Welcome to Oakville Art Society’s Art in the Park

46th Annual Art in the Park at Coronation Park, Oakville

Monday, August 1 - Civic holiday

This year only, our 46th annual Art in the Park show will return to its roots at Coronation Park our original site from 1966 until 1996. 

Coronation Park lies to the east of Bronte still on Lakeshore Rd. less than a 5 min. drive. This larger park has more parking and is the site of many annual music concerts and theatre productions. It is a family oriented park with play areas for children and other features.

It's History Weekend at Presqu’ile Provincial Park near Brighton

(News Release)

Presqu’ile Provincial Park, home of the Presqu’ile Lighthouse, a historic landmark for Brighton and Northumberland County, is ready to celebrate History Weekend: July 29^th-31^st.

Before becoming a Provincial Park in 1956, the Presqu’ile peninsula was used by many different groups of people – soldiers during the War of 1812, rumrunners during prohibition, pioneers, ship builders, pirates and cottagers.  It was even destined to become an important city in Upper Canada before the sinking of the schooner “Speedy”.  Now you can relive Presqu’ile’s storied past by participating in the many fun events offered throughout History Weekend.

Peak to Shore Music Festival ready to roll with headliner Sarah Harmer

Event date: August 12-14, 2011

BLUE MOUNTAINS, ON, July 25, 2011  - The Blue Mountain Village, in partnership with the charming town of Thornbury is excited to have Sarah Harmer top the bill at the Third Annual Peak to Shore Music Festival which runs events stage in the centre of the Blue Mountain Village.  

Recently designated as one of the 2011Top 100 Ontario Festivals, Peak to Shore will once again feature a dazzling array of Canada’s finest independent recording artists. With the help of new Artistic Director Drew McIvor, the festival is boasting a hot line up from pop and rock to funk and soul, blues and bluegrass to comedy and folk.  “The key to a great event is amazing talent and lots of variety”, explains McIvor. “We’ve got boat loads of both this year!”

Autopalooza events a tribute to the "Motor City"

   One-Tank Trip for July 23-24/11

   (c) By Jim Fox

   It's all about fins, grills, air scoops, hood ornaments, smokin' and moanin’ pipes, chrome, horsepower, more tailfins, sometimes squealing tires, speed and all things big.

   They call it “Autopalooza” and it’s a fitting tribute to what has driven the “Motor City” for all these years: the automobile.

   A field of dreams: classic and collectible cars at the prestigious Concours d'Elegance of America held in suburban Detroit. (Jim Fox photo)

   They’re simply car crazy in Detroit, the city that put the world on wheels with its legacy of museums, auto baron homes, car shows and cruises.

   “Autopalooza makes summer in The D a paradise for car-lovers,” Renee Monforton of the Detroit Metro Convention and Visitors Bureau said, adding: “Visitors can truly experience the area’s rich automotive heritage in a variety of ways.”

Travel tips on crossing the Canadian border upon returning from vacation this summer

Montreal, Quebec, July 19, 2011 – The summer holiday season is upon us, and many Canadians will likely be travelling abroad over the coming weeks. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is making every effort to minimize border wait times during this peak period; travellers can facilitate their re-entry into Canada by keeping the following five tips in mind. 

Fortune Cooking Food Festival at Harbourfront Centre, Aug. 12-14

A tasty exploration of Pan-Asian cuisine and its influence across the globe

TORONTO, ON (July 19, 2011) - Harbourfront Centre, along with its lead summer partner, the Toronto Port Authority, presents the first of two food-focused festivals as part of the Hot Spot Summer festival and events season. The second annual Fortune Cooking Food Festival (Aug. 12-14) is a delicious exploration of Pan-Asian cuisine and its influence on food trends around the world.

Foodies can feast at Fortune Cooking! Scrumptious food demonstrations from some of Toronto's best Pan-Asian chefs include a Korean Barbecue Taco demo with Korean-Japanese food guru Sang Kim alongside Chef Jose Hadad of Frida Restaurant and Wine Bar; and a fast-paced teppanyaki-style dining experience with Chef Michael Tan of Fairmont Royal York's Benihana Japanese Steakhouse. Chef Sasi Meechai-Lim of Mengrai Thai Restaurant will also be on-site to defend her 2010 title at the second annual Longo's Iron Chef Competition!

