OUR EVENTS CALENDAR
Every season brings a calendar filled with a wide variety of special events for all the family to enjoy. Harvest Fest and Haunted Village Hayrides and our magical Christmas at The Village.
FACILITY RENTAL INFO
The Village is an unforgettable setting for special events such as weddings, corporate gatherings, and more.
GET INVOLVED
The Village is a nostalgic experience for people of all ages.
Special Events 2010:
Celebrate Spring
MOTHER'S DAY
Sunday, May 9th
Join us at the Pioneer Village Cafe for a wonderful Mother's Day experience. Our chef prepares a meal from only the freshest ingredients. Our features will be fresh turkey and carved ham. Finish it all off with homemade dessert and you've got a fantastic meal that every mom will love! Advanced reservations required.
Cost: $15.95/Adult, $9.00 /Child (5-12), Children under 5 free
Buffet Seatings: 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.
Mother's Day Workshop
The History of Victorian Scrap Book
Participants will learn the fascinating history of the Victorian Scrap book and how this popular 19th centry past time developed into the craze it is today!
Participants will be presented with a brief history of the Victorian scrap book and create their very own Victorian scrap book page to take home. Materials will be provided for the workshop. Participants are encouraged to bring their own photographs, images or supplies. Registration is required.
Cost: $8 per person, $6 for Fanshawe Pioneer Village members and volunteers
Time: 1 p.m.
Limited seating for both the Mother's Day Brunch and Workshop. Please register soon to ensure reservations. To register or for more information, please contact Chris Lee, Rental Coordinator or Lana Pharoah, Education Manager at (519) 457-1296 or rentals@fanshawepioneervilage.ca
VILLAGE OPENING
Saturday, May 15th
Opening Day for the 51st season of Fanshawe Pioneer Village
SPRING ON THE FARM
Saturday, May 15 and Sunday, May 16
Come and meet the sheep, pigs, cows and poultry who will live at Fanshawe Pioneer Village this season. Early Canadian rare breeds are on display from Rare Breeds Canada.
SPONSORED BY: Rare Breeds Canada and Pioneer Hi-Bred Limited.
- Sheep Shearing demonstrations
- Sheep Herding demonstrations by Glen Erran Kennels
- Draft Horse demonstrations by the Southern Ontario Draft Horse Club
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Local children's author, Susan Ross will be reading, selling and signing her new book "Say Please to the Honeybees". www.susanross.ca
Rare Breeds Canada Poster PDF
BATTLE OF CULLODEN
Saturday and Sunday, May 22-23
The 1746 Battle of Culloden Moor in Scotland signalled the demise of Scottish rule. Retaliation by the British against the rebels, triggered both forced and chosen migration to North America. Meet Bonnie Prince Charlie at an outstanding re-enactments at 2:30 each day and recreations of both the Jacobite and Highland camp life.
Presented in partnership with the Clan MacLachlan, Re-enactors of the 45 and the National Trust of Scotland.
QUEEN VICTORIA'S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS
Monday, May 24
Come and celebrate the birthday of Her Majesty, Victoria, Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, Empress of India. Join us for nineteenth century games, historical speeches, vintage base ball, and music all in reverence to our longest reigning monarch. Who knows? She might just make a sea voyage to the colonies to visit with her subjects in the Upper Canadian town of Fanshawe.
- Birthday festivities for Queen Victoria beginning at 1:00 pm with cake and lemonade to follow.
- Vintage Base Ball game between London Tecumsehs and the Woodstock Actives at 1:00 pm.
June Jubilee
LOYALISTS UNITE: American Revolution War Tactics
Saturday, June 5 and Sunday June 6
The Northern Brigade has invaded Fanshawe Pioneer Village! See how United Empire Loyalists fought the Americans during the War of the Revolution in 1776-7. Watch 18th century military exercises at 11:00 a.m. and a full tactical demonatration at 2:30 p.m. both days.
This event is presented in partnership with the Northern Brigade.
COMMUNITY APPRECIATION WEEKEND
Saturday June 19 and Sunday, June 20
To thank the community for 51 years of continued support, we roll back the clock and offer admission to the Village at 1959 prices!
- Opening ceremonies for Tollgate display at 11:00 am on Saturday
- Allison Brown and Manitoba Hal performing at 1:30 pm on Saturday
- Gift announcement from the Ontario Trillium Foundation at 2:00 pm on Saturday
- Dedication of Heritage Rose Garden at 1:00 pm on Sunday
- Traddicted performing at 1:30 pm on Sunday
- Memorial Benches Dedication at 2:00 pm on Sunday
- Classic Cars on Sunday
- Celebrations in honour of Paul Peel's 150th birthday!
