One-Tank Trip for
April/14
(c) By Jim Fox
A sure sign of
spring is the march of the swans and geese to the Avon River in Stratford.
The gaggle of geese
and majestic swans has had to wait an extra week for their spring outing due to
the ice-clogged river.
Organizers have
moved the celebrations to April 12 and 13 instead of the tradition of the first
weekend in April.
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| A sure sign of spring in Stratford is the musical march of the swans and geese to the Avon River. (Stratford Tourism Alliance.) |
“The swans need
open water on the river before they can be released – and it wouldn’t be a
proper spring celebration without the swan parade,” said Cathy Rehberg of the Stratford
Tourism Alliance.
Shake a tail feather
Crowds will gather
on April 13 at 2 p.m. to watch the flat-footed critters waddle their way from
their winter quarters at the Allman Memorial Arena at Morenz Drive and Lakeside.
Led by the Stratford
Police Pipes and Drums, the parade will consist of 26 white mute swans and two
Chinese geese who usually lead the pack.
It’s said to be “all
the music, drama and celebration that is Stratford,” with Sunday activities from
noon to 3 p.m. along Lakeside Drive.
There will be Freddy
Fusion Science and Magic show, a puppet show, music, chainsaw carving, Bogle
the Clown, Playmakers! Theatre School street performers, face painting, swan
hats and crafts.
 |
| Visitors to the swan parade in Stratford like to get into the spirit of the musical march. (Stratford Tourism Alliance) |
Street food trucks will
offer tasty treats along with a charity barbecue and complimentary Tim Horton’s
coffee and Timbits.
There will be a dance
performance by Onstage Dance Studio, face painting and swan crafts by Kids Play
Perth.
A swan photography
exhibit by Vlodek Tydor will “offer a charming view of nature” and a chance to
meet the artist.
Also planned is a swan
tribute unveiling at 1:40 p.m. to honor the late mayor Ted Blowes and Robert
Miller who was “keeper of the swans” for almost 50 years, for their dedication
and community leadership.
Free parking is available in the Stratford
Festival parking lot, at the corner of Lakeside Drive and Queen Street, and
along Lakeside Drive east of Front Street.
Events begin on
Saturday with the unveiling of a floral display of swans in the heritage
downtown.
Guided swan walks
to learn about the graceful and feisty feathered ambassadors, view them in
their winter quarters and visit popular nesting spots are offered both days for
$7 a person.
There will be free
horse-drawn carriage rides courtesy of downtown businesses both days.
The Swan Quest
search for 12 decorated topiary swans downtown invites shoppers to nominate their
favourite for a chance to win a $100 shopping spree.
Pose for photos
with BJ, the swan mascot, while author Tara Trachsel Green will read Sammy the
Swan’s Summer Adventure. Details: visitstratford.ca/swans;
1-800-561-7926
Fuel and fun
Spring has arrived
in Explorers' Edge, the “naturally adventurous” region of Algonquin Park, the
Almaguin Highlands, Muskoka and Parry Sound, says Kate Monk, communications manager.
She invites
visitors to book the Fuel & Fun Package at the “most-welcoming time of the
year, with more selection, off-peak rates, no bugs and everyone in a super mood
because the long winter is finally over.”
Travellers who book
two consecutive nights at participating accommodations before April 19 for a
stay between April 20 and June 23 can register for a $50 gas card and $50 in
cash vouchers to spend at participating attractions, restaurants and shops, she
said. explorersedge.ca/fuelandfun;
(705) 646-7673
Ahh, the spa
After a winter
that’s been tough on the skin, relief is available from the Shizen Spas at
Skyline Hotels & Resorts, says public relations manager Katie Thomas.
Escape to the
Shizen Spa in the Cosmopolitan Hotel in Toronto for the Thai Herbal Massage
featuring sea salt and lavender with original Thai massage techniques. Treatments
start at $135 for a 75-minute massage.
 |
| A rejuvenating escape to the Shizen Spa after a long winter. (Skyline Hotels & Resorts) |
The Shizen Spa at
the Pantages Hotel Toronto offers the Shizen Body Wrap to detoxify and hydrate,
with treatments from $115 for 60 minutes.
Get away from it all at the Deerhurst Resort
in Huntsville and Horseshoe Resort in Barrie with the Spa Your Way package.
It includes
one-night accommodation for two and a $100 Shizen Spa credit from $199 at
Deerhurst and $279 at Horseshoe nightly. skylinehotelsandresorts.com;
1-888-496-3986
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Jim Fox can be reached at onetanktrips@hotmail.com
For more One-Tank Trips: http://1tanktrips.blogspot.ca
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