Reesor 2004 Bicentennial Reunion Itinerary

Reesor 2004 Bicentennial Reunion Itinerary

Friday, July 2^nd, 2004
5 pm - 9:30 pm
“ THE REESOR HOMECOMING”

8949 REESOR ROAD
north of HWY #7

To launch our Celebration of the Reesor Family’s arrival in Canada, an evening of outdoor Entertainment, Food and Fun will be held at the site of the Reesor Gates. (Nominal entry charge of $2 /person over 12 yrs)

Where: This property is situated on the picturesque banks of the Rouge River and is adjacent to the original Christian Reesor Homestead on Reesor Road, Markham. What better location to initiate the festivities?

Activities: Under cover of a large tent, a program of family oriented entertainment, music and singing will commence about 6 pm and will continue the entire evening. There will be activities for the children including face painting, a jumping castle and wagon rides.

Food: A meal of BBQ fare, baked beans, coleslaw, home-made pie, ice cream, soft drinks and coffee will be available for purchase from 5:30 pm throughout the evening.

Camping: Join in overnight camping at this location to be ready for the procession to the Fairgrounds Saturday morning. Campsites will be available on location for family participation at a cost of $10/site. Advance booking required. This will be “roughing it” camping, i.e. “Johnny on the Spots” but no hydro hookup. A Communal Campfire will be organized for all to enjoy.

Saturday, July 3^rd, 2004
REESOR BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION

Markham Fairgrounds
10801 McCowan Road
(at 18^th Ave/ Elgin Mills Rd)

Tradition has it that Christian, Fanny and their families made the arduous six-week journey from Pennsylvania in their five Conestoga wagons. In remembrance of this historic trek, a horse drawn wagon train will leave the REESOR GATES, following an early morning breakfast and will proceed to Markham Fairgrounds, the site of the Saturday program.

The procession will include examples of vintage farm equipment and machinery to reflect the 200 years of change and development from 1804. Space on the wagons is restricted. Everyone, however, is welcome to walk with the procession and make the trek to the Fairgrounds. We encourage participants to dress in period costume.

Since, this is a 7 mile journey, many individuals may prefer to join the walk at 10:30 a.m. at a rendez-vous point about 1 mile from the finish. This may be a very realistic alternative to walking the entire distance.

The wagon train should arrive at the Fairgrounds at about 11 am and it is hoped that many Reesor Cousins will be present to greet the procession. Please let us know your interests.

The following schedule summarizes the Saturday happenings.

AT THE REESOR GATES - 8949 REESOR ROAD

6:00 a.m.

· BREAKFAST

7:00 a.m.

· WAGON TRAIN PROCESSIONAL DEPARTURE

AT THE MARKHAM FAIRGROUNDS

10:00 a.m.

· WELCOME and TIME FOR VISITING with your REESOR COUSINS

· DISPLAYS of REESOR GENEALOGY, FAMILY ARTIFACTS and PHOTOS

(If you have artifacts that you are interested in displaying please advise us on the pre-registration form)

· DEMONSTRATIONS of various pioneer skills

· ACTIVITIES for children

· SALE of Bicentennial Memorabilia: 10am -1:30 pm and 2:30-4 pm

· VIEWING and BIDDING on SILENT AUCTION items

11:00 a.m.

· GREETING the WAGON PROCESSION

· LUNCH: Food which will be available for purchase throughout the day OR you are welcome to bring a picnic lunch for your family.

1:30 – 2:30 p.m.

· FORMAL PROGRAM

3:00 p.m.

· SILENT AUCTION -Bidding Completed

Sunday, July 4^th, 2004

10:00 a.m.

· SETTLER’s SERVICE: A morning Church Service will be held at the Reesor Gates on the Banks of the Rouge River (same location as the Friday HOMECOMING)

2:30 p.m.

· The Pennsylvania German Folklore Society has planned a Plaque Dedication at the Town of Markham acknowledging the Early Settlers Coming to Markham. Please refer to the PGFS web site for more information on this event.

GENERAL INFORMATION

“Self guided driving tours” of locally significant heritage sites are being organized.