Media Releases
June 3, 2010
Sainte-Marie among the Hurons Celebrates First Nations Heritage with Celebrity Chef David Wolfman
Sainte-Marie among the Hurons will celebrate First Nations Heritage with its upcoming Aboriginal Festival on Saturday June 12th and Sunday June 13th and National Aboriginal Day on Monday June 21.New this year will be the appearance of Aboriginal Chef David Wolfman on Saturday June 12th. His popular show “Cooking with the Wolfman” is a favourite on the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network. An enthusiastic educator and entertainer, Chef Wolfman is an internationally recognized expert in wild game and traditional Aboriginal cuisine. Chef Wolfman is excited about demonstrating his unique cooking at Sainte-Marie’s event on Saturday. He bursts with enthusiasm about the culinary profession, saying “I am passionate about food and cooking healthy, attractive plate presentations, and my goal is to share what I know to inspire others to do the same.”
Dynamic First Nations performers and exhibits will be featured throughout the Aboriginal Festival. New this year will be the Tlacopan Aztec Dancers from Mexico City. The group has been in existence for 50 years and will perform energetic ritual dances in their hand-made beaded costumes and colourful headdresses. The Red Spirit Drum and Dance Group will also be featured bringing youth from Ojibway, Cree, Mic Mac, Mohawk, and Dakota Nations to share their colourful presentation with visitors. John Somosi, an Aboriginal singer and drummer from Hanover who encourages lots of hands-on drumming participation from the audience, will also perform both days.
The Aboriginal Festival also offers numerous activities and demonstrations. 12 Aboriginal Artisans will be featured in the Sainte-Marie foyer and the fascinating Survival in the Bush outdoor exhibit will greet visitors at the entrance to the historic site.
Other activities will include native games such as Lacrosse, making clay Okies (a Huron good luck charm), children’s heritage crafts, and basket making. Sainte-Marie’s Interpretive Staff will showcase historic fire-starting, 17th-century medicine, waterway demonstrations, and historic cooking. A wigwam display will also grace Sainte-Marie’s foyer, and animated films on DVD will be shown for kids throughout the day.
National Aboriginal Day on Monday June 21 is a time for all Canadians to celebrate the cultures and contributions to Canada of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. In
recognition of National Aboriginal Day, Sainte-Marie will again offer First Nations singing, drumming, and dancing featuring the Tlacopan Aztec Dancers, John Somosi, and a return engagement from the Misty Creek Singers and Dancers. Children’s heritage crafts, waterway and lacrosse demonstrations and Native crafters will also be part of the June 21st event.
The Aboriginal Festival at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons runs Saturday and Sunday, June 12th and June 13th, and National Aboriginal Day is on Monday, June 21. For further information please contact (705) 526-7838.
SPECIAL NOTE FOR THE MEDIA:
With advance notice, telephone interviews can be scheduled with Aboriginal TV Chef David Wolfman. An Event photo selection is also included as attachment to this Media Release (4 photos total)
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Media Contact:
Bill Brodeur
Coordinator,
Marketing and Media Relations
Huronia Historical Parks
(705) 528-7692
bill.brodeur@ontario.ca
Archives
May 14, 2010
Sainte-Marie among the Hurons and Discovery Harbour plan exciting year
Sainte-Marie among the Hurons and Discovery Harbour open this month to the public, offering an exciting series of programs, special events, and exhibits for the 2010 season. Both attractions are looking forward to another strong tourism season and to welcoming visitors from around the world to the Southern Georgian Bay area. Last year, the attractions had a 6% increase in visitor attendance.At Sainte-Marie among the Hurons, hundreds of school children have been enjoying curriculum-related education programs since April; both Sainte-Marie and Discovery Harbour will welcome many more students during May and June. New this year, a special Education Program for schools will be offered at Sainte-Marie on June 21, in conjunction with the site’s National Aboriginal Day highlight.
Both attractions will offer a great line-up of Special Events for 2010. At Sainte-Marie, the colourful Aboriginal Festival Weekend runs June 12-13 followed by National Aboriginal Day June 21. Featuring over 40 outstanding artisans, the Thanksgiving Harvest Festival and Arts and Crafts Show and Sale returns on October 9-10, followed by the enchanting “First Light” Christmas event evenings November 25-26-27. “First Light” has been once again rated a
“Top 100” Event in Ontario for 2010. At Discovery Harbour, a special musical highlight is planned for July 17 featuring The Playford Players performing their unique blend of traditional melodies on guitar and hammer dulcimer. Now in its fifth year, the dynamic culture of the Métis people will be shared and celebrated at the Métis Day Bo’jou Neejee special event on August 7. 2010 has been declared the “The Year of the Métis Nation” to recognize and celebrate the Métis Nation across Canada. Haunted Harbour, a fun and spooky evening for the entire family, returns October 27-28.
