The Festival at Fort Willow is returning to Utopia and the event organizers need talent to join its cast of demonstrators.
Share your expertise, demonstrate your craft and be a part of an immersive experience that brings the past to life, says a news release. Whether you're well-versed in pre-European contact lifestyles, the Fur Trade era or the War of 1812, you are invited to apply and become a part the showcase.
"The Festival at Fort Willow is a remarkable opportunity to connect with history in a truly immersive way," said Kyra Howes, director of conservation services at Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority.
“We are looking to emphasize what life was like for regular people around the turn of the 19th century," she added. "Military demonstrations will be part of the festival; these have always been a staple of the festival.”
With an education day on Friday, Sept. 29 and a public event on Saturday, Sept. 30, the festival is a two-day celebration of the history of Fort Willow and the surrounding area.
Visitors will have the opportunity to experience the past through engaging demonstrations, displays, and performances. The festival aims to bring history to life and foster a deeper appreciation for the region’s history.
Festival organizers are also hoping to recruit volunteers. Volunteers will have the chance to experience the festival while engaging with visitors and helping to create unforgettable experiences.
The Historic Fort Willow Conservation Area was used for centuries by Indigenous people, during the Fur Trade and by French explorers as part of a major transportation route known as the Nine Mile Portage, the release said. It was also strategically located as a supply depot during the War of 1812.
Both Fort Willow and the Nine Mile Portage are provincial and national historic sites.
To register or for more information, contact Elise Barr-Klouman, event facilitator with the NVCA, at [email protected] or 705-424-1479, ext. 236.
