The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Terry French, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation:

The Commissariat Celebrates the Holiday Season

Mr. Speaker, today I would like to highlight the upcoming celebrations of Christmas at The Commissariat being held November 24 and 25.

During the two-day period, The Commissariat will be alive with the sounds, tastes, and traditions of Christmas in St. John’s in the 1830s. From 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., visitors to The Commissariat can take in some holiday music, taste traditional Christmas pudding from the historic kitchen, create some holiday crafts, and participate in a variety of hands-on family activities.

On Saturday evening, November 24, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., visitors are invited to The Commissariat by Candlelight celebrations for the lighting of the Yule Log while they enjoy a cup of hot cider over the sounds of festive carols. Visitors can take a tour of the house by candlelight to meet some interesting period characters and learn about the traditions of Christmas in the 19th century.

Mr. Speaker, Christmas at The Commissariat is an event in which all residents can participate. It also supports a great cause, since admission is a non-perishable food item in support of the Community Food Sharing Association. The event commemorates the holiday season and highlights our Provincial Historic Sites.

The Commissariat and all Provincial Historic Sites have something for everyone to discover. They reveal significant stories and insights into the historical development of the province. Since 2003, the Provincial Government has invested approximately $2.5 million for upgrades to Provincial Historic Sites.

I invite everyone to attend this weekend’s festivities and to explore some of our incredible history.

Thank you.