Are you ready for fall? Or, are you still clinging to those warm summer days? Celebrate those last few days of summer at Crawford Lake Conservation Area’s annual Indian Summer Festival. The festival is a celebration of Ontario’s First Nations heritage, and will be held this Sun. Sept. 19 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. This year’s festival will include dancers, guest presenters, children’s activities, vendors and much more.
The Iroquoian village will come alive as the White Pine dancers perform traditional First Nations dances. The interactive performances will be held at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., and include music, dancing and First Nations cultural teachings.
Guest presenters Chief Top Leaf and Joe Paquette will encourage visitors to learn more about Iroquoian culture with their special storytelling and teaching sessions. Join Chief Top Leaf in the Iroquoian village and Joe Paquette lakeside from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., for these exciting presentations.
Families with young children will enjoy the discovery hunt with prizes, and free craft making. The reconstructed Iroquoian village will also be open for exploration between 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Visitors can explore the park’s beautiful woodlands and take a peaceful stroll on a boardwalk around the rare, meromictic lake.
Those with a love of shopping can try the special First Nations arts and craft sale or the Crawford Lake giftshop for a great memory of their day. Visitors can also satisfy their hunger with the tasty BBQ or snacks from the giftshop.
Crawford Lake Conservation Area is located on the corner of Steeles Ave. and Guelph Line, 15 km north of the QEW, and 5 km south of the 401. Admission for this special celebration is $7.25 for adults; $6.25 for seniors and $5 for children ages 5 to 12. Children ages 4 and under are admitted free! Conservation Halton Annual Passholders only need to show their pass for admission.
For more information, see Conservation Halton, where other events and recreational programs are also listed.
The autumn issue of Escarpment Views contains a photo in “Events Along the Rock,” of National Aboriginal Day festivities that were held at Crawford Lake in summer.
