By: David Fleischer

The Thornhill Village Festival celebrates our past, but right now organizers are thinking all about the present.

For the 32nd straight year, a parade and celebration of the area’s history takes over Yonge and Centre streets on the third Saturday in September. While a series of expanded events look towards the festival’s present and future, it almost didn’t happen at all this time.

Earlier this year, organizers considered whether they had the volunteers and sponsorship to put on the festival again.

“We’ve gone through a lot of trials and tribulations,” said organizer Robb Stitt.

He and a team of volunteers with the Society for the Preservation of Historic Thornhill stage the event each year.

The festival wasn’t even a go until the spring, and while not all of Mr. Stitt’s ambitious plans came to fruition, he is confident this year’s celebration will build upon what has come before.

The biggest change for those used to tradition is that the parade has been moved from noon to 11 a.m. It’s all part of making the day longer and filling it with more events, Mr. Stitt said.

He hoped there would be enough sponsors to do away with the festival’s admission charge, but that did not come to pass.

“It’s the only way we can run it to pay for basic costs,” Mr. Stitt said, listing police officers, permits and barriers as some of the many expenses going into the $60,000 festival.

Facing a similar fate were plans to stage a Friday night concert, by a name band, in Thornhill Park.

On the other hand, Mr. Stitt takes pride in the festival being bigger —in terms of geography and hours — than it ever has before.

Thornhill park, tucked away behind the heritage district, hosts a festival filled with local bands performing all day.

“We’re planning to run it until 7 p.m. and keep the music going,” Mr. Stitt said.

The park will also have a beer garden, run by operators of the Britannia Pub, and a barbecue by local landmark, Golden Star. Teens will hopefully enjoy the musical showcase and a karaoke venue in the park behind Trinity Church.

Other community groups are also involved, including the Thornhill Tennis Club, and the Bayview Watercolour Society who hold a juried art show in the Thoreau MacDonald House.

It is a new venture for the society, taking over the slot held in the past by Mr. MacDonald’s great-niece, Susan.

The show starts in advance of festival, with a public open house on Wednesday night from 7 to 8 p.m. After closing Thursday, the doors open again on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Despite the name, the watercolour society’s members will have everything from acrylics to mixed media works on display and members are excited about hanging their works in a building with such an artistic heritage.

“It’s very nice to know that (Group of Seven member) JEH MacDonald was the originator of the house and painted in there,” said founding member Sharon Levy.

“You kind of feel the walls might speak to you.”

Another historic venue opening its doors is the old Presbyterian Church, lovingly restored as a chapel.

Hollywood Costumes is offering a special deal whereby if you rent a heritage costume you receive free admission and a gift, if you present your receipt at the historical society’s booth.

Fans of the familiar can enjoy the perogies and music at St. Vlad’s church.

Performances include everything from military re-enactments to chainsaw juggling and a canine olympics.

Weather permitting, the Re/Max balloon takes to the skies.

Students looking to pick up some volunteer hours are still needed to help out as well.

The festival takes place on Sat., Sept, 20. The parade kicks off events at 11 a.m. To volunteer, or to learn more you can visit www.thornhillhistoric.org/festival