Ermatinger-Clergue National Historic Site is preparing to allow 10-person COVID-19 'bubble' groups to gather this fall around their choice of an outdoor fire pit with Adirondack chairs or the indoor hearth in its summer kitchen.
"People can book in a 'bubble' of friends or family," Kathy Fisher, curator of the city-owned site, tells SooToday.
"We're going to serve harvest foods from our garden: soups and snacks. We're licensed so we will have a cash bar available."
"It's going to be sweater weather. People can come and have some hearty food, socialize and still feel safe."
Early details of the new initiative were disclosed at a meeting of the city's historic sites board on Wednesday.
Pricing for the bubble events will be determined by the end of this week.
Fall dates will be available starting Wednesday, Sept. 23, Fisher said, to coincide with the beginning of the annual Fall Rendezvous event, which this year will be largely virtual.
The Ermatinger-Clergue site is planning to add more fire pits on its front lawn facing Queen Street.
The Ontario government defines a bubble as a family or social circle of no more than 10 people who are permitted to interact among themselves without physical distancing.
"Think of your social circle as the people you can hug and touch, or those who can become part of your daily and weekly routines." says the province's website.
For more information about the new 'bubble' events, please call the historic site at 705-759-5443.
