By Cecilia Nasmith
Cobourg has begun to roll out Armistice 18, a variety of observances of the centennial of the Armistice that ended the First World War – which is thought to be the largest such commemoration in the country.
Its marketing includes what communications manager Ashley Purdy called a sizzle video, and the one-minute clip was shown to council at Monday's committee-of-the-whole meeting.
Director of community services Dean Hustwick said that observances will go through Nov. 11, and will include offerings in drama, music, lectures, art and exhibitions.
They began last week with a sold-out showing of the Northumberland Players drama Mary's Wedding. Northumberland Players will also offer two other dramas, the Stars On Her Shoulders and Last Day, Last Hour.
The Charles Pachter exhibit Lest We Forget is already on at the Art Gallery of Northumberland, and the official kick-off event takes place Saturday night at Trinity United Church – Cobourg's Great War in Words, Images and Song, starring the famed Elora Singers. Tickets are now on sale.
A free event open to all happens the next day at the Victoria Hall Concert Hall at noon.
“There will be VIP speakers, excerpts from some of the plays and lunch,” Hustwick said.
It will also be a launch for the exhibit that will run through Nov. 11 at the Concert Hall. This will include colourized war photos from the Vimy Foundation, a travelling exhibit from the Hill 70 Memorial Project and, from the National Archives, black-and-white panoramic war photos by official British was photographer William Rider Rider. There will also be a selection from the Royal Canadian Military Institute of artifacts, plus original trench art made out of military detritus like shell casings.
The Concert Hall will also be the venue where three renowned speakers will be sharing their historical expertise – Jack Granatstein on Oct. 14, Tim Cook on Oct. 21 and Charlotte Gray on Nov. 4.
All recognizing the contributions of local citizens, but also Canadians from across the country 100 years ago, Hustwick said.
