Special Events

Sainte-Marie Special Events and Highlights 2010

Throughout the year, Sainte-Marie is proud to present special family events and program highlights. Here's the year 2010 line-up!

Aboriginal Festival (June 12-13) and National Aboriginal Day (June 21)

Many Aboriginal groups across the world celebrate their heritage around the Solstice in June (June 21). Join Sainte-Marie's staff and share a tribute to Canada's First Nations with special on-site activities and displays.

Aboriginal Festival Program

Georgian Bay Native Friendship Centre POW WOW (Sainte-Marie Park, September 11-12)

This annual POW WOW, presented by the Georgian Bay Native Friendship Centre at Sainte-Marie Park, is open to the public and features Native dancing, traditional crafts and foods, and much more. For further information call (705)526-5589 or visit their website www.gbnfc.com

Thanksgiving Harvest Festival, and Arts & Crafts Show and Sale (October 9-10)

Celebrate the Fall Season with the Thanksgiving Harvest Festival and the return of the popular Arts & Crafts Show and Sale. Harvest activities and displays, the history of corn, Native foods, and more! The quality Arts & Crafts Show features outstanding artisans offering a diverse range of craft and food items. Admission to the show is included in the price of admission to the historic site.

First Light (Evenings November 25, 26 & 27 - 5:30p.m. to 9:00p.m.)

Visitors to Sainte-Marie’s “First Light” event will experience Midland’s famous heritage site amidst the magical glow of over 2,000 candles, enjoying an enchanting community evening in the Christmas spirit. Event preparation begins weeks ahead as Sainte-Marie’s staff decorates the historic buildings and grounds, prepares craft materials, and organizes the spectacular candle display that has come to symbolize this unique event.

2010 will be the 11th annual “First Light”, and the event will once again feature lots of “hands-on” activities and 17^th-century crafts for little folks and adults alike. Enjoy a taste of history as Sainte-Marie's Cookhouse features goodies from Christmas past. See a fascinating demonstration of 17th-century blacksmithing, and Discovery Harbour will feature an interactive exhibit in the Sainte-Marie foyer.

Historic re-enactors La Compagnie Franche de la Marine will return, wearing uniforms of the 18^th-century and demonstrating military drills on the historic site. Visitors can also pop by the hearth in the En Pilier building to enjoy a warm drink and chat with the Compagnie.

Music has always been a wonderful component of “First Light” and this year the tradition continues. Over three evenings, “First Light” will showcase area talent sharing their seasonal repertoire.

For any last-minute additions to your Christmas list, the Sainte-Marie gift shop will be open over the three evenings, and Christmas shoppers will be happy to see the return of artisans from Sainte-Marie’s popular Thanksgiving Arts and Crafts show.

“First Light” will be presented at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons evenings November 25, 26 and 27 from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Event admission is just $5.00 per person with an accompanying non-perishable food item that will be donated to the local Salvation Army food bank. Children ages 5 and under are free.

Huron Carol Exhibit (All Season)

It is believed that Canada's first Christmas Carol was written by Father Jean de Brébeuf at Sainte-Marie in the 17^th century. This new exhibit celebrates the Huron Carol with a pictoral gallery featuring illustrations from Frances Tyrrell's famous children's book The Huron Carol, plus a video presentation. Sainte-Marie among the Hurons is grateful to Frances Tyrell for granting permission to us to reproduce and use her collection of Huron Carol watercolour paintings in this exhibit.

Call (705) 526-7838 for additional information or send an E-mail

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