A couple of Lambton County museums will be holding PA Day events on Friday but unlike like last year, residents will have to pay an admission fee.
The fee was waived at some sites last year for Lambton residents in celebration of the county's 175th anniversary.
"We definitely, towards the end of the year especially, saw some more attendance at the [Lambton Heritage Museum]," said Educational Program Coordinator Colleen Inglis. "I think also, coming out of COVID and having our Lambton gallery entirely redesigned, I think those were also a draw for people."
On January 31, the heritage museum will host a drop-in, snow-themed event between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Activities will include a snowflake scavenger hunt and a photo opportunity to have visitors' pictures placed inside a winter scene from a historic postcard.
If the snowy weather cooperates, there will be outdoor seasonal activities such as making snowmen and snowshoeing along the Woodland Heritage Trail.
Interpretive talks will also be held in the Lambton Gallery at 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m., and 2:30 p.m. to discuss the challenges and enjoyments of winter life in the past.
“This event is a chance for families to explore ways that people have travelled, experienced, and embraced winter throughout history. Some of these ways are very different from today, but others will be familiar to visitors,” said Inglis.
Meanwhile, the Oil Museum of Canada will hold electricity-themed activities between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Visitors will be able to create static electricity with balloons, make a battery from a potato, and solve an energy distribution maze. The museum said visitors can also try cranking a real generator to produce electricity.
“The Oil Museum of Canada is a great place to learn the science behind technologies we use every day,” said Educational Program Coordinator Christina Sydorko. “While our exhibits highlight oil history and the role of hydrocarbons and combustion in powering the world, Watts of Fun lets visitors dive into the science of electricity. It’s a hands-on way to see how it works and ties into the energy stories that shape our daily lives.”
Admission to either museum is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors (65+) and students, and $3 for children.
Those aged three and under are free.