Join us for a day of free festivities in honour of Guelph’s founder John Galt on Saturday, August 4, 2012 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in Market Square. Guelph’s 6th annual civic celebration offers activities for the whole family to enjoy: live entertainment, children’s games, crafts and face painting, food and much more.
This year’s event features performances by members of Guelph Arts Platform; a guided historical walking tour of downtown with the Guelph Arts Council; tours of Locomotive 6167; Farmers’ Market craft and food vendors; free admission and cookie tasting at the Civic Museum; and a historical talk entitled “The John Galt that Guelph Doesn’t Know.”
“John Galt Day is a unique made-in-Guelph civic celebration that offers residents and visitors the opportunity to honour an important part of Guelph’s history and enjoy a day of free entertainment,” says Mayor Karen Farbridge. “Everyone is invited to come to Market Square, splash in the water and enjoy the exciting atmosphere in Guelph’s newest public gathering space.”
John Galt was a prominent Scottish novelist who founded Guelph in 1827. As the superintendent of The Canada Company, a large land company in London, England, he conceived the idea of building a town to stimulate and direct the agricultural settlement of the area. Galt planned the community with its distinctive radial design, quite different than the gridiron plan of most cities, thus making Guelph a unique and special place.
On August 5, 2012 at 12:30 p.m., the Guelph Historical Society is hosting the Kirking of the Tartan at the Church of our Lady Immaculate. This Scottish ceremonial parade of dignitaries recognizing public service to the community was practiced in Scotland at the time of Guelph’s founding.
For more information about John Galt Day activities, visit guelph.ca/johngaltday.