It's Moss Kent Dickinson's Birthday in Manotick village!
The village of Manotick invites you to join in the celebration of the unique
history of the village, its founders, and Watson's Mill -
a celebration full of family fun in Manotick, in Canada's capital.
2007 Dickinson Days Schedule
Friday, June 1 - Hosted by the Manotick Kiwanis
- 6:30 pm Kiwanis Parade
The parade goes south down Manotick Main Street to Potter
Drive, Dr. Leach Drive and ends at the Arena.
- 7:30 pm Children's Show -
Dickinson Square Tent
Friday, be part of the crowds as Watson’s Mill staff model their new costumes for the annual Dickinson Days parade: the good old flour bag, the baker, and the toast! (Yes, you read correctly!) Parade starts at the City of Ottawa Regional Depot, then south down Main street, before making its way to the Manotick Arena. The Watson’s Mill float arrives at the Mill at approximately 7:30 pm. Lend a hand to dismantle the mini-mill, and set-up the display tents!
Saturday, June 2 - Hosted by the Manotick BIA
- 7 - 11 am Pancake breakfast
- Dickinson Square
- 9 - 5 pm Craft Market
- Mill Street and Clapp Lane
- 9 - 5 pm Petting Zoo, Pony Rides, Games
- Dickinson & Bridge St.
- 9 - 4 pm Pioneer Days
- Watson's Mill
- 9 - 4 pm Rideau Canal 175 Interpretation
- Watson's Mill
- Noon - 6pm Refreshments
- Dickinson Square Tent
- 10 - 4pm Entertainment
- Dickinson Square Tent
- 12 - 4pm Refreshments
- Dickinson Square Tent
- 11 - 5 pm Performances by
Manotick School of Music
- The Walk courtyard
- 4 - 8pm The Riverbank Jamboree
- Dickinson Square
- 8 - 9pm Spirits Rising Theatre
- Watson's Mill
Walk around the Village and check out the numerous vendors throughout the downtown, the pioneer displays and demonstrations at the Mill, the wandering entertainment and more. This year, Watson’s Mill showcases
Rideau 175 interpretation with Don-the-Blacksmith hammering away at his portable forge on the front lawn, Rideau Canal heritage presenters in period dress join our crew, and impressive musket firing demonstrations from marching red jackets help keep the peace, 1860’s style. Spinning, quilting, & lace making demonstrations; children’s ceramic activities; moving farm machinery; antique boats -- AND we’re milling all afternoon! Be sure to get your fresh whole wheat bread and stone milled flour — only at Watson’s Mill!
After the Dickinson Square entertainment tent shuts down, join us at the Mill for a haunting evening of ghost stories, suspicious tales and creepy folklore in the unique theatrical presentation of “Spirits Rising”, in partnership with Parks Canada Players. Admission is by donation. Please note that this event will not be fully accessible for those with mobility issues. (Rain dates: August 8 Watson’s Mill, August 12 Long Island Locks)
Sunday, June 3 - hosted by the Kiwanis
- 10 - 3 pm Art Show
- Dickinson Square
(Manotick Art Association)
- 11 - 4 pm Rideau Canal 175 Interpretation
- Watson's Mill
- 11 - 12 pm Baking Contest
- Dickinson Square Tent
- 12 - 4 pm Wagon rides
- 12 - 4 pm Music & entertainment in the Village
- 12:30 - 3:30 pm Milling Demonstration
- Watson's Mill
Do you have a Favourite Family Recipe? You are invited to participate in our 2nd annual Favourite Family recipe Baking Contest. This year’s focus is dessert. Who doesn’t like a little dessert on a holiday weekend?! Test out your favourite family recipe on our judges. The baking contest is open to all ages.
But wait - there’s also a new Restaurant Category! Come and check out the local restaurant competition as they vie for the title of Manotick’s best dessert! See for yourself what wonderful recipes are possible with Watson’s Mill flour.
Drop off at the Dickinson Square entertainment tent between 9:30am – 11:00am. Judging is from 11:00am to12:00pm, with winner announced at noon.
The Rideau 175 team will be at the Mill all day with more pioneer trade demonstrations, blacksmithing and musket firing. See our miller in action as he sets the original milling equipment in motion to produce fresh whole wheat flour the old-fashioned way. Bring a picnic, get some duck chow, and visit the little ducks next door. The children’s corner is ready for your toddlers, discover the newly launched Story of Bread exhibit, catch a tour with our experienced interpreters.
Drop by for this festival weekend at Watson’s Mill this June 1st, 2nd and 3rd, daily from 10:00 to 5:00. Don’t just read about it, experience it too!
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What's it all about
The annual celebration of Manotick's popular Dickinson Days
often features an old fashioned parade, an outdoor craft market, and non-stop
entertainment with food, children's fun, dancing and music. Dickinson
Days offers fun for the whole family. Best of all, most events are
free!
Most of the celebration takes place in Dickinson Square, also known as Mill
Square, beside Watson's
Mill. Dickinson and his partner Joseph Currier built the Mill in
1860. It is the oldest gristmill still grinding grain into flour in Ontario
and is Ottawa's only operating industrial heritage site. Moss Kent Dickinson,
the founding father of Manotick back in the 1800s, celebrates his actual birthday
on June 1st, 1822, but the party is always on the first weekend in June.
