They could’ve just opened the doors.

But instead, the volunteers at Roselawn Centre made sure every inch of the Fielden Ave. facility was alive with activity when visitors stepped inside.

The Doors Open Niagara event, held Saturday and Sunday, was a chance to show the community the potential found within the many rooms of the landmark building.

And that was an opportunity organizers, including Friends of Roselawn, Port Colborne High School and the City of Port Colborne, weren’t about to squander.

They ensured every room of the historic site held a new surprise, with live music, art displays, dancers and theatrical performances found around various corners.

More than 100 Port High students performed, volunteered and served up tea and freshly-baked scones to the many visitors who strolled through the doors. Guests were also treated to performances by the Port Colborne Operatic Society.

The partnership for Doors Open allowed the Blue Bears to showcase their skills and connect with the community, said arts and culture department head Amy Converset, who helped to organize the event.

Introducing the younger generation to the 150-year-old facility is key to its survival, said Friends of Roselawn member Nancy Misener, who was thrilled with the partnership with the local high school.

She was also excited by the steady flow of visitors from all ages and all walks of life who wandered through the building this weekend.

It showed, she said, the significant progress that has been made in the year since the facility was facing potential closure.

City community services manager Harry Hakim said activity at the centre is up 70% over last year. Bookings are already being made well into 2014, a trend Hakim hopes to see continue.

Roselawn Centre, along with the Fort Erie LaFrance Association Museum, were the only south Niagara facilities to participate in this year’s Doors Open Niagara tour.

Maryanne.firth@sunmedia.ca

Twitter: @mfirthTribune