The Dufferin County Museum and Archives will present the fifth annual Traces Festival on Saturday and Sunday, September 27 and 28.

The "Traces Festival" features a number of special events and activities. You can experience our early history through reenactors and authentic encampments, an exhibit of rare artifacts, demonstrations, storytelling and music. Fun and informative for people of all ages!

A cannon display and loading demonstration will be held starting at 11 a.m. Saturday and repeated hourly that day and on Sunday starting at 12 noon.

During the displays, the Museum grounds and surrounding countryside will be booming with the sound of cannon fire as artillery from the War of 1812 come alive for the public to hear and see. The cannon crew will load and fire a 3lb gun after taking spectators through a hands-on mock loading demonstration.

A historical clothing and uniform "fashion show" will take place Saturday at 11:30 a.m. and Sunday at 12:30 and 4:15 p.m. Reenactors will give a fascinating talk and present examples of period military and civilian clothing. Spectators will have the opportunity to try on period uniforms, head gear and dresses.

A regimental recruitment drive and drill is set for Saturday at 12:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 and 3:30 p.m.Spectators will have the opportunity to be mustered into a mock militia while being treated like raw recruits, basic foot and musket drill included!

Recruits will need to be on their best behaviour as the drill sergeant will accept nothing less then perfection.)

A Candy Cannon demonstration will take place Saturday at 1:15, 2:15 and 3:15 p.m. and Sunday at the same hours. Prepare yourself as a real 19th century black powder mortar launches pieces of candy over sixty feet into the air. Adults and children alike will have the opportunity to scavenge for candy as it rains down on them.

Period weapons, including musket, cannon, swords and bayonets will be on display both days at 1:30 p.m. There'll be a Question and Answer session on the weapons used during the War of 1812. Spectators will also have the opportunity to see the weapons up close and handle them under supervision.

Both days, you'll be able to step into the past and see the Historic Military Establishment of Upper Canada (HMEUC) reenactors in full period costume while you tour their authentic encampment. Experience what everyday life was like with demonstrations and displays of period weaving, cooking, and clothing. Walk through a Royal Newfoundland Regiment encampment and see period uniforms, cannons and other weaponry

All day Sunday, Ongwe ho-way Group members will pay vocal homage to the ancestors by singing and drumming in a respectful way to show and expand the understanding of many songs. Plus: porcupine quill embroidery, basket making, finger weaving and arrow making demonstrations.

Inside the museum, the 2008 Traces exhibit is titled "Lasting Impressions" and deals with customs and materials that we may use in our daily living but which have their roots in our native cultures. For example, one case will hold items that were and are used in the production of maple syrup, a process taught the early settlers by the natives. A process that kept them and their families alive and a food still enjoyed each spring in Dufferin County, and a product that symbolizes Canada. Other cases will feature native foods such as corn; others Canada's first "souvenirs": glass beadwork still manufactured today by native groups; yet others will hold more than a few surprises that will make you say, "I didn't know that!". The visitor will understand that while only small amounts of materials remain from original native culture, the influence of our First Nations people touches us every day in many ways.

The period-style Trading Post, located on the third level of the Museum will let visitors view and purchase period art and crafts, leather goods, clothing, books and accoutrements.