Summer in the Village
DOMINION DAY
Thursday, July 1
On the 1st of July, 1867, Canada became a self-governing colony within the British Empire. We offer you the chance to relive the past and discover the events surrounding the first Dominion Day (now Canada Day). Historical debates, patriotic speeches, cake and lemonade and Vintage Base Ball are a few of the activities that will bring the past to life.
- Native Dance workshop by Circle of Nations at 12:15 pm
- Flag Raising ceremony at 1:00 pm followed by Dominion Day Celebrations
- Country Serenade performing at 1:30 pm
- Vintage Base Ball Game between London Tecumsehs and London Area Dodgers at 1:00 pm.
SPONSORED BY: General Dynamics: Land System-Canada
FAMILY FROLIC
Sunday, July 4
Spend a summer afternoon dancing the steps of yester year followed by afternoon tea.
PIONEER SURVIVOR DAY CAMP - Two teams compete to become the ultimate Pioneer Survivor
July 6-9 Ages 6-8
July 20-23 Ages 6-8
July 27-30 Ages 9-12
August 10-13 Ages 6-8
August 17-20 Ages 9-12
PIONEER TREASURE HUNTERS DAY CAMP - A quest-oriented week filled with adventure and fun.
August 24-27
All Day Camps are prebooked through the London YMCA at 519-667-3300
Presented in partnership with the London YMCA
VICTORIAN TEDDY BEAR PICNIC
Sunday, July 11
All the bears are gathering today for a Victorian teddy bear picnic. Bring out your favourite stuffed friend for an afternoon of teddy oriented games, story telling, a parade, and afternoon tea.
- "Bearemy", the mascot of Build a Bear will be in attendance and will lead our teddy bear parade at 2:00 pm. Afternoon tea to follow.
- Story telling in the afternoon provided by Chapters.
This event is presented in partnership with Build a Bear
SPONSORED BY: Once Upon a Teacup and Chapters
LANTERN LIGHT MYSTERY TOURS
Wednesday to Friday, July 7, 8, 9 & 14, 15, 16
GOOD CITIZENS BEWARE! A play by Jason Rip
Six fiendish criminals from London's past converge on Fanshawe Pioneer Village to tell their tales of infamy and then - they ESCAPE! You will become part of a sherriff's posse who are willing to take the law into their own hands in this thrilling participatory theatre experience.
Performances at 7 and 8:30 pm
Tickets: $15 each + tax
Advanced booking required.
Phone 519-457-1296 to reserve your tickets. Visa or Mastercard required for all phone orders.
SPONSORED BY: London Heritage Council
SUMMER ON THE FARM
Saturday, July 24 and Sunday July 25
Visit the Villagers as they are hard at work in the fields and in their shops. See demonstrations of 19th century trades and farm work.
- Draft Horse Demonstrations by the Southern Ontario Draft Horse Club.
- Saturday - "Middlesex Agility Club" presenting dog agility demonstrations at 11:30 am, 1:30 & 3:00 pm.
SPONSORED BY: Pioneer Hi-Bred Limited
FANSHAWE FROLIC: VICTORIAN DANCE WEEKEND
Saturday, July 31 and Sunday August 1
A Grand Ball to be given by the citizens of London in celebration of the visit of Sir John A. MacDonald. Come learn the social dances of 120 years ago with Dance Mistress, Mme. Stephens on Saturday afternoon. Enjoy a country supper in the evening, followed by a 19th century ball. All dances will be easy to learn and to do. Period costumes are encourages but not required. Bring your whole family back on Sunday afternoon for a Family Frolic, more dancing and afternoon tea.
Tickets: $50 + tax per person for the entire weekend
Advance booking is required.
HARVEST FEST
Saturday, August 21 and Sunday, August 22
A Fanshawe Pioneer Village Signature Event, Harvest Fest offers something for everyone in a weekend filled with activity. Threshing, exhibits, a non-denominational church service, rare breeds displays, musical entertainment and classic cars are but a few of the many sights and sounds of Harvest Fest. Plan to stay for lunch and enjoy a Thresherman's Lunch buffet at the Pioneer Village Cafe.
Special Admission rate applies: $7 + tax per person, children 3 and under are free.
Presented in partnership with Tri-County Heritage Club
SPONSORED BY: Casco Inc.
- Three Penny Piece performing Saturday and Sunday afternoon
- Fall Fair activities
- Square dancing demonstrations
- Non-denominational church service, Sunday at 2:00 pm
"Fall" for the Village
DOORS OPEN LONDON
Saturday, September 18 and Sunday, September 19
The Village doors are open and the admission is free for Doors Open London.
Vintage Base Ball Game between the London Tecumsehs and the Innerkip Quarriemen at 1 pm, Sunday
Presented in partnership with London Heritage Council.
