All the Queen’s Horses Are At John R. Park Homestead, Sunday

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John R. Park Homestead Conservation Area (Google Streetview)

John R. Park Homestead Conservation Area, the area’s 1840s living history agricultural museum will be hosting its 14th Annual Parade of Horses event this Sunday with a royal theme.

The Homestead’s biggest one day event of the year is presented in partnership with the Essex County Carriage Club and horse owners who bring their animals to the show. Many different breeds will be featured – from ponies and miniature horses to the largest draft breeds including Percherons and everything in between. “What sets this event apart from other horse events is the chance for visitors to get up close; to meet the horses and their owners, to learn their names, and to pat these magnificent animals,” ,said Homestead Curator Janet Cobban. “The parade through the ring starts at 1:30 sharp, so bring a lawn chair and arrive after 11am to ensure a great view.”

As well, thanks to support from the Department of Canadian Heritage, throughout the month of June the Homestead will be hosting a special exhibition about Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee. The exhibit will focus on Essex County’s royal connections. When the Park Family lived at the Homestead, they were subjects of Queen Victoria, a monarch who gave her name to a century. When Victoria celebrated her Diamond Jubilee, which is sixty years on the throne, in 1897, it was a major world event. Now her great, great granddaughter, Queen Elizabeth II, has reached that same milestone. Cobban added, “We will be hosting a Girl Guide Rally, as the Queen used to be a Guide. We’ll also be giving a royal twist to our Parade of Horse Breeds to honour this special occasion.” The Jubilee exhibit will be available five days a week, Sunday to Thursday through the month of June.

The Homestead is located at 915 County Road 50, at the corner of Iler Road on the lakeshore. For more detailed information on the Homestead’s events or to book a group or class program visit their website, call (519) 738-2029, or email [email protected].