Toronto gourmands looking for a hands-on Pan-Asian dining experience can enter Harbourfront Centre's Cooking Dinner with a Chef online contest. The public can enter online at harbourfrontcentre.com. On Aug. 5, three lucky families will be chosen to participate in an interactive food demo with one of our Fortune Cooking chefs at the festival.

Family summer escapes with the Westin Harbour Castle in Toronto

Love Your Family this summer with special getaway to Toronto or
exclusive Centreville Island family offer this summer

July 19, 2011 - The summer is a time for families to relax, recharge and reconnect with special holiday moments spent together. The Westin Harbour Castle is celebrating families this summer with a family fun package in downtown Toronto.

The Love Your Family package includes overnight accommodation for a family of four in a traditional guest room featuring the refreshing Westin Heavenly® Bed. Families will enjoy buffet breakfast for two adults and two children in The Mizzen Restaurant located off the lobby, as well as complimentary valet parking. 

Jesus Christ Superstar extended by one week

 July 21, 2011…The Stratford Shakespeare Festival is delighted to announce the extension of its production of Jesus Christ Superstar, helmed by Artistic Director Des McAnuff. The Festival has added eight performances between November 1 and 6, extending the 2011 season by one week.

“It’s a testament to the work that we do and the talent we’ve assembled that this production has received such positive response,” says Mr. McAnuff. “And it’s extremely gratifying to have praise come from the highest quarters with lyricist Tim Rice and composer Andrew Lloyd Webber attending the show and offering their support. We’re very pleased to be able to give people additional opportunities to see this production at the end of our season.”

On the road with Parkbus, Leacock fest, Wasaga battle, summer in the city and with the arts

   One-Tank Trip for July 16/17 2011

   (c) By Jim Fox

   We’re all over the map again with tips on trips close to home.

   Beep, beep on the road again

   Parkbus is rolling through summer with expanded road trips that allow campers, hikers and outdoor adventurers to leave the car behind.

   This non-profit initiative offers express bus service to Algonquin Provincial Park from Toronto weekly through Sept. 5 “as a sustainable alternative to car travel,” said Boris Issaev, project manager.

   Funded in part by the Ontario government, the program is “creating a model that aims to connect urban residents with parks across the province,” he added.

Create a Chardonnay experience at Niagara's International Cool Climate celebration

(News Release)

Niagara’s much anticipated summer wine festival, The International Cool Climate Chardonnay Celebration, has announced exciting changes to the event program and format that will allow more wine lovers to enjoy the first internationally-oriented wine event to take place in wine country.

The event is re-launching its planned schedule to give guests an opportunity to explore more wineries and to
create their own Chardonnay experience. The same dates, July 22nd to 24th, and original wine line-up will
remain, with the addition of more winery venues and the opportunity for guests to choose their itinerary and the number of events that they attend.

Elm Hurst Inn & Spa introduces Tuesday Speakers Series for Seniors:

Summertime and the learnin’ is easy!
“Interesting People & Their Passions”
Tuesdays, 1:30 – 2:30 pm

(Ingersoll, Ontario) Area seniors (55+) with an appetite for learning are invited to attend a series of post-lunch summer talks at Ingersoll’s Elm Hurst Inn & Spa.

The free Tuesday speakers’ series will take place at Elm Hurst from 1:30 – 2:30, following the popular Tuesday Seniors’ Lunch Buffet.

It Could Only Be Magic: Barry Manilow to Perform at Caesars Windsor August 28

(News Release)

Windsor, ON – Caesars Windsor welcomes celebrated singer, songwriter, producer and composer, Barry Manilow live on the Colosseum stage on Sunday, August 28 at 8 pm. Having sold over 80 million albums worldwide, the Grammy Award winner and Las Vegas legend will be thrilling audiences with his classics such as “Copacabana”, “Could it Be Magic” and “Mandy”. Don’t miss your chance to see this incredible talent live for one night only! Tickets are on sale, starting at $65 Canadian.

Wasaga under Siege – “A War of 1812 Experience” from July 22 to 24

(News Release)

Nancy Island Historic Site, Wasaga Beach, Ontario, Canada

The British will battle the Americans in a War of 1812 re-enactment in Wasaga Beach and on Nancy Island Historic Site

July 22nd, 23rd, 24th/2011

Lt. Miller Worsley of the British Royal Navy was in a tight situation and he knew it. From his position at the mouth of the Nottawasaga River looking out onto Georgian Bay, he could see the sails of three warships approaching. They were not flying the British Union Jack, but the Stars and Stripes of the infant republic to the south. It was August 13th, 1814 and Great Britain had been at war with the United States for two years.
From the narrow strip of land on which Worsley lay, the Nottawasaga River curved behind him running almost parallel to the lakeshore for about four miles, a piece of waterfront, which to future generations would become a popular tourist destination.

