This weekend, the hamlet of Bond Head, located at the intersection of County Roads 88 and 27, celebrates a milestone: its 175th anniversary.

Although the area was surveyed in 1819, and the first settlers cleared land within 5 years, it was in 1837 that postmaster Joel Robinson proposed the name "Bond Head" in honour of Lieutenant-Governor Sir Francis Bond Head.

In the wake of the Rebellion of 1837, it was a conscious act of loyalty to the Crown.

The Bond Head 175 Festival takes place June 22 to 24, at the Bond Head Community Hall, Bud Brown Memorial Park, and the Osler Hall of St. Catherine of Alexandria Catholic Church, 56 Hearn St.

The Festival begins on Friday, June 22 at 7 p.m., with a display of Antique, classic and custom cars in the parking lot of the Bond Head Community Hall (set-up at 6:30 p.m.) - and a mixed baseball game, just for fun, at Bud Brown Park. Especially wanted: people who used to play in the Bond Head ball leagues. From 8:30 p.m. to 11 p.m., there will be a Dance in the Community Hall, with D.J. and live entertainment by the Bond Head Music Group.

Saturday is the big day. A portion of County Rd. 27 in Bond Head, from the 6th Line to Country Rd. 88, will be closed to traffic, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., for a Farmers' Market. Visitors can park and catch a free shuttlebus, at various locations on 27 and on 88 - look for the signs.

8 a.m. The Bond Head Lions will be serving up a Pancake Breakfast at the Hall.

9 a.m., competitors in the Pie-Baking and Cake-decorating contests are asked to bring their entries to the Bond Head Hall, for judging at 10 a.m.

9:30 a.m., the Horseshoe Tourney begins.

10 a.m., the Bond Head 175 Parade will start forming up, to begin at 10:30 a.m. For details, to volunteer, or to get involved, contact Brenda Winter at 905-775-5478 or dogs.nest@sympatico.ca Note: The 7th Line from County Rd. 27 to Lallien Drive will be closed for the parade, starting at 9:30 a.m., and there will be rolling closures of several local streets.

11 a.m., there will be judging of the Decorated Bike contest; and a Dog Fashion Show at 11:30 a.m.

Noon - the official Opening Ceremonies begin on the Main Stage, featuring guest dignitaries.

Lunch will be served by the Bond Head Lions, and starting at 1 p.m., guided tours begin - walking tours of the historic hamlet, and wagon tours of the Cerswell and Scott farms, and Osler Cairn.

The Walking Tours start at the Parkette (northeast corner of 27 & 88), at 1, 1:30, 2, 2:30, 3 and 3:30 p.m.

There is a full slate of entertainment planned on the main stage - starting with Country Music Award nominee Judy Kanyo and her band at 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m., with an interlude by instrumentalist Richard Henderson; Live auction at 3:30 p.m., Beet'n Boomers playing rock, country & blues at 4 and 5:30 p.m.; a performance by Good Company with Brian Good at 4:45 p.m.; Bond Head Fiddlers at 6:30 p.m.; and Lahey & Company, 8 p.m.

On the Small Stage, catch the Bike Decorating Contest at 11:30 a.m., Little Miss Bond Head contest (for ages 3-6) at 1 p.m., Jr. Miss Bond Head contest (7 to 12 years) at 1:30 p.m., and Teenage Miss Bond Head (13-18) at 2 p.m.; entertainment by Sue Wood at 2 and 3 p.m.; and the Bond Head Idol talent show at 3:30 p.m. Note: Organizers are suggesting that kids entering the Little Miss and Junior Miss contests should dress up in Period Attire.

The Tec-We-Gwill Women's Institute will be helping celebrate Bond Head's 175th Anniversary, by serving a Ham & Salad Supper at the Bond Head Community Hall, 5 to 7:30 p.m. Cost is $12 for adults, $6 for children under 12. Tickets should be purchased in advance, by calling Mary at 905-775-3890 or Gladys at 905-778-0319. After 7 p.m., tickets may available at the door.

From 8 p.m. to 11 p.m., the Paxton Orchestra will play the music of the '50s and '60s at a dance in the Bond Head Hall - with Square-dancing!

All-day displays include the Genealogical Society, Architectural Conservancy of Ontario, Tecumseth & West Gwillimbury Historical Society, and BWG Heritage Committee at the Bond Head Hall; displays and demonstrations of spinning, rug-hooking, weaving, quilting, stitchery, wood-carving and a cider press at the Osler Hall; Arts & Crafts shows and sales, farmers' market, Bell-Ringing, Bingo, Orange-Peel Morris Dancers, and food vendors.

Sunday will be a "day of gratitude", wrapping up the festival - with a pancake breakfast at Bud Brown Park from 8 to 10 a.m., followed by an Interfaith Celebration from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., with the New Tecumseth Singers and Goldenaires; refreshments, and a talk by Professor Kevin Hutchings, expert on Sir Francis Bond Head. Free, but cash donations will be accepted for Matthews House Hospice, and non-perishable food items for the Helping Hand Food Bank.

For more information see www.BondHead175.ca Everyone is invited to come out and explore this historic corner of the Town. Admission is free!