Barbara Worthy
Special to Niagara Now/The Lake Report

There will definitely be gold to find on Monday, Aug. 5, when the Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum hosts its Past is Present Heritage Festival, complete with historic demonstrations, live music, vendors, artisans and crafters.

The museum’s treasure sale is legendary for its buried gems.

This year’s treasure hunters can find antique furniture items, a seasoned trunk, framed art works, prints, vintage home décor, classic Royal Doulton china, baskets, vases, retro rackets, a penny farthing bicycle plant stand and a pair of men’s riding boots that even Maj.-Gen. Sir Isaac Brock would be proud to wear.

Plus, look for the museum’s popular ephemera and used book sale.

Plus: blacksmith Neil Blythin will offer historic demonstrations of his work; Niagara Handweavers and Spinners Guild will share the ancient craft of spinning; Missus Mooney will display her Cabinet of Curiosities; the St. Catharines Rug Hooking Guild with share everything you’ve wanted to know about rug-making; and, see displays from the Mackenzie Printery, Willowbank School of Restoration Arts, and heritage maps courtesy of Kathy Thomas.

And, as always, antique muskets and firearms will be on display, with Victor Packard and Barbara Cole.

The Tiny Museum will also be on site for children and families to explore.

This year’s festival is expanding to include a selection of artisans, curated by Sorella Niagara, and Castlereagh Street in front of the museum will be closed to host some of Niagara’s best artisan women-run businesses.

For all you die-hard explorers, make sure you check out the museum’s special Queen Street Digital Scavenger Hunt. Clues to be found on the day.

A festival always needs music, and so live music will be provided throughout the day by Niagara Old Tyme Fiddlers, Aaron Berger, and more.

Finally, if you’re a hungry treasure hunter, look no further than the classic pig roast, courtesy of PigOut, and Lokanta Mediterranean Cuisine.

The Past and Present Heritage Festival will take place in the museum’s community courtyard and front lawn.

When: Monday Aug. 6, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Where: 43 Castlereagh St., Niagara-on-the-Lake

Note: The street will be partially closed to traffic.

For more information: notlmuseum.ca

Phone number: 905-468-3912