Hope during the Pandemic

May 14, 2020 by nancy Leave a Comment

Sipping my first cup of black coffee this morning I stared out the window. The birds bring me so much joy during these dark days of the Covid-19 Pandemic.

My father gifted us a birdhouse when I moved into my new house last year. It was his old birdhouse and he passed it along to me. I have glued it once already, I really hope it will stay together. I will forever hold a special place in my heart as my parents are birders.

“A feeling of expectation and desire for certain things to happen” Oxford Dictionary

It may have taken me a pandemic to understand their fascination with these little fluttering creatures. Perhaps a slowing down of life to truly appreciate the simple things.

I have always loved the mornings, a time of quiet reflection before the day starts, the kids demanding my time. It is just me, my coffee and the birds these early mornings.

Excited about my sightings I emailed my Mom with a photo of the red cardinal that I saw at the feeder this morning and I told her about the yellow finches I saw the day before. My Mom replied, “you will have them all the time now”.

Nature never ceases to amaze me, maybe I am getting old to be so awestruck by the birds and their plight. Perhaps we could learn from them?

Last night after a bike ride around the neighborhood with the kids my daughter mentioned to me, “Mom where is the chalk, we should write something?”

I may have muttered something under my breathe as I wanted to go in and turn on the TV as my legs felt a little like jello from the first big bike ride of the season.

Prior to this pandemic you rarely saw people writing on their driveways, but now it is commonplace. My daughter quickly created beautiful hearts along with rainbows at the end of our driveway. She also wrote a big Thank You in her beautiful handwriting.

My contribution was the word, HOPE.

We all need to be reminded to have hope in times like these.

Chatting with my Dad yesterday he let me know he will be most likely beginning his second round of radiation in the near future. It was so good to hear hope in his voice.

He wasn’t supposed to be with us as his this long. Three years ago he had his first round of chemo and radiation for cancer. We are so grateful for everyday he gets out of bed and watches the birds with my Mom.

He is an amazing strong man as is my Mother who is fighting her own battles. They celebrate 58 years of marriage this July. Together they have have weathered and endured many storms along with their share of rainbows and sunny skies.

Music is so good for the soul, I found a beautiful song about hope. Click on the link to listen, Michael Franti: HEY WORLD (DON’T GIVE UP), https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01FE9cPXE3M

Together we are all fighting our own battles in these unprecedented times. This invisible disease is lurking all around us. We cannot see it, touch it, smell it and yet it is killing us. Quarantined in our houses, many unable to go to work, jobs lost or put on hold while we all try to social distance and stay safe.

When we first heard of this virus in early January which began in Wuhan, China. Never in a million years did we think, (well maybe the Scientists knew) that the whole World would be shut down as the virus has traveled and spread so quickly.

Luckily I haven’t known anyone who has had the virus yet. I say yet as the experts say most people may get it eventually. We are 18 Months from a vaccine or maybe sooner if we are so lucky.

The World is slowly opening up again. Like other parts of the World, Ontario is announcing a Phase 1 reopening of our Province today, I am sure many of us will be glued to our TV’s waiting for news of our fate.

Hope is what we have for better days, for science to come up with a vaccine to help us get back to normal. But will we ever be normal again? What will the new normal be?

We will get back to our jobs, our family celebrations, concerts, events and HUGS.

During this crisis we have seen amazing beautiful people caring in ways that seemed unimaginable just Months ago.

Truth be told, I haven’t felt like writing much lately. I am a freelance writer and a couple of the publications I write for told me they are not accepting freelance writers at this time due to the changes with COVID_19.

Chatting with a good friend yesterday she said “how sad, people need stories more than ever these days!” We all need friends to motivate us and encourage us to keep going and give us HOPE on those dark days.

I hope to share some upcoming stories of people, business and organizations helping others in the upcoming Months.

Stay safe, stay together and lets have HOPE FOR BETTER DAYS!

Talk soon ~

Nancy

Fergus Resident Peter the Piper, Supporting Health Care & Front Line Workers

March 27, 2020 by nancy Leave a Comment

Local Fergus resident Peter Hummel, also known as “Peter the Piper,” can be seen playing his bagpipes nightly from his front balcony in Fergus.

