August events at McDougall Cottage in Cambridge, Ontario

(News Release)

CAMBRIDGE, Ontario -- On Thursday, August 7, join host, fiddler Gwen Potter and her musical guests for a casual evening concert of traditional music and song paired with some great Scottish hospitality. If the weather is fair, we’ll head to the garden. As usual McDougall Cottage’s monthly Kitchen Ceilidh begins at 7 p.m. and donations are always appreciated. 

On Sunday, August 10 join artist and jewellery maker, Marilyn Gardiner, for a fun and inspiring afternoon workshop. Create a beautiful and distinctive gift for you or for a friend when Marilyn shares her passion and teaches us how to create unique Celtic Star chainmail jewellery. Various metals are available, from silver filled to coloured bronze and beginners are welcome. The workshop runs from 1-4 p.m. and the cost is $20/person plus kit fee ($16-$56, depending on metal selected). Don’t miss out!  Space is limited, so call the Cottage by August 6 to register.

Plan to come to McDougall Cottage on Wednesday, August 13 for a Mid-Week Tartan Tea-with-all-the-trimmings. It’s Scottish-style, which means it’s grrreat and at a mere $12.50 per person, it’s grrreat value too. The tea begins at 2 p.m. Please call ahead to reserve.

On Thursday, August 14, join McDougall staffer, Joleen Taylor for Galt’s Industrial Living Legacy Walking Tour. Learn why Galt was once referred to as the “Manchester of Canada” and explore the recent flood control measures that protect our industrial heritage and parks. This walk departs from the Cottage at 6:30 p.m. and space is limited, so please call ahead to register. Donations always appreciated.   

Later that evening, we are joined by pipers Pete Galer and Jim MacPherson who help us keep alive the ancient Celtic tradition of Piping Down the Sun. Grab a drink then sit back and listen as Pete and Jim bid the sun “oidhche mhath" (good night) in a most musical manner. Donations always appreciated. Please call the Cottage for times.

On Saturday, August 16, kids ages three and up, are invited to join in the fun at McDougall’s monthly Kids in Kilts craft day. This time around, crafty kids create one-of-a-kind Dragon Flies and Butterflies using clothespins and lots of other cool stuff. Drop in anytime between 1 and 4 p.m. and best of all, it’s free!

On Thursday, August 21, lace up your walking shoes and plan to join McDougall staffer, Joleen Taylor, for McDougall’s Dickson Hill Walking Tour.  Learn about the Dickson family and see some of Galt’s finest late Victorian and Edwardian homes. The tour departs from the Cottage at 6:30 p.m. and space is limited, so please call ahead to register. Donations always appreciated.  

Later that evening, a talented piper from the Galt and District Pipe Band joins us to help bid the sun farewell in the traditional Celtic manner. Donations always appreciated. Please call the Cottage for times.

On Saturday, August 23 our annual St. Swithin’s Day contest draws to a close. If you’ve been keeping track, you’ll know exactly how may days of rain the Cottage has had in the forty days since St. Swithin’s Day (July 15), if not, give us your best guess. Either way, if you answer correctly, you’ll win a wee prize. It’s fun and it’s FREE!

Afternoon tea is a special treat indeed, especially when there’s live music too!  On Sunday, August 24, McDougall Cottage will be holding one of its ever-popular Tartan Teas, so grab an old friend, or two, and come on down for a tea-with-all-the-trimmings, Scottish-style.  Musician, Brad McEwen, will be on hand with his cittern to set the musical mood.  Tea begins at 2p.m. and at a mere $12.50 per person it’s grrreat value indeed.  Reservations are required for this popular event, so please call soon to reserve your spot. 

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Located at 89 Grand Ave. S. (right across from Southworks Outlet Mall) in Galt’s Historic Factory District, McDougall Cottage is open to the public from Wednesday through Sunday from noon until 5 p.m., and Thursday until 8 p.m. For more information call 519-624-8250, email McDougall@regionofwaterloo.ca, or visit www.regionofwaterloo.ca/mcd.  Admission is by donation, unless otherwise noted.