ANNANDALE E V E R Y B O D Y L O V E S Take a turtle tour or compete in turtle croquet
T urtles and skunks andModel T’s, oh my! There’s so much going on at Annandale National Historic Site on Saturday during Turtlefest, you’ll have a hard time deciding what to do first. “We’ll have our turtley lawn games and lots of children’s activi- ties , of course,” explains Heritage and Culture Manager Patty Phelps, “But we’re also adding new ele- ments like slow rides around the block in a Model T .” Whether the T stands for Tillsonburg or Turtlefest, Phelps says it’s an experience the whole family can enjoy together. Also new is a self-guided Historic Turtle Walking Tour which high- lights the town’s early history in-
cluding George Tillson’s homestead and first business. Special guests expected to be on site include author Jan Everett shar- ing Never Give Up , the children’s book she wrote her family’s experi- ences rescuing turtles off the Long Point causeway, Angie Schoen from Turtle Haven Rescue Centre and lo- cal ‘Skunk Lady’ Laurel Beechey . “When you get thirsty, you can head inside and cool off at the Turtle Tea , hosted by the Tillsonburg Re- tirement Centre,” explains Phelps, adding that visitors can also partici- pate in the Turtle Find and Count . “This is always one of our most popular activities,” says Phelps. “It gives visitors a chance to look at ev-
ery nook and cranny in the house for a chance to win fabulous prizes.” On Sunday, Annandale’s magnifi- cently shaded lawn will become a venue for the first-ever team Turtle Croquet Tournament . Some of Pat- ty’s friends have suggested the mu- seum ought to borrow a page from Lewis Carroll and use turtle-shaped mallets during the competition, but so far Phelps is keeping her cards close to her shell. She did confirm that no live animals will be used. “It’s going to be a great day and one I think George Tillson would be very proud of,” says Phelps with a twinkle in her eye.“If you want more detail than that, you’ll have to come on Sunday and see for yourself.”
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