Presented by River Run Centre and Culture Days
PUBLIC ON-SALE: Thursday, August 8, 2024 at 12:00 PM
“The silence of the woods that echoed to the sound was like the sigh of the solemn genius of the wilderness, departing forever,” wrote John Galt in 1827 upon cutting down the first tree.
Travel through time from 1827 to 1897 in this walking tour where you never leave your seat. You will be transported through Guelph’s first 70 years as it grows from a hamlet to a village, then a town, and soon a city. Experience the words of local 19th-century versifiers describing life in this new settlement as true stories are recited as written—stories about tornadoes, weddings, children, and whisky. You’ll hear tales like “The Felling of the Tree,” “The Baby Contest,” “Clearing the Land,” “The First Four To Die,” “Guelph’s First Blushing Bride,” “Temperance,” and “Railway Fever.”
Experience a moving theatrical journey which brings historical images to life. This production is brought to you by JayWalking Guelph.
Jay Wilson has worked for the National Tap Dance Company of Canada (not dancing), the Gravenhurst Opera House, and Theatre Collingwood. He has acted for numerous Ontario theatre companies and managed his own endeavors, including Pandora’s Sox (puppets and entertainment) and JayWalking Guelph.
His love of local history, combined with a flair for storytelling, led to the creation of JayWalking Guelph—a project involving walking tours, stories, recitations, and small-scale theatre productions. In addition to JayWalking Guelph, Jay has also created JayWalking Alton with the Alton Mill Arts Centre. Currently, he is touring a one-man Irish show titled, Lilt of Laughter, Trace of Tears, written by an old family friend, Charlene Herrold.
Culture Days is a national celebration of arts and culture. At the end of each September, millions of people attend thousands of free participatory arts and culture events across the country both in-person and online. Culture Days programs invite the public to get hands-on and behind-the-scenes to highlight the importance of arts and culture in our communities. Visit Culture Days Events to find out more about the latest festivities.
jaywalkingguelph.ca
culturedays.ca
Everyone must have a ticket, including children.
Access 2 Entertainment and CNIB cards are honoured for this event. Go to our accessibility webpage for more information.
Sliding Scale tickets: please select the price option that works best for you.