Tragically Hip adds third show at Casino Rama after selling out first two “Fully And Completely Tour” dates

Canadian rockers add another show for September 16, 2015

RAMA, ON (Friday, July 24, 2015) – Casino Rama is excited to announce that after quickly selling out their previously announced two concert dates for The Tragically Hip; a third date has been added on Wednesday, September 16^th (8 p.m.). 

To commemorate the re-issue of Fully Completely, The Tragically Hip is currently on a North American ‘Fully And Completely’ tour where Fully Completely will be played in its entirety.

Fully Completely, the third full-length album by The Tragically Hip, was originally released on October 6, 1992. Fully Completely reached #1 in Canada and went on to sell more than a million copies (certified Diamond by Music Canada in January 2007) while spawning hit singles “Locked in the Trunk of a Car”, “Courage” (For Hugh McLennan), “At the Hundredth Meridian”, “Fifty Mission Cap”, “Looking For A Place To Happen”, “Wheat Kings” and “Fully Completely”. 

Oakville Farmers' Market in Centennial Square through Oct. 31 (2015)

(News Release)

Open Saturdays until Oct. 31 | 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. 

Oakville, Ontario – Shop local and find fresh, seasonal produce, flowers, baked goods and locally made food and products at the Oakville Farmers’ Market in Centennial Square (120 Navy Street).

This is part of the Town of Oakville’s Summer Cultural Connection, every Saturday, rain or shine, until October 31 from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. Visit www.farmfreshmarkets.ca for more information.

“Visit the Oakville Farmers’ Market at our new location in Centennial Square,” states William Blyleven, Oakville Farmers’ Market founder.

“There is something for everyone at the Oakville Farmers’ Market.  We feature Ontario grown fruit and vegetables, flowers, organic soap, healthy baby food, wine and much more!”

‘Downtown Doors’ public art exhibit features 37 stunning pieces in Orillia

 (News Release)

ORILLIA, ON – A unique, outdoor public art project that features 37 beautiful door sculptures is on display this summer in downtown Orillia.

‘Downtown Doors’ is the 7^th public art exhibit by Streets Alive, a program that displays large scale, one of a kind art works along the downtown streets each summer.

Cash prizes of $10,000 / $5,000 / $2,500 will be awarded to the top three Door artists, based on public voting throughout the summer.

‘Downtown Doors’ are displayed as free-standing sculptures on cement bases, along the five blocks of Orillia’s main street to create an art walk for locals, visitors and cottagers.

Each of the 37 doors was sourced-out (or hand made) by their artist. The artwork on the door features paintings, mosaic, carvings, metal work as well as a host of found treasures and embellishments.

A souvenir guidebook featuring the 37 artists and door sculptures is available at downtown Orillia shops throughout the course of the project.

Top prize winners will be announced during ‘Starry Night’ gallery and studio tour on August 22, 2015 in Downtown Orillia.

The ‘Downtown Doors’ exhibit will be on display until Thanksgiving weekend, 2015.

Web: orilliastreetsalive.ca

Canal Days Marine Heritage Festival highlighted by tall ships, fireworks in Port Colborne

   One-Tank Trip for July 25-15

   (c) By Jim Fox

   Tall ships are a comin’ to the Canal Days Marine Heritage Festival in Port Colborne.

   The big party of the summer rolls into the port city from July 31 to Aug. 3 with a chance to sail on the tall ship Empire Sandy.

   “This is our 37th annual celebration of our community’s marine heritage along the shores of Niagara’s South Coast,” said Mayor John Maloney.

Visitors of the Canal Days Marine Heritage Festival can book passage on the tall ship Empire Sandy.

   Nestled at the juncture of the Welland Canal and the Lake Erie north shore, the community has a rich nautical history with its connection to the St. Lawrence Seaway and the seafaring world.

  “The festival encompasses the entire community, with activities at a dozen different venues,” said Robyn Wilcox, Port Colborne cultural engagement coordinator.

   Welcome aboard

Make some tails wag by visiting Dog Tales Rescue and Sanctuary

   One-Tank Trip for July 18/14

   By Jim Fox

   Tails are wagging at a one-of-a-kind animal sanctuary that’s a perfect Sunday drive in the country.

   There’s an open invitation for day-trippers to visit Dog Tales Rescue and Sanctuary north of Toronto in the picturesque horse farm community of King City and return home with a new family member.

   This special place for dogs has found “forever homes” for about 100 canines so far his year, said office manager Yvonne Yu.

Maggie, the Neapolitan mastiff, relaxes on a divan with original artwork and a chandelier above as one of the first residents of Dog Tales. (Jim Fox photo)

   “The number of visitors has been picking up since we opened up to the public for our Sunday adoption days (from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.),” she added.

   As well, the first annual Dog Tales Festival is planned for Aug. 8 and 9 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with free admission.

   Activities include dog diving and spa, search-and-rescue dog display, breed specific rescue, draft horses on parade, vendors with doggie items, artisans, music, wine tasting, food stalls with “gourmet treats” and activities for the kids.

