Hello friends,
As I look back on 2024, I can’t help but feel deeply grateful. It’s been an incredible season, full of energy, enthusiasm, and community support. From sold-out concerts and packed long-table dinners to thriving workshops and memorable community events, 2024 has shown us just how much the Grist Mill and Gardens means to so many people. With your support, we’ve been able to grow in ways we hadn’t imagined, and it’s with that momentum that we’re planning an unforgettable 2025.
Next year, we’ll be celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Grist Mill as a heritage site. We’re pulling out all the stops to make it a year of even more engaging programs, community events, and unforgettable experiences. I’d like to give you a sneak peek into some of what’s coming up as we get ready for this special year.
Building on Success: Key Events and Dates for 2025
Our 2025 season will start off strong, with a mix of familiar traditions and exciting new additions:
- April 20th: Community Easter Egg Hunt
We’re thrilled to kick off the season with our Easter Egg Hunt, a beloved community event that brings families together for a day of fun and discovery. - April 25th: Official Opening Day
Join us for our opening day as we welcome visitors back to the Grist Mill for the season! We’re eager to showcase some of the changes we’ve made to the grounds over the winter. - May 11th: Mother’s Day Tea
Our Mother’s Day Tea has become a cherished tradition, and this year, we’re planning even more treats and lovely surprises to celebrate the special women in our lives. - June 15th: Father’s Day Pancake Breakfast
A hearty breakfast is the perfect way to celebrate dads! We’re cooking up something special to make this Father’s Day extra memorable. - June 28th, July 26th, August 23rd: Night Markets
Our Night Markets have become a true highlight of the summer season. These evenings will feature an expanded list of vendors, more entertainment, and the same magical, twinkling lights under the night sky. - July 12th: Teddy Bear Picnic
This summer favorite is back and better than ever, with activities and crafts for the little ones and their beloved teddy bears. - July 7th to August 15th: Kids Day Camps
After an enthusiastic response in 2024, our kids’ day camps will return, offering little adventurers six weeks of hands-on activities, crafts, and fun outdoor learning. - September 27th-28th: Heritage Fall Fair
The Fall Fair will bring a weekend of heritage displays, contests, and family fun. We’ll have some exciting surprises lined up to make this year’s fair a real showstopper.
Special Anniversary Plans: Celebrating Our Heritage
To honor the Grist Mill’s 40th anniversary as a heritage site, we’re also introducing some special events and programs designed to celebrate our roots and bring our community together:
- Our First-Ever Grist Mill Gala Event
We’re looking forward to host our first formal gala, an evening of celebration with historical charm, a memorable meal, and live entertainment. This event will be a wonderful way to connect with friends and supporters of the mill and celebrate some of the incredible folks who’ve made this special place what it is today. More details will be available in the spring. - 40th Anniversary Exhibition
We’re just starting work on a special anniversary exhibition that will feature a timeline of the Grist Mill’s evolution over 40 years, highlighting significant moments, key figures, and the impact of the community’s support. - Heritage Skills Festival
Join us for a festival dedicated to traditional skills and trades. This weekend-long event will offer hands-on demonstrations in blacksmithing, weaving, and more, providing visitors a chance to learn about the crafts that were essential to daily life when the Grist Mill was first built. - Time Capsule Opening and Reburial
We’re excited to open the Grist Mill time capsule, a cherished piece of our site’s history, and add new items to reflect the present day. We’ll then rebury the capsule to preserve our legacy for future generations. - Special Products and Souvenirs
To commemorate our 40th anniversary, we’ll be offering limited-edition merchandise next season with a true vintage feel. These items will let you take a piece of the Grist Mill home with you!
We’re also starting work on a special project close to my heart: a book about the nearly 150-year history of Barrington Price’s grist mill. This book will capture stories of the site’s early days and its evolution, honoring the people and the community that have helped shape it.
2025: A Year to Celebrate Our Community
What truly makes the Grist Mill special is the community that surrounds it – and that means all of you. This past year, your support has allowed us to grow and evolve, and it’s what drives us forward as we look to 2025. I’m excited to see how we can continue building on this success, bringing more people together, and creating lasting memories for everyone who steps onto the Grist Mill grounds.
Thank you for making 2024 such a memorable year. We’re looking forward to welcoming you back in 2025 for our 40th anniversary celebrations – it’s going to be a year to remember!
Warmly,
Chris Mathieson
General Manager, Grist Mill and Gardens Historic Site
