Media Advisory - Launch of Summer Activities at Rideau Hall: Inspection of the Ceremonial Guard and Storytime

OTTAWA, June 17, 2015 /CNW/ - His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, invites members of the public to join him for the annual Inspection of the Ceremonial Guard and the launch of Storytime, on the grounds of Rideau Hall, on Saturday, June 27, 2015, starting at 10 a.m.

See details of the events below. All activities are free of charge.

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ANNUAL INSPECTION OF THE CEREMONIAL GUARD
10 a.m.
Witness the pageantry, precision and colour of the Governor General's annual Inspection of the Ceremonial Guard, which includes members of regiments from across the country. 
OPEN TO MEDIA—The event will take place in front of the residence.

Relief of the Sentries
From June 28 to August 22, see the Relief of the Sentries on the grounds of Rideau Hall. In this much-loved ceremony, sentries are led by a piper to their posts at Sussex Gate and in front of the residence, every hour, on the hour, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

LAUNCH OF STORYTIME AT RIDEAU HALL
10:45 a.m.
The Governor General, along with a special guest from the Ceremonial Guard and volunteers from Frontier College, will launch Storytime at Rideau Hall. There will be stories and snacks as we kick off this annual outdoor family activity that celebrates reading and literacy.
OPEN TO MEDIA—The event will take place outside, near the residence.

Storytime at Rideau Hall
From June 27 to August 22, every Friday and Saturday 
1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Storytime is hosted in collaboration with Frontier College, a Canadian non-profit literacy organization. Volunteers invite visitors to settle in under the Reading Tent, near the Visitor Centre, to read books and participate in fun literacy activities.

VISIT THE RESIDENCE AND TOUR THE GROUNDS 
Daily, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
From June 27 to September 7, come take in the sights and explore everything Rideau Hall has to offer. Take a tour of the State rooms, where Canadians are honoured and dignitaries are welcomed. Pick up a self-guided tour brochure at either entrance (the Thomas Gate or the Mackay Gate). Stroll through the grounds of Rideau Hall at your leisure and explore the paths along the flowerbeds and gardens of this urban oasis. Bring a picnic and enjoy the play structure with your children.

TripAdvisor^® recently awarded Rideau Hall a 2015 Certificate of Excellence, which recognizes consistent hospitality excellence and outstanding traveller feedback‎, making it the perfect place for Canadians from coast to coast to coast to celebrate our country.

For more information about Rideau Hall's summer activities or guided tours, please call 613‑991‑4422 or 1-866-842-4422 (toll-free); write to [email protected] or visit our website at www.gg.ca/visitus.

Please note that Rideau Hall is a working residence; scheduling for all activities is subject to change without notice due to official events.

Media covering the annual Inspection of the Ceremonial Guard and the Storytime launch should arrive at the front facade of Rideau Hall no later than 9:45 a.m.

In the event of inclement weather, the decision to cancel the inspection will be made at 9:30 a.m. on the morning of the event. The Storytime launch will be relocated indoors.

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SOURCE Government House

Media information: Dominique Collin, Rideau Hall Press Office, 613-993-2569, [email protected]