Canada Day at UW includes The Guys

(News Release)

University of Waterloo students celebrate Canada Day with local community

WATERLOO, Ont. (Tuesday, June 28, 2011) - The University of Waterloo and its Federation of Students will hold one of the largest Canada Day celebrations in Ontario this week, presenting live music, children's events and fireworks.

Organizers expect more than 60,000 local residents will join the university community to celebrate Canada's 144th birthday on Friday, July 1, at the Columbia Lake fields, along Columbia Street West. The student-led event, now in its 27th year, offers a wide range of fun activities for all ages and diverse musical entertainment.

It's The Guys from Kitchener

"Waterloo students are giving back to the local community by celebrating Canada's birthday with friends and families," said Lisa Willan, Canada Day event manager. "This celebration is only possible with the tremendous dedication of student volunteers, who have been working extremely hard to provide an entertaining day for our local friends and families."

The public is welcome to attend Canada Day events, which begin at 2 p.m. and continue throughout the day, wrapping up at 11 p.m. with the grand finale of fireworks. Official opening ceremonies take place at 6 p.m., complete with a birthday party and free cupcakes for the community.

The Canada Day event offers a long list of free activities and events planned for the family. Most children's activities run from 2 to 8 p.m.

The Canada Day event will also feature live music throughout the day and evening.

Golden-voiced Pat Robitaille, headline performer, will play the main stage at 9:15 p.m. Secret Broadcast, a Calgary rock band, perform at 8:15 p.m., while The Guys, a dance-rock band, appear at 7:15 p.m. Waterloo's Scotty James, a singer/songwriter, performs at 6:15 p.m.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Rare Piece of Canadian Music Memorabilia to be Auctioned Off for Charity

Stompin’ Tom to offer legendary Stompin’ Board at Canada Day concert

Peterborough, ON (Sunday, June 26, 2011) - Canada’s iconic troubadour – Stompin’ Tom Connors, has agreed to allow his famous Stompin’ Board be auctioned off to assist the Orillia and Area’s, “Key Program.”  Despite his 45 years in the music business, this auction will mark only the fifth time that the legendary boards have been available to Canadian fans. 

Following his Canada Day (July 1^st), performance at Casino Rama, the beloved entertainer, who has just celebrated his 75^th birthday and has had his own postage stamp released, will hand over his most famous stage accessory, his Stompin’ Board.

One-Tank Trip for June 25/26-2011 - African Penguins back at Toronto Zoo

   A dozen endangered African penguins have a new home at the Toronto Zoo.

   (c) By Jim Fox

   Some new feathered friends from Africa have found a way to stay cool this summer at the Toronto Zoo.

   After an 18-year absence, African penguins are back as zoo visitors are being entertained by these 12 playful critters.

   They’re housed in the new Endangered African Penguin Exhibit while also joining the lineup are bonnethead sharks at Stingray Bay and Splash Island waterpark is open daily from this weekend.

Critters take over festivals in Tillsonburg, Thamesford and Woodstock

Lauren Green is shown at the Springbank Snow Countess statue in Woodstock. (Photo by Ruth Ann Rule - Tourism Oxford)

   One-Tank Trip for June 18/11

   (c) By Jim Fox

   Oxford County is coming out of its shell, going to the dogs and “moo-ving” ahead with upcoming critter festivals.

   A new event is Tillsonburg's Turtlefest while some 1,000 dachshunds will be in Thamesford for Wienerfest and Cowapolooza 10 will rock Woodstock this summer.

Turtles are lining up on a log in the sun for the first Turtlefest in Tillsonburg. (Photo by Cathy Bingham, Tourism Oxford)

   Turtlefest finally arrives

   Tillsonburg's founder George Tillson would be proud to know about Turtlefest and how his town is doing these days.

An Opening Night for the Ages
Aretha Franklin, Dave Brubeck, a King St. Party & much more!

 

Toronto - The TD Toronto Jazz Festival will be descending upon the Entertainment District for an opening night like this city has never seen. Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin will kick off the Festival's 25th year with a FREE concert at Metro Square, Friday, June 24, 9:30pm, presented by OLG.

STARWOOD FUELS SUMMER TRAVEL, OFFERING $40 GAS CARD

FOR EVERY TWO-NIGHT STAY AT ALOFT, ELEMENT, OR FOUR POINTS BY SHERATON

As Gas Prices Climb, Starwood Helps Travellers Fight Back,

Making Stays At Aloft, Element, and Four Points Even Better Value

http://www.starwoodhotels.com/gas

White Plains, NY, June 14, 2010 – With no relief in sight at the pump, Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:  HOT) is fueling travel with a special offer that makes three of its most popular brands an even hotter value this summer.

