Celebrate

Lana Latchford sent this photo along of the parade for
Wellington’s 100th anniversary in 1963. She was Lana Gallagher then, seated to the left. She rode with Sharon Wood (now Palmer) and driver John Watt on the Master Feeds float.

Come and and celebrate in Wellington this weekend

Canada’s history, in fact much of the history of the Americas is marked by conflict between native populations and European and American settlers. But not so in Wellington. In fact the relationship between Daniel Reynolds, the County’s first settler, and the Mohawk people living nearby appears to be defined by friendship and mutual co-operation rather than a clash of cultures— this according to Ron Bailey, a former schoolteacher and historian.

Rather than live in fear of each other it seems Reynolds and First Nation residents reached out to each other, traded among themselves and indeed developed lasting friendships.

Mohawk natives helped Reynolds build his Wellington home; they watched over it when he was away, and when he returned it was not uncommon for him to find a deer hanging in his home— a gift of food for the weary traveler.

In return, Reynolds helped create opportunities for his friends and neighbours. Soon other settlers came along, carving out farms along the shoreline. The Mohawks became able barn builders and were employed to erect many of these structures in the County. Co-operatively both natives and settlers worked to establish a budding prosperity in their shared community.

To honour this heritage the Wellington 150th Anniversary celebration will welcome Don Maracle, Chief of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte, to take part alongside Rob Callow, descendent of Dan Reynolds, in official anniversary ceremony on Canada Day. Together they reflect the mutual contribution and spirit upon which Prince Edward County was founded and thrived. Perhaps not the colourful stuff of history books but a fine way to begin the story of the County.

NOT TO BE MISSED
Almost two years ago discussions began about how to celebrate Wellington’s 150th anniversary. Joan Turner was one of the first to put up her hand. She wasn’t yet sure what she would do—but she wanted it to be memorable.

Wellington Thru the Ages began as a fashion show—a walk through popular style in the last 150 years. But it soon evolved into a full-blown musical revue—songs, dance, theatre—all woven around the story of Wellington and the surrounding community.

“It was her idea, and she just ran with it,” explained Paulette Greer, a member of the Wellington and District Business Assocation. “She developed the committees and went through the muck. And there was a lot of muck.”

But sadly, when the curtain rises on the show on Saturday evening at the Wellington and District Community Centre, Joan won’t be there.

Instead show organizer Joan Turner will be recovering from breast cancer surgery scheduled for late this week.

Yet she insists the show must go on. After nearly two years of work, the cast and crew are committed to a great performance. At the back of the hall a video camera will record the one and only presentation of Wellington Thru the Ages. For Joan.

SATURDAY
On Saturday morning the focus of Wellington’s 150th turns to the harbour. That is where the Elks Lodge is hosting a Kids Fishing Derby. Kids will be lined along the dock dropping lines and practising their angling technique in hopes of prizes and fame.

Tasty pickerel, fighting pike and feisty bass and even some weighty salmon have been hoisted up on to Wellington’s dock. Who knows what the kids will pull out on Saturday morning?

A little farther into the channel the Lions’ Club is staging a demonstration Dragon Boat race—pitting a team led by Prince Edward County Mayor Peter Mertens against MPP Todd Smith in a political grudge match. There will be many other familiar faces on board so look to be at channel side before 11 a.m. Find out which team veers left or right? Who manages to keep their oars in the water? How far our political masters make it up the channel without a paddle.

Also on Saturday the Wellington Farmers’ Market gets underway for its second season of fine locally grown food and hand crafted goods. The Saturday morning market grew into thriving success last season, showcasing some of the County’s best.

SUNDAY
On Sunday the Legion is hosting a pre-fireworks chicken barbecue. Then you are invited to head on down to Main Street for a night of dancing and ’50s nostalgia as Eddie and the Sting Rays close traffic for a free street dance. At dusk the biggest and baddest fireworks in the County will erupt over the village. The best vantage points are by waterside at Wellington beach.

MONDAY, CANADA DAY
On Monday morning, Canada Day, the Wellington Heritage Parade gets rolling about 10:30 a.m. The parade theme again this year is: Where did your ancestors come from? It is a way to celebrate your County connections whether newly formed or reach back generations.

Then Chief Maracle and Rob Callow will join others in celebrating Wellington and Canada’s birthday. Children will flock to Kidszone featuring entertainment, games and presentations geared to the younger set. Specialty food vendors will cater to the discerning tastes in the park—particularly fine will be the zesty ribs offered by the Rotary Club. Meanwhile, a range of music—from country to rock to Grampa’s Goodtime Gang—may be heard all afternoon long.

There are activities, events and entertainment for all ages all weekend long. Look for complete event listing in these pages.