The “forgotten little village” hasn’t forgotten the value of community.
Queenston residents gathered at the Queenston Firehall on Saturday for its first Heritage Day in more than 20 years.
Organized primarily by Queenston Residents Association members with help from volunteer firefighters and local heritage partners, the event unfolded Sept. 13 for music, tours and a firefighters’ breakfast.
The celebration also kicked off a fundraising drive for a new playground at Queenston Common Park.
“Queenston Heritage Day is all about building community, and it’s been amazing,” said Elisabeth Graham, one of the organizing members, along with Karin Haslam and Mike Edwards.
The day used to be a regular highlight of late summer, but the annual event ceased “roughly” 20 years ago, Graham said.
Now, after the Saturday event, the community is interested in bringing it back.
“The vibe we’re getting is that people are really enjoying it and saying, ‘Yes, this should be something that continues,’” said Graham.
The goal of the fundraiser is $40,000 to afford a new swing set and other equipment for Queenston Common Park.
Graham is hopeful that the town council will help close the funding gap after seeing how many Queenston residents support expanding the current park amenities.
“We’re really hoping to raise money for new equipment. We already have an idea of what we want, and we’re gathering signatures to show that the community truly supports it,” said Graham.
Volunteer firefighters served up breakfast and lunch. Retired members returned to keep the busy line moving. Volunteer firefighter Peter Cox led the food service and was happy to see people’s reactions to Heritage Day.
“It’s just an event that hasn’t been run for so many years. To see the community still eager to get out and be a part of it, that’s reassuring,” said Cox.
Several nearby heritage sites took part in the event by offering tours to those interested, including the Mackenzie Printery, Laura Secord Homestead (where Laura Secord’s 250th birthday was being celebrated), Willowbank, the Queenston library and St. Saviour.
RiverBrink Art Museum held an activity table outside the firehall for visitors, Friends of Fort George set up a photo station where people could wear replica uniforms from the War of 1812, and the band Old School Rewind performed to the crowd.
“It’s been really smooth, and I think it’s just because it was so wanted,” said Graham
Planning the event took months; the date allowed many volunteers to pitch in before Sunday’s Terry Fox Run.
Residents who want to support the playground can watch for the association’s petition and donation opportunities in Queenston. Graham is hopeful for a return of Heritage Day next year.
