SELKIRK—Cottonwood Mansion held the first in a series of evening holiday tours on Friday, November 18, 2022. The event is called Cottonwood by Candlelight and is a guided holiday tour through the mansion. Attendees can expect to discover how a Victorian Christmas may have been enjoyed and see the 19th century mansion lit up for Christmas. Those that attended the first tour on Friday showed great interest and involvement, asking many questions about how the family living in the house may have lived. When asked about the turnout, Andrew Spearin, one of the trustees who was there to assist with the night, exclaimed, “It’s really inspiring that the community is so supportive.” Iona Whatford, Museum Manager, is shown above in period clothing for the event, which was her first Christmas Tour in the mansion. “I love talking about Victorian Christmas,” she said. “It’s really special.” The guided tours will run every Friday from now until Christmas. December 2, 9, and 23 are by purchased tickets for $15, and November 25 and December 16 are by donation of a new child’s toy. “We’re really hoping to give back to the community,” said Whatford. Tickets for both are available online. —Haldimand Press photo by Charlene McKellar.
