Presenting Billy Bishop Heritage Fest, including our Veterans’ Commemoration Ceremony, BBQ and Exhibit Opening on Saturday, June 15th. We are recognizing the anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy, as well as the sacrifices of all Veterans who have served or are presently serving our country in the cause of peace and freedom.

Our signature Veterans’ Commemoration ceremony will begin at 11 am in the backyard garden, rain or shine. Our new exhibit “Ontario’s Movie Theatres” will open. This is a travelling exhibit from the Archives of Ontario and some of Owen Sound’s past and present theatres are profiled. We would love to include your stories of special memory or an adventure at one of our local theatres. Emily Jolliffe, Curator, says “This event offers everyone the opportunity to honour all Veterans, and to discover a few of the many heritage organizations and groups that contribute to the rich cultural atmosphere of Owen Sound and area.” To contact Emily, please call 519-371-0031.

At noon we will fire up the BBQ. Lunches are complimentary for all Veterans, $5 per person for all others. There will be hamburgers, hotdogs, chips, beverage, cake, and delicious ice cream generously donated by Chapman’s Ice Cream.

We are pleased to have various heritage and community organizations joining us this year. You can talk to a representative from the Kemble Women’s Institute, Georgian Bay Amateur Radio Club, and the Grey Bruce Chinese Heritage and Cultural Association to name a few. Learn about native drumming from Restoring the Circle. You will also find information on great events from area Tourism organizations. There is also a large private display of medals and cap badges. And what would Billy Bishop Heritage Fest be without re-enactors!?

A very special appearance this year will be an authorized Peanuts and Snoopy display. You can get your photo taken by Snoopy’s dog house or, for a donation, will you brave Lucy’s psychiatric booth?

There will be games and crafts for families and kids of all ages. Create your own bracelet, learn origami, play croquet, badminton, bocce ball, ring toss and board games, or have your face painted! These are just a few of the activities led by our talented Summer Staff.

Thank you to National Grocers Cash & Carry, Foodland, Food Basics, Metro, Shoppers Drug Mart, Veterans Affairs Canada, all Veterans, and the public for helping to make this day so special.

source: media release, Billy Bishop Home and Museum