Caesars Windsor unveils $1,000,000 giveaway in the biggest promotion in 20 Years

(News Release)

Windsor, ON - Caesars Windsor has unveiled their biggest promotion ever in the casino’s 20-year history – the Million Dollar Giveaway Guaranteed*, every Saturday this August.

It’s the only casino promotion of its kind in the area, and according to Mary Riley, Caesars Windsor’s Vice President of Marketing, the key word in the promotion is ‘guaranteed’.

“Not only is the size of the total cash prizes extraordinary, the emphasis on ‘guaranteed’ is important to our guests. By 10 pm on August 30, the night of the last draw, we will have given away every last dollar of the $1,000,000 prize purse. Every dollar will be won,” she explained.

August events at McDougall Cottage in Cambridge, Ontario

(News Release)

CAMBRIDGE, Ontario -- On Thursday, August 7, join host, fiddler Gwen Potter and her musical guests for a casual evening concert of traditional music and song paired with some great Scottish hospitality. If the weather is fair, we’ll head to the garden. As usual McDougall Cottage’s monthly Kitchen Ceilidh begins at 7 p.m. and donations are always appreciated. 

On Sunday, August 10 join artist and jewellery maker, Marilyn Gardiner, for a fun and inspiring afternoon workshop. Create a beautiful and distinctive gift for you or for a friend when Marilyn shares her passion and teaches us how to create unique Celtic Star chainmail jewellery. Various metals are available, from silver filled to coloured bronze and beginners are welcome. The workshop runs from 1-4 p.m. and the cost is $20/person plus kit fee ($16-$56, depending on metal selected). Don’t miss out!  Space is limited, so call the Cottage by August 6 to register.

Wasaga under Siege 2014 & the 200th commemoration of Battle of Nottawasaga Bay and the sinking of HMS Nancy

(News Release)

WASAGA BEACH, Ontario --To date we have over 400 re-enactors and participants registered www.wasagaundersiege1812.com (for all the details).

Everything is in place and the activities/events we are planning for the 12^th annual Wasaga under Siege taking place from August 14^th – 17^th (2014) at Nancy Island Historic Site in Wasaga Beach, Ontario, Canada will be the best one yet.  Not only we will be celebrating the 12^th annual Wasaga under Siege event but we will also be commemorating the 200^th anniversary of the Battle of Nottawasaga Bay and the sinking and destruction of HMS Nancy. 

Nancy Island Historic Site Grand Encampment 

Thursday, Aug 14^th – 10:00am to 6:00pm

Friday, Aug 15th - 10:00am to 9:00pm
Saturday, Aug 16th - 10:00am to 9:00pm
Sunday, Aug 17th - 10:00am to 4:00pm

Admission - $5.00 per adult & 12 years and under -Free

The Grand Encampment at Nancy Island Historic Site will feature over 500 re-enactors opening their living history encampments to the public along with 19th century merchants, musket and cannon demonstrations, period artisans & demonstrators, entertainers, music and much more.

Geraint Wyn Davies and Yanna McIntosh heat up the Stratford stage in Gary Griffin’s Antony and Cleopatra

July 31, 2014… With a string of hit musicals to his credit at Stratford, including 42^nd Street, Camelot, Evita and West Side Story, director Gary Griffin returns to the classics in his fifth Festival season with Shakespeare’s Antony and Cleopatra.

Starring Geraint Wyn Davies and Yanna McIntosh, the tragic drama begins previews on Sunday, August 3, at Stratford’s Tom Patterson Theatre. The production officially opens on Thursday, August 14.

 

Photo: Don Dixon; Digital Artist Krista Dodson

“Antony and Cleopatra has always fascinated me – in part because it’s a challenging play to categorize,” says Mr. Griffin, who is also Associate Artistic Director of the Chicago Shakespeare Theater. “It’s so many things: it’s history and it’s comedy and it’s tragedy and it’s romantic.

“I’m drawn to plays about the controllable and the uncontrollable. Antony and Cleopatra explores that dichotomy. It’s about duality and the struggle to embrace it. It’s about struggling with your whole self when the world is demanding that you be just one part of yourself. We’ve tried to approach the play in a spirit of humility and simplicity, allowing us to recognize ourselves as we newly discover this great story.”

