Stratford celebrates Wheels in Motion Heritage weekend June 7 and 8

(News Release)

STRATFORD, ON -- Celebrate Stratford’s heritage with a look at wheels that drove Stratford’s economy including an Emperor bicycle and Brooks Steamer car built in Stratford and on display during our Spring Heritage Weekend, June 7 and 8 (2014).

 

   The Classic Car Show at Stratford’s City Hall is part of the heritage weekend. (Stratford Tourism Alliance)

The wheels theme continues with our newest heritage adventure, guided cycling tours along tree-lined streets and residential neighbourhoods viewing notable landmarks. Enjoy a Stratford favourite, horse-drawn carriage rides and a Classic Car Show in our Victorian downtown.

           

Visit the Stratford Perth Museum to view several transportation wheels including a restored 1926 Brooks Steamer, one of the last to be built of the mere 150 made in Stratford; an Emperor bicycle manufactured in Stratford; the wooden bicycle used by Stratford Olympian, Thomas McCarthy in the 1902 Olympics; early fire engines and an antique tractor.

A private bicycle collection will be featured at the Stratford Antique Warehouse on Saturday, June 7 along with a display of antique tractors. High wheel bicycle demonstrations are also planned, weather permitting. The Classic Car Show set against the backdrop of Stratford’s City Hall in Market Square takes place on Sunday June 8 from 11 am – 3 pm. A digital Wheels in Motion Photo Exhibit, by photographer Elizabeth Davidson will be presented at Gallery Stratford during the weekend.

Guided heritage walking tours also provide a glimpse into Stratford’s past including:

Riverwalk heritage featuring breathtaking views along the Avon River

Railway heritage reveals Thomas Edison’s ties to Stratford along with stories of railway rivalries, competition and explosions 

Saints and Sinners heritage introduces the prominent characters in Stratford’s history

The Ghosts of Stratford tours return with new historical personalities haunting our streets as portrayed by Playmakers! Theatre School costumed characters as guides (Friday and Saturday 8 pm - $20A/$15CH)

Doors Open Stratford presents 14 heritage sites (Saturday, June 7 exclusively – Free and self-guided)

Just Around the Corner, an outdoor walking tour featuring 12 historic homes begins at 1 pm, 2 pm and 3 pm at 157 Water Street and ends with lemonade and cookies supporting the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario – Stratford Perth County Branch. ($15 per person)

For tickets to these events go to www.visitstratford.ca/opendoors

Heritage Weekend activities are presented by the Stratford Tourism Alliance, the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario-Stratford Perth County Branch, Heritage Stratford, Perth County Historical Foundation and the Stratford Perth Archives along with dedicated volunteers. Follow us on Twitter @StratfordON and Facebook StratfordON.

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 Stratford Tourism Alliance, 47 Downie Street Stratford, ON N5A 1W7. Tel: 1-800-561-7926