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