Produced only four other times in the Festival’s history, the play follows the relationship of Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt, and Mark Antony, who, having defeated Brutus and Cassius, the assassins of Julius Caesar, is now one of three rulers of the Roman Republic.

Fanshawe Frolic presents the “Changing Times” Ball from First World War era

(News Release)

July 29, 2014 London Ontario –  Step back in time to dance of WWI at the annual Fanshawe Frolic dance event to be held on Civic Holiday weekend, August 2 and 3^rd, 2014. 

Fanshawe Frolic presents…The “CHANGING TIMES” Ball: Dance from 1900 – 1914

Saturday August 2 & Sunday, August 3

The whole Village is coming to the Ball!

Join us as we host our annual Fanshawe Frolic dance weekend on Saturday, August 2 and Sunday, August 3.  This year’s special theme is “Changing Times”, focusing on the dances and music from 1900 to 1914…the period immediately after the Victorian era and leading up to World War I.

On Saturday, come to pre-ball lessons to learn the social dances of the turn of the century/ragtime eras with Dance Mistress and Historian, Mme Cathy Stephens. Enjoy a country supper in the evening, followed by the period ball with live music provided by Childgrove of Ann Arbor, Michigan.

The cultural legacy of the Caribbean comes to Harbourfront Centre’s Island Soul festival – August 1 to 4

(News Release)

Make your summer experience complete by connecting with the Caribbean in the heart of Toronto’s waterfront

TORONTO, ON – The wildly popular Island Soul festival returns to Harbourfront Centre August 1 to 4 (2014) for its annual four-day celebration of Caribbean music, dance, film, art, games and more. Visitors are invited to explore island traditions and celebrate the continuance of Caribbean soul from one generation to the next.

Island Soul offers a diverse, multidisciplinary programme informed by the stories that have sustained and inspired generations of communities who call these island nations home.

The festival features diverse artistic expressions, independent voices and thinkers who have created a rich legacy and who continue to influence island culture today. Revelers of all ages can enjoy the rich artistic and cultural offerings of countries and communities of the Caribbean islands, including the widely-anticipated performance by Edwin Yearwood and Krosfyah.

Island Soul also features top Canadian and international calypso, reggae and soca musicians including Marcia Griffiths, Joy Lapps, and Calypso Stars. On Sunday August 3, Festival Kompa Zouk Ontario returns to Island Soul, celebrating the diversity of the Creole cultures of the Caribbean; and on Monday August 4 festival patrons celebrate the cultural heritage of Tobago, supported by the Tobago Tourism and Transportation.

The Toronto Zoo has big plans for events all through the August long weekend

Toronto Zoo Weekly Feature - Thursday, 2014-07-30

 

Grab your troop and head to the wildest summer adventure in Toronto! Drop by and see our two adorable giant pandas-Er Shun and Da Mao, the only pair of giant pandas in Canada! Enjoy some close up and personal encounters in the Kids Zoo, be sure to take in our daily Animal Shows and Keeper Talks and so much more this long weekend! If the summer heat is too "un-bearable" why not visit our splash island! Best of all, they are all FREE with Zoo admission!

 

 40 Days of 40 Animals Countdown for 40th Anniversary

 

The Toronto Zoo is celebrating 40 Days of 40 Animals leading up to its 40th anniversary on August 15, 2014. As part of the anniversary celebrations, the Toronto Zoo is highlighting 40 unique species and to demonstrate how the Zoo is contributing to their survival. Each day, one of our animals will receive a special enrichment item or feeding.

 

When the Toronto Zoo first opened its doors in 1974 it was hailed as one of the most forward thinking and innovative zoos in the world.  The Toronto Zoo was the first zoo in Canada to hire a full-time Nutritionist and is the only zoo in Canada with a full-time Reproductive Physiologist. Today the Toronto Zoo remains a leader in conservation and education and works with many partners in Canada and around the globe to further advance species survival and regeneration.

CHECK OUT OUR FEATURED ANIMALS FOR THIS WEEK:

Fallsview Indoor Waterpark honoured with second TripAdvisor award

(News Release)

 

Niagara Falls, Canada – Fallsview Indoor Waterpark has once again been named a winner of the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice® Attractions award.  This marks the second consecutive year that the 3 acre Waterpark has been at the top of its category:  Amusement Parks & Waterparks in Canada.

