The Times Advocate, 2008-10-22, Page 18Crossroads
18
Times -Advocate
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
`Green Lady of Hay Swamp' appears on Exeter streets
"Ghost Walk" — Bob Heywood, above, led a crowd of about
150 people through the streets of Exeter Friday night during a
"Ghost Walk," part of "Doors Open Haunted Huron."
(photos/Scott Nixon)
By Scott Nixon
TIMES -ADVOCATE STAFF
EXETER — It was a weekend
to celebrate the county's her-
itage and to also explore
Huron's so-called "haunted"
areas as `Doors Open Haunted
Huron' was held throughout
Huron Oct. 17-19.
The weekend included "ghost
walks," author readings, psy-
chic readings, and free tours
through a variety of county
locations. In all, there were
over 40 sites across Huron open
to the public over the weekend.
There was also a showing of
the "Rocky Horror Picture
Show."
In Exeter, Bob Heywood, led a
larger -than -expected crowd of
about 150 people around town
on a ghost walk. Playing the
part of James Pickard, who sat
on the first Exeter council,
Heywood led the crowd on a
walk through Exeter telling
tales of the settlers of the area.
Included on the tour was the
Simcoe Street site of the oldest
home in Exeter, still owned by
the Willis family.
The highlight of the tour for
many was the sighting of the
'Green Lady of Hay Swamp,'
who made several appearances
during the walk.
According to legend, the
`Green Lady' lives in Hay
Swamp and is only seen at
night. Motorists passing by the
area have reportedly seen her
green light bobbing among the
trees and tales of her haunting
the area have been passed
down through the decades.
Rick Sickinger, `Doors Open
Haunted Huron' co-ordinator,
called the weekend "a huge
success," and said people are
already talking about how to
make next year's event bigger
and better.
He said at least 1,000 people
attended the various "Ghost
Walks" throughout the county
and a few thousand more
attended the site tours.
Accommodations in Bayfield
and Goderich were sold out,
Sickinger said, adding that
`Doors Open' created a lot of
economic activity in the county.
"It was better than even we
had hoped for," he said of the
weekend.
In South Huron, free tours
were offered Saturday and
Sunday through Trivitt
Memorial Anglican Church,
Exeter's town hall,
MacNaughton Park and the
Heritage Barn Museum in
Kirkton.
In Bluewater, Bayfield was
also the site of a screening of
horror classic, "The Haunting."
Both Bayfield and St. Joseph
hosted historical walks.
Sickinger said the event creat-
ed a lot of discussion about how
the various heritage buildings
in the county can be improved.
He gave thanks to all who vol-
unteered to make the event a
success.
The `Green Lady' —The highlight of Friday's "Ghost Walk" in
Exeter was the appearance of the 'Green Lady of Hay Swamp,'
seen above, actually played by South Huron District High School
student Jesse Fletcher, wearing the outfit from the school's pro-
duction of "Return to Eden," written by Glenda Burrell.
ScottWoods Christmas show a fundraiser for Hensall United
HENSALL — "Upbeat" and "uplifting". These two
words could well describe The Scott Woods Old Time
Christmas Show coming to the Hensall Community
Centre Nov. 20 at 7 p.m.
The concert is a benefit on behalf of Hensall United
Church.
This fast -paced two-hour concert skillfully combines
old time fiddling with Christmas music, country gospel
songs and a generous helping of humour. You'll be
treated to one of Canada's best talents — the man
with the flying fmgers and the magic bow — fiddling
sensation Scott Woods. Woods has performed to
enthusiastic crowds throughout Canada, the U.S. and
in Holland.
He has captured all the major Canadian fiddling
titles, including Canadian Open Fiddle Champion,
Canadian Grand Masters Fiddling Champion, and
Canadian Fiddle Entertainer of the year. For seven
years he was the musical director and played the part
of Don Messer in Memories of Don Messer's Jubilee, a
tribute show which has toured across the country.
In addition, he has several recordings to his credit,
which will be available at the concert.
There are lots of things to watch for when Woods
takes to the stage. His keen sense of timing and his
sharp wit will keep you on your toes. And speaking of
toes, just try to keep them still as he plays those old
time tunes.
Tickets for Hensall Scott Woods show are available by
calling Bill Gibson at 263-2350 or Ken Firman at 262-
3508.
Proceeds will go to Hensall United Church.
Old Time Christmas Show — Fiddler ScottWoods is bringing his Old Time Christmas Show to the
Hensall Community Centre Nov. 20.The concert is a fundraiser for Hensall United Church. Pictured in front
from left are Meryl Norris, Carolyn Woods and Gini Williams, while in back from left are Bruce Woods,
Kendra Norris, Karl Watson, Scott Woods, Ben Norris and Ivan Felker. (photo/submitted)