A candlelight tour of Cannington Manor Provincial Historic Park held last weekend drew one of the largest crowds the park has ever seen for this type of event.
More than 140 people came out on the evening of July 23 for an after-hours tour of the historic site.
Located about 30 kilometres northeast of Carlyle, Cannington Manor is the site of a now-defunct English colonial settlement from the late 1800s. First settled in 1882, Cannington Manor lasted only a few decades before it was abandoned by its settlers. A provincial park has since been established around the community’s history.
While signs of community’s former inhabitants are easily seen during the day, the ghosts of Cannington Manor’s past only really come alive after dark. Candlelight or “ghost” tours allow visitors to explore Cannington well past the park’s normal operating hours. Park interpreters share stories about some of the darker parts of the settlement’s history, including prairie fires, horse thieves, and other harsh realities of life in a prairie town in the late 19th century.
The tour kicks off at the park visitor’s centre and takes you to various historic locations such as a bachelor farmer’s cabin, the blacksmith’s shop, and All Saints Anglican Church, including its graveyard.
More than a few surprises await visitors during the Cannington by Candlelight tour. Some are funny, some are spooky, but all help contribute to a frighteningly good time for people of all ages.
A second Cannington by Candlelight tour is scheduled for Aug. 21. More information about this and other park events can be found on the park’s website.