Like many others he is one of many worldwide supporters in the movement to thank the front line health care workers.

His family is very supportive of his passion, with his wife Sandie Thompson being the one that urged him to get on the balcony and play.

They are now sharing his nightly Live FB videos with local community groups. The video to watch can be found here.

He is an avid bagpiper: a member of the Fergus Pipe Band and the Sporran Wild Bagpipe. He also teaches bagpiping.

*** This story was published with Guelph Today for the Full Article, Click this link, https://www.guelphtoday.com/local-news/peter-the-piper-shows-nightly-support-for-frontline-workers-in-fergus-2198438

Talk soon,

Nancy

How Many Days Till Spring?

January 22, 2020 by nancy 2 Comments

How many days till Spring? The answer today is 20 days and counting, ( I found a website that actually counts for you, https://days.to/spring/2020.

Perhaps you are like me and just done with Winter? I have had enough of cold, blowing snow, dark days and just BLAH days.

Don’t get me wrong I like the festivities of Christmas, the decorating the time spent with family and friends, but come January and February I am completely done with “Old Man Winter!”

I like to have fresh flowers in the house, especially this time of the year. It is one of my guilty pleasures is keeping my house filled with flowers.

I also like to add more warmth using comfy pillows, blankets and lighting. I love to have candles all over and little strings of white lights all over the house. I use the battery operated candles so I don’t have to worry about any mishaps.

I keep my white lights up well beyond the Christmas season, to bring cheer to the outside of the house. Some will disagree with this, but I love the twinkle in the snow at night.

Here is a little tune called “White Lights”, from a new band I have discovered. Check out the link below to watch this great band.

White Lights by The Rural Alberta Advantage

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MxRFf45knBo…

I really try to embrace all of the seasons since we are Canadian Eh! However once January rolls around I know many others voice the same concerns about the length of our Winters.

So my top 10 tips for keeping positive in the darkness of the long days and nights!

Chocolate
White lights, candles, outdoor lighting
Getting out to local events
Comfy blankets and comfort foods, and Movies
Books
Nature Walks with My Kids
Naps
Laughter
Fresh Flowers
Listening to music

Talk soon ~

Nancy

The Polar Express Train Ride

November 22, 2019 by nancy Leave a Comment

The Waterloo Central Railway Village Station in St. Jacobs hosts some wonderful Holiday rides. Walking towards the venue, you could see the glowing lights from the Christmas decor.

Bells could be heard jingling in the darkness of the evening sky. One of the smiling attendees from the previous Polar Express train ride said, “Enjoy your time, you will love it, it was so amazing!”

Entering the warmth of the building, there were Children dressed in pajamas clutching hands with their parents some were browsing the Polar express memorabilia and perhaps wondering what the night would entail.

The lights dimmed, smoke began to fill the room and our evening at the Polar Express began as actors began to tell the story of the popular Christmas book written by Chris Van Allsburg.

Entering train C, there were festive Christmas lights decorating the interior of the 1950’s old style train. We were met with the actors in costume greeting us all with smiles as we found our seating arrangements.

The conductor said, “All Aboard, we are embarking on a trip to the North Pole, please have your tickets ready!”

Rolling out of the station we all knew we were in for a special evening as the conductor began to inspect the golden tickets, walking up and down the aisle performing his golden ticket duties.

Attendees can enjoy a 1 hour train ride to the North Pole in the comfort of cozy seating while The Polar Express is read, hot chocolate and treats are served, carols are sang and everyone receives a gift and visit from SANTA.

The acting was really well done along with all of the details taken in to account to make the ride so memorable for Children of all of all ages.

Tickets are limited so be sure to check out the website and pre book your ride, Waterloo Central Railway, https://waterloocentralrailway.com/the-polar-express-train-ride/.

One of the last impressions I heard on the loudspeaker was, “What matter’s most is not where you are going, but that you got on!”

This annual family fun Polar Express train ride along with the Santa train ride experience takes place from Mid November only until Mid December, so get ready to make one of the most memorable experience’s your family will have this holiday season.

Talk soon,

Nancy

New Elora Luxury B&B Accomodations Inner Joy Getaways

September 5, 2019 by nancy Leave a Comment

An Elora couple has found a unique way to re-use shipping containers.