“How do I look?” asks this pooch waiting for visitors at Dog Tales Rescue and Sanctuary. (Photo by GotchaStudios.ca)

   Opening the sanctuary, now with about 80 dogs and 34 horses in its “Horse Haven,” is a “dream come true” for animal lovers Rob Scheinberg and Danielle Eden.

   The husband-wife team are behind the private, not-for-profit venture tucked among the rolling hills and offering a country-club setting for the dogs and horses – the lucky ones that have been rescued from “dire conditions.”

   Their goal was to create “something grand,” inspired by the four dogs they rescued from shelters in Israel.

   Frisky filly

   Visitors can see the newest resident, JiJi, a week-old filly and her mom, Gia, who was saved from slaughter while pregnant.

New mom, Gia, walking with her filly, JiJi at Horse Haven sanctuary. (Photo by GotchaStudios.ca)

   There’s also a second horse baby, called Butter, enjoying romps among the 20 hectares of green fields, rolling hills and woods.

   People are encouraged to drop by whether interested in adopting or just to see the surroundings and they can bring their pets, Scheinberg said.

   They’ll discover this isn’t your usual animal shelter where, instead of cages, living spaces are opulent and furnished with “comfy beds” such as custom-made divans and refinished antique sofas.

   There are chandeliers, original animal art work, silver-plated eating and drinking bowls, and private glass-fronted kennels.

   Eden said she wanted to create a space for neglected dogs to heal, rehabilitate and recover from difficult pasts and in a way become accustomed to life at home while they await adoption.

Two of the first residents with a handler at Dog Tales in King City. (Barbara Fox photo)

   The centre has come a long way since it officially opened last October when 500 people attended the festivities and met the first arrivals – 12 dogs and four horses.

   It was thought that most of the animals would be rescued primarily in Ontario and Quebec, as well as Israel because Dog Tales works with a rescue group there.

   Dogs have come from other countries including Egypt, Greece, the United States as well as “local surrenders” and Quebec.

   The sanctuary recently received more than 40 dogs from a “high-kill shelter” in Miami.

   Horse Haven on the site has a stable for some 40 animals that include those abused and neglected, saved from slaughter or were unwanted retired racehorses.

   This offers the horses a “happy fulfilling place to spend their final years and with access to outstanding medical and farrier care, good food, room to roam, love and attention,” Scheinberg said.

   Two of the horses are currently available for adoption while the others are content to spend their “golden years” there.

   Let’s go home

   The adoption process involves meeting the dogs, filling out an application and having an “interview/meet and greet.

   If the potential adoptees have a dog, a time is scheduled for them to bring their critter in to make sure that they get along, with same-day adoptions possible.

   The adoption fee is $375 plus tax ($600 for horses) and the animal is neutered/spayed, vaccinated, microchipped and given a session with a trainer, if needed.

   Need to know

   Dog Tales Rescue and Sanctuary is 45 minutes north of Toronto, off Highway 400, at 1405 19th Sideroad, King City. More information at dogtales.ca; (905) 713-1887

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Updated flyer listing of events - July 28-15

Jim Fox can be reached at onetanktrips@hotmail.com

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

It's back: Waterloo Region Food Truck Fare gets a new home due to LRT construction

(News Release)

Waterloo Region, ON — After an incredible response to the first ever Waterloo Region Food Truck Fare in 2014 - raising over $17 000 for the Independent Living Centre of Waterloo Region - the event is back July 25, 2015 from 3PM-9PM in its new home: 30 Regina St S (lot).

The 2^nd annual WR Food Truck Fare once again brings food trucks, local food, craft beer, family fun and bands to Waterloo, celebrating the phenomenal love of food trucks and local fare in the region:

Along with donations and the generous help of community partners, a portion of food and drink sales go to support a variety of programs ILCWR provides to remove barriers for people with disabilities.

Free admission to Ontario Parks July 17 (2015)

Fishing off the long dock at Bass Lake Provincial Park (Jim Fox photo)

(News Release)

All day-use fees will be waived at Ontario Parks on July 17, 2015 to celebrate Healthy Parks Healthy People.

 

The global movement supported by Ontario Parks and many Canadian health organizations suggests that regular visits to natural spaces can lower blood pressure, boost immune systems and relieve stress.

 

Special July 17 Healthy Parks Healthy People events will take place at provincial parks across Ontario. Take a guided hike on a section of the Coastal Trail at Lake Superior Provincial Park. Join a free Yoga, Zumba or Tai Chi class on a park beach. Learn to fish and much more.

 

Below is a small sample of the July 17 events planned. More are listed on the Ontario Parks Calendar of Events at http://www.ontarioparks.com/events

Ein prosit: Beer has 175-year tradition in Kitchener-Waterloo

   One-Tank Trip for July 11-15

   (c) By Jim Fox

   TV’s Homer Simpson whose love is “beer, glorious beer” would be right at home in Kitchener-Waterloo.

   The Waterloo Region twin cities have a long history of making and consuming the fermented beverage of choice on these hot summer days.

   After all, it’s the home of the fall beer bash, Oktoberfest, the largest drinking fest outside of Munich, Germany.

