Downtown Uxbridge celebrates the 150 years of Lucy Maud Montgomery this weekend

DARRYL KNIGHT The Standard

UXBRIDGE: Downtown Uxbridge is set to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Lucy Maud Montgomery’s birth, with a free 'Nod to Maud' Summer Social event, on July 21st, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The theme, for the Year of Maud, is Hats and Cats & Flowers. This is an invitation to guests to wear their best hats or make their own period-style hats during the event.

Special guests, Anne of Green Gables and Lucy Maud Montgomery, will be present at various downtown locations, and the Farmer’s Market, to meet fans and pose for photos. Enthusiasts can also participate in the Anne of Green Gables look-a-like contest, at Blue Heron Books.

An historical walking tour, at Noon, will highlight Uxbridge's architectural gems and past stories. Preston Galleries offers free face painting, while the Maud Makerspace, in the Downtown parkette, allows guests to create bookmarks. The Lucy Maud Montgomery Society presents a ‘Guess the Gadget’ activity, challenging participants to identify items from 150 years ago.

The Uxbridge Farmers’ Market, open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., features: children’s activities, live entertainment, food, handmade goods, and seasonal produce. A visitors map, of market vendors showcasing a Lucy Maud Montgomery twist, will be available.

The Uxbridge BIA introduces the Uxbridge Summer Treat Trail, where merchants offer Anne of Green Gables themed treats. Maps can be picked up at local retailers. Historical artifacts and decorated window displays will be featured in storefront windows. Additional activities include a family scavenger hunt, a themed story reading at the Uxbridge Library, and more.

Brock Street, from Spruce Street to Toronto Street, and again, from Toronto Street to Bascom Street, will be closed for the event, from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visitors can also explore other Maud-inspired sites throughout the township, including: the Lucy Maud Montgomery Trail, Uxbridge Historical Centre, and Leaskdale Manse.