Leacock Summer Festival starts July 19 in Mariposa (Orillia)

(News Release)

Where Authors and Readers Meet Stories and Storytellers

Summer and Stephen Leacock just naturally go together.

And nothing says summer more than Orillia’s annual salute to readers, authors and their books, the Leacock Summer Festival.

“There’s always been a major summer event marking Stephen Leacock, his literary accomplishments and his close association with his beloved Mariposa,” said Leacock Museum curator and festival producer Fred Addis.

“We are very fortunate to be able to make the link between Leacock, the historical figure, and some of the brightest and best Canadian authors today.”

The Leacock Summer Festival opens next Tuesday afternoon with Tea With Lloyd. Well-known Orillian Lloyd Dennis has compiled a collection of his popular children’s column Acorn Alley Tales which appeared in the Toronto Telegram in the late 1950’s. Lloyd will be signing copies of the recently published volume from General Store Publishing House at an afternoon tea and reception. 

 Set in his historic estate on picturesque Old Brewery Bay in Mariposa (Orillia), the Leacock Summer Festival is a tribute to literary accomplishments. (Photo by Jim Fox)

Choose your own adventure this summer with the Sheraton Centre Toronto

July 6, 2011 – This summer the Sheraton Centre Toronto invites visitors to choose their own adventure in the city! The hotel is offering a package that lets guests take control and choose how they want to spend their holiday by visiting the best sites and attractions around the city!

When booking the Toronto Adventures package, guests receive a voucher that entitles them to choose any three (3) city adventures from the following choices:

·                  Tour of the Air Canada Centre

·                  Admission to the CN Tower

·                  Boat Tour of the Toronto Harbour

·                  Admission to Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)

·                  Pass to the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO)

·                  Admission to the Hockey Hall of Fame

Canada Parks Day showcasing all that's good in the great outdoors is July 16

(News Release) July 8, 2011

Parks across Canada - Canada’s Parks Day, an annual celebration showcasing the nature and history of the country, will take place nationwide on Saturday, July 16th.

The theme for this 22nd Parks Day is Canada’s Parks ~ Real Nature, Real History, Real Experiences that reminds us of the natural beauty and educational experiences awaiting visitors in parks, as well as the sense of history found in many parks and our historic sites.

Step away from your computers, televisions and smart phones for a day and come out, explore and enjoy all that Canadian national parks, national historic sites, provincial, territorial and municipal parks have to offer on this special day dedicated to celebrating our nation’s parks.

Tie-tapping, hand-clapping and down-home fun at the Walters Dinner Theatre

   One-Tank Trip published July 9-10, 2011

   (c) By Jim Fox

   Yee haw, they’re having a hoedown down on the farm.

The Walters Dinner Theatre is in a converted barn on the family farm in Bright, between Woodstock and Kitchener, off Highway 401. (Barb Fox photo)

   There’s lots of toe-tapping, hand-clapping and down-home fun at the Walters Dinner Theatre on the family homestead in Bright, between Woodstock and Kitchener.

   So, forget about that long trip to Branson, Missouri and let that Ozarks’ style of country music theatre entertainment come to you.

Members of the Walters family entertain in their converted barn with county music and family humour. From left, Shirley, Darren, Kimberly and Brad. (Jim Fox photo)

   The talented Walters Family Band entertains with a blend of humour and country music enjoyed by audiences around the world and more recently at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, the one-time home of the Grand Ole Opry.

The Moody Blues at The Colosseum

on September 25

For immediate release: July 6, 2011

Windsor, ON – Caesars Windsor proudly presents the English rock band, The Moody Blues, live on the Colosseum stage on Sunday, September 25 at 8 pm. Having sold over 70 million albums worldwide, they’ll be entertaining audiences with their incredible musical fusion of rock and orchestral sounds as they play some of their greatest hits including; “Nights in White Satin”, “Tuesday Afternoon” and “Question”. Tickets go on sale on Saturday, July 16 starting at $35 Canadian.

