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This article was published 03/12/2021 (1409 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
A Christmas display that will take you back to a simpler time is underway at Fort la Reine as the museum is hosting its first outdoor evening walking tour.
“It’s definitely a pleasure to step away from the office every once in a while and co-ordinate a large-scale event, it’s something that I’m really passionate about,” said Madison Connolly, executive director of Fort la Reine Museum.
“I just love seeing the smiles on people’s faces and it’s worth putting in all the extra hours setting up lights and decorating.”
Running from 6 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 9, 10 and 11, the museum’s Yuletide Lights display will take guests on a walking tour of the grounds and through a few of the heritage buildings on site, including the general store and community favourite Hourie House, each decorated in a Victorian Christmas style.
Connolly said the event was an idea she would have liked to have offered last year but could not due to the pandemic.
“The idea came out last year when we couldn’t offer our regular yuletide event, which is usually what we do in one afternoon in the second week of December. We’ll have sleigh rides, activities and games and festive programming during the day,” Connolly explained.
“I started organizing a yuletide lights event in lieu of our regular holiday event and this was going to be an outdoor walking tour of all the heritage buildings lit up for the holidays, some music and more of a safer choice for people who want to celebrate the holidays.”
In partnership with Portage Learning and Literacy Centre, admission is gained by donation this year and complimentary hot chocolate will be served indoors.
Attendees 12 and up must show proof of vaccination for the event and the museum is asking the public to not bring their dogs to the outdoor display. Miriam Turyamwijuka, the settlement co-ordinator for PLLC, said the event is a welcome return to Portage after the city stopped its light display years ago.
“I think it’s quite exciting, years ago we used to have lights at the island and people would drive around and see the lights and people have really missed it for so many years,” Turyamwijuka told The Headliner.
“I’m excited to see some of those lights that we’ve missed. To see this happen, it brings up the spirit and it fills in that blank a little bit.”
Turyamwijuka explained that the city used to allow cars to explore the island in Portage for $5 and see the various light displays. The settlement co-ordinator said Connolly’s efforts are giving the museum new life through its seasonal events.
“The way the museum runs now is it really encourages the community to get out there and appreciate the history that we have here,” Turyamwijuka said.
“When we were setting up the lights inside the buildings for a heritage theme and going through some of the decorations, I thought this reminded me of when I was a kid. You kind of get a little thrill and I think that’s what people get when Madison does these events. This looks like something I got for my grandparents.”
Connolly, approaching her fourth year as executive director for the museum, echoed that idea.
“It’s also nice to make sure to let people know the museum still exists in the off-season,” Connolly said.
“There are still people that are thriving here and wanting to see the museum grow and become more of a staple for community events. I’m really excited to bring a little bit of joy to people this year.”
For more information on this year’s event, visit fortlareinemuseum.com
A Christmas display that will take you back to a simpler time is underway at Fort la Reine as the museum is hosting its first outdoor evening walking tour.
“It’s definitely a pleasure to step away from the office every once in a while and co-ordinate a large-scale event, it’s something that I’m really passionate about,” said Madison Connolly, executive director of Fort la Reine Museum.
SUPPLIED
Dec. 1, 2021 - This December marks the first Yuletide Lights display and walking tour held at Fort La Reine Museum. Madison Connolly, executive director for the museum has been working hard with a team of volunteers to decorate different heritage buildings with lights and decorations including the general store and Hourie House. (SUPPLIED PHOTO)
“I just love seeing the smiles on people’s faces and it’s worth putting in all the extra hours setting up lights and decorating.”
Running from 6 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 9, 10 and 11, the museum’s Yuletide Lights display will take guests on a walking tour of the grounds and through a few of the heritage buildings on site, including the general store and community favourite Hourie House, each decorated in a Victorian Christmas style.
Connolly said the event was an idea she would have liked to have offered last year but could not due to the pandemic.
“The idea came out last year when we couldn’t offer our regular yuletide event, which is usually what we do in one afternoon in the second week of December. We’ll have sleigh rides, activities and games and festive programming during the day,” Connolly explained.
“I started organizing a yuletide lights event in lieu of our regular holiday event and this was going to be an outdoor walking tour of all the heritage buildings lit up for the holidays, some music and more of a safer choice for people who want to celebrate the holidays.”
SUPPLIED
Dec. 1, 2021 - Inside the museum's general store, attendees can find a festive Christmas village on display. The walking tour will take guests both in and outside certain heritage buildings at Fort la Reine Museum. (SUPPLIED PHOTO)
In partnership with Portage Learning and Literacy Centre, admission is gained by donation this year and complimentary hot chocolate will be served indoors.
Attendees 12 and up must show proof of vaccination for the event and the museum is asking the public to not bring their dogs to the outdoor display. Miriam Turyamwijuka, the settlement co-ordinator for PLLC, said the event is a welcome return to Portage after the city stopped its light display years ago.
“I think it’s quite exciting, years ago we used to have lights at the island and people would drive around and see the lights and people have really missed it for so many years,” Turyamwijuka told The Headliner.
“I’m excited to see some of those lights that we’ve missed. To see this happen, it brings up the spirit and it fills in that blank a little bit.”
Turyamwijuka explained that the city used to allow cars to explore the island in Portage for $5 and see the various light displays. The settlement co-ordinator said Connolly’s efforts are giving the museum new life through its seasonal events.
SUPPLIED
Dec. 1, 2021 - Madison Connolly, executive director of Fort la Reine Museum said she enjoys the opportunity to arrange special seasonal events for the community that give her the chance to get out of the office. The museum's walking tour will take place between 6:00 and 8:00 p.m. on Dec. 9 to 11. (SUPPLIED PHOTO)
“The way the museum runs now is it really encourages the community to get out there and appreciate the history that we have here,” Turyamwijuka said.
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“When we were setting up the lights inside the buildings for a heritage theme and going through some of the decorations, I thought this reminded me of when I was a kid. You kind of get a little thrill and I think that’s what people get when Madison does these events. This looks like something I got for my grandparents.”
Connolly, approaching her fourth year as executive director for the museum, echoed that idea.
“It’s also nice to make sure to let people know the museum still exists in the off-season,” Connolly said.
“There are still people that are thriving here and wanting to see the museum grow and become more of a staple for community events. I’m really excited to bring a little bit of joy to people this year.”
SUPPLIED
Dec. 1, 2021 - A large Christmas tree can be found alongside many heritage decor inside the museum's beloved Hourie House. A favourite of the community, the building will be included in this year's walking tour at the museum. (SUPPLIED PHOTO)
