Canada Day at Pioneer Village

Photos by Mallory Clarkson/London Community News/Twitter: @MalloryClarkson The date is July 1, 1867, and the “mayor” of Fanshawe Pioneer Village, Douglas Teeter, just announced Canada is now a free and independent nation. Nearly 200 people gathered at the village’s Victoria Park to listen to Teeter’s official address, and watched as the Union Jack was lowered for the last time and replaced by Canada’s new flag. “Canada is celebrating the fact that it is now a nation,” Teeter said. “It is a step that Sir John A. MacDonald, our prime minister now, has created and it gives us the opportunity to grow, but to grow as an independent nation.” Teeter was one of the many people dressed in period wares — and acting as such — who were working at the Fanshawe Pioneer Village Sunday (July 1) for the Dominion Day festivities, where Canada celebrated its 145^th anniversary. Julie Colfax, site and programming co-ordinator at Fanshawe, said it was a fairly busy, but good day for the pioneer village. “I think it’s quite nice today and we have a good turnout and there’s a lot of people,” she said. “I know a lot of new Canadians here that are enjoying Canada Day and Dominion Day.” Along with wagon rides and a live band performance, event-goers were treated to a vintage baseball game, crafts and some 19^th century games. For more information on Fanshawe Pioneer Village, visit www.fanshawepioneervillage.ca.   [gallery link="file" columns="4" orderby="rand"]   Find us on Facebook: London Community News