Throughout July and August, both attractions will offer lots of fun hands-on activities for visitors, with Sainte-Marie featuring a new basket-making program, 17th century firestarting, historic clothing demonstrations, native games and storytelling, and 17th century cooking. Discovery Harbour will have a daily croquet activity, on-deck activities aboard the impressive historic replica ships H.M.S. Tecumseth and Bee, dockyard demonstrations including an all-new sawpit, sailor’s ropework, and 19th century cooking. The magnificent original Officers’ Quarters, dating to 1836, will also be open. Sainte-Marie exhibits include historically researched gardens on-site and a new “Seeds and Breeds” display in the visitor foyer. Discovery Harbour will install a new exhibit entitled “Canada at Play”, on loan from the Royal Ontario Museum.
Sainte-Marie among the Hurons is open seven days per week beginning May 17. Discovery Harbour is open weekdays May 25 to June 25, and seven days per week June 26 to September 5. For information call (705) 526-7838 or visit www.hhp.on.ca
Sainte-Marie among the Hurons and Discovery Harbour are operated by
Huronia Historical Parks, and are Attractions of the Ontario Ministry of Tourism and Culture.
High resolution photography is available for Media use; please see contact below.
Media Contact:
Bill Brodeur
Coordinator
Marketing and Media Relations
Huronia Historical Parks
(705) 528-7692
Bill.Brodeur@ontario.ca
November 12, 2009
Sainte Marie’s “First Light” Event Celebrates 10th Anniversary
Sainte-Marie’s “First Light” event celebrates its 10th Anniversary this year, with a great line-up of family activities and performers all amidst the spectacular glow of over 2,000 candles.Originally conceived as a festival of lights at the historic site in the year 2000, the event has grown in popularity with over 5,300 people attending in 2008. For 2009, “First Light” has been named one of Ontario’s “Top 100” Events by Festivals and Events Ontario.
The magic begins when visitors approach the candlelit historic site, as a beautiful amber glow illuminates this famous 17th-century mission. A colourful historic encampment will greet visitors, set up by the popular “Survival In The Bush” group. Visitors can then stroll the candlelit paths which lead to a variety of fun family activities. Children can try their hand at candlemaking, and write their own Christmas cards with historic quill pens.
The cookhouse will be filled with the sights and smells of delicious baked goods and cookie samples available for tasting. Historic blacksmithing will also be demonstrated, and a Nativity crèche will be on view in the stables near the Farmer’s Dwelling. Always popular with little folks, corn husk doll making returns to the Sainte-Marie foyer.
“First Light” has strong ties to community groups, and many will be involved in this year’s celebration. La Clé d’la Baie, Festival du Loup, and The Métis Nation of Ontario will all offer special “hands-on” children’s crafts, and La Compagne Franche de la Marine will delight crowds as they demonstrate historic musket drill, and serve up some tasty hot chocolate.
An abundance of music will fill the air at this year’s anniversary event. The Christian Island Native Drum Group and The Jock Family return to provide stirring native drumming, singing and dancing in Sainte-Marie’s fascinating longhouses. Michel Payment and Vincent Therrien will perform lively Franco-Ontarian folksongs, Katy Austin will sing traditional melodies in English and French, and the French Café at Restaurant Sainte-Marie will feature a dynamic show by La Famille Lefaive. Delightful community and school choirs will also be performing seasonal music over the three evenings.
For some early holiday shopping, 20 exceptional artisans will be in the Sainte-Marie museum, and the themed Sainte-Marie gift shop will be open each night.
“First Light” will be presented at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons evenings November 26, 27, and 28 from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Admission is just $5.00 per person with a non-perishable food item that will be donated to the Salvation Army’s food bank. Children ages 5 and under are free. For information call (705) 526-7838.
Special Notes: Please be advised that with the exception of assist dogs, pets are not allowed on the historic site for this event.
Overflow parking will be available at Doral Industries, 100 Wye Valley Road. Free shuttle buses will run to Sainte-Marie throughout each evening.
High-resolution digital images available upon request, please see contact below.
Media Contact:
Bill Brodeur
Coordinator,
Marketing and Media Relations
Huronia Historical Parks (705) 528-7692
E-mail: bill.brodeur@ontario.ca
October 1, 2009
Celebrate Fall at Sainte-Marie’s Thanksgiving Harvest Festival and Arts and Crafts Show
This Thanksgiving plan a visit to Sainte-Marie’s Thanksgiving Harvest Festival and Arts and Crafts Show and Sale, a fun family event with lots of on-site activities and over 40 outstanding artisans and crafters.Sainte-Marie’s Thanksgiving event is a regional favourite and will include 15 “first-time in show” craftspeople. Original acrylic artwork on slate and canvas, wildlife wood carvings, birch-bark greeting cards, glass and crystal ornaments, unique wreaths and centerpiece arrangements with natural materials, exquisite purses, and porcupine-quill jewellery are just some of the many new products. Returning artisans will feature their eclectic mix of quality items popular with visitors - fan-carved birds, home-made wooden birdhouses, jewellery made from silver, brass, copper, bone, and shells, ceramic giftware, Native drums and leather goods, wood burned gourds, quiltwork and much more will delight even the most selective shopper. Art lovers will appreciate original paintings in watercolour and oil, art cards, and Simcoe County landscape and wildlife motifs.
