by Rachel French
Everyone loves a reason to celebrate, and I particularly enjoy the events and merriment associated with the history and culture of a city or town.
In Kitchener, Ontario, where I grew up, for a few weeks every October we celebrated Oktoberfest. In the 1800s and early 1900s Kitchener, formerly known as Berlin, had a large population of German residents. During WWI a vote was held and in 1916 the name Berlin was replaced with Kitchener, after the British Army officer Horatio Herbert Kitchener. This festival keeps German traditions alive each fall with copious amounts of beer and bratwurst served at many spirited events. People dress in traditional Bavarian garb, and there are festhalles with live music, polka and dancing, games, crafts and exceptional German cuisine. You can experience celebrations such as the tapping of the keg, family pancake breakfasts, auctions, a vendor market, and a Thanksgiving parade to close the festivities. It’s a great time and something I looked forward to every year.
Now, I have a new tradition and festivity to embrace. Maitland’s very own Launch Days. Working at the Lower Selma Museum I’ve had the opportunity to learn all about this shore’s rich history of boats, wharfs, captains, shipyards, and William D. Lawrence and his record setting, full rigged, wooden hulled namesake. It’s a wonderful act of recognition that Maitland celebrates this October 27, 1874 accomplishment every year, as it truly was an extraordinary feat for its time and stamped a place in Canadian marine history. I’ll be delighted to see residents dressed up in period attire, hear some local music, feel the energy from planned activities, and I’m especially looking forward to the reenactment of the launch! It feels remarkable that 150 years after that momentous day this area takes time to gather and commemorate someone and something that has contributed to their history. Hopefully I’m introduced to many more celebrations, traditions and good times in this new place I call home.
Comments