The Grand River Conservation Authority is inviting residents of the region to learn more about the heritage of Wellesley, Woolwich and Wilmot townships at its annual Heritage Day Workshop Feb. 11.
“It’s meant to showcase what’s going on in our local communities and what we’re doing on the heritage front,” said Jeremy Vink, the senior planner for Woolwich Township.
This is the second time Woolwich will be holding the event, which will take place at the Breslau Community Centre from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Attendees can participate in the day for free, but must register in advance. Activities will include speakers on local history, a DVD presentation, lunch, skits and a mayors’ trivia challenge hosted by Ken Seiling.
“The regional chair will be asking the questions and each of the municipalities will get a chance to answer so people coming can learn a bit more about our individual townships,” said Vink.
As well, a talk entitled ‘Focus on Festivals’ will be given, highlighting some of the townships’ most treasured days.
“Each of the communities is highlighting a festival within the community and kind of explaining the history of their festival, the challenges and some of the opportunities and exciting things that have come out of the festivals,” Vink said.
As part of the morning program the Elmira Theatre Company will be performing five skits about five women who have been historically important to the area.
Longtime ETC member Debbie Deckert is looking forward to performing at the workshop.
“We have people who have done phenomenal things (in this area). It’s like bringing history alive,” she said. “They speak with passion and it just makes it so much more real.”
Each of the five actors will play an important woman from one of the townships and dramatize her accomplishments in a five-minute performance.
Vink said he is looking forward to hearing the presentations and learning more about the community he already loves.
“I’m quite excited to hear about the history,” he said. “There will be a lot of things going on to give some variety and something entertaining throughout the day. Every body can find something to enjoy.”