Culinary fans will love the special gourmet foods such as homemade fudges and baked goods, savory jellies, chutnies, mustards, truffles, and biscotti. Farmer’s Market vendors offering pumpkin and apple sales will be set up at Sainte-Marie’s front entrance.
On the historic site, there’ll be lots of heritage activities for families to enjoy, including pumpkin decorating, traditional planting of “The Three Sisters”, sampling of historic foods and tea, torch-making demonstrations, corn-on-the cob, and an historic encampment. John Somosi, a colourful Native performer from Sainte-Marie’s Aboriginal Festival, will return to drum in the atmospheric Sainte-Marie longhouse, and costumed staff will be on the historic site to share the story of the original 17th-century Jesuit mission to the Wendat.
Restaurant Sainte-Marie will be open on both days during the event, featuring its famous “Three Sisters Soup” adapted from an award-winning Native recipe that includes corn, beans, and squash.
The Thanksgiving Harvest Festival and Arts and Crafts Show and Sale runs Saturday and Sunday, October 10 and 11 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons, near Midland. Admission is just $5.00 per person and includes both the historic site and the Craft Show. Children ages 5 and under are free. For further information call (705) 526-7838.
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High-resolution photography is available upon request.
Sainte-Marie among the Hurons is operated by Huronia Historical Parks,
and is an Attraction of the Ontario Ministry of Tourism.
Media contact:
Bill Brodeur
Coordinator,
Marketing and Media Relations
Huronia Historical Parks
(705) 528-7692
Bill.Brodeur@ontario.ca
June 1, 2009
Celebrate First Nations Heritage at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons
Midland’s Sainte-Marie among the Hurons will celebrate First Nations Heritage with its upcoming Aboriginal Festival on Saturday and Sunday June 13-14, and
National Aboriginal Day on Sunday June 21.
Sainte-Marie’s Aboriginal Festival on June 13-14 will come alive with dynamic First Nations performers and exhibits. New this year will be John Somosi, an Aboriginal singer and drummer from Hanover. The Red Spirit Drum and Dance Group will return to the event bringing youth from Ojibway, Cree, Mic Mac, Mohawk, and Dakota Nations to share their colourful presentation with visitors. The popular Christian Island Hand Drum Group will also be performing in Sainte-Marie’s atmospheric longhouse.
The historic site will offer numerous activities and demonstrations. Visitors will be fascinated with the Survival in the Bush exhibit that will demonstrate historic fire-starting, cordage making, trap and snare exhibits, native cooking, bone tools and birch-bark baskets, a furrier display, and edible tea tasting. Other activities on the historic site will include native games such as Lacrosse, making clay Okies (a Huron good luck charm), children’s heritage crafts, and basket making. Sainte-Marie’s Interpretive Staff will showcase waterway demonstrations, historic fire-starting, 17th-century medicine, and historic cooking. A wigwam display will also be in Sainte-Marie’s foyer, Native crafterswill be featured, and animated films on DVD will be shown for kids throughout the day.
National Aboriginal Day (June 21) is a time for all Canadians to celebrate the cultures and contributions to Canada of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. Canada chose June 21 because of the cultural significance of the summer solstice and because many Aboriginal groups mark this day as a time to celebrate their heritage. In recognition of National Aboriginal Day, Sainte-Marie will offer First Nations singing and dancing featuring the Misty Creek Singers and Dancers, as well as a return engagement from John Somosi. A host of First Nations displays and demonstrations will be on the historic site, including kid’s heritage crafts, waterway and lacrosse demonstrations, Native crafters, and more.
Restaurant Sainte-Marie will offer a special themed menu, providing delicious original recipes including “Three Sisters Soup” made from corn, beans, and squash at both the Aboriginal Festival and on National Aboriginal Day.
The Aboriginal Festival at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons runs Saturday and Sunday, June 13 and 14, and National Aboriginal Day is on Sunday, June 21. For further information please contact (705) 526-7838.
Sainte-Marie among the Hurons is operated by Huronia Historical Parks,
and is an Attraction of the Ontario Ministry of Tourism.
High-resolution photos are available upon request via the contact below.