 

The Travellers’ Choice Attractions awards honour top attractions worldwide based on millions of reviews and opinions from TripAdvisor travellers. 

“We were thrilled to win the award last year, and now are extremely proud to have repeated.  Our goal is to provide our guests with exceptional experiences and this award comes as a result” says Sarah Vazquez, Vice President Marketing for Falls Avenue Resort

Located directly across from the Falls, and in the heart of the tourist district, the Fallsview Indoor Waterpark sits six storeys above Falls Avenue.   The Waterpark features 16 slides (up to six storeys high), a giant wave pool, a massive Beach House Rain Fortress with 1000 Gallon Tipping Bucket, Tiny Tots play area, adult only Jacuzzi tubs, Planet Hollywood Beach Club, year-round outdoor activity pool and sundeck.

Artist Sue Goossens to appear at Oakville Art in the Park

"Watercolours are a means of creative expression.

 Everything starts with my camera - capturing the composition.

 I enjoy the process of observing my surroundings and interpreting them on a blank piece of watercolour paper."

~   Join me at the 49th annual Oakville Art in the Park on Monday Aug. 4th ~2014

This is a fantastic show, with originals only. See me at Booth #16

Pet-friendly Ontario Parks let campers take along the whole family

Ontario Parks photo

Looking for a place to camp with your dog this summer? Try Ontario Parks.

 

While all of Ontario's provincial parks are pet-friendly, some offer more than others when it comes to camping with your pet. Almost 30 Ontario Parks have a designated pet exercise area, a pet beach or both.

 

Every provincial park requires pet owners to follow a basic set of guidelines. A dog must be kept on a leash not exceeding two metres in length. Owners must ensure their pets don't make excessive noise or disturb others.

 

Dogs are not allowed in park buildings, including roofed accommodation, or on main beach areas and they must not chase or harass wildlife.

History Weekend set for Aug. 1 to 3 at Presqu'ile Provincial Park

BRIGHTON, Ont. --Presqu’ile Provincial Park, home of the Presqu’ile Lighthouse, a historic landmark for Brighton and Northumberland County, is ready to celebrate History Weekend on August 1st, 2nd & 3rd (2014)


“Before becoming a Provincial Park in 1956, the Presqu’ile peninsula was used by many different groups of people”, says Park Naturalist David Bree. “Soldiers during the War of 1812, rumrunners during prohibition, pioneers, ship builders, pirates, hotel guests and cottagers were all here at one time or other”.

Bree goes on to say. “Presqu’ile was even destined to become an important city in Upper Canada before the sinking of the schooner Speedy. This weekend is a chance for our visitors to have some fun and relive Presqu’ile’s storied past by participating in the many events offered throughout History Weekend.”

Rant Maggie Rant joins world-class acts at 2014 Goderich Celtic Roots Festival

Rant Maggie Rant (from left) Barry James Payne, Lindsay Schindler and Glen Dias.

Musical acts as far afield as Ireland, Scotland and the United Kingdom

Stratford, ON (July 28, 2014) – The award-winning, high-energy, Celtic fusion ensemble Rant Maggie Rant is delighted to be performing for the first time at the 2014 Goderich Celtic Roots Festival, one of Canada’s premier Celtic festivals. Now in its 22nd year, the festival takes place August 8-10, 2014 at Lion’s Harbour Park at Port of Goderich, a community steeped in historic charm and natural beauty on the shore of Lake Huron.

On August 8 at 6:45 pm, Rant Maggie Rant will take to Main Stage I to deliver a set of their signature sound, along with an evening line-up that also includes Grainne Hambly and William Jackson (Ireland/Scotland), PEI’s Teresa Doyle, Nova Scotia’s Andrea Beaton, followed by Quebec’s Raz de Maree, The Kruger Brothers (U.S.A) and capped off by Liz Carroll (U.S.A.).

On August 9, Rant Maggie Rant kicks off the afternoon line-up of talent at 12:00 pm on Main Stage II, followed by Nova Scotia’s Cassie & Maggie MacDonald, Quebec’s Raz de Maree, Liz Carroll (U.S.A.), Nua who hail from Toronto, as well as Nova Scotia’s Andrea Beaton, The Kruger Brothers (U.S.A) and Joy Dunlop (Scotland).

