Highland Games 2010 - Bracebridge, Ontario

Join the clan in Bracebridge for the 2010 Highland Games and enjoy the Legion's Pipes and Drums, Highland dancers and all those super strong boys and girls in tartan kilts muscling heavy, over sized objects. There will also be Scottish tastings, product and food vendors, a parade and yes, a beer tent.

The hosting clan is the MacDougall's along with the Canadian Scottish Athletic Federation Amateur Canadian Championship.



Bring your pets (on a leash) and the kids too of course (no leash required ;) If they are under 12, they're free so take advantage of all that action and hang out on Friday and Saturday.

Contact the games organizer with questions or visit their website (link posted above).

Elvis Lives! ...on in Collingwood, Ontario - Elvis Festival July 2010!!

Elvis lives on in the hearts, minds and souls of thousands, if not millions of fans worldwide. He's such a huge freakin' musical icon that Collingwood, Ontario in cottage country celebrates him annually with one of the worlds largest Elvis festivals!!

16th Annual Collingwood Elvis Festival

Begins on Thursday July 22 continues until Sunday, July 25th, 2010 

All day long and how far into the night, depends on you ;)

This year's Elvis Festival will feature an amazing array of Elvis impersonators to entertain the masses of Elvis wanna be's dancing and singing away in the streets, otherwise known as the audience! It's a great party in downtown Collingwood's huge outdoor venue with over 50 activities and concerts being performed throughout this pretty little city on Georgian Bay. So, grab your blue suede sandals and come on out!!

Apparently, there will be more than '232.5 hours of entertainment' for all ages (yes kids, there is a midway full of rides!) and for those lovers of fair food, mmm loadem' up and open wide! Plus Vegas style entertainment, Tribute Artist competitions, pub crawls, dances, vendors (shopping is a thumbs up), collectibles and classic cars to continue the classic rock n' roll feel.

Order your tickets today by calling toll free 1-866-444-1162 or purchase online Collingwood Elvis Festival

The Collingwood Elvis Festival is a licensee of Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. (psssst, so you know it's gonna be fantastic ;)

Need more Elvis now, don't cha? ...visit his 'Official Website'... (he must live on if he has a website right?) 

Thane Dunn of Moncton, New Brunswick was the winner from Collingwood's Elvis Festival 2009 &

Davis Campbell from Ontario was a winner in the youth division back in 2008!

50th annual Mariposa Folk Festival - Orillia, Ontario featuring Gordon Lightfoot!

Mariposa Folk Festival 2010
Orillia, Ontario - Tudhope Park on Lake Couchiching

This years July bash will mark the soon memorable, 50th anniversary of the Mariposa Folk Festival therefore, the musical talent for this year is nothing short of fantastic! Orillia's own Gordon Lightfoot will also be performing (check schedule) along with dozens and dozens of performers and musicians that are visiting from across the country.

There will also be an Artisan's village and hands on workshops from belly dancing to rug hooking. The festival is also right on Lake Couchiching so bring your swimwear so you can cool off. It's gong to be an awesome weekend to party like a cottage country folkstar!!

Musicians and artists performing at this year's Mariposa Folk Festival are...  

Alejandra Ribera, Ashley MacIsaac, Beyond the Pale, Breakmen, Caitlin Hanford, Catherine MacLellan, Chris McKhool, Chris Smither, Cindy Church, Dan Mangan, Dave Borins, Dave Gunning, David Francey and Mike Ford, Deep Dark Woods, Dennis Lee, Downchild Blues Band, Elliott BROOD, George Hewison, George Miller, Gordon Lightfoot, Grass Mountain Hobos, Gwen Swick, Holmes Hooke, Ian Tyson, Ianspotting, James Gordon, Jason Collett, Josh White Jr., Joshua Cockerill, Jowi Taylor, Kempencelts, Kennetts, Les Tireux d'Roches, Little Miss Higgins, Liziwe Mahashe, Louis-Philippe Robillard, Lynn Miles, Madison Violet, Magoo, Mark Douglas, Matt Andersen, Métis Fiddler Quartet, Michael Johnston, Mike Stevens, Mose Scarlett, Murray McLauchlan, Northern Jewels, Ohbijou, Oscar Brand, Quartette, Rick Fines & Suzie Vinnick, Serena Ryder, Sharon & Bram, Sherry Lawson, Simone Johnston, Sultans of String, Sylvia Tyson, Todd Crowley's Musical Petting Zoo, Urban Fairytales, Whiteley Brothers, Wooden Sky and Zeus.

