The lineups may not have been visible from outer space, but they were certainly noticeable from across the street, and bordering on out of this world in some locales.
Pleasant conditions brought large numbers out for Doors Open Guelph on Saturday. The doors of several architecturally significant venues were flung open.
The Frank Hasenfratz Centre of Excellence in Manufacturing on Woodlawn Road, and the RWDI Consulting Engineers and Scientists location on Southgate Drive represented the more industrial venues on the tour.
Slideshows of the Guelph Arts Council event venues can be seen at www.doorsopenontario.on.ca/guelph.
There were two churches, a mansion, the near-mansion historically connected to the mansion, a downtown architectural anomaly getting an overhaul, a hotel pub, and a former auto repair shop turned art space on the tour. Most venues were within walking distance of each other.
The Ker Cavan mansion is set well back off the street, the way old world mansions tended to be. The queue for a peek inside the regal structure extended to the curb.
Basilica of Our Lady and St.George's Anglican appeared to have more visitors on Saturday than on the average Sunday.
An old Canadian Pacific Railroad wooden caboose was the only mobile stop on the tour, although it remained stationary throughout the day. The Guelph Historical Railway Association parked red caboose on the rails out behind the River Run Centre.
And the Petrie Building, that architecturally anomaly with its stamped, galvanized metal façade, drew a great crowd along Wyndham Street. All were curious for a glimpse inside a building that has long been in a state of deterioration, and is now being rejuvenated.
While the doors to all locations were open to visitors, some did not allow photography inside.