Budweiser Clydesdales legendary team, hitch, handlers and Dalmatian come outdoors to Seneca Allegany Casino & Hotel in Salamanca, N.Y

SALAMANCA, N.Y. – To celebrate their 81st anniversary, the iconic Budweiser Clydesdales will visit Seneca Allegany Casino & Hotel in Salamanca, N.Y. on Wednesday, Aug. 6.

The eight-horse hitch team’s upcoming visit is one of numerous appearances it will make throughout North America in 2014, and the horses never fail to draw a crowd wherever they go. And, there is much more than just meets the eye, as an exceptional level of care and a proud heritage are inextricably bound to each of the magnificent creatures.

On April 7, 1933, August A. Busch, Jr. and Adolphus Busch III surprised their father, August A. Busch, Sr., with the gift of a Budweiser Clydesdale hitch to commemorate the repeal of Prohibition. At the time, the horses were a relatively new breed, as farmers living in the 19th century along the banks of the River Clyde in Scotland bred the forerunner of the Clydesdale, called the Great Flemish Horse. Today, a team of dedicated handlers work to ensure the well-being and quality of care provided to the Budweiser Clydesdales.

Sailing, sailing on the Great Lakes

   Out to Sea for July 26-14

   (c) By Jim and Barb Fox

   There’s a new luxury cruise ship plying the cool waters of the Great Lakes and Georgian Bay this summer.

   Cruises on the Pearl Mist set sail from Toronto and Chicago and go where the bigger cruise ships can’t reach.

   It follows a route through four of the Great Lakes – Ontario, Erie, Huron and Michigan – and adds Georgian Bay to the mix.

The new Pearl Mist is sailing on the Great Lakes and Georgian Bay this summer.

   The 10-and 11-day cruises feature “luxurious” staterooms with private balconies, “exquisite” cuisine, lectures from onboard historians and a free cocktail hour before dinner.

   Sailings are from this month through September with limited space available but bookings are open for next summer, said cruise line publicist Britt Rabinovici.

World premiere: English-language version of Christina, The Girl King begins previews at the Stratford Festival

Jenny Young. Photography by Don Dixon; Digital Artist: Krista Dodson.

July 25, 2014… The Stratford Festival is delighted to present Linda Gaboriau’s remarkable new translation of Michel Marc Bouchard’s Christina, The Girl King.

Written by one of Quebec’s most celebrated playwrights, and directed by Vanessa Porteous, Artistic Director of Alberta Theatre Projects, the play makes its English language première at Stratford’s Studio Theatre. Previews begin on Tuesday, July 29, and the production officially opens on Thursday, August 14.

Commissioned as a translation by the Festival in 2010, the play tells the story of Sweden’s Queen Christina, an extraordinarily modern character who was born just 10 years after Shakespeare’s death.

Cute alert: Two bison calves born at the Toronto Zoo

Toronto, Ontario:  Two bison calves, were successfully born through artificial insemination on July 2, 2014 and July 5, 2014. It has been determined by Zookeepers that both calves are female. This is the fourth consecutive year that the Toronto Zoo has had wood bison calves born through artificial insemination, as part of an ongoing research program with our collaborators at the University of Saskatchewan and Parks Canada. “Reproductive technologies, such as artificial insemination, are important tools for improving the genetic management of small populations,” says Dr. Gabriela Mastromonaco, Curator of Reproductive Programs and Research, Toronto Zoo.

Harbourfront Centre brings the heat with the Hot & Spicy Food Festival (August 15 to 17)

(News Release)

TORONTO, ON – Hot & Spicy Food Festival, the steamiest festival at Harbourfront Centre, returns August 15–17 (2014) with fiery food, hot beats and a smorgasbord of workshops, spicy samplings and interactive experiences.

The 17th installment of the Hot & Spicy Food Festival dips into food and culture rooted in the past, and explores how it’s evolved in present-day kitchens. From the modest chili comes an evolution of sensations from chefs whose backgrounds span the globe, from Mexico, the Philippines, India and beyond.

