To celebrate all things Spring, Grey Roots Museum & Archives is opening the gate to Moreston Heritage Village early for one day only. On May 27, the annual Spring Into Moreston event combines spring-themed heritage activities with special performances, including a live Birds of Prey show and two sets by award-winning singer-songwriter Mimi O’Bonsawin. It’s a child-friendly, family event that also includes cuddly alpacas, model trains, and a food vendor.
This year’s musical guest Mimi O’Bonsawin appeared at Summerfolk Music and Crafts Festival in Owen Sound last year and was so well-liked she’s been invited back this year. Mimi is a contemporary roots singer-songwriter from Northeastern Ontario with Franco-Ontarian and Abenaki roots. In 2019, Mimi’s Connected was awarded Best Pop Album at the Indigenous Music Awards. Mimi will perform in the Village Bandstand at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m., with her partner Ryan Schurman on drums.
During the event, Canadian Raptor Conservancy will present a thrilling show featuring live Birds of Prey in flight. Showtimes are at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. in the village’s amphitheatre. For live animals with a softer feel, the Alpaca Paddock features furry visitors from the Kickin’ Back Alpaca Ranch. Guests can also join Moreston heritage interpreters planting vegetable seeds or spring-cleaning 19th–century style, play some old-fashioned games, watch model trains in action, or make some simple handmade crafts. Plus, Anishinaabe Cultural Experiences will be on hand to offer authentic First Nations cultural perspectives and local maple syrup.
“We had a lot of fun last year,” said Grey Roots’ Events Coordinator Doug Cleverley, “so for 2023 we decided to go bigger, bringing in even more activities. We really think kids will get a big kick out of the alpacas and birds of prey and Mimi O’Bonsawin is a true gem. We’re so glad she could join us.”
Spring Into Moreston is the public’s only chance to visit Moreston Heritage Village before it opens daily from Canada Day to Labour Day. Spring Into Moreston is at Grey Roots Museum and Moreston Heritage Village on Saturday, May 27, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Special event admission rates apply. Advance registration not required; tickets available on site starting at 10 am on the event date. Find out more at greyroots.com
