top of page

Friday, June 16th + Saturday, June 17th 

Turtlefest is all about celebrating our community and the people and places that make it special. Here is an additional venue that will get you in the TurtleFest spirit.

Contact event organizers for details.​

​Annandale National Historic House​

30 Tillson Ave.

519.842.2294

​​​

Annandale National Historic Site was built by E.D. Tillson, first mayor of Tillsonburg—and son of Tillsonburg's founder, George Tillson. It is considered the best surviving example of the Aesthetic Arts movement, popularized by Oscar Wilde. During Turtlefest, you can tour the property, plus enjoy a variety of activities inside and outside the home. This is a FREE event!

​​

 

 

 

Note: All events are FREE​ unless otherwise stated

Schedule

Friday

Pizza Party + Outdoor Movie​

Cowabunga Dude! We’re having a party on our lawn. Enjoy pizza, pop,
popcorn and a showing of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle Movie
(1990.) Bring your appetite and a blanket or lawn chair to the
museum’s lawn as we welcome back TurtleFest. Pizza + pop will be
available for purchase starting at 8 pm (while supplies last).
Proceeds from the sales will go to the Kindergarten Outdoor Classroom
Area of Annandale Public School. There is no charge for the movie which

has a running time of 1 hour 33 minutes.

Movie to begin at dusk

Time: 9pm - 11pm (approx.)

Sponsored by Friends of Annandale P.S. Kindergarten Classes and

Recreation Culture + Parks Department

Saturday

Lego Fun on the Lawn 

Get your build on with the Toronto Lego Club (ToroLUG). Come see the Lego turtle and other displays that the club has created just for Turtlefest. Play with Lego and while supplies last pick up a free kit to build your own small Lego turtle, compliments of the Tillsonburg and District Historical Society.

Time: 10 am – 3 pm    On the Lawn

Sponsored by: ToroLUG and The Tillsonburg & District Historical Society

Live Turtle and Snake Display

Come see turtles and snakes native to Ontario and join the staff of Scales Nature Park to learn all about them. 

Special 30 minute presentation by the staff at 11:00 AM.

Time: 10 am – 3 pm      On the Lawn

Sponsored by: Scales Nature Park and Annandale NHS

Information Booth & Live Animal Display

Do you ever wonder about skunks and other animals that live in our area? Come to the museum's lawn to talk with the "Skunk Lady" and her friends to find out about our animal neighbours.​

Time: 10 am – 3 pm      On the Lawn

Sponsored by: Skunk Haven of Dragon's Lair

Turtle Tales Fun

Do you have a favourite turtle story?

Our story tellers do, and they are inviting you to join them on the green blanket for a story or two.

Time: 10 am – 3 pm      On the Lawn

Sponsored by: Annandale NHS​

Children's Book "Never Give Up" by Jan Everett

Can't get enough of turtle stories?

Don't miss Jan Everett reading her very own Turtle Tale and showing us how to help our turtle friends.

Time: 10 am – 3 pm      On the Lawn

Sponsored by: Jan Everett

Annandale Kindergarten Story Walk and Lemonade Stand

Have fun walking around the lawn of Annandale House as you discover the story of Mossy by children's author Jan Brett. End your walk at the lemonade stand where you can buy a glass of delicious lemonade and support the Kindergarten Outdoor Classroom Area of Annandale Public School.

Time: 10 am – 3 pm      Around the Lawn​

Sponsored by: Friends of Annandale P.S. Kindergarten Class

Turtle Games

Come to the lawn and have some "Turtle-ly" fun playing games and winning prizes for FREE.

While supplies last.

Time: 10 am – 3 pm     On the Lawn

Sponsored by: Annandale NHS

Turtle Crafts

Bring out your inner artist by painting your own small ceramic turtle to take home. All materials supplied at no charge. While supplies last.

Time: 10 am – 3 pm      On the Lawn​

Sponsored by: Oxford Creative Connections Inc.

Temporary Tattoo

Did you ever want a tattoo of a turtle?

Come get your very own temporary tattoo of the Turtlefest Mascot George T. Turtle!

While supplies last.

Time: 10 am – 3 pm      On the Lawn

Sponsored by: Annandale NHS​

Turtlefest Balloon

Hold on tight to your helium filled balloon. It's green and features George T. Turtle. While supplies last.​

Time: 10 am – 3 pm      On the Lawn

Sponsored by: Annandale NHS

Get a "Green Posy" for George Tillson's Grave

Turtlefest is based on a legend about our Town's Founder George Tillson returning one day as a turtle. Honour George today by picking up a green flower to put on his resting spot in the Pioneer Cemetery. Directions to his resting place provided.

Time: 10 am-3 pm      On the Lawn

Sponsored by: Annandale NHS

Turtle Find & Count

Can you see the turtles? Can you count the turtles? Have fun going through Annandale House to find & count our turtles (don't worry their not real). A prize to the one who finds them all.

Time: 10 am – 3 pm      Throughout Annandale House

Sponsored by: Annandale NHS

Tillson Trails Walking Tour

Stroll the streets where it all began with a guide who'll tell you all about the George Tillson and his family, their homes and businesses. Please note: involves some hills.

Tour: 10:30 & 1:30      Leaving from the lawn of Annandale NHS

Sponsored by: The Tillsonburg District Historical Society

annandale house.jpg
bottom of page