Westfield Heritage Village has many exciting things going on for Halloween this month! The village’s annual Haunted Halloween event, taking place this year on the evenings of Friday October 25 and Saturday October 26 from 6:30 – 9:30 pm., will be inspired by Grimm’s Fairy tales. Pumpkin Sunday, an event geared more to younger children, will take place the afternoon of October 27 from 12:30 – 4:00. Pumpkins will be the theme of the day, with traditional games, activities, crafts and adventures all taking place within Westfield’s historic, rural setting. Here’s more information about each event.
It’s going to be a Grimm Halloween at Westfield
Things are looking mighty Grimm at Westfield Heritage Village. The village will be lit by lanterns, pumpkins and moonlight, and visitors will be treated to an evening of folklore, surprise and mystery. During this family friendly event, visitors of all ages will be able to explore the village’s unique setting and discover the origins and traditions of Halloweens past. While we now think of fairy tales as charming stories for children, with singing elves, talking geese and handsome woodsmen, many of these early stories presented shadowy and mysterious themes and characters that would make even the bravest listener shiver. Grimm’s Fairy Tales, first published in 1812 as Children’s and Household Tales by brothers Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm, was a collection of European folktales that had been passed down for hundreds of years. Generations of children have gone to bed with the blankets pulled over their heads; trembling with visions of plotting witches, mysterious trolls and large, hungry wolves prowling through the forest. This Halloween, Westfield will be tapping into this rich treasure trove of literary delights. Dark, mysterious and sometimes funny fairy tales will be the inspiration for a range of scenarios throughout the village, allowing visitors to experience both familiar and unfamiliar stories within a historical environment. You never know who you might meet! Who is that young woman with the long hair, calling from that upstairs window? Are those golden eggs on the table in the farmhouse? Why is that witch bothering the villagers in the Early Settlement area? Courageous souls can go on an adventurous journey into the forest. What could possibly go wrong?
Westfield Heritage Village is a magical place for families to have fun and learn together. Children are welcome to take a seat in the one-room log schoolhouse to make a unique fairy tale-themed craft and then stop by the barn. You might have a chance to say goodnight to the furry and feathered friends settling down in the stalls. Peek in the parlour at the Gillen House to see and hear the Edwardian Fancy Dress party underway, with a fairy tale theme, of course. Weather permitting; a rare 1880s telescope will be available for viewing the spectacular wonders of the moon. Visitors who have worked up an appetite will find delicious, light fare available for purchase at the Ironwood Hall. Sweet treats will also be for sale in the General Store. Visit the Gift Shop for unique items. Haunted Halloween takes place on Friday October 25 and Saturday October 26 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Admission is $11.00 for adults, $10.00 for seniors and persons with disabilities, and $6.50 for children aged 6-12. Children 5 and under are admitted free. Parking is free. Tickets can be purchased at the gate or online. Westfield Heritage Village is located at 1049 Kirkwall Road (formerly Regional Road 552) in Rockton, just off Highway 8 between Hamilton and Cambridge.
Pumpkin Sunday! Family Fun at Westfield
Families looking for a special, unique day in the country should mark their calendars for the afternoon of October 27 from 12:30 – 4:00. Picturesque Westfield Heritage Village will be the setting for Pumpkin Sunday; a fun, kid-friendly event. Pumpkins will be the theme of the day, with traditional games, activities, crafts and adventures all taking place within Westfield’s historic, rural setting. Westfield Heritage Village is a special place for families to have fun and learn together. At Westfield you can visit homes and businesses dating from the late 1700s to the early 1900s and meet authentically dressed interpreters who can show you a little of what life was like in early Ontario. On Pumpkin Sunday, families can take a seat together in the one room log schoolhouse and work on a unique pumpkin-themed craft. Learn about how pumpkins were grown and used in early farmsteads at the Lockhart Farm. You may find some furry and feathered friends at the barn, just waiting to say hello. See what’s cooking at the Misener House or baking at the Bake Oven, and perhaps even have a little taste of pumpkin bread. On the village green, pumpkin-themed games will be underway. Train lovers can see the magnificent 1910 steam locomotive, and then visit the 1896 Jerseyville station and meet the stationmaster. Old-fashioned sweet treats will be available for purchase in the General Store. Be sure to bring your camera, as there will be many opportunities to capture your special day together.
Pumpkin Sunday takes place on Sunday, October 27 from 12:30 to 4:00 p.m. Admission is $8.50 for adults, $7.50 for seniors and people with disabilities, and $5.50 for children ages 6-12. Children 5 and under are admitted free. Parking is free. Tickets can be purchased at the gate or online. Westfield Heritage Village is located at 1049 Kirkwall Road (formerly Regional Road 552) in Rockton, just off Highway 8 between Hamilton and Cambridge. For more information about Pumpkin Sunday and Westfield’s Haunted Halloween evening programs, please call Westfield Heritage Village at (519) 621-8851.
