great way to see the area,” one participant stated in the news release.

The bus tour was organized through a partnership of the Wellington North Cultural Roundtable, HIPP (Hanover’s Innovative People Program) Culture, and the Minto Cultural Roundtable.

Funding for the event was provided by the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario.