An Upper Canada Village toast to Queen Victoria
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MORRISBURG – The late Queen Victoria’s birthday was celebrated in style at the Upper Canada Village Sunday, much to the amusement of the many tourist site’s visitors.
“Queen Victoria was quite a popular monarch in the 1860s,” explained Sara Edwards, supervisor of interpreter entertainment and domestic programs for Upper Canada Village. “We’ve been celebrating the queen’s birthday here for well over two decades.”
According to Edwards, Victoria Day was also quite the holiday back in the day.
“It was one of two extra days of rest in the year,” she said. “It was also a way to welcome spring.”
Visitors to the village were treated to several different activities, such as an outdoor concert, a brass band, various games and the chance to witness a militia inspection.
“It’s been quite busy,” said Debbie Robinson, interpreter. “The celebrations are bigger this year.”
The outdoor concert invited visitors to take a seat in front of Cook’s Tavern and admire the skills of some of the village’s musicians, as they played some of the most popular tunes of the 1860s. By the end of their first song, the four talented musicians and singers had managed to attract well over 40 listeners.
Quite popular were the many re-enactors, which walked throughout the village’s streets, much to the delight of visitors. The more curious ones were rewarded with being able to learn more about everyday soldiers as well as musket use.
Amongst re-enactors were the Brockville Infantry Company and the 41st Brockville Rifles, sporting red coats. Many militia members, wearing green coats, were made up of villagers.
“Militias were present in smaller communities such as this one,” stressed Edwards.
All throughout the day, visitors were also encouraged to join the village’s firefighting services, which culminated with trials with the antique fire engine.
Official celebrations took place at 1:30 p.m., with a patriotic ceremony, which included the singing of God Save the Queen. In addition, several speeches were made, praising the queen, followed by other songs.
The festivities were concluded by a joint militia muster and drill by the reenactors as well as some more musical entertainment.
Victoria Day is the first big event of the year for the village, having only been officially open for two weeks.
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