Will and Laura Feenstra are the owners of Inner Joy Getaways, just outside of Elora, where they have turned former shipping containers into luxurious suites.

Inner Joy Getaways 7.44 acres of land along four suites looking out onto the Grand River. Along the side of the property is Swan Creek which is a premium fly fishing spot on the Grand River.

“The property has acres upon acres of protected GRCA land and beside us is a small protected bush area. You can tube right from the Elora gorge all the way to the property. The Wilson flats are just minutes down the road from us along with various other hiking paths,” said Laura.

She said they had been watching the property on the market for 1.5 years prior and they thought they would look at it just for fun.

(This article was originally Published at Village Media, Guelph Today, see link below)

Talk soon ~

Nancy

A Walk in the Park

January 8, 2019 by nancy Leave a Comment

One of my favorite things to do is take a walk in the park. Anytime I am feeling life’s stresses or wanting to just take a few moments to remember what is really important, I love to walk around my favorite park in Guelph. Riverside Park is my park, it is the Park I grew up in, it is the park I like to watch bridge to-bridge as my father calls it.

I always love to think of the various conversations that take place on one of the many park benches I walk by. I love the park in all seasons, with Winter just upon us, I love the stillness and the quietness of the image of this lonely park bench set amongst the river bank.

When I take time just to spend 30 minutes in nature, I always feel better for doing so. Why is so hard to get going sometimes, I often spend more time thinking of doing something rather than doing it at times. This happens often on weekends when my paper arrives at its doorstep, coffee in hand and I plan my day. My plans always include a little walk or two but often the day floats into night and I am still on the couch serving the internet or changing the channels on the TV.

Why is so hard to get outside in the Winter weather at times when you know you will feel better after a little stroll around the block. I put pressure on myself at times when the wind is howling and the snow is blowing to get outside for a little fresh air, as I know I will feel better for even the most basic of steps in the Winter months. Clearing the car of snow, and oh the drag of shovelling can be overwhelming at times.

I am already counting down the days till Spring but know that we must first endure the quiet and stillness of the Winter. Maybe just maybe I can be OK with not being so hard on myself this time of year to get outside more. As it just looks so much prettier from inside. The snow glistening on the fence, or the kids building a snowman.

I have some gift cards for the ski hill which I know the kids and I would really have fun at. I just have to find the courage to get outside and get going on those days when it just seems simpler to stay inside. I used to ski but have not been in many years, and last year I had promised my Mother I would take the kids downhill skiing this season. I guess I still have a few more months to accomplish this task. Or maybe I could make it a fun outing rather than a task. I guess it is all how you look at things.

Winter I LOVE YOU, I WILL EMBRACE THIS SEASON!

“When you change the way you look at things…. the things you look at change.” ~ Wayne Dyer

Talk soon~

Nancy

Be Kind to Each Other The World Needs It!

December 20, 2018 by nancy Leave a Comment

The busy holiday season is upon us with just one week before Christmas Day. Lunch hour came and went however the memory of what made the day still lingers. Much can be accomplished on a one hour lunch break, thoughts of going for lunch with friends, last minute shopping or a walk around Riverside Park in the sunshine.

Choosing the latter option was a great chance to stretch the legs and clear the mind with a little time in nature. A favorite path at Riverside Park which has been referred to the, “Bridge to Bridge walk”. The walk started from the East side of the Speed River walking trail accessed from the Speedvale Ave. Bridge towards the Woodlawn Bridge. As the footsteps rounded the pathway just meters from the low lying woods near the Woodlawn Bridge, there it was glittering in the sunlight.

The beautifully decorated 3.5 ft. small pine tree was easy to spot just to the left of the path. Tiny red bows, a set of battery operated colorful lights, and a few ornaments adorned this tree in the woods. Underneath the tree lay a few presents marked with a Christmas tag which read, “To: You, From: Secret Santa” A card dangled on the tree in a plastic sleeve marked, “PLEASE READ ME!”

Looking around to see if anyone else was around besides the birds flying above. Nostalgic feelings of past Christmas’s were brought up which brought a smile. The card read, “Season’s Greetings to EVERYONE WHO READS THIS…..” It spoke about random acts of kindness and Christmas being a time of giving. “If you receive a gift, please enjoy it and consider doing a little something to pay it forward. I hope it brings delight to all who notice it.”

