Renowned ‘Anne’ actor to help celebrate Uxbridge’s final ‘Nod to Maud’
Lisha Van Nieuwenhove
UPDATE: The Nov. 30 ‘Kitchen Party’ is sold out. Events at the arena on that date allow unlimited participants.
Uxbridge has been celebrating author Lucy Maud Montgomery all year – council even declared 2024 the year of “Lucy Maud Montgomery 150” because this year marks the famed author’s 150th birthday. Next Saturday, Nov. 30, is the actual birthday of the Anne of Green Gables author, and the Lucy Maud Montgomery Society of Ontario (LMMSO) has invited some very special guests to help celebrate the occasion in a big way.
The LMMSO says that the party will begin at the Uxbridge arena. From 4 to 7 p.m., the arena will be open for a free public skate, and free cupcakes will be provided. Visitors can also explore “Maud’s Mini Market,” which will feature “a selection of local vendors, including Blue Heron Books, Mani Tea (where skaters can warm up with a cup of hot tea or hot chocolate for just $2) and artisans from the Leaskdale Loop will have a variety of Maud-themed gifts and unique local creations available.
Children can read their birthday letters to Maud as a tribute to the author who has inspired generations. Almost half of Lucy Maud Montgomery’s books were written at her home in Leaskdale. The LMM exhibit that was at the Uxbridge Historical Centre will also be set up, and visitors can explore the Postcard 150 display.
For the older crowd, the party continues in the evening with a “Kitchen Party for Maud” at the Historic Leaskdale Church (7:30 p.m.). One can’t celebrate Lucy Maud Montgomery without acknowledging her Canadian east coast roots (she was born in New London, Prince Edward Island), and organizers promise a performance by fiddler Allison Coldwell and friends, as well as step dancers the Faria Sisters, and a dance number by SKR Dance Studios.
The highlight of the evening, however (besides the birthday cake) will be the attendance of Canadian actress Megan Follows. Follows, who starred as Anne in the 1985 Sullivan Entertainment version of Anne of Green Gables, will make a few remarks, and give selected readings from the Journals of L.M. Montgomery.
Three of Maud’s grandchildren will also be in attendance.
As mentioned above, the events at the arena are free. Tickets much be purchased for the “Kitchen Party for Maud” – adults are $30, children under 12 are $5, and can be reserved by calling 905 862 0808. For more information on the Township of Uxbridge’s final “Nod to Maud,” visit lucymaudmontgomery.ca