In 2008 Stone Fence Theatre presented a special new variety show that featured hilarious stories and songs as told by one of Killaloe’s most beloved residents. An Ottawa Valley Kitchen Party, featuring Tales of Benny Afelskie brought to the stage some very funny people, led by Stone Fence favourites John Haslam, Ambrose Mullin and Ken Ramsden telling stories that Bennie Afelskie has told us.
Helping them tell the stories were four members of one of the Valley’s leading musical families, the Helfertys of Douglas. Stephen played guitar, acted and sang. Catherine, Christine and Rachel sang, step-danced and acted. And backing them all up were some of the Valley’s favourite musicians. Carol Kennedy played keyboard and fiddle and acted. Ish Theilheimer – who created the show – sang, acted and played fiddle and other stringed instruments. Ken Ramsden acted, sang and played guitar and fiddle and a bit of everything.
Also that year, Stone Fence Theatre launched The Ottawa Valley Pageant, performed outdoors on Saturday afternoons, July 5 – August 16 at 1:30 p.m., right after the Farmer’s Market at Hoch Farm Park in Killaloe. This one-hour show was a real family affair, ideal for the whole family. The musical and dramatic show, directed and created by Barry Goldie, took the audience on a guided musical and historical tour of the Killaloe area.
The audience was led around the historic farm by none other than J.R. Booth, the lumber baron who built the railway that put Killaloe on the map. This trip back in time focused on Centennial year celebrations in charming Killaloe.