The world can be such a very busy place, Thank you to the kind soul who took the time to leave this very thoughtful message. “Be as Kind as you can as the world needs it!” This certainly made the day and helped to restore joy in the holiday season. Hopefully many will benefit from this beautiful Act of Kindness!

Talk soon,

Nancy

5 Reason’s We Need Little Breaks

October 21, 2018 by nancy Leave a Comment

Lets face it, this life can get really busy at times. Being a Mom to young children can get really crazy at times, busing the kids around to their various activities, packing the lunches, bathing them, washing the clothes, making the meals, shopping. Oh my, I didn’t realize how glamorous all of the motherhood duties sounded until I wrote them down.

I don’t know if you are like me? Sometimes I have to admit, I am not always excited about making their lunches day in day out, or sitting in a cold arena watching my son’s hockey game, as I hear other parents screaming at their kids to do better.

I have to admit I like to daydream of far away places at times, and think of perhaps the last time I treated myself to vacation or a girls night away. OK maybe I do indulge in a few girls night’s away. I must say I am rather lucky to have a wonderful support system for my kiddies. I know lots of women with or without children, who could certainly use a much-needed break from the everyday demands of living in this fast paced world.

Don’t get me wrong, I am in love with my 2 little people, and I LOVE THEM TO THE MOON AND BACK! But being an older Mom, I truly appreciate “little breaks” and some time off from my duties to recharge and relax a bit.

Here are 5 reasons we all need a little bit of a BREAK.

1. Recharge your Batteries

2. Perspective

3. Gratitude

4. Take Care of Yourself

5. Have Fun

These are my top 5 reasons why a little break from the ordinary is needed. What are your 5 tips for taking a break from reality, I would love to hear your tips. Stay tuned I am in the process of creating some cool excursions to help busy people like yourself take a little break, and have a little FUN!

NOT ALL WHO WANDER ARE LOST

Talk soon ~

Nancy

5 Things to do this Weekend in Wellington County!

September 24, 2018 by nancy Leave a Comment

This time of year the mornings are cooler but still warm enough to wear only a light sweater or two, when attending one of the many events going on in our community. Where is the sunshine the weather reporter promised us today with a high of 20…..MMMM I think they were wrong again.

Well this is not my favorite time of year with the shorter days and the cooler nights. However the leaves are beautiful, with stunning colors dotting the harvested landscapes of the rural communities. There is a lot going on in the Wellington County community this Fall, here are 5 top things you can mark on your calendars, and take advantageous of all of the adventures in our backyard!

FALL RURAL ROMP (September 29th 10-4pm)

There is a wonderful self guided tour https://www.wellington.ca/en/business/tr-fallruralromp.aspx. Print out the Map, fill the gas tank, grab a coffee and explore.

2. Fergus – Elora Studio Tour (September 22-23 / 29-30th 10-4pm)

Ever wondered what an artist’s studio looks like? Now is your chance to check out fabulous artisans in Elora Fergus. Here is the link for more information and a map to follow. https://elorafergusstudiotour.com/

3. Culture Days (September 28, 29, 30)

This is a Canada wide event with the local areas in Wellington County hosting tons of great, free cultural events. https://culturedays.ca/en/2018-activities/search/grid?location=city&postal_search=&postal_radius=25&province=&city_search=fergus+elora&city_radius=25&region_search=4801&search_all_activities=&day=&day%5B%5D=2018-09-28&day%5B%5D=2018-09-29&day%5B%5D=2018-09-30&start_time=&name=&organizer=&language=&wheelchair=0&type=&type%5B%5D=&category=&category%5B%5D=&keyword=&query=

4. Donkey Sanctuary Open Day – (September 30)

You have to go visit this amazing donkey sanctuary and maybe adopt your very own donkey? https://www.guelphmercury.com/events/8881954-749859-donkey-sanctuary-open-day/

5. Aberfoyle Market (Saturday’s & Sunday’s)

Why not browse at the many vendors at this great outdoor market, open weekends. https://aberfoyleantiquemarket.com/