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Media Contact:
Bill Brodeur
Coordinator, Marketing and Media Relations
Huronia Historical Parks (705) 528-7692 bill.brodeur@ontario.ca
May 4, 2009
Sainte-Marie and Discovery Harbour Open for 2009
Midland’s Sainte-Marie among the Hurons and Penetanguishene’s Discovery Harbour are looking forward to a strong tourism season and offering a great menu of programs and special events. Jan Gray, General Manager of Huronia Historical Parks, is enthusiastic about 2009 for Sainte-Marie and Discovery Harbour. “We hope to build on last year’s 8% overall growth in public attendance with more families staying closer to home and travelling throughout Ontario. Gas prices have dropped since last summer, we haven’t increased our already competitive admission prices, our student and group bookings are higher than this time last year, and you can’t beat Southern Georgian Bay in the summer”, she noted.New this season, both sites will be introducing Audio Tour Wands available to the public in 12 languages at Sainte-Marie and 3 languages at Discovery Harbour. For a modest additional charge of only $3.00, this exciting new feature provides an “on-demand” tour complete with special sound effects, creating an enhanced level of customer service for all visitors. Last year, Sainte-Marie welcomed visitors from over 70 countries; the new Audio Tour Wands will greatly improve the site’s story telling to these international visitors.
Traditional summer activities at Sainte-Marie will include 17th century firestarting, historic clothing demonstrations, native games and storytelling, and 17th century cooking. On selected days, a new canoe-repair demonstration using pine pitch will be added. Sainte-Marie will re-introduce heritage livestock into its summer program, featuring “Canadienne” cattle from a breeder in Sundridge, Ontario. Considered more Canadian than maple syrup, the Canadienne breed is believed to be descended from a few hundred cows brought over from Normandy and Britanny in the 17th century, and was subsequently bred in Quebec to become a resilient herd. The breed declined as a milk producer and today there are only about 500 Canadienne cows left in North America. Distinctive and rare Houdan chickens will also be on site, a breed well suited to the Canadian climate.
Throughout July and August, Discovery Harbour will have a new daily croquet activity, on-deck activities aboard the historic ships H.M.S. Tecumseth and Bee, dockyard demonstrations, sailor’s ropework, and 19th century cooking. The recently restored original Officers’ Quarters will also be open to the public.
Sainte-Marie and Discovery Harbour have a great line-up of special events for 2009, beginning with the colourful Aboriginal Festival Weekend on June 13-14 and National Aboriginal Day June 21 at Sainte-Marie. The dynamic Métis Day Bo’jou Neejee event at Discovery Harbour returns on August 8, and the Georgian Bay Native Friendship Centre offers its annual POW WOW in Sainte-Marie Park on September 12-13. The Fall season sees the return of Sainte-Marie’s popular Thanksgiving Harvest Festival and Arts and Crafts Show and Sale on October 10-11, and the introduction of a new Hallowe’en Event at Discovery Harbour October 28 and 29, guaranteed to be both spooky and fun! Celebrating its 10th anniversary, Sainte-Marie’s magical “First Light” Christmas event will take place evenings November 26-27-28 amidst the magical glow of over 2,000 candles. “First Light” has been recognized as one of the “Top 100” Events in Ontario for 2009 by Festivals and Events Ontario.
Consistent with the Ontario Government’s Accessibility Standards for Customer Service for Ontarians with Disabilities which will come into effect for public sector organizations in 2010, Huronia Historical Parks has provided Accessible Service Excellence training for all of its staff, and has introduced many service upgrades at both historic sites, including a motorized scooter at Sainte-Marie, free access for support persons, and closed captioning on AV presentations. More are planned for the future. In addition, numerous green initiatives have been implemented in an ongoing effort towards operating both Sainte-Marie and Discovery Harbour as eco-friendly and sustainable “green” tourism attractions. This includes modern technologies to save water and electricity, minimization of waste on the historic sites through aggressive recycling and re-use of materials, elimination of pesticide and herbicide use, and other green measures. Staff will be planting hundreds of trees early this season as well.
Huronia Historical Parks recently received the “President’s Award” from the Southern Georgian Bay Chamber of Commerce recognizing its vital role in supporting a healthy tourism economy and attracting positive interest for the entire region.
Sainte-Marie among the Hurons is open to the public weekdays April 27 to May 15, seven days per week May 16 to October 11, and weekdays October 12 to October 30. Discovery Harbour is open weekdays May 19 to June 26, and seven days per week beginning June 27 to September 6. For information call (705) 526-7838 or visit www.hhp.on.ca
December 17, 2008
Sainte-Marie among the Hurons hosts over 900 German Travel Agents
On December 1 and 8, Sainte-Marie among the Hurons hosted a unique group of over 900 German travel professionals who promote Ontario tourism product to potential travelers from Germany.
The operators were part of the DERTOUR Travel Academy, an annual convention that sees German travel agents tour world destinations to familiarize themselves with leading tourism product. The DERTOUR Travel Academy is the most recognized travel convention in the world and has a history of increasing visitors to the host destination.
Jan Gray, General Manager of Huronia Historical Parks, said it was an honour and absolute delight to have been chosen by DERTOUR as one of the places they wanted to see while attending the convention held this year in Toronto. The agents’ average age was 26 years old, 65% were female and over 90% spoke some English. Ms. Gray commented that attracting German visitors to Sainte-Marie benefits everyone in the region as they then go on to explore other attractions, eat, and shop.
