By Cecilia Nasmith
The Town of Cobourg has issued a press release adding much detail to the brief mention at council Monday of the celebrations planned to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
The milestone marks 70 years of dedicated service by the Queen – the world's most travelled monarch, according to Canadian Geographic. She has visited 110 countries on six continents over the past seven decades. As Queen, she made 22 Royal Tours to Canada (more than to any other Commonwealth nation), effectively making this country her second home.
Cobourg is joining many Canadian communities to celebrate on May 29, and residents and guests are invited to the following schedule of events.
Monument dedication in Jubilee Park at 1:30 – To mark the occasion of the Platinum Jubilee, the town will be unveiling a plaque in Jubilee Park
Procession on King Street at 3 p.m. - The procession will form in front of Victoria Hall, march east on King Street, then south on Church Street to Victoria Park to the bandshell. Led by Cobourg Police Service, the procession will include Cobourg councillors, members of the Cobourg Police Service colour party, Cobourg Legion Branch 133 colour party, Cobourg Legion Pipe and Drum Band, 116 Skeena Cadet Corps Royal Canadian Sea Cadets, Corps 88 Cobourg Army Cadets and 598 Sabre Squadron Royal Canadian Air Cadets
Concert in the park at 4 p.m. - Mayor John Henderson will offer brief remarks at the bandshell, followed by a concert by the Concert Band of Cobourg and Cobourg Legion Pipe and Drum Band
Just in time for the Jubilee celebrations, the town welcomes two new food trucks operating at the waterfront. Those gathered in the park are welcome to visit Hot Diggidy Dog and Personal Touch Catering for food and refreshments during the concert (please note – food and beverage are not complimentary).
Also in the park – as a special commemoration for this milestone, the town's Parks Department has hand-created a special design for the floral clock in honour of the Queen and her 70 years of service. It will be planted the week of May 23, weather permitting, and will be there for everyone to enjoy all summer.
On Thursday, June 2, at the request of Pageant Master OBE For Her Majesty the Queen's Platinum Jubilee, Town Crier Mandy Robinson will be joining town criers from across Canada and the Commonwealth at 2 p.m. to perform a Royally appointed decree here in Cobourg. The town and Experience Cobourg will share details of this special presentation when it is officially launched.
As a lead-up to the May 29 celebrations, Experience Cobourg will partner with the Northumberland County Archives and Museum to launch a series of cultural programs and activities people can enjoy at home or around town. The town's website has a Queen's Platinum Jubilee page with further information.
Heritage walking tour – The Town of Cobourg was honoured with a visit from Her Majesty and the Duke of Edinburgh in June 1973. To celebrate, Experience Cobourg invites the community to retrace Her Majesty's steps with a self-guided tour of Cobourg that allows you to visit the same important landmarks that His Worship Mayor Jack Heenan escorted the Queen to in 1973.
Historical photos – The town has hosted multiple visits from various members of the Royal Family. Working with community partners at the Northumberland County Archives and Museum, Experience Cobourg will share a series of historic images and documents as a lead-up to the May 29 Jubilee celebrations.
Creative crafts to celebrate at home – Fans of the Royal Family who would prefer to celebrate at home can explore the crafts Experience Cobourg is sharing for fancy high tea menus to prepare and enjoy.
Sifton Cook Heritage Centre – On May 28 from 1 to 5 p.m., the Cobourg Museum Foundation will display an exhibit on Governor General Vincent Massey, the first Canadian-born Regal Representatives. History buffs may want to test their knowledge on the quiz covering all the Governors General who served during Her Majesty's reign.
Community celebrations observing the Platinum Jubilee are made possible thanks to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee Fund from the Ministry of Canadian Heritage and the Government of Canada.