Visitors will have the opportunity to create their own Spice Route Passport, enjoy the melodic offerings of Lindy Vopnfjörd and Jimmie’s Habanero, and find out what it takes to be an Iron Chef in the International Iron Chef Competition.

Downtown Orillia Beatles Celebration and Street Festival coming up

Ringo Starr appeared recently at Casino Rama (Jim Fox photo)

FESTIVAL PAIRS WITH DOWNTOWN ORILLIA SIDEWALK SALE

STARTS THIS FRIDAY AND RUNS UNTIL SATURDAY

For Immediate Release

DOWNTOWN ORILLIA - The Orillia Beatles Celebration is partnering with The Downtown Orillia Management Board and moving the annual event to the weekend of July 25 & 26 to coincide with the summer sidewalk sale. Now in its eighth year, this festival will focus on the British Invasion.

"You can expect magnificent Beatles tribute bands, as well as other great performances with some Brit-Rock flare," says Chairman of the Downtown Orillia Management Board, Ralph Cipolla. "The sidewalk sale will have huge summer discounts, British-themed vendors, collectible appraisers, a beer garden and a Main Stage with outstanding headlining acts."

"Go Resorting!" in Ontario

   One-Tank Trip for July 19/14

   (c) By Jim Fox

   With more than 100 resorts across Ontario, now’s the time to check in and check out some of them.

   Resorts of Ontario is an organization that’s been around since 1942 and its lodges, country inns, American Plan resort hotels and housekeeping cottage resorts offer four-season vacations.

   The resorts represent different experiences that can be matched to suit just what potential guests and families are seeking, said Grace Sammut, executive director.

  The Ridge Runner Mountain Coaster is new at Blue Mountain Resort in Collingwood.

    “Resorts of Ontario members offer a wealth of vacation experiences from golf, romance and culinary holidays to family getaways, spa excursions and adventure,” she said.

   The properties are located throughout Ontario from the wine country of Niagara to the Muskoka Region, Haliburton, Algonquin, the southwest and beyond.

   “Each resort offers a unique experience that will create a lasting memory, Sammut said.

   The resorts are diverse in size, style, price range, facilities and services offered.

Visit Detroit today: Summer in The D

2014 Summer Tip Sheet

Explore Detroit this summer and submerge yourself in the traditions that articulate America’s great comeback city. Detroit offers plenty of summer activities combining cars, culture, gaming, music and sports. Come out and spend a summer day in The D.
 

Roll up your sleeves and make something! Participate in the festival of invention and creativity, Maker Faire at The Henry Ford. Maker Faire is an award-winning event celebrating technology, education and sustainability in a family friendly environment. The event includes robotics, electronics, rockets, fashion, science, food and music. More than 400 makers are expected to participate July 26-27. Visit makerfairedetroit.com to purchase tickets and see the schedule of events.

View some of the world’s most notable classic cars at the Concours d’Elegance of America at St. John’s in Plymouth July 27. This world-class exhibition features rare cars from all different eras and is a sure hit for any auto enthusiast. The Inn at St. Johns hosts the event, which also includes an art gallery and lunch. Go to concoursusa.org for a complete schedule of events.

Learn, celebrate and participate in Arabic and Chaldean culture at the 43rd Annual Arab and Chaldean World Festival Aug. 2-3 at Hart Plaza. The largest Arab and Chaldean festival in North America features music, an art gallery, children’s fair and fashion show. Visit arabandchaldeanfestival.com for more information.

Stratford Festival extends 2014 season

Performances added for five productions

Artistic Director Antoni Cimolino and Executive Director Anita Gaffney are pleased to announce that the Stratford Festival is extending the 2014 season.

King Lear and Crazy for You will run for an extra week in October, and the three productions at the Tom Patterson Theatre, King John, Mother Courage and Her Children and Antony and Cleopatra, will run for an extra week in September.

“It is very rewarding to see such strong demand for our Shakespeare offerings, alongside the work of Brecht and the Gershwins,” says Mr. Cimolino: “proof that our audiences are actively seeking a full range of theatrical experiences.”

“The response to the 2014 season has been extraordinary. Sales for King Lear and Crazy for You have been through the roof since they opened to such enthusiastic reviews at the end of May,” says Ms Gaffney.

