ELORA – An Elora church’s remembrance art installation that saw thousands of knitted and crocheted poppies pour in from around the world is even larger this time around.
The Elora poppy project at St. John’s Anglican Church features handmade poppies stitched together to hang and cascade from the church, parishioner's office, the county museum, local library branch and shops.
It’s a collaborative piece as knitted and crocheted poppies come in from local people and around the world. Last year saw around 7,000 come in and this year they got about 3,000 from various regions in Ontario.
Rev. Canon Paul Walker of St. John’s said the poppy project is out in the community more this year as the township and more retailers are involved this year with requests for displays on lamp posts and storefronts.
“I think people recognized last year that this was a real draw that resonated with people and it was an engagement for people at a very heart level that meant something,” Walker said.
There’s an interactive element to the project this year too.
Walker explained there are poppies on the ends of garden stakes at the church which can be used as a memorial for any visitor with a relative who served in a war effort.
“You’re welcome to take one of these and place them in the lawn at the church,” Walker said.
Tours of the church related to the poppy project are available this year as well on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m for the next few weeks and on Remembrance Day.
This was offered last year but Walker admitted it was a struggle to keep up with the number of people who came by and the church is more prepared for an influx of visitors this year.
“It became a pilgrimage site in a way,” Walker said. “There’s something about this poppy display on a church bell tower, which is different from a poppy display on a civic building that causes people to pause and engage with something, perhaps even sacred for a moment.”
Walker noted there is also a memorial to the late Queen Elizabeth II. In the displays at the church are discrete limited edition poppies that are black with a red centre and a gold embroidered edge which are a tribute to the Queen.
The display can be seen at the church and around town until Nov. 14th.