Check out the Events Page to see some of the lovely things for families to do at Black Creek Pioneer Village this holiday season. It’s not about any denomination or ethnic group: it really is Christmas for everyone. We already get it at the shopping malls, why not show the kids how it used to be. Every day is Christmas at the Village, from now until it closes for the season on December 23rd.
I was at Black Creek last Friday and visited the Cabinet Maker’s shop. He demonstrated toys that children would have played with in pioneer times. I was struck by how excellent the staff at the Village are: they are knowledgeable and really know how to present themselves and their information. The group I was with asked questions and enjoyed the encounter very much.
If you haven’t gone lately, take your kids! It’s magical at there at Christmas.
The cabinet maker at Black Creek Pioneer Village
Christmas is coming! For most of us that is a special time of year, but with reports that record numbers of Canadians are accessing food banks across the country, this Christmas will not be so easy for many families.
I’m happy to report that Black Creek Pioneer Village is joining the Toy Mountain campaign organized by CTV and the Salvation Army. Visitors to the Village are asked to bring new, unwrapped toys which will be distributed later to children in need of a little extra cheer this year.
Let’s do what we can to help each other out. A little generosity can go a long way, and help make this a better city for all of us.
The Christmas, visitors to Black Creek will get a chance to see a real Gingerbread Village. Last week I got a sneak peak a the entries in the Gingerbread house competition. Entrants were students at culinary schools,caterers, or serious bakers, and each person created a replica of one of the buildings in Black Creek Pioneer Village. It was really cool!
Gingerbread Village competition at Black Creeek
The Fall is a wonderful time to visit Black Creek Pioneer Village. The leaves have turned, the air is cooler, and the fires are burning to keep the homes warm. There are activities for children and adults every day of the week.
Come out and enjoy!
School children learning about life in pioneer times.
What place could be better for experiencing a bit about Halloween? Black Creek Pioneer Village is represents a complete 1860s community, an era when superstitions and spooky traditions ran strong. It’s a great outing for the modern family! For younger children, I recommend Howling Hootenanny, which takes place during the daytime this Saturday and Sunday. For older kids, there is nothing like All Hallows’ Eve, where you can experience the Village at night, ghost stories and all.
Children can decorate their own pumpkins at the Howling Hootenanny at Black Creek
The mill at Black Creek Pioneer Village is one of the only working water-powered mills in this part of the country. We live in the machine age but very few of the technologies we use are transparent. Children understand what things do, but they usually can’t understand how they do it. In fact, the same is usually true for us adults! It is really wonderful for children to see something like a working mill. It is mechanical and very powerful, and most importantly, you can see all the gears and wheels with your own eyes. You can understand how it works.
You can even buy flour ground at the mill in the Village gift shop. Take it home and bake something with your children!
The one-room school house at Black Creek Pioneer Village
The Brews Fest was this weekend at Black Creek Pioneer Village. There was lovely fall weather, and lots of people, including many families, came out for the event. I took some photos, and here are a few …
Young and old came out the meet the brewers and learn something about craft beer at the Black Creek Brews Fest.
Tasting the ale and talking about it with the brewer.
My son has a PA day today. I have to admit, sometimes I dread these days because I’m going to have to juggle work and kids – not always my favourite combination! There is, of course another option: take the day off, or even just a part of the day, and do something together.
Viola is in charge of livestock at Black Creek Pioneer Village. If you see her, say hi!
