Campfire Songs moves to Hemlock Downs Park in Glenburnie

Campfire Songs, a popular event usually held at the MacLachlan Woodworking Museum, will now take place at Hemlock Downs Park in rural Kingston. For two Thursdays, Aug. 12 and 26, the free community event will feature singalongs led by local musicians around a campfire at the park at 550 Aragon Rd. in Glenburnie.

Since 2013, the MacLachlan Woodworking Museum has hosted the event, Campfire Songs at the Mac, an evening program full of fun, music, and community spirit, according to a release from the City of Kingston, dated Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021. As part of the City’s commitment to expand heritage and arts programming in the rural areas of Kingston, Campfire Songs will be moving to Hemlock Downs Park in Glenburnie this August.   

“We love that we are able to offer this event in rural Kingston! Bring friends, family and everything you might need to enjoy a cozy evening around the campfire including masks, blankets or lawn chairs, extra clothing, bug spray, refreshments and a campfire roasting stick. We’re so excited to once again be bringing music and campfire spirit to our community,” said Alex McLean, program coordinator, heritage services, who noted that COVID-19 precautions will be in place (see measures below). 

Participants will be offered a songbook and musical instruments to help them sing along and make music together if they choose.  

In the event of inclement weather, cancellation of the Campfire Songs will be announced on the City of Kingston’s Twitter feed (@cityofkingston).  

COVID-19 precautions 

To ensure a safe environment for all participants, the following COVID-19 precautions will be in place: 

• Upon arrival, each participant will be asked to sanitize their hands and sign in by completing a verbal COVID-19 screening and providing contact tracing information. 
• Areas for singers, performers and participants will be clearly marked with chalk circles to ensure physical distancing of 2 metres between groups.
• Each participant/group will be assigned a designated circle for the duration of the evening.
• Anyone who is not in their chalk circle (i.e. roasting a marshmallow at the campfire, moving to the parking area), must wear a mask and stay at least 2 metres from other participants/groups.
• Participants can consume any snacks and beverages they have brought from home and?sing while they are in their chalk circle area without wearing a mask.

More information about this event can be found on the calendar listing of the City of Kingston website at www.CityofKingston.ca/residents/city-calendar-events. 

The MacLachlan Woodworking Museum remains closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic but the city is offering programs like Campfire Songs as an alternative.  Visit the Museum’s website for the most up-to-date information.