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One-Tank Trip for
July 15/17
By Jim Fox
Canada’s beloved
humorist and author Stephen Leacock would be pleased to know the annual celebration
of his life includes a “Feast of Thrones.”
In fact, it will
include “cosplay, food, drink and feats of strength” at his lakeside retreat on
Old Brewery Bay in Orillia.
For the unknowing,
cosplay is a “contraction of the words costume play and is a
performance art in which participants called cosplayers wear costumes and
fashion accessories to represent a specific character (thanks Wikipedia).”
 |
| The Leacock Summer Festival is on the
property where the author wrote Sunshine Sketches of a Little Town 105
years ago. (Photo by Jim
Fox) |
Along with medieval
activities and entertainment, it takes place on July 22 at 4 p.m. as part
of the Leacock Summer Festival, July 20 to 23, at the Leacock House (Museum) at
50 Museum Drive.
This is where the
world-renowned author and celebrated academic spent his most creative time in
what he coined as Lake Simcoe Country.
He built the
house in 1928 on the scenic bay by the “Narrows,” where Lake Simcoe and Lake
Couchiching meet.
The building,
designed by Wright & Noxon of Toronto, reflected Leacock’s success and
prestige and is now an historic site.
The festival
includes readings, book signings, dinners and exhibits, starting on July 20
with a Mariposa Exposed book celebration including a “Canadian-themed” barbecue
from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Mariposa was the
name Leacock used when writing Sunshine Sketches of a Little Town about the
people and comings and goings in what was said to be Orillia at the time.
 |
| An early photo shows
a relaxed Stephen Leacock. (Leacock Museum) |
Leacock’s tales
came from his lakeside retreat with most of the engaging cast of characters
based on local townspeople (names changed to protect the guilty).
Editors
Dennis Rizzo and Ross Greenwood have completed the first volume of Mariposa
Exposed and contributing authors and writers will tell the tales.
On July 21, the history
of the Mariposa Folk Festival is featured with Mike Hill and musical guests at
1 p.m.
Later that day is a
humour showcase and dinner with Leacock Medal for Humour winner Terry Fallis
showcasing his latest novel, One Brother Shy.
Also featured are
shortlisted 2017 medal finalists Drew Hayden Taylor and Amy Jones at 5 p.m.
A Writer’s Workshop
and lunch with Janet Matthews is on July 22 starting at 10 a.m. followed by the
Feast of Thrones that afternoon.
It winds up with
the Annual K. Valerie Connor Poetry Celebration with dinner on July 23 at 4
p.m.
 |
| This is the
recreated writing studio/boathouse on Old Brewery Bay where Stephen Leacock got
inspiration for his many books. (Jim Fox photo) |
Also on the
spacious and manicured property is the Leacock Cafe, operated by Cornucopia Catering,
called “Orillia’s Favourite Lakeside Restaurant.”
During Canada’s
sesquicentennial, admission to this National Historic Site is by donation with
a “suggested minimum” of $5. For more information and tickets:
leacockmuseum.com; (705) 329-1908
Hamilton’s Signature Events
Hamilton is among
the cities across the country celebrating Canada’s 150th year as a nation with
a series of “Signature Events.”
The latest is a
quilt Peace by Piece: Stitching Together Canadian Stories and continues until
Aug. 16 at the Cotton Factory (270 Sherman Ave. N.), Hamilton’s creative arts
centre.
 |
| The Quilt of
Belonging is a Canada 150 “Signature Event” in Hamilton. |
This textile art
project is comprised of 263 blocks, each created to recognize Canada’s
diversity, said Brenda Branch of Hamilton Tourism and Culture.
“It celebrates our
common humanity and promotes compassion among people,” she added.
Museums, artists,
crafts people and musicians from across Hamilton Halton Brant are offering
workshops, talks, concerts and demonstrations to engage our Canadian spirit and
imagination.
There’s also the Great
Hamilton Scavenger Hunt app that’s a “passport to all of the exciting events,
festivals, activities and quintessential Hamilton experiences happening
throughout the city this summer.”
It also allows
users to earn points, win prizes and explore the city like never before.
Throughout the
summer, there are garden tours at Dundurn National Historic Site (610 York
Blvd.).
There’s also Our
Hamilton: Through Their Eyes about the lives of soldiers at the Hamilton
Military Museum at Dundurn and the Women of War, July 29 and 30 at HMCS Haida.
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