The 2009 opening of The Stratford Shakespeare Festival was Wed., May 26th. This is always a gala event which I have watched over many years. A Pipe Band leads the entourage of special people and vehicles up the slope to the main entrance to the famous Festival Theater building. Many famous people arrive in style and local people love to watch as well.
Many like to walk along the famous River Drive and enjoy the Swans and Ducks. They may have enjoyed a picnic lunch which they have brought from home or purchased at one of the various eateries in the area.
I grew up in Stratford and saw the beginning of this world famous Theater in a gigantic round tent. This was in 1953 and you can see the details at the Wikipedia link I have added.
When I was a kid Stratford was a central area for the repair of trains and engines of trains. The CNR Shops employed a large amount of the local labor. There was a huge roundhouse where the trains were updated and then could be turned and sent on their way. I remember when in early High School hearing people talk about how sad things were because the Shops were being closed. (sounds like today, eh?)
Along came Tom Patterson with his amazing idea to make Stratford upon Avon into a Shakespearean mecca with plays and activities like its namesake in England. After all, we had all the names of the streets, schools, river, lake with the English names and the settlers, of course, were mostly of British backgrounds at that time.
It all came together and now is world famous. If you were to go there today buses would be all around town loaded with students who come to see the plays in the Spring which helps with their classes.
There are now several Theater buildings beside the main one that overlooks Lake Victoria and The River Drive. Tom Patterson has one named after him. Downtown The Avon is a huge, recently revamped even larger Theater (it was a movie show when I was a kid)
Many of the actors from here have gone on to being on TV shows or serials. Two of the most famous would be Captain Kirk on Startrek and father Ben on Bonanza. Christopher Plumber has always been associated with Stratford and TV. Remember Lloyd Herron or Charlie Farquarson from Hee Haw.
Be sure to look at the pictures I have added.