Talk soon

Nancy

Wellington County Festival & Events Guide (Summer) 2018

May 28, 2018 by nancy Leave a Comment

WELLINGTON COUNTY FESTIVALS AND EVENTS GUIDE

EXPERIENCE WELLINGTON COUNTY Welcome to Wellington County. Get to know us better as you explore our back roads, visit our quaint towns and find your escape in our rural Ontario countryside. We have food that will require a second helping, breathtaking natural landscapes, an arts and culture scene to be envied and some of the coolest people you have yet to meet. Visit, visit again and make yourself at home. Show us your Wellington County. Get social and use hashtags for your chance to win. #experiencewellington

CULTURE HIGHLAND GAMES WHERE TRADITIONS ARE TRADITION. You may feel like you have been transported to another time or place, but don’t worry there are many opportunities to experience remarkable events in Wellington County. Find your festival at Visit the Experience Wellington Website Gather, compete and celebrate at the Scottish Festival and Highland Games in Fergus, Ontario.

FOOD AND DRINK FOODIE FEST THE TABLE IS SET and the food is ready. Pull up your chair, we have a place waiting for you. In Wellington County we turn ingredients into adventure, find your new favourite and taste your way across the County. The Taste Real Local Food Fest celebrates all things food in Guelph and Wellington County.

Visit Visit the Taste Real website RURAL ROOTS ON THE FARM A NEW EXPERIENCE can be found at each bend in the road. Wellington County offers a chance to plant your feet, breathe in the fresh air and see what life on the farm really means. Let the Taste Real Local Food Map be your guide. Get yours at Visit the Taste Real Website Take part in the Spring and Fall Rural Romps, self-guided farm and food tours.

NATURAL LANDSCAPES GET OUTSIDE A MORNING OUT on the lake, an afternoon hike through the forest, or an evening under the stars. Wellington County gives you time to slow down, reconnect with nature and escape your everyday. Guelph Lake is one of five Grand River Parks in Wellington County, Visit the Grand River Website MUSIC FESTIVAL FAVOURITES THE SOUNDTRACK in Wellington County is rich, diverse and eclectic. Find the beat and be prepared to have the music take you away. This summer plan to attend Hillside Festival, Riverfest Elora and Elora Festival. Check out Visit the Experience Wellington Website

CHARM COUNTY TREASURES SPEND SOME TIME roaming through antique shops, strolling village streets and cruising County roads. Stay over in a charming bed and breakfast and beco • Elora Culinary Walking Tour • Elora Sculpture Project • Fergus Grand Theatre • Grand River Raceway, Elora • Harriston Town Hall Theatre • Headwaters Stable Tour, Erin • Hillsburgh Heritage Walking Trail • John Webb Gallery, Harriston • Minto Arts Gallery, Harriston • Mount Forest Museum and Archives • Norgan Theatre, Palmerston • OLG Slots, Elora • Ontario Steam Heritage Museum, Puslinch • Palmerston Railway Heritage Museum • The Gorge Cinema, Elora • Wellington County Museum and Archives SEASONAL • Aberfoyle Antique Market Sundays, April 29 – October 28, Puslinch • Donkey Sanctuary Sundays, May – October, Puslinch • Drayton Festival Theatre May 16 – October 14, Drayton • Elora Skyrider Zipline June 2 – September 30, Elora Gorge • Lynes Blacksmith Shop By appointment, June 1 – September 30, Kenilworth • McClintock’s Water Ski School May 15 – October 15, Puslinch Lake • Monster Month October 1 – 31, Downtown Elora • Strom’s Farm Harvest Fun Area September – October, Guelph Eramosa • Simple Pleasures for the Summer Wednesdays, July 4 – August 29, Wellington County Museum and Archives •

