Adam Prudhomme
Editor
Allan Macpherson House will be a happening place this summer with a jam packed schedule of events for the whole family.
Live music, demonstrations and theatrical performances are just some of the activities that will be taking place on the grounds of Napanee’s most famous house, located at 180 Elizabeth St.
“We have lots of kids come through and their parents say they remember coming here as a kid for their school trips,” said Amber Meyer, program coordinator with Lennox and Addington’s Museum and Archives. “It’s been fun to see that resurgence of families who are passing on the memories to their kids. The summer programs, most of them are free or have very minimal cost.”
Back this year is the Demo Days series, which will take place every Tuesday and Thursday under a tent in the house’s backyard. Starting on July 2 will be succulent fairy gardens, July 4 bird talk and birdhouse building, July 11 illuminated letters, July 16 a pollinator garden, July 25 music and instrument making, July 30 Kartooning for Kids, Aug. 6 mask making, Aug. 8 paper making, Aug. 15 the buzz on bees, Aug. 20 Indigenous beading, Aug. 22 macramé and Aug. 27 book inspirations.
Each demo will have a guest speaker leading a craft building exercise for kids. Each event is free admission and begins at 2 p.m.
Guided tours of the historic house will also be available every Wednesday in July and August from 1-4 p.m. for a cost of $3. Along with the interior of the house, guests are encouraged to explore the surrounding gardens and green space park that runs alongside the Napanee River. A host of events will be held in the park this year. That includes a pair of concerts starting July 24 with FiddleFire. On Aug. 14 the Kitchen Gypsies will take the outdoor stage. Shows begin at 7 p.m. and are $3 admission. Guests are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs.
Also outside, weather permitting, will be four theatrical performances for kids. On July 9 Dufflebag Theatre will present Robin Hood.
On July 23 Applefun Theatre will present Forest Talk. On Aug. 1 the Barefoot Players will perform a show called What IS That Thing? And on Aug. 13 DuffleBag Theatre returns for Sleeping Beauty. All shows begin at 2 p.m. and are $3 admission.
Meyer will also host a pair of playdates known as Willow Castle on July 17 and Aug. 21 from 1-4 p.m. Admission is free and will include historical dress up, games and crafts all inspired by the 1800s.
“We’ve printed off an image of Downtown Napanee from the mid 1800s of Main Street,” said Meyer. “It’s about 10 by 15 feet. It will go up in our backyard with some costumes and some props. Families can dress up, take a picture and it’ll be a step back in time.”
The photo will offer a view of what someone standing in the backyard of the Macpherson House would have seen when looking towards the downtown in the 1800s. Along with a fun photo, guests will also be able to borrow a ‘birding in a box’ kit to explore the wildlife around the house.
“Anytime you want to come here for a Demo Day or for a tour, you can also enjoy this travelling exhibit,” said Meyer. “You can take the binoculars, take a bird book and just come and walk in the backyard and enjoy the park land.”
Adults can enjoy nature through Lunchtime Yoga in the Park and Paddle Boarding, which will be held in conjunction with Studio Yoga Yoga.
On Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:10 p.m. to 12:50 p.m. there will be yoga classes for a cost of $15 per class.
Paddleboarding lessons will be held 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. for $20 per 45 minute excursion. Classes are paid directly to Studio Yoga Yoga.
A full list of events can be found online by visiting at www.CountyMuseum.ca or visiting the Macpherson House or museum.