Blondie tickets go on sale on Friday, July 8 at 12 pm

Fiddling around in Shelburne Aug. 3 to 7

News Release  

Fiddlers Compete in Shelburne for 61st Time

For Immediate Release

The 61st Canadian Open Old Time Fiddle Championship takes place August 3 to 7 in Shelburne, Ontario. Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Shelburne, the event features Canada’s top fiddlers in competition for more than $17,000 in prizes!

Besides championship fiddlers, this year’s event will include a concert by Louis Schryer, stepdancing, jam sessions, parade, beer garden, Battle of the Bands, pork BBQ, non-denominational church service, Bon Jovi tribute band, Trooper with The Eagles tribute band, open air market, lots of entertainment and food at the Legion, camping and much more!

Oxford Summer Arts Festival Art Show and Sale on July 24 at Elm Hurst Inn & Spa

(News Release)

Woodstock, ON – This summer Oxford Creative Connections is hosting the “Oxford Summer Arts Festival” featuring contemporary fine art, music and literature at the Elm Hurst Inn & Spa in Ingersoll. This event is free to the public and takes place on Sunday, July 24th, 2011 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Enjoy live music as you wander among the artists on the beautiful grounds of the Elm Hurst Inn.

Many Canadians are making a run to the U.S. border to Great Lakes Crossing in Michigan

   (c) By Jim Fox

   AUBURN HILLS, Mich. - When Great Lakes Crossing opened in 1998 in suburban Detroit, the shopping centre was a trendsetter.

   And, it's still on the leading edge with an innovative design and concept that blend values with entertainment.

Great Lakes Crossing, a 160-outlet shopping centre in Michigan, is adding new stores in a makeover that will attract many Canadian shoppers. (Jim Fox photo)

   Mall owner, Taubman Centers Inc., soon realized the outlet prices and amenities were a big draw for Canadians who make a run for the border for a shop 'til they drop and fun getaway.

   Now, 12 years later we found it's getting a makeover with new stores launching on the past Canadian Thanksgiving weekend.

   "Great Lakes Crossing has become a most-popular destination for Canadians and at times make up to 40 per cent of our visitors," said Karen Mac Donald, Taubman's communications director.

48 Hours in "The D"

    One-Tank Trip column

   (c) By Jim Fox

   It's "not your father's Oldsmobile" any longer or just the "Motor City" as the revitalized Metro Detroit has much to offer visitors.

The Detroit RiverWalk is a new promenade along the Detroit River linking parks, parks, restaurants, retail shops and includes a carousel at Rivard Plaza

   Getting our motor running, we headed out on the highway (401) to "rediscover the D," as they like to call it these days.

   Once you run out of highway in Canada at Windsor, head north -- that's right, north -- to the "D" through the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel or across the Ambassador Bridge.

   The "D" represents "cars, culture, gaming, music and sports," a winning combination for tourists.

   "We want people to rediscover Detroit and especially those gems that keep visitors coming back and back," said Renee Monforton of the Detroit Metro Convention and Visitors Bureau.

   Cars drive the Motor City: The grill from a 1933 Lincoln Phaeton at the Concours d'Elegance. (Photo by Jim Fox)

   It had been a few years since we explored some of these "gems," so we buckled up and headed to "Destination D." www.visitdetroit.com

Good summer things happening in Ontario

   One-Tank Trips travel column for July 2-3/2011

   (c) By Jim Fox

   With so many great things to see and do, terrific weather and the high price for gasoline, this could be the summer of the “stay-cation.”

   Explore your own backyard or “be a tour guide in your home province and invite friends and family for a visit,” suggests Ontario Tourism.

   “With many exciting options to choose from, residents and visitors alike can enjoy the province’s natural beauty, outdoor adventures, unique festivals and events, wine and culinary experiences, cosmopolitan cities, and cultural and heritage attractions,” said publicist Luanne Walker.

   The tourism promoters have prepared a “wish list for your kids,” and another for getaway packages.

Everyone loves Marineland and the dolphins put on quite a show.

Parkbus Introduces Express Bus Service to Algonquin Park
Go camping without a car this summer

TORONTO. June 21, 2011. Tickets are now on sale for Parkbus, a new non-profit initiative introducing express bus service from Toronto to Algonquin Provincial Park on summer weekends. As a sustainable alternative to car travel, it is set to help over one million GTA residents without a vehicle to visit Ontario's most popular outdoor destination. The program is creating a model that aims to connect urban residents with parks across the province.