At Sainte-Marie, the DERTOUR delegates were first shown the audio-visual presentation with German subtitles, followed by a dynamic site tour led by Sainte-Marie’s interpretive team amidst the atmospheric glow of candlelight similar to Sainte-Marie’s First Light event. Included in the on-site experience was Native drumming and singing in Sainte-Marie’s longhouses, followed by colourful Native drummers and dancers from the Red Spirit Drum held in the dining room of Restaurant Sainte-Marie. Delegates also tried their hand at popular heritage crafts including corn-husk doll making.
Because of the large group size a unique partnership was formed between Restaurant Sainte-Marie (OPA Catering) and the Best Western Highland Inn. Using the Best Western’s ballroom, OPA Catering provided complete food services and teamed up with the Best Western team to offer a “country style” Sainte-Marie dinner following the Sainte-Marie tour. The German tour agents not only loved the dinner but also the entertainment provided by La Famille Lefaive with lively toe-tapping French-Canadian folk music. During the delegates’ desert of ice cream and maple syrup, Midland Mayor Jim Downer on behalf of Council and the community welcomed everyone to Midland and Georgian Bay. Mayor Downer noted that Midland’s hospitality is reflected in its friendly people.
As the DERTOUR delegates made their way to the 10 coaches waiting to take them back to Toronto, the attendees commented on the outstanding ambience of Sainte-Marie, the enthusiasm and professionalism of its staff, and the fascinating presentation of both French and Native culture unique to the Sainte-Marie story. Many delegates noted that the Midland area would be a “must-see” destination for future business and that, noted Ms. Gray, made it all worthwhile.
Approximately 5% of Sainte-Marie’s annual visitation is from Germany, consisting of independent travelers and over 35 motorcoach arrivals. Germany is Ontario’s fourth largest international market and second largest market in Europe, sending over 100,000 German visitors to Canada annually.
November 19, 2008
Experience the Magic of “First Light” at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons
“First Light” includes lots of programming enjoyed by families. Children can make their own Christmas cards with quill pens and try their hand at candle making. Local French group La Clé d’la Baie, The Métis Nation of Ontario, and Discovery Harbour will all offer special “hands-on” crafts. The sights and smells of baked goods will once again fill the cookhouse as chef Jesse Ford presents an impressive display of tasty Christmas treats inspired by 17th century ingredients and recipes. A fascinating historic encampment will be set up at Sainte-Marie’s front entrance by the popular “Survival In The Bush” group, and La Compagnie Franche de la Marine will be on-site displaying their colourful uniforms, demonstrating historic musket drill, and serving hot chocolate.
This year’s musical line-up will sure to delight visitors, with talented performers filling the historic site with seasonal and heritage music. New to First Light this year and known across Ontario is the popular Blue Wolf and the Aboriginal Officers who will perform traditional drumming. A crowd favourite, Aboriginal singing and drumming will also be done by The Jock Family and The Christian Island Native Drum Group performing in Sainte-Marie’s atmospheric longhouses. All three drum groups will perform each evening. Franco-Ontarian folksongs will fill the Chapel once again with Michel Payment, including his stirring rendition of The Huron Carol. Nathaniel Rice will perform folk music and children’s songs and Katy Austin will offer traditional melodies in English and French. The French Café at Restaurant Sainte-Marie features lively performances by La Famille Lefaive all three evenings. Enjoy the OPP Chorus on Saturday evening, December 6. Numerous community and school choirs will also be performing over the three evenings.
The Huron Carol is believed to have been written by Father Jean de Brébeuf who lived at Sainte-Marie in 1643. A special exhibit in the Sainte-Marie museum focuses on this famous carol.
For those interested in a little shopping, 20 exceptional artisans will be in the Sainte-Marie museum, and the themed Sainte-Marie gift shop is open each night.
“First Light” will be presented at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons the evenings of December 4th, 5th, and 6th from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Admission is just $5.00 per person with a non-perishable food item that will be donated to the Salvation Army’s food bank. Children ages 5 and under are free. For information call (705) 526-7838.
Special Notes: Please be advised that with the exception of assist dogs, dogs are not allowed on the historic site for this event. Overflow parking will be available at Doral Industries, 100 Wye Valley Road. Free shuttle buses will run to Sainte-Marie throughout each evening.
September 19, 2008
Sainte-Marie’s Thanksgiving Harvest Festival and Arts and Crafts Show a Family Favourite
Celebrate the glorious Fall season by enjoying Sainte-Marie’s Thanksgiving Harvest Festival and Arts and Crafts Show and Sale on October 11 and 12.This year’s event will feature over 40 exceptional artisans, including 15 new “first-time in show” craftspeople, artists, and designers. New items will include hand-made ceramic giftware with wildlife motifs, soy-wax candles coloured with vegetable dyes, fresh designs of glazed pottery, oil paintings featuring landscapes of Simcoe County, Native drums, porcupine-quill jewellery, sweetgrass oils, natural skin care products, and even CDs by participating artisans. Returning crafters will feature hand-made wood items including decorative bowls, birdfeeders, heirloom furniture, jewellery boxes, and wall clocks. Beautiful jewellery will be available in many materials such as silver and gold wire, copper, glass, stones, crystal, semi-precious shells, and fresh-water pearls. Popular oil and watercolour paintings, hooked rugs, fleece blankets, gourd carvings, and one-of-a-kind wreaths will return. Food lovers will love the home-made jams and jellies, chutneys, conserves, seasonings, fudges, European-style chocolates, biscotti, truffles, and home-baking. Farmer’s Market vendors will also be set up at Sainte-Marie’s public entrance.