Run for your life at Bingemans in Kitchener

KITCHENER, Ont. – The zombies of Bingemans’ Running Dead will once again be stealing the souls of countless participants during the park’s third annual haunted run.

Taking place on Sept. 28^th, the interactive zombie obstacle course is a 3km run through the treacherous land of the undead. Runners must protect their soul flags from the hundreds of zombies scattered throughout the run.

“This is an experience that anyone can take part in – from beginners to experienced runners, we’ve designed the route to be enjoyable for everyone,” said Mark Bingeman, President of Bingemans.

Announcing the new HeadwatersHorseCountry.ca website

Press Release  - July 2014 

 

Headwaters Horse Country has a NEW website, HeadwatersHorseCountry.ca!

The Headwaters Equine Leadership Group is excited to announce the launch of the new HeadwatersHorseCountry.ca website.

With over 2,000 horse farms, 23,000 horses and 4 internationally recognized event facilities, it is no secret that the Headwaters region is the center of equine excellence in Ontario and HeadwatersHorseCountry.ca has been developed to support the love of everything equine in the Headwaters.

Visitors to the site can find Horse Country news, events, businesses and information all in one place. Whether they are looking to visit or relocate to Horse Country or browse through industry resources, they will find the information they need at HeadwatersHorseCountry.ca

Prud'homme Beer sommeliers join Toronto’s Festival of Beer

Quench your thirst for knowledge at the Brewmaster's Sessions on July 25-27

TORONTO, Ont. (July, 2014) – Toronto’s Festival of Beer returns for the 20^th year to Bandshell Park, Exhibition Place later this month with more beer, more fun and more seminars than ever before. 

This year the three-day Festival from July 25-27 is partnering with Prud'homme Beer Certification to offer beer enthusiasts the opportunity to learn more about the beverage they love.

The Brewmaster's Sessions at the Festival present a line-up of exciting and educational events and seminars that will be led by a group of Prud'homme Beer Sommeliers, who will bring their passion for all things beer to the stage.

Music festivals and more in Waterloo Region this summer

(News Release)

WATERLOO REGION, Ont. – With festivals featuring practically every genre of music, the Waterloo Region is bursting with dozens of live entertainment options this summer.

The Waterloo Region, located an hour west of Toronto, is quickly becoming known across the country for its live arts scene, specifically the many family friendly and free music festivals that have gained international recognition over the years.

“The Waterloo Region is a special place in Ontario where many different interests collide giving us a very wide selection of live entertainment options,” said Minto Schneider, General Manager of Waterloo Regional Tourism Marketing Corporation.

Thomas the Tank Engine chugs into St. Thomas, Ontario

   One-Tank Trip for July 12/14

   (c) By Jim Fox

   Clear the track, here comes Thomas the Tank Engine.

   The star of the children’s animated television series comes to life, chugging along the tracks in St. Thomas this month.

   Day Out with Thomas: The Thrill of the Ride Tour happens the weekends of July 18 to 20 and July 25 to 27 at the St. Thomas-Elgin Memorial Centre (80 Wilson Ave.).

  Wherever he goes, Thomas the Tank Engine attracts a crowd.

   For the first time, Thomas will “talk to his fans” as he pulls into the station.

   Children can hop aboard for a 25-minute ride and meet railway controller Sir Topham Hatt.

   There is also Thomas and Friends’ themed entertainment, story-telling, arts and crafts, inflatable bouncers, bubbles, a cool mist tent, hay bale maze and small animal petting farm.

Upcoming shows September to December 2014 at Toronto's Mirvish theatres

SHOW SYNOPSIS

JULIE MADLY DEEPLY
September 30 – October 19 (in rep with The Boy with tape on his face)
Panasonic Theatre
Starring Sarah-Louise Young
Musical director Michael Roulston
Directed by Russell Lucas
Adored by millions, Dame Julie Andrews is a genuine legend of showbiz around the globe. This charming and cheeky musical show features songs from The Sound Of Music, My Fair Lady, Mary Poppins, Victor/Victoria and many more. Julie’s incredible career is celebrated by a true super-fan: the award-winning singer, West End actress and international cabaret star Sarah-Louise Young, who has been named by Time Out as one of London’s Top Ten cabaret performers. The brilliant songs are linked by stories and anecdotes about Andrews’ own life, from her beginnings as a child star to the recent challenges of losing her famous singing voice. What emerges is a delightfully funny and candid love letter to a true show business survivor.