Tickets come in many shapes and forms...

The folk festival is an all day all wekend event so you will need to bring some comforts like chairs, blankets, food and beverate or money ;)

Day Passes

Friday Evening Pass $55
Saturday Pass $75
Sunday Pass $75

General Weekend Passes

Weekend Pass General Admission Age 25+ $109
Weekend Pass Young Adult Age 17-24, only $50.
Celebrate Mariposa's 50 for $50!
Weekend Pass Youth Age 13-16 $12

Camping Weekend Passes are available! (see website)

Antique and Classic Boat Show - Gravenhurst, Ontario - July 2010!

30th Annual Antique and Classic Boat Show
Muskoka Wharf - Gravenhurst, Ontario
Cottage country is famous it's outstanding collection of boats and this amazing boat show is where you'll find them! The ACBS takes place at the Muskoka Wharf every year and features antique cars and one of the largest in water displays of classic wooden boats including some of the oldest mahogany boats from this region! This year the show has been extended over two days rather than just one, enjoy ;) ...

- fully restored antique boats and vintage race craft
- antique flea market with loads of vendors
- cardboard boat races for the youngsters! plus++

Antique Classic Boat Show begins July 10th and ends July 11th, 2010

Photographer - Tim DuVernet

If you're looking to restore or buy your own classic wooden boat, visit Brackley Boats in Gravenhurst.

Father's Day Weekend 2010 - Cottage Country, Ontario

Father's Day Car Show

Visit downtown Bracebridge for their Father's Day Car Show and enjoy over 100 vehicles of special interest, great oldies music and food!

Sunday - June 20, 2010
Begins at 11:00 am - Until 4:00 pm

Bracebridge, Ontario
Downtown Bracebridge


Wild Wonders at Blue

Flight Shows with Free-Flying Birds of Prey by the Canadian Raptor Conservancy and The Reptile Rob Show featuring animals from around the world! They call it "Edutainment", which is my new word of the day ;) Take in all Blue Mountain has to offer while you're there like hiking, scavenger hunts, the splash fountain, shopping!...

Saturday, June 19th, 2010 & Sunday, June 20, 2010

The Canadian Raptor Conservancey Birds of Prey
Begins at 11:00 am, 1:30 pm & 4:00 pm

The Reptile Rob Show
Begins at 12:00 pm, 2:30 pm & 5:00 pm

Face Painting 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Collingwood, Ontario
Village at Blue Mountain
Phone# 705-445-0231
Village at Blue
 
Father's Day Captain's Feast n' Cruise
 
Dine on the largerst cruising boat within the Musoka named 'Lady Muskoka' who sits 300 passengers and has full facilities!
 
Bracebridge, Ontario
June 20, 2010
Begins at 12:00 Noon
 
Captain's Feast
Reserve your spot by calling... 
Phone# 705-646-2628 or
Phone# 800-263-5239

Or...

- go fishing for the afternoon and eat your catch!
- go for a hike, picnic, swim or all three at any one of Ontario's parks
- give him a foot massage, feed him grapes and just let him be (if, he deserves it ;)

Lake Simcoe & Kempenfelt Bay is the backdrop to Barrie's 6th annual Waterfront Festival this weekend!

The weather is supposed to hold up as...'gorgeous' in all of cottage country Ontario! and for the whole weekend too! How would you like to stroll along the sandy shoreline of Lake Simcoe while doing some shopping, eating and people watching or take a swim, a carnival ride or play a game of chance? You're thinking it about it aren't you? When was the last time you had a corn dog on the beach?

The 6th annual Barrie Waterfront Festival is held in the downtown area on Kempenfelt Bay and is great for all ages. There's lots of parking, just pack your beach stuff, sunscreen, water and wallet etc ;) then head out to the blue skies and blue waters of Heritage Park. There will be lots of live entertainment, a B101 & FM93 stage, midway, buskers and street vendors galore!

Festivities kick off at noon on Saturday, May 29th and continue until 11:00pm. On Sunday, the events start off at noon and wrap up at 6:00pm.

At last year's festival we chowed down on the best Poutine ever (twice), lost money on the games, did get a bit of a sunburn, bought some trinkets and we all loved it especially the kids! Everything at the park is somewhat contained yet you're outside so it's spacious, it's also busy yet fun and if we get a chance to go this weekend we'll make a day of it.