On the historic site, there’ll be lots to do for energetic visitors. Families can decorate pumpkins, sample historical cooking, see torch-making demonstrations, and enjoy Native drumming in the atmospheric Longhouse. A historic encampment will be set-up outside the main mission gate, and guests can also view winter Wigwam preparations in the Native Area.
For hungry shoppers, Restaurant Sainte-Marie will be open on both days with daily specials offered in a relaxed atmosphere. Make sure to try the famous “Three Sisters Soup” from an award-winning Native recipe that includes corn, beans, and squash.
The Thanksgiving Harvest Festival and Arts and Crafts Show and Sale runs Saturday and Sunday, October 11 and 12 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons, near Midland. Admission is just $5.00 per person and includes both the historic site and the Craft Show. Children ages 5 and under are free. For further information just call (705) 526-7838.
High-resolution photography is available upon request.
Sainte-Marie among the Hurons is operated by Huronia Historical Parks,
and is an Attraction of the Ontario Ministry of Tourism.
Media contact:
Bill Brodeur
Coordinator,
Marketing and Media Relations
Huronia Historical Parks
(705) 528-7692
Bill.Brodeur@ontario.ca
July 11, 2008
Summer Fun on Georgian Bay: Sainte-Marie and Discovery Harbour offer two great family events July 19-20
The weekend of July 19-20 will see two great events and summer fun for the entire family as Midland’s Sainte-Marie among the Hurons presents “Paddlefest” and Penetanguishene’s Discovery Harbour launches “Bayfield’s School of the Sailor”.The exciting news continues with a family-friendly price on admission – attend one event, and receive 50% off adult admission to the other!
“Paddlefest” at Sainte-Marie celebrates the legacy of the canoe in Canada and includes lots of canoe-themed activities and exhibits. Traditional birch-bark canoe building and repair techniques will be showcased, as well as a lively waterway demonstration re-creating the “arrival” of a canoe from Quebec to Sainte-Marie. Children will love special crafts including mini-paddle making and painting. For outdoor enthusiasts, specialist David Nelson will present sessions on canoe day-tripping, and re-enactor David Morris will dramatically re-create the colourful explorer Etienne Brulé, complete with period costume. Traditional music and dance accentuate the event, including Native Drumming from the Christian Island Hand Drum Group, and French-Canadian folk music by local favourites La Famille Lefaive and Michel Payment. Sainte-Marie’s interpretive staff plan a great line-up of still more activities, including quill pen making, candle making, and native crafts, and the popular “Survival In The Bush” group will set up a fascinating interactive encampment.
At Discovery Harbour, the new “Bayfield’s School of the Sailor” event will give visitors an interactive and fun taste of all things Naval, with lots of “hands-on” activities and demonstrations celebrating Sailor’s skills and Britain’s 19th-century Navy. Leading the event will be the guest Tall Ship St. Lawrence II, a famous sail-training vessel hailing from Kingston. This beautiful Brigantine will be at dockside all weekend for public viewing, joining a host of other smaller historic vessels. A small-boat flotilla sailpast will occur both days, and throughout the weekend visitors can explore an authentic historic encampment set up by guest naval re-enactors. Families can also try their hand at the ancient art of sailor’s ropework via interactive demonstrations by Discovery Harbour’s costumed interpretive staff in the Seamans’ Barracks. Additional specialty Naval sessions for guest re-enactors will be scheduled over the weekend, with the public welcome to attend. Using traditional methods of conducting maritime surveys, a guest naval re-enactor will bring Henry Bayfield’s 19th-century work to life, and the use of naval flag signals will also be discussed. Lively artillery and small-arms presentations will be featured in Discovery Harbour’s Parade Square and offer an intriguing glimpse into Britain’s defence tactics of the early 19th-century.
“Paddlefest” at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons and “Bayfield’s School of the Sailor” at Discovery Harbour run Saturday and Sunday, July 19-20. Attend one event at regular admission, and receive 50% off adult admission to the other! For information call (705) 526-7838.
Sainte-Marie among the Hurons and Discovery Harbour are operated by
Huronia Historical Parks, and are Attractions of the Ontario Ministry of Tourism.
Media Contact:
Bill Brodeur
Coordinator,
Marketing and Media Relations
Huronia Historical Parks (705) 528-7692 Email: Bill.Brodeur@ontario.ca
June 5, 2008
Celebrate Aboriginal Heritage at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons
Midland’s Sainte-Marie among the Hurons will share in the celebration of First Nations with its upcoming Aboriginal Festival on Saturday and Sunday June 14-15, and National Aboriginal Day on Saturday June 21.