WICKED
September 3 – November 2, 2014
Ed Mirvish Theatre 
By Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman
Based on the novel by Gregory Maguire
Musical Staging by Wayne Cilento
Directed by Joe Mantello 
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND! Variety calls WICKED “a cultural phenomenon,” and it continues to break box office records across North America. Winner of over 50 major awards, including a Grammy® and three Tony® awards, WICKED is “Broadway’s biggest blockbuster” – The New York Times.  Long before that girl from Kansas arrives in Munchkinland, two girls meet in the Land of Oz. One—born with emerald green skin—is smart, fiery and misunderstood. The other is beautiful, ambitious and very popular. How these two grow to become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good makes for “the most complete—and completely satisfying—musical in a long time” – USA Today.

Toronto Zoo's new TundrAir ride is now open

As part of our 40th anniversary celebrations the Toronto Zoo is excited to introduce our NEW TundraAir Ride.

The Toronto Zoo’s NEW TundraAir Ride offers an exhilarating and memorable experience like no other! Visitors will get the chance to soar over the Zoo’s award winning Tundra Trek at a maximum speed of 48 kilometres per hour. The unique design accommodates one or two people in a seat and is the only cable ride in Ontario where you can ride forwards and backwards in tandem. This ride is one you'll want to experience over and over as it gives you a different view of the Tundra animals including Arctic wolves, polar bears and reindeer. Fun for all ages!

Summer Your Way with $100 spending credit at Huntsville's Deerhurst Resort

Call us Toll-Free at: 1-866-976-9788

Summer Your Way With $100 Spending Credit  From: $299*/night

Stay 2 Nights & Get A Bonus $100 Spending Credit Deerhurst's Summer Your Way Midweek Deal | Only Until August 28   Summer’s in full swing at Deerhurst Resort with a lake full of fun, trails beckoning for nature experiences, and adrenalin-charged adventures like ATV tours and Treetop Trekking.  Or if downtime is more your style, relax poolside, at the beach, the spa or on a summer patio. Whatever your style, from now through the end of August, make your escape midweek and get a $100 spending credit to enjoy your two-night stay to the fullest.  From dining to spa services, show tickets to golf rounds or adventures on land, water and in the trees, use your credit almost any way you please!*  Plus, an expanded Splash Zone and paddling boat fleet, hiking, tennis and beachfront fun are all included for everyone in your room with one nightly resort fee.

*Some conditions apply.

18 & Under Stay Free   Deerhurst makes budgeting family getaways easy with no charge for two children sharing their parents’ room. Plus, with Splash Zone and paddling fun now included with resort fee, your vacation dollar goes even farther!

Pony Up On Fun     At the Deerhurst Riding stables little ones can get up close and learn how to interact with furry barnyard friends via our popular Kids’n Ponies and Kids’n Critters programs. Reserve your pony play date and book online now!

See more Specials & Packages here >

If this offer was forwarded to you and you would like to begin receiving special offers and news from Skyline Hotels and Resorts in the future, please sign up with us here

Good eats: Savour Stratford Perth County Culinary Festival and Taste of Toronto

   One-Tank Trip for July 5/1

  (c) By Jim Fox

   Ah, summertime and the eating is easy.

   The culinary scene heats up this month with the Savour Stratford Perth County Culinary Festival celebrating Canadian cuisine.

   Kids can join the fun by munching on bugs – high in protein and low in fat.

   Then, Taste of Toronto, billed as “one of the world’s greatest restaurant festivals,” makes its North American debut.

Visitors to the Stratford culinary festival can sample food treats.

   Sip and savour

   Stratford’s culinary festival happens July 19 and 20 instead of in September as in the past.

   “Some of Canada’s most exciting chefs will join over 100 producers, vintners, craft brewers and culinary personalities to share their passion, knowledge and love of local food,” said Cathy Rehberg of the Stratford Tourism Alliance.

   Set in the garden district along the Avon River, visitors can savour Ontario food, wine and craft beers as well as meeting chefs and producers.