Starting today, two-night stays at Starwood’s Specialty Select brands, including Aloft, Element, and Four Points by Sheraton hotels in the USA and Canada, will earn a $40 gas card redeemable at thousands of filling stations nationwide.  

Colombian Colours – II Diaspora Festival July 15-17

Colores de Colombia – II Festival de la Diaspora

Celebrating the cultural expressions and ethnic diversity of Colombian culture!

TORONTO, ON (Wednesday, June 15, 2011) –– Harbourfront Centre, along with its lead summer partner The Toronto Port Authority, and festival partners Pacific Rubiales, Scotiabank, AviancaTaca and Caracol T.V., are proud to present the return of Colombian Colours – II Diaspora Festival. From July 15 to 17, audiences from the GTA and beyond are invited to celebrate this vibrant culture with international and local performances in music, theatre, film, dance and more.  This festival is co-produced by the Casa Cultural Colombiana and Tridha Arts Association.

National Canoe Day Is June 25th-26th - Come Join The Party In Peterborough!    

 

When: Saturday June 25, 11am - 2pm

Where: Beavermead Park, Picnic Pavilion

Admission: FREE

When: Sunday June 26, Noon- 5PM

Where: The Canadian Canoe Museum - Open House

Admission: FREE

Westin Trillium House is offering some "sunsational savings" paired with Blue Mountain’s Apple Pie Trail

SAVOUR THE LOCAL TASTES AND SAVE ON BLUE MOUNTAIN’S APPLE PIE TRAIL

Blue Mountains, ON, June 15 2011- Ontario’s Apple Country invites visitors to experience and enjoy locally-grown foods, adventures and scenic views. Open year round, Blue Mountain’s Apple Pie Trail  features new stops and adventures offering guests a variety of homegrown fun. The Westin Trillium House at Blue Mountain and its Sunsational Savings package makes the trip even sweeter by offering its guests four nights for the price of three.

CN Tower Celebrates 35 Years of Innovation

Toronto, Ontario, Canada (June 2011)   Canadian icon, Toronto landmark, engineering wonder…on June 26, 2011 the CN Tower will mark the 35^th year since it opened to the public in 1976.  To celebrate this milestone, a number of admission discount offers and events have been planned from June 26-July 1, 2011 during the Tower’s birthday week leading up to Canada Day. Up to the minute event details will be available on the CN Tower’s website cntower.ca.

Canada is on sale at Starwood Hotels & Resorts

CANADA DAY SALE AT PARTICIPATING

SHERATON, WESTIN, FOUR POINTS BY SHERATON,

LE MERIDIEN, W AND ALOFT HOTELS

Book by midnight on July 1^st for up to 30% off your
summer getaway in Canada

TORONTO, June 17, 2011 — The Canada Day Sale is back for another year! Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Canada is offering fabulous rates at 53 participating Westin, Sheraton, Four Points by Sheraton, W, Aloft and Le Méridien hotels across Canada. This is a limited time offer allowing travellers to enjoy great savings for summer stays.

Shrine Circus is coming to town

   One-Tank Trip column for June 11/12

The “ponderous performing pachyderms” with Tarzan Zerbini will perform at the Shrine Circus.

(c) By Jim Fox

   Ladies and gentlemen, children of all ages, the big show is about to begin.

   Be dazzled by the biggest, most spectacular and amazing acts yet to be seen under the big top.

   Yes, the circus is coming to town so come on out and clown around and be mesmerized by these amazing feats of daring.

   The annual Shrine Circus brings with it a cast of acrobats, aerial artists, animal trainers, clowns, the bellowing and entertaining ringmaster and other performers.

Fairmont Royal York "goes out on a limb" with the Urban Forest getaway package

(News Release)

TORONTO, June 9, 2011—Backed by poplar demand, Toronto’s Fairmont Royal York hotel sets root with its sister properties around the globe, in tribute to UNESCO’S 2011 International Year of Forests designation. The hotel now offers an overnight stay paired with a walking tour of neighbouring urban trees with expert arborist, Kent Nielsen. Rates begin at $259 CAD and travellers may leave for the URBAN FOREST any Friday or Saturday, now through to December 30, 2011.