On June 14-15, Sainte-Marie’s Aboriginal Festival will feature dynamic First Nations performers and exhibits. New this year, the Red Spirit Drum and Dance Group will bring youth from Ojibway, Cree, Mic Mac, Mohawk, and Dakota Nations to share a colourful presentation with visitors. The historic site of Sainte-Marie will bustle with the sights and sounds of the Jock Family, an exciting Water Drum and Dance Group, and Neil Monague with his popular Christian Island Hand Drum Group. Upon entering the site, guests will be fascinated with the Survival in the Bush exhibit that will demonstrate historic fire-starting, cordage making, trap and snare exhibits, native cooking, bone tools and birch-bark baskets, a furrier display, and edible tea tasting. Other activities include native games such as Lacrosse, corn-husk doll and Okie making, children’s heritage crafts, and basket making. New this year are additional Native Crafters with goods for sale, and a special video on Native Storytelling.
National Aboriginal Day (June 21) is a time for all Canadians to celebrate the cultures and contributions to Canada of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. Canada chose June 21 because of the cultural significance of the summer solstice and because many Aboriginal groups mark this day as a time to celebrate their heritage. The celebrations will therefore continue at Sainte-Marie on Saturday June 21 with the Jock Family Water Drum and Dance Group, Neil Monague’s Christian Island Hand Drum Group, Aboriginal Crafters, and a host of Native demonstrations and displays throughout the historic site.
During both the Aboriginal Festival and National Aboriginal Day, Restaurant Sainte-Marie will offer a special themed menu, providing delicious original recipes including “Three Sisters Soup” made from corn, beans, and squash.
The Aboriginal Festival at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons runs Saturday and Sunday, June 14 and 15, and National Aboriginal Day is on Saturday, June 21. For further information please contact (705) 526-7838.
Sainte-Marie among the Hurons is operated by Huronia Historical Parks,
and is an Attraction of the Ontario Ministry of Tourism.
High-resolution photos are available upon request via the contact below.
Media Contact:
Bill Brodeur
Coordinator,
Marketing and Media Relations
Huronia Historical Parks
(705) 528-7692
bill.brodeur@ontario.ca
June 3, 2008
CELEBRATING TOURISM WEEK WITH FUN, FUN, FUN
McGuinty Government Making Summer Fun More Affordable For FamiliesThe Ontario government is providing more than 1.4 million elementary school children with a 2008 Fun Pass this month.
The pass is valid from July 1 to September 1 and provides one free child’s admission (14 and under) with one paid adult or senior’s admission to participating attractions and includes a discount on the daily parking permit at Ontario Parks.
The launch of the 2008 Fun Pass is part of National Tourism Week, June 2-8. The theme of the week is Potential Worth Exploring.
QUOTES
“Tourism Week and the Fun Pass give Ontario an excellent opportunity to celebrate the significant contributions that tourism makes to our economy and quality of life,” said Ontario Minister of Tourism Peter Fonseca. “The Fun Pass gives families many affordable ways to enjoy our provincial attractions and stimulates the growth of our tourism industry.”
QUICK FACTS
• Based on data from Statistics Canada, it is estimated that tourism is a $22.8 billion industry in Ontario.
• Tourism contributes more to our economy in terms of GDP than agriculture, forestry, commercial fishing and hunting and mining industries combined.
• Ontario draws more than 100 million tourists a year.
• The tourism industry is Ontario’s single largest youth and seasonal employer.
LEARN MORE
Participating attractions include: Sainte-Marie among the Hurons, Discovery Harbour, Ontario Place, the Royal Ontario Museum, the Ontario Science Centre, Science North, Fort William Historical Park, the Royal Botanical Gardens, the Butterfly Conservatory, Old Fort Erie, Upper Canada Village, Fort Henry, Uncle Tom’s Cabin, Fulford Place, Homewood Museum, Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre and Barnum House.
Discover more fun summer activities across Ontario at www.ontariotravel.net.
If you would like additional information on the Fun Pass, please call 416-314-1425 or send an email to funpass@ontario.ca
May 7, 2008
Exciting year planned at Sainte-Marie and Discovery Harbour
Midland’s Sainte-Marie among the Hurons and Penetanguishene’s Discovery Harbour open this month to the public, offering an exciting series of programs, special events, and exhibits for the 2008 season.
Spring is well underway at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons, with hundreds of school children exploring the 17th-century by enjoying curriculum-related educational programs which began April 14. Jan Gray, General Manager of Huronia Historical Parks notes that the full re-build of Sainte-Marie’s Chapel, Blacksmith and Carpenter shops from a site fire in 2006 is now complete, and these restored heritage buildings will once again bring history alive with the sights and sounds of music,
hammer, forge, and 17th century carpentry. New visiting exhibits in July and August will include “Seeds in Disguise” and “Great Women of French Ontario”. The recently installed Huron Carol Gallery in the Sainte-Marie museum will continue to be a visitor favourite.
