Dalkeith gearing up for its 200th anniversary

It's not every day your community turns 200 years old, meaning members of the Dalkeith Historical Society and residents of the tiny village are busy making plans to celebrate this milestone event.

"We are all very excited about this," said Frances Fraser, a spokesperson for the historical society. "We have a lot of events planned and there's something for everyone to enjoy."

She said events run right through to November and noted they were made possible by a $6,800 investment from the federal government earlier this year, through the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program.

"This funding was a big thing for us," Fraser commented. "Dalkeith is 200 years old this year and the celebrations of the bicentennial give us a wonderful opportunity to highlight our community, our people and the great talent in the area."

On June 25, Glengarry Historical Tours will take place, as well as the unveiling of the 200th anniversary plaque for Robertson Mills, which was Dalkeith's original name. The event will take place at 10:30 a.m. along County Road 23 by the bridge. Refreshments and tours will follow at 11 a.m.

On June 26, the Heritage Rural Garden Tour will take place. The tour will leave the Dalkeith Public Library at 1 p.m.

Dalkeith Days will take place on July 21, featuring historical exhibits and a performance by the McLeod Fiddlers.

On July 22, Family Night will celebrate the Native and Francophone cultures in the area. The guest speaker will be Chief Top Leaf, followed by a corn roast supper and sing-a-long with the St-Eugene Choir.

The Dalkeith All-Day Festival will take place on July 23 and will feature artisans, vendors, sheep shearing, classic amusements, wagon rides, delicious food and entertainment all day and evening long. The festival will run from 10 a.m. to midnight.

On July 24, the Pet Parade will take place and will feature the blessing of the pets.

The closing ceremonies for the 200th anniversary will take place on November 5, in conjunction with the village's Remembrance Day ceremony.

For more information about these and other events, please visit www.acorn2011.com.