FARMERS’ MARKETS • Erin Farmers’ Market McMillan Park, Village of Erin FRIDAYS, June 22 – September 29 • Rockwood Farmers’ Market and Live Music, 112 Main Street, Rockwood WEDNESDAYS, June 13 – October 3 • Elora Farmers’ Market Bissell Park, Elora SATURDAYS, May 5 – October 13 • Elora Farmers’ Market, Paddock Building, Grand River Raceway, Elora SATURDAYS, October 20 – December 22 • Minto Farmers’ Market, Palmerston Railway Heritage Museum SATURDAYS, June 2 – August 25 • Aberfoyle Farmers’ Market, 23 Brock Road South, Aberfoyle SATURDAYS, May 26 – October 27 • Wellington North Farmers’ Market, Victory Community Centre, Mount Forest FRIDAYS, May 25 – October 5 Dates subject to change. Please visit Visit the Experience Wellington Website APRIL • APRIL 6 National Tartan Day Concert, Fergus Grand Theatre • APRIL 8 Gallery Concert Series, Wellington County Museum and Archives • APRIL 8 Tartan Day, Downtown Fergus • APRIL 8 Tartan Day Historical Walking Tour, Downtown Fergus • APRIL 14 – 15 Elora Vintage and Antique Show, Elora Community Centre • APRIL 20 – 22 Guelph and District Kennel Club Dog Show, Centre Wellington Sportsplex, Fergus • APRIL 20 – 28 Musical Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre, Grand River Raceway, Elora • APRIL 26 Wordfest, Elora Centre For the Arts • APRIL 29 Grand Taste, Grand River Raceway, Elora MAY • MAY 3 Flutters, Frocks and Flowers, Main Street, Village of Erin • MAY 4 – 6 Elora Festival Annual Giant Book Sale, Elora Curling Club • MAY 4 – 6 Spring Rain Weekend,Belwood Hall • MAY 6 Dollhouse Miniatures Show and Sale, Centre Wellington Sportsplex, Fergus • MAY 6 EW-CS High Tea and High Heels, St. Andrew’s Church, Hillsburgh • MAY 6 Elora Writers’ Festival, Wellington County Museum and ArchivesMAY 9 – 11 Fergu •

JUNE

6 – 8 Canadian National Fly-Fishing Champships, Centre Wellington • JUNE 9 Doors Open Erin, Various locations in the Town of Erin • JUNE 9 Drayton Kinettes, Super Hero Soiree, Ag Hall, Drayton Fairgrounds • JUNE 10 Donkey Day, The Donkey Sanctuary, Puslinch • JUNE 14 Aberfoyle Agricultural Society Chicken Barbeque, Puslinch Community CentreJUNE 15 Mapleton Custom Rodders Car Show, Moorefield Ball Diamonds • JUNE 16 Rotary Club of Erin presents “Ribfest”, McMillan Park, Village of Erin • JUNE 16 Doors Open Fergus and Elora, Various Locations across Fergus and Elora • JUNE 16 Doors Open Historical Walking Tours, Fergus and Elora • JUNE 16 Subaru Triathlon Series at Guelph Lake, Guelph Lake Conservation Area • JUNE 16 Touch a Truck, Harriston and Minto Community Centre, Harriston •

JUNE 20 – SEPTEMBER 1Insights, Wellington County Museum and Archives • JUNE 21 Sensational Elora’s Fabulous Fergus Pub Night, Four pubs throughout Fergus • JUNE 23 Puslinch Lake Alive Living Home Tour, Old Marina Restaurant, Puslinch • JUNE 23 Palmerston Handcar Races, Palmerston Railway Museum • JUNE 23 Party in the Park, Palmerston Lion’s Heritage Park • JUNE 24 Local Food Fest, Ignatius Jesuit Centre • JUNE 24 Celebrate Sunrise Summer Fundraiser, Sunrise Therapeutic Riding and Learning Centre, Puslinch • JUNE 24 Fergus Horticultural Society Garden Tour, Various locations across Fergus • JUNE 29 – 30 Clifford Classic Truck Show, Clifford Rotary Park • JUNE 29 – JULY 2 Arthur Optimists Canada Day Weekend Celebration, Arthur Fairgrounds and Community Centre • JUNE 30 Drayton Kinsmen Wing Night and Concert, Drayton Fairgrounds

