St George’s celebrates its 401st birthday

The Town of St George will celebrate its 401st birthday next weekend with the second annual Plough Weekend.

The event will be held on July 20 and 21 at various locations all over the old town. The name came from the settling ship that arrived in 1612.

Organiser Kristin White said last year, the event was organised by the museum community but this year, it is being planned by the St George’s Business Development Association.

“The St George’s BDA have been putting on various events throughout the year to get more residents and visitors come down.

“We don’t have any full-time event planners or anything like that here in St. George’s, so we all just chip in to create some energy and buzz, and get people excited about our beautiful town.

“Last year, as soon as Plough was over, I thought, this should be an annual event, so I wrote up a plan and took it to the St. George’s BDA.

“They agreed, and here we are It’s going to be amazing.”

Ms White said on July 20, the events will run from 10 am to 6pm with the event being officially opened byPremier Craig Cannonier at 10:15am.

Activities for the day include:

-       tours of churches, cemeteries and forts led by Dr Erskine Simmons, Andrew Bermingham and Richard Lowry

-       a lecture by Dr George Cook about the survivors of the shipwreck

-       tour of Smith’s Island archaeology dig

-       free fish chowder samples at Wahoo’s from 12pm to 3pm

-       salve’s story aboard The Deliverance

-       African Diaspora Heritage Trail ‘Square to Square Scavenger Hunt’

There will also be entertainment by Chewstick and discounts, demos and samples at many stores and restaurants.

All museums and galleries will be open, free of charge.

“The day will end with birthday song, and cake with the candles being blown out by parish MPs. Thecake will then be cut by some of St. George’s oldest residents," Ms White added.

On July 21, the community is invited to worship at the various churches in St George’s.

In the afternoon, museums and galleries, normally closed on Sundays, will be open, again free of charge.

There will also be more tours and the Olde Towne Market will be running from 2pm – 6pm.