Friends of Murphys Point Park

Heritage Mica Days Ready to Go!

Posted on March 3, 2013 by Friends of Murphys Point

Don’t let grey and dismal winter days get you down – think about all the fun you’ll have at Heritage Mica Days for 2013!

The planners of this annual event have prepared an action-packed schedule of events to keep everyone busy from June through Thanksgiving. Heritage Mica Days takes place at Murphys Point Provincial Park located about 20 minutes south west of Perth and easily accessed by County Road 21 (Elm Grove Road).

“You are sure to find an activity that meets the needs of your family,” said Beth Peterkin, the festival’s event coordinator with the Friends of Murphys Point Park. “From open house tours of the Silver Queen Mine with costumed interpreters and heritage displays to a wide variety of music and food events and the popular Dinner/Theatre, there is so much to see and do.”

Dinner in the miners’ bunkhouse as part of the dinner/theatre event at the Silver Queen Mine. (Photo by David Zimmerly)

Visit the restored ore wagon and the horses that have joined this display since last season. Chow down on some corn on the cob at the campfire pit. Sit back and enjoy the call of the loons who accompany musical guests at the outdoor amphitheatre. Meet the spirits of the Silver Queen Mine on the ever-popular evening Spirit Walks or simply relax on the beach and enjoy one of the BBQ lunches or pancake brunches.

Also, be sure to check out the newly developed Heritage Mica Days festival website at www.heritagemicadays.ca, where you can find a complete detailed listing of all scheduled festival events, as well as event history and information about the Silver Queen Mine and the Friends. You can also browse the calendar pages to easily see which days have festival activities scheduled. There is an opportunity to become a “Mica Mate” and you can purchase tickets for festival events securely through the website with the PayPal program. Check the website frequently as updates will be made when new activities or musicians are booked.

Heritage Mica Days is a program of the Friends of Murphys Point Park. For additional information about Heritage Mica Days, contact us at 613-267-5340 or eventsmurphys@ripnet.com.

Posted in Friends of Murphys Point, Heritage Mica Days, Heritage Mica Festival, Lally, Lally Homestead, Mica Festival, mica mine, Murphys Point, Murphys Point events, Murphys Point Provincial Park, Seven Wonders of Lanark County, Silver Queen Mine | Tagged character actors, Friends of Murphys Point Park, heritage food, heritage mica days, Heritage Mica Festival, heritage music, Lally Homestead, Mica Festival, mica mine, Murphys Point, Murphys Point events, Murphys Point Provincial Park, pioneer homesteads, rideau canal system, silver queen, Silver Queen Mine, tay valley township | Leave a comment

SKIP Gets Cooking! (At Park Store Area)

Posted on February 24, 2013 by Friends of Murphys Point

Get cooking with the Friends of Murphys Point on Sunday, March 3 at the park!

The next in the winter/spring series of Super Kids In Parks programs will focus on campfire building and outdoor cooking, which promises to be a yummy way to spend the afternoon. If there is enough snow the group may also explore the art of shelter building, otherwise get set for games.

SKIP is an outdoor learning program at Murphys Point Provincial Park that aims to help kids ages 7 to 10 connect with nature through a range of activities that promote active and healthy living.

While the activity is geared towards 7- to 10-year olds, the whole family can get involved.

“Our campfire and cooking programs are a lot of fun and are led by experienced volunteers,” says Stephanie Gray, Friends’ education committee chairperson. “Everyone gets a neat treat to try to cook outdoors while learning a little something about fire safety and about the park. It’s a sweet time of year – maybe there will be a maple theme!”

The program is slated to take place from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Park Store area, accessed through the main park entrance. Participants should dress for the weather, although a warm shelter (and hot chocolate!) will be available. Be prepared to play in the snow!

Space is limited, so pre-registration is preferred. Children ages 7 to 10 can be dropped off (with a signed permission form) for the program or families can take part. Click here for fees and registration information. Space permitting, registrations may be accepted at the door.

The program is rain or shine, but if it must be cancelled due to severe weather a message will be posted here by 10 a.m. on March 3.

Hope to see you there!

Posted in Friends of Murphys Point, Lally Homestead, Murphys Point, Murphys Point events, Murphys Point Provincial Park, SKIP, Super Kids In Parks, winter | Tagged Friends of Murphys Point Park, Lally Homestead, Murphys Point, Murphys Point events, Murphys Point Provincial Park, SKIP, Super Kids In Parks, tay valley township, winter | Leave a comment

Super Kids In Parks Go Ice Fishing!

Posted on February 17, 2013 by Friends of Murphys Point

It was a beautiful bright, crisp day for the kids and parents who joined the Friends for the Ice Fishing SKIP program on Sunday!

The afternoon kicked off with “Just Keep Swimming!” – a fishy-themed predator/prey game of tag led by interpreter Alida Lemieux to get us warmed up for the main event.

“Just keep swimming!” with Alida.

Next Conservation Officer Mike Dubé and Park Superintendent Curtis Thompson gave us some ice safety rules and we set off for the ice fishing station on Loon Lake behind the Park Store/Chalet.

Curtis and Mike keep us safe.

The trek!

Mike demonstrated how to drill a hole in the ice and then we all had a look at some perch that had been caught earlier and kept in a live well.

20 inches thick!

Perch on display.

Curtis demonstrated all of the different equipment that can be used for ice fishing – everything from fancy rods and reels to homemade ones – not to mention the high-tech gadgetry that can be used to detect the fish.

Note the pop-up fishing hut in the background!

Then everyone had a chance to get fishing!

The fish were pretty elusive (possibly chilly!), but we did see a few.

Curtis caught one!

We could also warm up in Mike’s portable ice hut or trek back to the chalet for some heat and hot chocolate.

It was a great opportunity to do some ice fishing together during Family Fishing Weekend, too!

Mike with his kids!

A huge thank you to CO Mike Dubé for spending his time with us on Sunday, as well as Park Superintendent Curtis Thompson, Assistant Superintendent Robert Gunn and our volunteers (Alida Lemieux, Don Goodfellow, Linda McLaren and Stephanie Gray) and all the kids and parents who joined us.

Be sure to check this space for details of our next SKIP event on March 3: Campfires and Outdoor Cooking and More! Click here to pre-register.