In 1929 the “Social”, now referred to as the “Douro Doings” or “The Doings”, all began with Fr. Michael J. McGuire, who was the Parish Priest at the time. About 40 turkeys would be roasted by local ladies, salads prepped, potatoes boiled - imagine the work without electric stoves.
The event was held on the church grounds, where there is now a parking lot. Believe it or not back in the day these grounds were lush grass, and a multitude of beautiful trees. Changes were made over the years especially after the building of the Parish Hall in 1955, the meal for this event was eventually moved to the Parish Hall. Douro, being a farming community, the primary menu was changed over the years. The 6 mile road race was back then from Donwood to Douro. There was a long list of sporting events throughout the day, there was lots of entertainment, singing and dancing.
Back in the day, it was ham-turkey-salad supper served indoors. They found success in the highly efficient organization through all the planning and preparing a banquet like this required for almost 900 people. All the families played a part; fathers helped in various ways, mothers cooked, and teenagers served the meal. In 1967 the meal was convened by two ladies, they bought 26 turkeys and 50 hams. They cooked them in their family homes.
It is said that the Douro Suppers and Field Days as we know them began in 1929, and were held annually until 1954, until a lapse of three years, a native Priest who resurrected the ball rolling again by initiating the six mile race, and Douro Doings have continued to grow in popularity since then.
Field events were held in fields along what is now County Rd. 8. In the village there was a ball diamond with backstop, area for foot races, horse shoes toss, tug of war. The “Doings” were moved to Douro 2nd Line now know as the Ball Diamonds, and in 1974 they moved from the village to the 2nd Line. Then the 6 mile race ran from the Douro Park to just past the tiny village of Douro and then back down to Douro Park. All of these events are run by a multitude of volunteers. We are extremely fortunate to have so many special people always there to lend a hand.
Looking ahead to Covid times, we had a lapse of Douro Doings (for obvious reasons) so at the time we did a quilt show in our St. Josephs Church, draping hundreds of our personal quilts over the taped pews from the nave to the altar. Fantastic turnout, while everyone was masked up. But we made the best of the situation.
We have had visitors come from the prairies, the USA, across the pond. Over the years, the children delighted in Bossy Bingo, Frog Jump, & Tug of War. Thinking back the Tug of War saw great rivals, with a lead man, and his twelve rope pullers, each having to win this event, come hell or high water. The ropes they used were a special huge, thick low-stretch, 3 strand twisted rope, non–slip grip; typically 1 to 1.5 diameter, from 30 to 100 feet long.
Then time for the main course provided is about 400 lbs of roast beef. Today, with about 3,000 people attending over the weekend, there is baseball tournaments, a 10k run, a car show, children’s races, three legged race, contests and the ever popular Tug of War. Along with enjoying a great “home-cooked” meal, everyone looks forward to winning a handmade quilt at the BIG Douro Doings to sum up their Labour Day celebrations.
To make the homemade quilts, the tops are hand sewn by individuals or groups of people, and then we hand stitch or quilt them in the Parish Hall. This is a great time of fellowship, friendship; we share lots of laughs, and enjoy a meal at lunch. We start in October quilting every one to two weeks, and try to complete them all by late March.
Over the years there have been a few changes as well. We now serve roast beef rather than turkeys, mashed potatoes with gravy, salad, rolls, and a large selection of homemade pies.
We look very much forward to the continued success of our “Douro Doings” celebration in the tradition of this event in our community of nearly 100 years now.
This year’s event will take place on Monday September 7 at the Douro Park located at 205 Douro 2nd Line.
Events will include:
• 10 km run starting at 10 a.m.
• Kids races at noon followed by Tug of War showdown
• Weekend fastball and slow pitch
• Live entertainment
• Snack bar
• Car and truck show
• Roast beef dinner at St. Joseph’s Parish Hall from 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.
• Famous Quilt Raffle and draw, 8 p.m. at the Parish Hall