JULY

Orton’s Annual Canada Day Celebration, Orton • JULY 1 Get in Touch for Hutch, Arthur Community Centre • JULY 1 Puslinch Canada Day Pancake Breakfast and Fireworks, Puslinch Community Centre • JULY 1, Canada Day Fireworks, Centre Wellington Sportsplex, Fergus • JULY 1 Dominion Day Elora, Downtown Elora and Bissell Park • JULY 1 Canada Day Celebration, Crossroads Life Church, Harriston • JULY 1 Canada Day Fireworks Display, Drayton Fairgrounds • JULY 2 – 6 Arthur SU Sports Camp, Arthur Community Centre • JULY 4 – AUGUST 29Twilight at Templin, Templin Gardens, Fergus • JULY 5 Music at the Museum, Wellington County Museum and Archives • JULY 6 Annual Wiener Dog Race, Grand River Raceway, Elora • JULY 6 – 15 Elora Community Theatre’s Shakespeare in the Park, Bissell Park, Elora • JULY 7 FEDS Annual Special Needs Soccer Festival, Victoria Park, Fergus • JULY 7 – 8 Black Sheep Contemporary Textile Festival, Elora Centre For the Arts • JULY 8 Conestogo Lake Annual Fishing Derby, Conestogo Lake Conservation Area • JULY 12 Music at the Museum, Wellington County Museum and Archives • JULY 13 – 15 Hillside Festival, Guelph Lake Conservation Area • JULY 13 – 29 Elora Festival, Various locations in Elora • JULY 19 Music at the Museum, Wellington County Museum and Archives • JULY 20 – 22 Mount Forest Fireworks Festival, 514 Main Street North, Mount Forest • JULY 26 Music at the Museum, Wellington County Museum and Archives • JULY 28 Fergus Ghost Walk, The Bookery, Fergus • JULY 28 Fergus Medieval Faire, Downtown Fergus

AUGUST

AUGUST 2 Music at the Museum, Wellington County Museum and Archives • AUGUST 3 – 5 Jeff Davie Memorial 3-Pitch Tournament, Palmerston and Harriston Ball Diamonds • AUGUST 4 – 6 Pirate Fest, Marden Park • AUGUST 4 Sensational Elora’s Film on a Plate, The Gorge Cinema, Elora • AUGUST 6 Grand River Raceway Industry Day, Grand River Raceway, Elora • AUGUST 9 Music at the Museum, Wellington County Museum and Archives • AUGUST 9 Pipes, Plaid and Pageantry Parade, Downtown Fergus • AUGUST 10 Fergus Ghost Walk, The Bookery, Fergus • AUGUST 10 – 12 Fergus Scottish Festival and Highland Games, Centre Wellington Sportsplex, Fergus • AUGUST 10 – 11 Fergus Scottish Festival, Downtown Edition!, Downtown Fergus • AUGUST 10 – 11 Fergus Scottish Festival, Historical Walking Tours, Downtown Fergus • AUGUST 10 – 11 Psychic Fair, The Bookery, Fergus • AUGUST 10 – 12 Drayton 161st Fair, ‘Best Pickin’ in Mapleton, Drayton Fairgrounds • AUGUST 11 Fergus Ghost Walk, The Bookery, Fergus • AUGUST 11 Downtown Harriston Street Party, Savour in the Street and Street Dance, Elora St. S, Harriston • AUGUST 17 -19 Riverfest Elora, Bissell Park, Elora • AUGUST 18 Spirit in the Hills Family Fun Day and Classic Car Show, Main Street, Hillsburgh • AUGUST 18 – 19 Classic Ford Truck Show, Arthur Fairgrounds • AUGUST 18 Mount Forest Agricultural Society 159th Annual Fall Fair, Mount Forest and District Sports Complex • AUGUST 22 – 26 Annual Palmerston Fair, Palmerston Fairgrounds • AUGUST 24 – 25 Grand River Truck and Tractor Pull, Grand River Raceway, Elora • AUGUST 24 – 25 Campin’ and Jammin’ in the Park, Drayton Fairground • AUGUST 25 Alma Car Show, Wallace Cummings Park, Alma • AUGUST 26 Antique and Classic Car Show, Wellington County Museum and Archives • AUGUST 26 Tri Kids Triathlon, Centre Wellington Sportsplex, Fergus

There are over 200 festivals and events in Wellington County every year. Visit Visit the Experience Wellington Website, https://www.wellington.ca/en/business/resources/TasteReal2017/PDF-Files/2018-Festivals-and-Events-Guide—Accessible-Doc.pdf.

Talk soon,

Nancy