There’s a little rebel in everybody, says a local historian who walks the talk.
Richard MacLeod, known by the moniker the History Hound, is a descendent of the area’s Lundy family who, in the 1800s, were squarely on the side of the rebels during the 1837 Rebellion in Upper Canada, or present-day Ontario.
And on Sept. 22 to 23, if you’re so inclined, you can take part in Rebel Heartland, a re-enactment of that battle, along with the bloodier revolt in Lower Canada, or Quebec, that helped establish democracy as it’s known today.
“I probably do have rebel blood in me,” MacLeod said with a laugh. “Just think about it, how badly do you have to upset Quakers for them to take up arms?”
The peace-seeking Quakers were lured from the United States to Upper Canada with promises of a good life, social and political justice and non-aggression.
“They felt the government lied to them,” said MacLeod, of the rising tensions between the Quakers and colonial government of the day that set the stage for the revolt.
This year, MacLeod will participate in Rebel Heartland as a Quaker, the early settlers who were key local players in rebel heartland history. He has started work on his own costume and will don black baggy pants, a period coat and top hat.
Other participants may come dressed as rebel fighters or as townspeople. But wearing a costume isn't required to take part in the event.
“It’s going to be wonderful. Just come out and bring your kids. Most people don’t realize how historic Newmarket is,” MacLeod said.
The action kicks off at 9 a.m. Saturday as "rebels" invade the Farmers Market and Main Street to recruit supporters. From there, participants will march to Main and Timothy streets to hear William Lyon Mackenzie’s speech. As the day goes on, there will be a prisoners march and escape, a capture and reward, a public hanging and a barn dance. More activities follow Sunday.
The free, two-day event runs Saturday, Sept. 22 from 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 23 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at various downtown locations, including Fairy Lake Park, Water Street, Riverwalk Commons and St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church.
Re-enactors, vendors and craftspeople will be at Fairy Lake all weekend for those needing a break from battle.
The event is sponsored by the ARCH Committee, comprised of the Newmarket Historical Society, Heritage Newmarket and the Elman W. Campbell Museum.
For more information and the complete itinerary, visit here or call 905-953-5314.
If you want to get primed for the event, you can learn more about Newmarket’s important role in the rebellion and the movement that involved local residents on both sides of the issue, written for Newmarkettoday.ca by Richard MacLeod. Visit here
