Point Ellice kids’ birthday party marks Canada’s 150th
Celebrate childhood at two events designed with younger folks in mind, in Victoria and Qualicum Beach.
Take your kids to the Point Ellice House Children’s Birthday Party for Canada, today at the historic house and attraction.
The year of Confederation, 1867, was also the year that Peter and Caroline O’Reilly and their 14-month old son, Frank, moved into what is now known as Point Ellice House. On Dec. 31, just three weeks later, their daughter Kathleen was born at the house.
With that in mind, organizers decided on a children’s birthday party theme for their commemorative event.
There will be croquet and a bean-bag toss, dancing on the lawn, ice cream, cake and snacks. Attendees are encouraged to wear red and white clothing.
The tone will be fun and informal — rather like an open house.
As parking is limited, attendees are encouraged to take the Number 14 bus or park their cars in the Wharf Street parking lot and take the Harbour Ferries’ water taxi to the dock.
Admission is by donation ($5 per family suggested).
Proceeds will be shared between Point Ellice House gardens and the Military Family Resource Centre.
The event runs 3:30 to 5 p.m. today at Point Ellice House, 2616 Pleasant St. (off Bay Street). For more information, go to pointellicehouse.com. They are also on Facebook and Instagram.
Do you believe in fairies? Take your children to find out where they live at Vancouver Island University’s Milner Gardens 7th annual Fairy Houses, Thursday to Sunday at the gardens in Qualicum Beach.
Did you know fairies wear foxglove flowers as hats, gloves and petticoats? Look for the elusive creatures in the sun-dappled shadows of the gardens on your self-guided search. The event is in honour of International Fairy Day and late owner Veronica Milner’s belief in fairies.
Admission is $11 for adults, $6.50 for students and free for children 12 and under when accompanied by an adult. Milner Gardens members and current VIU students with student cards can enter for free.
The event runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last entry 4:30 p.m.) June 22 to 25. Fairy Tea Time runs 1 to 4 p.m. in the Queen’s Room and Milner House patio. Tea and a Fairy Treat is $8.95 + GST per person.
An onsite golf-cart shuttle is prioritized for people with mobility issues. Certified guide dogs only.
Milner Gardens and Woodland is located at 2179 West Island Hwy., Qualicum Beach. For more information, go to www2.viu.ca/MilnerGardens.