The hamlet of Norval has much to look forward to this fall.
Between September and December, a whole host of events will delight locals, visitors and lovers of literature in honour of Lucy Maud Montgomery.
The last day of November marks the 150th anniversary of the birth of the Anne of Green Gables author.
Here's what Norval has in store For the Love of Maud.
Doors Open in Norval
Anyone who wants to get an up close and personal look at Norval’s historic trove need only wait until Sept. 29, during Culture Days.
Starting at 10 a.m., the doors will open for Maud-related venues of St. Paul's Anglican Church, The Norval Studios and Gallery (Parish Hall) and the Caretaker’s Cottage – on 404 Draper St., next door to the Manse where the author lived.
Find my Fictional Maud: A Conversation with Melanie J. Fishbane
Melanie J. Fishbane, author of the book Maud: A Novel Inspired by the Life of LM Montgomery, will walk in the footsteps of her muse on Oct. 19. She will discuss her writing process and, naturally, Maud herself. The author will open the floor to questions and a book signing.
Free-will offerings will be accepted to support the Lucy Maud Montgomery Literary Centre. The event starts at 2 p.m. at the Norval Studios and Gallery (16 Adamson St.).
The Kitchen of LM Montgomery
Hot on the heels of Fishbane is John Ota, author of the book The Kitchen. He will also be taking questions and signing books on Nov. 23, starting at 2 p.m inside the Parish Hall.
His book is a sort of history of kitchens, where he explores the cooking spaces and dining rooms of famous historical figures, including Maud's living spaces.
Donations from this event will also fund the Lucy Maud Montgomery Museum and Literary Centre.
Montgomery Christmas Sale
The big day arrives Nov. 30 - what would've been Maud’s 150th birthday. The Norval community invites everyone to celebrate by attending the Montgomery Christmas Sale. In honour of the occasion, writer Janet Wilson will be doing a signing at St. Paul’s Anglican Church of her book Maud of Anne of Green Gables, released this year.
Two church bazaars at St. Paul’s Anglican Church and Brampton’s nearby St. Elias The Prophet Ukranian Church (10193 Heritage Rd.) will provide plenty of Christmas shopping. The two houses of worship will welcome people between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Nov. 30.
The Norval Studios will be open on two days, Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, for some shopping fun as well between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Old-Time Carol Singing
And so the Christmas season will begin in Norval at 7 p.m. on Dec. 14 with some singing at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, with refreshments at the Norval Studios and Gallery.
Admission is free, but attendees are asked to bring food bank donations.