There’s no shortage of “beer, glorious beer” at Kitchener-Waterloo’s Oktoberfest. (Ontario Tourism photo)

   This beer’s for you as there’s more than 175 years of brewing tradition in the region along with a resurgence of craft brewers.

   It’s all researched and documented at BEER! The Exhibit that recently opened at the Waterloo Region Museum and continues until Jan. 3.

   Forget about 99 bottles of beer on the wall, the museum has a wall of 500 of them including bottles, stubbies and cans including rarities from across the country.

   Visitors can “learn how beer is made, the impact Prohibition had on the brewing industry and the evolution of craft breweries,” said Tom Reitz, museum manager/curator.

   “From public houses to bars, temperance societies to drinking responsibly – explore the cultural and social influences of beer,” he added.

Antique serving trays and beer tap handles are among the artifacts at the Waterloo Region Museum exhibit.

   Waterloo Region’s long history of brewing included at one time about 300 small, independent businesses.

   Sizeable beer makers included Waterloo’s Kuntz Brewery started in the 1830s and became the Carling-Kuntz Brewery in 1929.

   After Labatt Breweries of London bought Carling’s in 1977, the Waterloo operation continued but was closed in 1993.

   Also in the region was the Ayr Brewery that operated between 1857 and 1964.

Tasty samples of various craft brews (Jim Fox photo)

   Today’s big name as Ontario’s first craft brewery is Brick Brewing Co. founded in 1984 with its craft division, Waterloo Brewing Co., and links to the Formosa brewery, circa 1870.

   The museum will be partnering with K-W Oktoberfest to create special dinners featuring beer pairings and musical entertainment, said Sean Jasmins, supervisor of marketing and partnerships.
   A series of beer talks will also be held in the fall on the history of beer featuring local craft brewers.

An Oktoberfest beer wagon and a wall of 500 bottles of beer are on display at the museum.

   Need to know:

   The beer exhibit is included with admission to the museum located at 10 Huron Rd., Kitchener.

   Admission is $10, adults; $8, seniors and students; $5, ages five to 12; free, four and younger; $25, families. waterlooregionmuseum.com; (519) 748-1914

   Crafty tastes

This one’s for you says brewmaster Steven Innocente, a craft brewer in Waterloo. (Barbara Fox photo)

   Among the region’s craft brewers are Innocente Brewing Co. in Waterloo where head brewer Steve Innocente is called the “mad-for-hops scientist.” Tours and samples are available.

   There’s also Grand River Brewing in Cambridge and Block Three Brewing Co. microbrewery in St. Jacobs.

   A taste of area craft brewers’ products will be available at the Waterloo Region Food Truck Fare on July 25 from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. at 30 Regina St. S. in Waterloo.

   The second-annual event in support of the Independent Living Centre of Waterloo Region will feature “food trucks, local food, craft beer, family fun and bands,” said publicist Jane Barkley.wrfoodtruckfare.ca

Beertown Public House

   It’s also appropriate that Beertown Public House has opened two of its brew-infused dining and sipping spots in Waterloo and Cambridge, along with one in London.

   There’s a vast selection of beers and paddles for tastings of various craft brews, beer-inspired cocktails and food items.

   Also in Waterloo is the Lion Brewery/Barley Works Bar & Grill with a “great selection of local beers to sample with good pub food.”

   Bottoms up

   - Toronto’s Festival of Beer with more than 60 brewers featuring 300 brands from around the world returns from July 24 to 26 at Bandshell Park at Exhibition Place.

   Already the Saturday session on July 25 is sold out.

Barkeep Brandy Wilyard pulls a pint of ale. (Jim Fox photo)

   Choice range from lagers to stouts, fruit beer to ales and there’s more than just beer.

   Available will be several non-malt based beverages including cider and ready-to-drink beverages while vendors are “well-known Toronto food purveyors creating some great grub,” organizers say. beerfestival.ca

   - The Forest City Beer Fest, called “downtown London’s annual celebration of good beer” returns to Covent Garden Market on Aug. 15 from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m.

   There will be more than 20 brewers and cider producers including local favourites Forked River and London Brewing Co-Op, along with food stands and trucks. ForestCityBeerFest.com

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Jim Fox can be reached at onetanktrips@hotmail.com

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

Driftwood Theatre Group presents Hamlet -- The Bard’s Bus Tour

(News Release)

The Driftwood Theatre Group is bringing Hamlet to Ingersoll, London and Kitchener.

The play's the thing, and whether to be or not to be in Centennial Park in Ingersoll on Wednesday July 15th is the question.

 

Bard's Bus Tour (Photo by Jeremy Smith)

“Bring your blankets, bug spray and lawn chairs for an amazing evening with the Bard of Avon, as Driftwood Outdoor Theatre Group presents Hamlet,” said Scott Gillies, curator of the Ingersoll Cheese & Agricultural Museum, 290 Harris St., where the event will be held.

This pay-what-you-can admission performance will begin at 7:30 p.m. (a bus tour from Toronto is tentatively booked to be here, so come early), sit back and enjoy Shakespeare under the stars, he added.

Driftwood Theatre Group is proud to present HAMLET, the world’s most famous play, like it’s never seen it before.