Falling for spring events across Ontario

   One-Tank Trip for May 5/18

   By Jim Fox

   They’re falling for spring hook, line and sinker in Orillia, among a raft of adventures for the coming season.

   It’s time again for the Orillia Perch Festival, now that the ice has cleared from the popular fishing hole – the Narrows, separating Lake Simcoe and Lake Couchiching.

   The 38th annual fest runs until May 12 at 5 p.m. and is called one of Canada’s largest registered fishing derbies.

Two young anglers with the perch catch-of-the-day  at the Orillia festival.

    In the heart of Ontario’s Lake Country, there are more than 60 tagged perch worth $500 each along with “bonus perch and thousands of dollars in daily, weekly and grand prize draws,” along with children’s categories.

   Organized by Orillia District Chamber of Commerce, this live release program is operated by the Orillia Fish & Game Conservation Club and headquartered at Tudhope Park (450 Atherley Rd.).

   Registration costs $20; $5 for children to age 16. ontarioslakecountry.com/event/orillia-perch-festival

   Island hopping

   Just as the birds and butterflies have returned to Pelee Island, so have Anne Marie Fortner and her Explore Pelee team planning a “fun” season ahead.

   “Season 11 is on the horizon and we could not be more excited to get back to the island,” she said.

   New this year is a partnership between Explore Pelee and the Stone House Brewery for a Bikes & Brews Tour.

Biking tours are offered along the scenic Pelee Island shore.

   “Our clients will enjoy a nature-centric guided tour of Pelee Island’s South Shore with historic interpretation, stunning views and close encounters with endangered species,” Fortner said.

   “Once they've worked up their thirst, they will be delivered to Stone House 1891 to enjoy a tasting flight of four local craft beers while their bartender explains ingredients and tasting notes,” she added.

   Explore Pelee will also again offer the Bike & Wine Tour and Lighthouse Bike Tour as well as overnight stays in rental properties. http://explorepelee.com/tours/bike-tours; (519) 325-TOUR(8687).

   POPnology geeks

   Here’s a chance to “geek out” as POPnology opens May 19 at the Ontario Science Centre (770 Don Mills Rd.) Toronto.

   This exhibition is billed as “yesterday’s fantasy is today’s reality,” as it showcases the game-changing technologies that have brought us into the era of social media and artificial intelligence.

    Get a photo taken with the “DeLorean Time Machine” as seen in the Back to the Future movies at POPnology.

   Take it from Edward Eyth, designer and visual futurist for POPnology: “From the history of robots to the evolution of androids, explore the pop culture inspiration behind the world’s greatest technological innovations.”

   Here’s an opportunity to “experience how science fiction and technology are turning dreams into reality and see how – with a little imagination – anything is possible.” ontariosciencecentre.ca/Popnology

   History walks

   Another season of Historical Walking Tours has begun by the Guelph Arts Council.

   First in the series was “Where Guelph Began,” offered again on May 27, Aug. 5 and Sept. 9.

   The tour encircles the original Market Square area that was laid out by city founder John Galt in 1827.

   Serving as the focal point for Guelph’s early social and business life, the area contains the sites of many of the first buildings in the “Royal City.”

   Six different walking tours are held on selected Sundays and cost $5.

   “Delivered by a dedicated group of volunteer heritage enthusiasts, the tours are an opportunity for tourists and locals to learn about Guelph’s history while taking in the beautiful architectural and natural features of the city,” said council executive director Patti Broughton. guelpharts.ca

   Happening now

   Watercolour artist Sue Goossens of (165548 New Road), Otterville is inviting visitors to the 11th Annual Oxford Studio Tour today and Sunday (May 5 and 6) from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

This watercolour called Passage is by Otterville’s Sue Goossens on view at the Oxford Studio Tour.

   Here’s a chance to visit 19 studios throughout Oxford County and “enjoy the work of 38 extremely creative artists.”

   There is original art, pottery, photography, jewelry, fibre arts, mixed media, weaving, digital arts and more. oxfordstudiotour.wordpress.com 

-30-

Jim Fox can be reached at onetanktrips@hotmail.com

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