John Galt Day program co-ordinator Danna Evans took a break from her busy schedule to just hang out on Thursday. The Ontario Southland Railway locomotive she’s on will power the Guelph Junction Express when it gives rides at the celebration in John Galt Park beside the River Run Centre on Monday.

People will notice a few changes to the city’s third annual John Galt Day celebrations on Monday Aug. 3. Train rides from the Guelph Junction Express are a new feature offered at the event. The train will give 30-minute train rides throughout the afternoon, said John Galt Day program co-ordinator Danna Evans.

A flag-raising that was held last year out front the old city hall will be relocated to the River Run Centre this year, she added. The flag-raising ceremony starts at noon and kicks off Monday’s activities.

There will also be performers, historical reenactments, activities for kids, canoe races, refreshments and more at John Galt Park beside the River Run Centre. Activities run until 4 p. m.

Public welcome to take park in ‘kirking’ parade

A second annual ceremonial parade is being held this weekend to mark John Galt Day, and the public is invited to take part.

The “kirking” –a Scottish ceremonial parade of dignitaries –goes Sunday Aug. 2. The parade starts at 10:15 a. m. at River Run Centre. It leads to St. George’s Anglican Church. There, civic leaders will be led by a piper as a prelude to a civic church service, said a news release.

This ceremony was practised in John Galt’s home town of Irvine, Scotland, at the time of Guelph’s founding in 1827.

A church service at St. George’s church follows the kirking at 10:30 a. m. Donations of non-perishable food items will be accepted for the Welcome In Drop-in Centre and the Chalmers Community Services Centre, said the release.

The kirking is hosted by the Old Stone Churches, the Guelph Historical Society and the City of Guelph’s John Galt Day Committee.