Two Christmas events hosted at the Park House with another to come
- Ron Giofu
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
A pair of events were held at the Park House Museum last weekend with both having a Christmas theme.
“Dickens and Delights” was presented last Friday night with a sold-out crowd filling the small parlour and overflowing into the dining room and hallways of the museum.
Storyteller Olwyn Coughlin performed “A Christmas Carol” by candlelight in the Victorian parlour, with musical interludes by board member John McDonald. Both were in period costume.
The intermission saw the crowd enjoy hot mulled cider and traditional Victorian treats made on the hearth, in the Park House kitchen.
“Christmas at the Parks” was held during the day Saturday, allowing people to check out and learn about past traditions and celebrations. That included 19th century cooking demonstrations, where a chicken, ham, biscuits, soup and mashed potatoes were made in the Park House fireplace.
Curator Kat Schryburt said the “Christmas at the Parks” saw more people than in 2024.
“It’s better than last year,” said Schryburt. “It’s been pretty steady throughout the day.”
The day featured not just the cooking demonstrations, but popcorn stringing, readings of “T’was the Night Before Christmas,” tinsmithing demonstrations and descriptions of what it was like when the Park family lived there as well as the house in the Victorian era.
“We’re stepping back in time and seeing the origins of our favourite holiday traditions,” said Schryburt. “A lot of people don’t know where they come from.”
The “Dickens and Delights” events was well attended, she added, and was happy with how it turned out. She believed people like traditional events and storytelling they might not experience often. It was a “theatrical event” that helped get people into the spirit of Christmas, she added.
“When I get opportunities to get people into the spirit, it also gets me excited,” said Schryburt.
“Christmas at the Parks” returns this Friday and Saturday nights with candlelight tours of the museum. People can reserve their spot by contacting the museum by e-mail at parkhousemuseum@gmail.com, calling 519-736-2511, informing the museum via social media or stopping in at the museum at 214 Dalhousie St.
The cost is $12 for adults, $8 for seniors and students and $30 for families. Tours are at 6 p.m., 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. each night and pre-registration is required.
For more information, please visit www.parkhousemuseum.com.
Two Christmas events hosted at the Park House with another to come
By Ron Giofu
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