   The Grand Tasting is an elegant garden party, pairing 30 local chefs with producers to create an array of seasonal delicacies complemented by VQA wines and craft brews.

   Awards will be given to those judged the best along with the GE Cafe People’s Choice award as the Alysha Brilla Quartet entertains.

Canadian cuisine, fine wines and craft brews are highlighted at Savour Stratford Perth County Culinary Festival.

Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino to sponsor National Buffalo Wing Festival

Pre-sale under way; Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel additional location
for exclusive pre-sale tickets to Buffalo’s “hottest” festival in August

BUFFALO, N.Y. – Take one of the country’s most popular food festivals, add the support of one of the region’s hottest attractions, and you’ve got a recipe for an incredibly fun Labor Day weekend in downtown Buffalo.

Officials from Seneca Gaming Corporation and the National Buffalo Wing festival announced today that Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino has signed on as one of the co-sponsors for the National Buffalo Wing Festival, held August 30 and 31 at Coca-Cola Field in downtown Buffalo.

Now in its 13th year, the festival has grown into a signature tourism event for the region and a staple on the calendars of food enthusiasts from around the globe. Last year, the two-day event drew more than 80,000 attendees from all 50 states and 34 countries, and gained worldwide coverage. This year’s festival will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the “Buffalo wing.”

Celebrate 150 Years of Cheese in Oxford County

(News Release)

Woodstock, Ontario – Enjoy a tasty event celebrating the 150th anniversary of Upper Canada’s first cooperative cheese factory in Norwich, ON. Taste some of Oxford’s best cheeses at Norwich Nostalgia Days, July 5, 2014 at the Norwich & District Museum.

Oxford County cheese has achieved international acclaim both in the past and present day. In 1840 the first cheese factory in Upper Canada was built in Ingersoll Ontario. Upper Canada’s first co-operative cheese factory, called the Pioneer Cheese Factory, was erected by Harvey Farrington in 1864 in Norwich, ON.

One hundred and fifty years later Oxford County is known as the Dairy Capital of Canada and is home to a variety of cheese producers, each with their own style and unique flavours of cheese.

Zoo Camp and the Serengeti Bush Camp Overnight Experience at the Toronto Zoo

Attention All Campers and Zoo Lovers

Registration is now open!

Zoo Camp 2014 - Book Now!

Voted Best Day-Camp in Toronto Area (Toronto4Kids)

 Camp sessions weekly from June 30th to August 30th

Each week-long session runs Monday-Friday from 9:00 am until 3:30 pm

This summer is the perfect time to connect with nature at Zoo Camp, a unique opportunity to explore wildlife from around the world! A variety of themes are offered unique to the zoo setting, including baby animals, careers with wildlife, and more!

Zoo Camp is a wild week-long animal adventure where you will see and learn about hundreds of amazing animals and make lasting friendships with fellow animal lovers. Plus, meet our keepers and the staff that care for our animals and enjoy exclusive opportunities to go behind-the-scenes to have close encounters with the animals yourselves! 

Also you can join us for a WILD Night!

Serengeti Bush Camp Overnight Experience

 How will this overnight adventure unfold? Come to the Toronto Zoo's Serengeti Bush Camp to experience the wildlife of our African Savanna and Rainforest Pavilion, enjoy evening activities, campfire tales and the chance to sleep under the stars in our authentic African tents.

CLICK HERE for more details or to book today for your once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Each session runs from 4:15 pm to 10:00 am the next morning.

Join the fun this summer and register today! 

VIA Rail Canada Celebrates the 110th Anniversary of the Ocean train between Montreal and Halifax

Montréal, July 2, 2014 – VIA Rail Canada (viarail.ca) is proud to celebrate the 110th anniversary of its Ocean service that serves 26 communities between Montréal and Halifax.

To mark the occasion, VIA Rail’s new President and CEO, Yves Desjardins-Siciliano, along with several colleagues boarded the historic train leaving Montréal’s Central Station on July 2nd at 6:55 p.m.

Mayors and Members of Parliament from communities along the Ocean’s route were invited to ride the train with Mr. Desjardins-Siciliano, 20 of whom accepted the offer. A ceremony will take place in Halifax upon their arrival on July 3rd, where approximately one hundred dignitaries will participate in the celebration marking this historic anniversary.