Caledon Village community celebrates 200 years in latest bicentennial event

Residents gathered at Caledon Fairgrounds for festivities

By Zachary Roman

Caledon Village residents were the latest to celebrate their community's bicentennial last weekend.

On the morning of September 24, bagpipes could be heard at the Caledon Fairgrounds as dignitaries, including Dufferin-Caledon MP Kyle Seeback and Mayor Allan Thompson, were played to a stage where they gave remarks on Caledon Village on the occasion of its 200th birthday. 

Thompson thanked those involved in organizing the Caledon Village bicentennial, giving special shout outs to Fay McCrae and Kate Hepworth of the Caledon Village Association. Thompson said Caledon Village is a vital historic community in Caledon and that he looks forward to its growth and prosperity in years to come.

Seeback began his remarks with a moment of silence to honour the late Queen Elizabeth II. He said it's quite impressive to think the former Queen was sovereign for 70 of the 200 years that Caledon Village has been around.

“I want to extend my congratulations to the Caledon Village Association for everything you've done to put this event on today,” said Seeback. “Preserving history is such an important part of our country, especially as there are so many dramatic changes that have happened not only in the last 200 years, but in the last 10 or 20 years. Your hard work at preserving the heritage of Caledon Village is really fantastic.”

Fay McCrae was recognized at the ceremony for her leading role in the bicentennial and was given a bouquet of flowers.

She noted that, as Thompson often says, the sun was shining for the big day in Caledon. McCrae thanked the Caledon Agricultural Society for allowing the bicentennial to be held at the fairgrounds, which she called the “perfect” location.

McCrae explained despite an unexpected influx of about 100 Canada Geese at the fairgrounds in the weeks prior to the bicentennial, the fairgrounds were in amazing shape and perfectly set up for the event thanks to the society's hard work.

McCrae also thanked her bicentennial team, Heritage Caledon, and everyone else who played a part in the bicentennial before inviting all in attendance to enjoy their day at the bicentennial.

In the exhibit hall at the fairgrounds, there was a large display on Caledon Village's history set up by Heritage Caledon members, as well as presentations about the history of the aggregate industry in Caledon Village.

There were games set up for kids on the fairgrounds, and a beer garden set up for the adults. A classic car show, live music, fresh food, vendor market and more kept bicentennial attendees in good spirits as they celebrated Caledon Village's 200th birthday.