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The Upper Ottawa Valley Heritage Centre is preparing to welcome visitors for its annual Strawberry Festival, a summertime event that combines local food, live entertainment and hands-on heritage activities.
The festival, operated by the Ottawa Valley Historical Society, will feature tours of the museum and its historic outbuildings, along with demonstrations of traditional skills including weaving, spinning and tatting.
Live music is scheduled throughout the day, with performances by Matt Haycock from 11 a.m. to noon and Amanda Dupuis from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Organizers say additional performers will be announced closer to the event.
Families attending the festival can take part in a range of children’s activities, including face painting, lawn games, arts and crafts, and a strawberry-themed photo station.
Visitors will also be able to view a restored railway pump cart displayed at the Kids’ Days station. The restoration project was completed three years ago by volunteer Andre Pilon with support from local businesses including Smitty’s Home Hardware, Rosso’s Home Hardware, Harrington Mechanical and Canadian Tire.
As part of the festival, organizers will serve cake and ice cream topped with locally grown strawberries supplied by McGregor’s Produce.
The festival is happening on Sunday, June 28th from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is $15 for adults, $7 for children aged six to 12 and free for children five and under. Members of the Ottawa Valley Historical Society receive discounted admission of $12.
Tickets are available in advance through the museum office and will also be sold at the gate. Organizers say museum parking will be available, with additional parking offered at the Pembroke Mall across the street.
The Upper Ottawa Valley Heritage Centre houses a collection of more than 10,000 artifacts and serves as a hub for preserving and sharing the region’s history and culture.
(Steve Berard)
