2015 Upcoming Events Historic Fort York

Compiled by Richard Haynes and Robert Kerr

Gertrude Kearns, The Art of Command: Portraits and Posters from Canada’s Afghan Mission
Until Sunday, June 14

Since 1991 Toronto artist Gertrude Kearns has explored the engagement between Canada’s military and conflicts around the world. In 2005-6 she was embedded with Canadian Forces in Afghanistan while on contract with the Department of National Defence. Between 2006 and 2015, Kearns created the forty-six portraits and posters appearing in The Art of Command. For more information visit www.toronto.ca/artofcommand

APRIL

Everything Easter @ Fort York
Sat. April 4, 10 am to 3pm

Here is Toronto’s newest egg hunt! Join us for a day of fun and games, including an Easter egg hunt, arts and crafts, meet and greet with the Easter Bunny, and egg races. There will be food and beverages on site, not to mention great raffle prizes to be won. All proceeds go towards Ronald McDonald House and the George Brown College Foundation which benefits scholarships, bursaries, and awards for students. Recommended for families and children aged 3-10. Save 25% by purchasing your tickets in advance: http://www.everythingeasterto.com/#!tickets/cd5f

Community Cleanup Day
Sat. April 18, 10 am to 12 noon

Help us with spring cleaning of the Garrison Common. All equipment will be provided. Please contact David Juliusson @ 416-392-7150. A free Family Pass will be offered to all volunteers.

Commemoration of the Battle of York
Sun. April 26, 10 am to 5 pm

Explore the history of Toronto and Fort York. Visit the historic kitchen and sample baking from the hearth. Hot chocolate and a roaring fire will make this a heartwarming and memorable visit. Kids can try an 1812 drill class, officers’ sword drill, and some old-fashioned games, as well as a fun-filled kids’ activity book. Regular admission

MAY

Ontario Model Soldier Society Show and Sale
Sat. May 2, 10 am to 5 pm

All ages will enjoy the Society’s annual show and competition. Demonstrations of casting and painting; displays of connoisseur figures, dioramas, and tableaux of more than a thousand pieces. Many vendors will be offering toy soldiers for sale. Free with regular admission

Ah, What an excellent thing is an English Pudding!
Historic Cooking Class
Sun. May 10, 10:30 am to 3:30 pm

Sweet or savoury, baked, boiled or fried – discover the diverse array of 18th and 19th century puddings and cookery methods using cloths, pans, basins or plates in the 1826 Officers’ Mess Kitchen. Lunch and recipe package included. $75 + HST Pre-registration and payment are required. To register, please call 416-392-7503

World Fiddle Day in Toronto
Sat. May 16, 10 am to 6 pm

Fort York welcomes a daylong celebration of bows on strings as players from several traditions teach and perform, leading up to our community “Around-the-World Jam” where players bow their way through forty tunes from twenty-five countries. See www.worldfiddledaytoronto.ca for music, practice sessions at Long & McQuade, and more information.

Victoria Day
Mon. May 18, 10 am to 5 pm

What better way to celebrate Victoria Day than to visit the birthplace of Toronto. Tours, kids’ activities such as soldier’s drill, demonstrations of Georgian-era cooking, and English country dancing. Regular admission

Sound of Dragon Music Festival
Wed. May 20, 8 pm

Showcasing the very diverse styles of Chinese music from ancient folk and classical repertoire to contemporary compositions and creative improvisation, this festival promotes creativity and innovation. Sound of Dragon is an international collaborative project with musicians from Vancouver, Toronto, and Taiwan. Check www.toronto.ca/fortyoronto for details. Regular admission

Doors Open Toronto
Sat. and Sun. May 23 and 24, 10 am to 5 pm

Fort York will open its doors for an annual celebration of history and architecture. Enjoy special tours of some of Toronto’s oldest architecture and original War of 1812 buildings or stroll the grounds of this National Historic Site. Don’t miss 200 Years of Firepower: Artillery Day at Fort York on Saturday only. Free admission all weekend

JUNE

FIELD TRIP
Sat. and Sun. June 6 and 7

Toronto’s downtown community music and arts festival will be headlined by internationally celebrated folk acts Alabama Shakes and My Morning Jacket. Other highlights include UK pop sensation Marina & The Diamonds, indie favourites The War On Drugs and Father John Misty, Hamilton royalty Arkells, the daily works of Purity Ring, the alluring R&R of Rhye, hip hop hall of famers De La Soul, the feel good soul of Lee Fields & The Expressions, UK psych upstarts Temples, ARTS & Crafts mainstays Stars Mergers + Blacksmith and Hayden, and many more. http://fieldfox.ca

INDIGENOUS ARTS FESTIVAL @ FORT YORK
Thurs. to Sat. June 18 to 20

A celebration of traditional and contemporary music, dance, theatre, storytelling, visual arts, crafts, and food by Indigenous peoples. Energizing Fort York with powerful traditions and contemporary creations, including Métis/Innu Tan Taw Joy Folk by Performance, alternative folk artist Moe Clark, singer/songwriter Amy Perron, singer, blues, and former Juno Ragan, and much more. Hosted by the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation. Check www.toronto.ca/fortyoronto for details. Most events are free

Na-Me-Res Traditional Outdoor PowWow
Sun. June 21

Native Moon Residence Traditional PowWow is held to recognize National Aboriginal Day, June 21. It is a day of renewal, reviving Ontario’s traditional dancing, drumming, feast, showcase kids area, and craft vendors. Seven Aboriginal drum groups will be on hand, including host drum Smoke Trails Singers and co-host drum Eagle Flight Singers. Over 100 traditional dancers are expected to participate including head dancers Stephanie Pangowish and Lee Benson. The day begins with a sunrise ceremony and will end with a gala concert. The Grand Entry takes place at 12 noon, with traditional dancing and drumming until 4:30 pm. Check www.toronto.ca/fortyoronto for details Regular admission

BICYCLE TOUR: The Forts of Toronto
Sat. June 27, 11 am to 1 pm

Save bicycling is a unique and exciting way to view Toronto’s early history. Fort York and Heritage York’s Lambton House are conducting a Bike Month event. Lambton House, 4066 Old Dundas Street, is a good starting point at the edge of the Carrying Place trail. From there, we will ride to Tkaronto, site of the 17th century Seneca Village and the Magasin Royal of 1720. Following the Humber River/Falls, we will hop to explore Toronto’s second French fort. Continuing along the lake, we will stop at Fort Rouillé (1750) and cruise through the Fort York grounds, at the ends of Fort York, site of the founding of British York which replaced the French era at Toronto. The ride is of moderate difficulty. Lambton House will be open at 10 am before the tour begins and participants may visit for free.

Visit our website at: www.fortyork.ca. Learn more about Fort York, subscribe to the free newsletter, become a member, donate or browse our historical image gallery.

The Fife and Drum is a quarterly publication of The Friends of Fort York and Garrison Common