VIA Bike Trains return for the summer with more departures, more destinations to explore

MONTREAL – June 7, 2011 – VIA Rail Canada is pleased to announce that as in previous summers, its bike trains are back!  With more departures and more destinations to choose from there are thousands of kilometers of cycling paths waiting to be enjoyed.

From Toronto, Ottawa, Montréal, Quebec City, London, Windsor to Jonquière or Senneterre, VIA’s Bike trains make it a simple and worry-free travel experience. 

Tirgan Iranian Festival (July 21-24)
presented by Liberty Development

Experience Iranian culture through dance, theatre, film, visual arts and more

TORONTO, ON (Monday, June 27, 2011) - Harbourfront Centre, along with its lead summer partner The Toronto Port Authority, proudly presents Tirgan Iranian Festival, a multi-disciplinary artistic and cultural festival that focuses on Visions of Eternity, asking artists, writers, and poets all over the world, "What do you deem eternal?" In a country yearning for change such as Iran, artists and writers transform old beliefs, understandings and representations through their artistic and literary creations by continually challenging them.

FOUR POINTS BY SHERATON GATINEAU-OTTAWA

UNVEILS A REFRESHED LOOK

Fresh new look for the hotel and celebratory rates available this summer!

Gatineau, QC. (June 28, 2011) – The Four Points by Sheraton Hotel & Conference Centre Gatineau-Ottawa boasts a new look, after completing a multi-million dollar renovation. Managed by Atlific Hotels, the hotel has unveiled a new guest room design, a refreshed pool and fitness area, a revamped lobby with complimentary morning coffee service and L’Ardoise; the hotel’s innovative new open concept restaurant.

The redesign of the hotel includes a transformation of the hotel’s 201 guest rooms with a focus on guest comfort. Guest rooms now feature flat screen televisions and free Wi-Fi and wired high speed Internet. The new walk-in showers and increased desk space provide the perfect balance between work and relaxation. All rooms feature the signature Four Points by Sheraton Four Comfort Bed™ with a luxurious duvet.

THE FAIRMONT ROYAL YORK’S EXCLUSIVE 

MUCH MORE TORONTO EXPERIENCE

For Immediate Release:

Toronto, Ont., June 28, 2011– The Fairmont Royal York is sharing a luxury travel deal with guests seeking to discover or rediscover Toronto. The hotel has grouped a variety of value-added local attractions, dining experiences and touring activities under a Much More Toronto offer. Much More Toronto rates start at only $159 (CDN) and are available for booking now through to September 5, 2011.

Summer Theatre at Fanshawe Pioneer Village

The Miller and His Men, A Musical Melodrama by Isaac Pocock

Experience this recreated musical melodrama originally performed by the Officers of the Garrison in 1842, when London was a frontier town. An old miller's beautiful daughter is pursued by two suitors: one aging, but rich; another young but poor. To win her hand, the young man makes a secret pledge: to rid the land of the banditti, and restore the fortunes of the old miller. Little does he know but someone has darker plans for them all. Cheer the heroes! Boo the villains!

Shakespeare’s Will starts previews

Popular show has Seana McKenna revisit the role of Anne Hathaway

June 30, 2011…Seana McKenna plays Anne Hathaway in the one-woman show Shakespeare’s Will, an imaginative portrait of one of history’s most famous women. First staged at the Festival in 2007, this revival begins previews on Thursday, June 30, at the Studio Theatre.

Directed by Miles Potter, Shakespeare’s Will tells the enthralling life story of Shakespeare’s widow, as imagined by Canadian playwright Vern Thiessen.

Tom's stompin' board brings in $15,000 at Casino Rama on Canada Day

Rare Piece of Canadian Music Memorabilia goes to Toronto Man
Stompin’ Tom’s legendary Stompin’ Board raises $15,000 after Canada Day concert

The man who once knew what it was like to be in a sense homeless himself helped

those who are just that in the Orillia area last night.

Legendary Canadian performer Stompin' Tom Connors hands over his 
Stompin' Board to auction winner Rob Burgess, Toronto backstage at Casino Rama 
on Canada Day. Burgess won the Board in an auction that raised $15,000 for the 
Key Program in Orillia.

Canada’s iconic troubadour – Stompin’ Tom Connors, had generously donated

his most-famous stage accessory, his Stompin’ Board for auction

following his Canada Day concert at Casino Rama with the funds earmarked

to assist the Orillia and Areas, “Key Program”.