Sainte-Marie also plans some great special events, beginning with the colourful Aboriginal Festival Weekend on June 14-15 and National Aboriginal Day June 21. Paddlefest (July 19-20) will celebrate the rich heritage of the canoe in shaping Canada’s history, and will features lots of hands-on exhibits for the entire family. The Georgian Bay Native Friendship Centre offers a dynamic POW WOW in Sainte-Marie Park on September 6-7, and returning to Sainte-Marie October 11-12 will be the
Thanksgiving Harvest Festival and Arts and Crafts Show and Sale with over 40 outstanding artisans. The spectacular “First Light” Christmas event will illuminate Sainte-Marie with the magical glow of over 2,000 candles over the evenings of December 4-5-6.
Discovery Harbour in Penetanguishene also launches a terrific season. Throughout the spring, numerous visiting school groups will get a taste of the 19th century and Britain’s Royal Navy in dynamic education programs offered at the historic site. Jan Gray is thrilled to announce the re-opening of the original 1836 Officers’ Quarters located at the north end of the historic properties. After seven years of restoration, the re-opening of this magnificent Georgian building will be
celebrated with a special ceremony and event on July 5, and everyone is invited! New for 2008, Naval Re-enactors will present “Bayfield’s School of the Sailor” on July 19-20. This fun and lively event will feature seamanship demonstrations, heritage small boats, and more. Over the same weekend, visiting Tall Ship St. Lawrence II will join Discovery Harbour’s historic vessels H.M.S. Tecumseth and Bee at dockside for public viewing. The popular Métis Day Bo’jou Neejee event
returns for its third year August 9, celebrating the culture and heritage of the Métis people and their historical connection to Discovery Harbour. A new visiting exhibit entitled Enslaved Africans in Upper Canada (July 2 to August 29) will be on loan from the Archives of Ontario, and a second display developed by Discovery Harbour staff will focus on John Graves Simcoe.
Sainte-Marie among the Hurons is open to the public weekdays to May 16, and seven days per week beginning May 17. Discovery Harbour is open weekdays May 20 to June 27, and seven days per week beginning June 28. For information call (705) 526-7838 or visit www.hhp.on.ca
Sainte-Marie among the Hurons and Discovery Harbour are operated by
Huronia Historical Parks, and are Attractions of the Ontario Ministry of Tourism.
High resolution photography is available for Media use; please see contact below.
Media Contact:
Bill Brodeur
Coordinator of Marketing and Media Relations
Huronia Historical Parks
Direct Line: (705) 528-7692
November 15, 2007
Sainte-Marie’s “First Light”
An All-Time Festive Favourite
A season highlight,
Sainte-Marie’s “First Light” event returns for its eighth year
featuring a new Huron Carol Exhibit, Children’s Christmas crafts, a
variety of musical performances, presentations reflecting
Franco-Ontarian and First Nations cultures, and much more - all amidst
the magical glow of over 2,000 candles.
The Huron Carol is
believed to have been written by Father Jean de Brébeuf who lived at
Sainte-Marie in 1643. A special exhibit in the Sainte-Marie museum
will focus on
“First Light”
always includes lots of fun features enjoyed by families. Children
will love making their own Christmas cards with quill pens and
decorating mini-wreaths. Local French group La Clé d’la Baie
will have you create fleur de lis decorations, and The Métis Nation of
Wonderful community
music continues to be a central feature of First Light. Popular
French singers Joëlle Roy and Michel Payment will perform in the
reconstructed Church and Chapel. This year Sainte-Marie’s theatre will
be filled with area ensembles including the St. Theresa’s Stage Band
and their Vocal Group, St. Margaret’s Choir and the St. Anne's Folk
Group on November 29th. The Children’s
After enjoying the
historic site, visitors can warm up in Restaurant Sainte-Marie which
will be transformed into a French-style Café, featuring home-made pea
soup, tourtière, pâtisseries, and hot apple cider. Local artists
La Famille Lefaive and Vince Therrien will provide toe-tapping musical
entertainment in the Café. Christmas shoppers will be tempted by
over a dozen exceptional artisans set up in the Sainte-Marie museum,
with the Sainte-Marie gift shop also open over the three nights.
“First Light” will be presented at Sainte-Marie
among the Hurons the evenings of November 29th, 30th,
and December 1st, from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Admission
is just $5.00 per person with a non-perishable food item that will be
donated to the Salvation Army’s food bank. Children ages 5 and
under are free. For information call (705) 526-7838.
Special Notes:
Please be advised that with the exception of
assist dogs, dogs are not allowed on the historic site for this event.
Media Contact:
Bill Brodeur
Co-ordinator, Marketing and Media Relations
Huronia Historical Parks
(705) 528-7692
bill.brodeur@ontario.ca
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