Almost time to head back to the lake with the Spring Cottage Life Show

    One-Tank Trip for March 14/15

   (c) By Jim Fox

   A sure sign of spring is the return of the Cottage Life Show to help shake off the remnants of a tough winter.

   There’s pent-up anticipation to get back to the cottage, chalet, lake house, cabin in the woods or whatever it’s called.

   The show, from March 27 to 29 at the International Centre in Mississauga, will attract 33,000 cottage doers and dreamers.

Cisco watches the sun set on another day at the cottage on Bass Lake. (Jim Fox photo)

   Along with seeing what’s for sale and the range of prices, the show has everything a cottager could ever need or want.

   “There’s an abundance of boats, docks, decks, water toys and paddle sports along with more than 550 exhibitors, plus exciting and informative feature areas and seminars,” said publicist Peggy Sheffield.

   An artist’s retreat

   The furnished model cottage on display is an open-concept, two-bedroom space with floor-to-ceiling windows.

   From Canada Builds, it will be installed on an island near Honey Harbour on Georgian Bay for landscape artist John Visser and David Hopper.

   Then, there’s the “ultimate cottage garage,” whether that’s a boathouse, toolshed, workshop or any outbuilding from Gladiator GarageWorks.

   Don’t try this at the cottage

Colourful Muskoka chairs line the dock awaiting the return of cottagers to Ontario’s lakes.

   Straight from Brojects, a Cottage Life TV series featuring brothers Kevin and Andrew Buckles, will be stories of their crazy building projects.

   Some include a floating hot-tub with outboard motor and a chair-and-waterski combo for those who want to sit back and take it all in while blasting around the lake. Viewer discretion is advised.

   Also on the main stage will be the stars of Colin and Justin’s Cabin Pressure discussing their latest cottage renovation project.

   Over at the Cottage Workshop, Wayne Lennox will be building a kid-sized picnic table.

   It costs how much?

   Show-goers can do some cottage shopping without leaving the city.

   For anyone looking for land to build on, a turnkey cottage or cozy cabin ready to renovate, there’s the Scotiabank Cottage Real Estate Centre.

   That’s where cottagers-to-be can meet with more than 100 realtors, comparison shop and learn about financing options.

   Realtor Rob Serediuk, host of What’s For Sale, a house-hunting show set in cottage country, will lead his Cottage Real Estate Quiz Show.

   Exhibitors galore

Kids can learn how to fish from conservation officers at the Spring Cottage Life Show.

   With so many exhibitors, there’s every topic a cottager could ever want covered.

   Along with all the sports and watercraft, there are “endless decor options,” indoor and outdoor furniture, art and gifts.

   For those building a retreat, there are “hundreds of experts” in cottage projects and renovations, timber framing and log-cabin building.

   There are also many innovative products and services for waterfront and rural properties including septic systems, water treatment, off-grid and green-energy solutions, and internet services to get away from it all while staying connected.

   Just for kids

   Are we there yet? Kids can enjoy the Family Activity Centre with nature-themed crafts and a camping zone.

   The Tree Planting Zone lets kids prepare a white spruce seedling to take home and plant.

   The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources & Forestry has a display featuring fish tanks, a casting simulator, nature-themed activities and fire safety colouring book. Kids can also visit with critters in the Cottage Wildlife Centre.

   In partnership with Camp Mini-Yo-We, there are two hours of free “child minding” for youngsters aged two to 12.

   Sip and sample

   The Dock Party returns as the social hub with refreshments from Muskoka Brewery and Walter All-Natural Caesar Mix.

   There are summertime treats to sample in the Cottage Kitchen, along with seeing how to cook your catch and grilling tips from BBQ chef Naz Cavallaro and samples of Kawartha Dairy ice cream.

   Need to know

   The Spring Cottage Life Show is at the International Centre, 6900 Airport Rd. at Derry Rd., Mississauga.

   Hours are March 27, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; March 28, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and March 29, 10 a.m. to 5 pm.

   Admission is $18, adults; $9, ages 13 to 17; free, children 12 and younger; $26, weekend pass. Seniors get in for $13 on March 27 and there’s $4 off adult prices after 4 p.m. on March 27 and 28. cottagelife.com/shows

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Jim Fox can be reached at onetanktrips@hotmail.com

For more One-Tank Trips: http://1tanktrips.blogspot.ca