In celebration of the 80th anniversary of its Oakes Garden Theatre, The Niagara Parks Commission will be hosting a rededication ceremony and a Canadian citizenship ceremony on Monday, September 18 beginning at 4 p.m. Free for the public!
It’s been 80 years since the original dedication ceremony of one of Niagara Parks most magnificent outdoor venues, the Oakes Garden Theatre back on September 18, 1937. Now on Monday, September 18th, 2017 we will be celebrating again!
Beginning at 4:00 pm. remarks will be provided by Niagara Parks Chair, Janice Thomson as well as by Niagara Parks Historian, Sherman Zavitz. A special musical performanace will be provided by the Niagara Falls Concert band and the Lincoln and Welland Regiment Band; both of which performed at the original ceremony!
The Oakes Garden Theatre and its associated Rainbow Gardens are outstanding examples of design and architecture created to specifically act as a dramatic gateway to Canada. Therefore, it was also chosen to serve as the perfect venue to host a Canadian citizenship ceremony. The citizenship ceremony will be presided over by Canadian Citizenship Judge Ted Salci, and will allow visitors to welcome and congratulate 20 individuals on becoming new Canadian citizens.
The Niagara Parks is excited to showcase the extensive restorative work that has been undertaken to officially recognize and highlight the importance of this architectural and landscape treasure. Recently, this included repairs to the Theatre’s pergola wall and retaining walls, as well as new accessible entrances and pathways to enhance public access and enjoyment of this important public gathering space.
The funding for the restorative work was provided by the Government of Canada’s “Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program”, as well as capital infrastructure support provided by the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport.
Following the official program, light refreshments will be served as guests are invited to explore the Oakes Garden Theatre. Parking and shuttle service to the event will be available at Falls Parking Lot (Lot A). Parking will also be available at the Clifton Hill Parking lot.
As part of the celebrations, Niagara Parks will also be offering free walking tours of Oakes Garden Theatre on Saturday, September 16, led by Niagara Parks Historian Sherman Zavitz, Lead Hand Gardener Jeff Klager, and Superintendent of Heritage Jim Hill. Oakes Garden Theatre and the adjoining Rainbow Gardens stand as one of the finest examples of landscape architecture in Canada. Designed by early prominent landscape architects, Dunington-Grubb and Stensson, the facility also features formalized gardens and artwork created by noted Canadian artists, Florence Wyle, Frances Loring and Elizabeth Wyn Wood. Walking tours will be held at 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. on Saturday, September 16.
Another upcoming event taking place at the Oakes Garden Theatre will be a Rooted-themed Pop-up Dinner, scheduled to take place on Thursday, September 21 at 5 p.m. The various garden-themed events as part of Niagara Parks’ Rooted initiatives, served as the inspiration for the creative and mouth-watering menu for this Pop-up Dinner, featuring fresh, local ingredients that celebrate and showcase the best of Niagara’s harvest. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit www.niagaraparks.com/popup.