Celebrate paddling on National Canoe Day

(News Release)

See Canada by canoe, it's a natural thing to do

Toronto, June 6, 2011 - Canadians from coast to coast are invited to participate in the fourth annual National Canoe Day on or around June 26, 2011. Veteran paddlers and those new to canoeing alike can join in the festivities by hosting a community event, a backyard 'Canoebeque' with friends and neighbours, or simply going for a paddle. 

"Experiencing Canada by canoe allows you to see this country and the great outdoors in a way that you might not otherwise," said James Raffan, Executive Director of the Canadian Canoe Museum, "National Canoe Day encourages everyone from the paddlesports community and beyond to keep this part of our national heritage alive for future generations."

First Wine Bluff event to be held in Toronto on June 23 to aid environment

(News Release)

TORONTO, ON, June 9, 2011 - Environmental Defence Canada is pleased to announce it's first inaugural event Wine Bluff on June 23. This exciting and full-bodied event will provide a unique experience for over 400 guests at the Fermenting Cellar located in the Distillery District. Environmental Defence aims to be Canada's leading force for changing how the country's outlook on a greener lifestyle.

Sainte-Marie celebrates Aboriginal heritage

(News Release)

Sainte-Marie among the Hurons will celebrate Aboriginal Heritage on National Aboriginal Day Tuesday June 21 and during the site’s Aboriginal Festival June 25-26.

Aboriginal singers and drummers perform at the Aboriginal Festival at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons.

National Aboriginal Day June 21 is a time for all Canadians to celebrate the cultures and contributions to Canada of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.  On this special day Sainte-Marie will feature The Red Spirit Drum and Dance Group bringing youth from Ojibway, Cree, Mic Mac, Mohawk, and Dakota Nations to share their colourful presentation with visitors.  The Métis Nation of Ontario will present a display of items showcasing the varied and interesting aspects of Métis culture.  Also included in the event will be children’s heritage crafts, waterway and lacrosse demonstrations, and Aboriginal crafters. Over 2,000 school children are currently booked to attend the June 21 event at Sainte-Marie. 

Antarctic Penguin, new ice-cream sensation

Ice cream and summer in the city in Ontario - what a great combination.

Indulge Ice Cream - Home

www.indulgeicecream.ca

Indulge opened its first Cambridge location during the spring of 2004. The “word-of-mouth” buzz spread quickly and has lead to the continued support of an ever-increasing customer base. It’s that support that has allowed for the opening of multiple locations within the city.

Chef Michael Smith to attend the Great Local Food Chef-Off to determine whose cuisine reigns supreme in aid of the Sunrise Therapeutic Riding & Learning Centre

   One-Tank Trip

   (c) By Jim Fox

Adam, five, of Kitchener is riding Petey at the Sunrise Therapeutic Riding & Learning Centre. (Jim Fox photo)

   Culinary masters are sharpening their knives ready to battle it out in a Chef-Off presided over by celebrity TV chef Michael Smith.

   The Great Local Food Chef-Off on June 26 in Puslinch Township, south of Guelph, could be termed a “galloping gourmet” event given that it’s being held at a therapeutic horse-riding centre.

   Smith, known for his Food Network shows, is travelling from his home in Prince Edward Island to take part in this local cooking throw down to see which area chef’s cuisine will reign supreme.

   Sunrise Therapeutic Riding & Learning Centre is hosting this first-time event featuring “a feast of local ingredients prepared by renowned local chefs in a friendly, yet competitive Chef-Off,” said Lynne O’Brien, operations and volunteer manager.

   Money raised will support the programs including summer camps and equine care at Sunrise.

   It was founded in 1982 by Ann Caine to provide therapy, recreation, sport and life-skills training for children and adults with special needs.

   Therapeutic riding greatly enriches the lives of young people and adults with both physical and developmental needs, empowering them to achieve new goals, she said.

Stratford joins with St. Marys and Shakespeare - even Punkydoodles Corners - for the Spring Heritage Festival, June 3 to 5

One-Tank Trip for May 28/11

   There’s lots of shopping along Ontario Street in Stratford's designated heritage district

   (c) By Jim Fox

   Stratford and two nearby communities that are bursting with history and interesting things to see and do roll out a Spring Heritage Festival next weekend (June 3 to 5).

   Shakespeare and St. Marys join with Stratford to show off their rich heritage that takes centre stage during the festival.

   “Stratford’s heritage district, filled with some of the best 19th-century homes, churches, commercial and civic buildings in Canada, offers the ideal setting for a weekend of exploring, learning and strolling,” said Cathy Rehberg of the Stratford Tourism Alliance.