Hamilton Chapter Summer Picnic and Hike at Princess Point
About this Event
Join the Hamilton Chapter of the Ontario Archaeological Society for a relaxing picnic, a scenic hike, and a variety of hands-on and educational activities.
Spend a fun-filled summer day outdoors with fellow archaeology enthusiasts, nature lovers, friends, and family at beautiful Princess Point!
Throughout the day, you'll have the opportunity to:
- Enjoy a traditional Indigenous drumming, singing, and dancing presentation by Franklyn McNaughton's Drum, Singing and Dancing Group.
- Explore the archaeology and history of Princess Point through a guided walk.
- Try your hand at flintknapping with guidance from experienced knappers, including Hamilton Chapter President Cole Thistle-Hill and OAS Executive Director Sean Doyle. A limited supply of materials will be available for participants.
- Meet fellow members, connect with new people, and enjoy a community potluck in a beautiful outdoor setting.
Bring your favourite picnic snacks, comfortable walking shoes, and your curiosity. Whether you're a long-time OAS member or simply interested in archaeology and the outdoors, everyone is welcome!
Come celebrate summer, learn something new, and enjoy a wonderful day together at one of Hamilton's most significant archaeological landscapes.
Cost: Free of charge. However, we encourage those who are able to make a donation to the Hamilton OAS (suggested amount: $10–$20) to help our Chapter cover the venue booking costs while fairly supporting the workshop facilitators and materials.
Tickets: Please feel free to invite friends and family. There is no need to be an OAS member to attend—just be sure to register each planned attendee.
Potluck: We ask that attendees bring a potluck dish to share. Please be mindful of common allergens and dietary restrictions, and be prepared to indicate whether your dish contains meat, gluten, dairy, nuts, eggs, or soy. Labels will be provided on the day of the event. Please note that there will be no access to electricity or refrigeration, and open fires and BBQs are not permitted.
Agenda
🕑: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Chapter Executive and Dance Team arrive for setup of tables, tents, and event
🕑: 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Welcome and Opening in a Good Way
Info: Members arrive, check in, and settle in. Opening ceremony featuring a welcome and thanksgiving address, followed by a traditional Indigenous drumming, singing, and dancing performance by Franklyn McNaughton's Drum, Singing and Dancing Group.
🕑: 12:30 PM - 01:30 PM
Community Picnic and Social
Info: Enjoy food and refreshments, sample a variety of homemade dishes, and connect with fellow members. The Chapter Executive will be happy to share chapter updates, discuss future ideas, and hear your suggestions and feedback. Please Note: Princess Point includes both open meadow areas undergoing ecological restoration and forested trails, so insects—including ticks—are to be expected. We recommend wearing appropriate clothing, using insect repellent, and checking for ticks after your visit.
Portable washrooms will be available in the parking lot. There is no running water or drinking fountain on site, but the Chapter will provide plenty of drinking water throughout the event.
🕑: 01:30 PM - 02:00 PM
Princess Point Walking Tour Option
Info: While the flintknapping team prepares the workshop area, participants are welcome to explore Princess Point on a short guided hike and enjoy the natural and archaeological landscape.
🕑: 02:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Flintknapping Workshop & Closing in a Good Way
Info: Materials will be provided for participants (Limited). Our facilitators follow established health and safety protocols, and anyone wishing to participate in the hands-on workshop will be required to sign a waiver acknowledging that they have been informed of the potential risks and provide their consent before the workshop begins.
If you prefer not to participate in the hands-on activity, you are welcome to observe the demonstration and learn from the facilitators without taking part in the knapping.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
CAD 0.00 to CAD 22.90
