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BY Phil Ambroziak
History will be flowing full force at Pinhey’s Point Aug. 14.
That’s the date for this year’s Riverfest, an event aimed at celebrating the history and heritage along the Ottawa River.
“We want to celebrate anyone who has played a part in the river’s history, both past and present,” explained Emily Pearce, communications and marketing assistant with the city’s heritage services unit.
“It’s an event that has been held for many, many years to the point where it has become somewhat of an institution,” remarked Melissa Lansing, education and interpretation programs officer at Pinhey’s Point. “Over the years, many people have both lived and worked along the river, all the way up to today.”
Among the featured activities planned for this year’s Riverfest are heritage demonstrations, games, live music and the opportunity to see the river from an explorer’s
perspective with voyageur canoe rides and to pirate a view of the Hamnett Pinhey mansion aboard tall ship, Black Jack.
“There will be fun for the whole family,” Pearce said. “Heritage demonstrations will include sheep shearing, blacksmithing, lace making, leathersmithing and more. Becky Mason will also be performing canoe ballet, which should be very interesting to see, while Pinto Valley Ranch will be providing wagon rides.”
The event will also include a barbecue hosted by Scouts Canada.
“This is our biggest event of the year,” Lansing continued. “While we’re still working on having different heritage tradespeople come out, it will be great for people to be able to see, learn and, in some cases, even try their hand at some of these old trades.”
Riverfest celebrations at Pinhey’s Point will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The cost for the event is $6 per person, $10 per pair and $16 per family.
“Most people who come to Pinhey’s Point are often in awe of just the scenery itself,” Lansing said. “Riverfest
provides them with a little something extra. The music and the ambience just make it all the more special.”
For more information about Riverfest, call 613-832-4347 or visit www.ottawa.ca/museums.
“There will be something for everyone and it will truly be a lot of fun for the whole family,” Lansing concluded.
Pinhey’s Point is located at 270 Pinhey’s Point Rd. in Dunrobin.
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