THE 1812 INVASION OF UPPER CANADA
Saturday, October 2 and Sunday, October 3
Dispatch received from the 1st (Royal Scots) Regiment, Grenadier Company: "Citizens...His Majesty's crown forces will make an aggressive attempt to reclaim the territories of Western Upper Canada. It is our intention to garrison our forces at the Village of Fanshawe and choose this ground to halt the advance of the American forces. Beware of spies in your midst." Which side do you support?
Experience the life and battles of a soldier in 1812 at this premier regional event.
- Two battles daily
- Zoom Daddies performing daily
- Drum Corps performing daily
- Forest City Morris and Sword Dancers performing daily
Special Admission rate applies: $7 + tax per person
http://fanshawe1812.tripod.com
Presented with the support of the UPPER CANADA MILITARY RE-ENACTMENT SOCIETY.
SPONSORED BY: Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Sylvite Agri-Services Ltd. BMO Bank of Montreal, Union Gas and Johnson Sanitation.
FALL ON THE FARM
Saturday, October 9, Sunday October 10 and Monday, October 11
Watch as farm families prepare for the coming winter with the harvest of the corn crop, textile arts and wood stove cooking. Reserve your Thanksgiving Dinner at the Pioneer Village Cafe.
HAUNTED VILLAGE HAYRIDES
"The Donnelly Massacre": a play written by local playwright Jason Rip
Preview: Friday, October 15
Shows: Saturday, October 16 and Sunday, October 17
Friday, October 22 - Sunday, October 24
Thursday, October 28 - Saturday, October 30
2010's all new adult-oriented Haunted Hayride centres on Canada's most infamous first family; The Donnelly's of Lucan. Both victims and victimizers, this new and truly frightening ride tells the story of Jim, Johannah and their children that culminated in the horrific events of February 4th, 1880.
This event is presented in partnership with Theatre Nemesis.
SPONSORED BY: Siskinds: The Law Firm
Performances at 7, 8 and 9 pm on Thursday and Sunday nights and 7, 8, 9 and 10 pm on Friday and Saturday nights. Tickets for the preview, Friday, October 16 $8 each.
Tickets: all other evenings $10 each
Not recommmended for youth under age 10.
Advance Tickets required: Call 519-457-1296 after September 1st
(Any unsold tickets will be available at the gate starting at 6:30 pm on the evening of the show, on a first come, first serve cash basis. A message will be put on the Village voicemail at 5 pm on the evening of the show indicating ticket availability for the evening.)
A HAUNTING WE WILL GO!
Saturday, October 30 - Noon to 4:30 pm.
Celebrate a historic Halloween! Trick or treat in the Village, bob for apples, hear a ghost story and participate in many other ghoulish activities. Costumes are encouraged.
Special Admission Rates Apply. $5 + tax PER PERSON - ALL AGES
Christmas at the Village
A VISIT WITH ST. NICHOLAS
Saturday, December 4, Sunday, December 5, Saturday , December 11, Sunday, December 12
Families are invited to a Visit with St. Nicholas. Enjoy a hot pancake breakfast, followed by a baked gingerbread man to decorate for dessert. Hop aboard a horse drawn wagon for a beautiful winter ride around the Village and visit a selection of buildings preparing for Christmas. Of course, the day wouldn't be complete without a visit from St. Nicholas himself, who drops by to visit with each child.
Tickets: $14 + tax each or $45 + tax for a family of 4
Saturday Sittings available at 9:30 &11:00 am & 1:00 pm
Sunday Sittings available at 9:30 &11:00 a.m. and 12:30 & 2:00 pm
Advance tickets required.
Call 519-457-1296 to book.
SPONSORED BY: Kellogg Canada Inc, WINMAR and Kenneth J. Williams Barrister & Solicitor
DICKEN'S' DINNER
Friday, December 3, Saturday, December 4
Friday December 10, Saturday, December 11
(Thursday, December 9th is available for Corporate Groups)
in the Pioneer Village Cafe
Enjoy a Victorian Christmas dinner served country style followed by a performance of The Chimes: A Play by Jason Rip.
The Chimes is one of Charles Dicken' lesser know holiday tales, the story of Trotty, a nocturnal "ticket-porter" whose insights into human nature are assisted by two goblins who live inside the church bells. Weird and whimsical, this strange little story will put a glow into your heart for the holiday season.
Tickets: $50 + tax each, maximum of 50 tickets per performance.
Advance tickets required: Call 519-457-1296
Cocktails: 6:00 p.m.
Dinner: 6:30 p.m.
All proceeds support the BIG ON HISTORY! Capital Campaign
SPONSORED BY: A & B Party and Tent Rentals, Foley Farms and Carolinian Winery.