Safe journey wherever you're headed and thanks for visiting; feel free to leave a comment!

Smelt Fishing - Lake Simcoe 2010

To me, Smelt fishing is somewhat like waiting for Santa Claus...at the golden age of 50! There's lots of hype but it's simply not like it was when you were a kid.

The elusive Smelt fish have tickled the fancies of fishermen surrounding the great lakes for hundreds of years and around the shores of Lake Simcoe, it's no different. Once a year these scaled, slim lined beauties begin their spawning cycle within the shallows of Simcoe making them a vulnerable target to those in the want.

Smelt fish are used as bait to catch other fish but historically they are also a known delicacy, a tasty treat for the kings! Therefore, the spawning Smelts beckon not only the local racoon population but the fishermen want them too ;)

Check along the shoreline and shallows in the late to wee hours of the morning. You can spot them in their hip waders (the fishermen that is and by the way, that's not a sexy look ;), their flashlights, dip nets and buckets in hand... scoping, checking and re-checking the shorelines for nights on end. In that sense, it's worse than waiting for Santa Claus 'cause at least you have a clue when he's comin'!

For the past two weeks, late in the evening to early morning, my hopeful hubby sets out on his search. He faithfully, year in and year out, beats a path to his childhood hot spots. While the Smelt, well, they're nowhere to be found!

This evening may be the same scenario, but perhaps not? I'll keep you posted!

All Fish Seafood Recipes has oodles of recipe options for cooking up the Smelts, if you catch em' that is! I personally have never tried them, nor do I want to, so that means all the more for you. Although, I did read a rumour that the reason there are no Smelt fish left, is because Darryl Choronzey ate them all ;) ...shore lunch!!

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Home & Cottage Shows 2010 - Orillia, Wasage Beach, Bracebridge & Port Carling

The record breaking temperature we've been experiencing most certainly pulls people outdoors for both pleasure and yardwork. When one remains outdoors for any extended lengths they tend to visualize the upcoming season and what it will entail. Perhaps a manicured yard, lush gardens, a comfortable seating area with fireplace and perhaps a hot tub nearby surrounded by natural rocks and vegetation that sits just steps away from your lagoon shaped heated swimming pool. That's my vision, what's yours?

Wether you're a resident of cottage country or a seasonal cottager the search for garden and decor ideas for the upcoming spring and summer season is alive and in the hearts of men and women, just like me! So, if you like to play outside in style, lounge in luxury or pull up a stump and chill there may be something for you at one of the local home and cottage shows taking place within cottage country. Perhaps you are finishing an old project and need inspiration, beginning a new one or just wanting to get out and see what's new!


17th Annual Simcoe Spring Home & Cottage Show
Barnfield Point Recreation Centre
500 Atherly Road
Orillia, Ontario
Phone # 705-325-3089
Admission $3.00 per person. Children under 12 are Free

- Friday, April 9, 2010 - 5 pm until 9 pm
- Saturday, April 10, 2010 - 10 am until 5 pm
- Sunday, April 10, 2010 - 10 am until 4 pm


17th Annual Home and Garden Show hosted by Wasaga Beach Lions Club
Wasaga Beach Recplex
1724 Mosley Street
Wasaga Beach, Ontario
Phone # 705-429-3331
Admission $2 per person. Children 12 and under are Free

- Saturday, April 10, 2010 - 10 am until 5 pm
- Sunday, April 11, 2010 - 10 am until 4 pm


19th Annual Muskoka Builders' Association's Home & Cottage Show 2010
Bracebridge Memorial Arena
169 James St.
Bracebridge, Ontario
Phone # 705-645-3008
http://www.muskokabuilders.com/
Admission is Free if you kindly donate to the Food Banks of Muskoka upon entry (cash or non-perishable food items please)

- Friday, April 23, 2010 - 2 pm until 9 pm
- Satuday, April 24, 2010 - 10 am until 5 pm
- Sunday, April 25, 2010 - 10 am until 4 pm


The Muskoka Lifestyle Show

Port Carling Community Arena
Port Carling, Onatrio
Phone # 705-687-0974
Admission is $3.00
- Friday, May 21, 2010 - 5 pm until 9 pm
- Saturday, May 22, 2010 - 10 am until 5 pm
- Sunday, May 23, 2010 - 10 am until 4 pm

G8 Summit June 2010 - Huntsville, Ontario

Watch for international exposure for the Muskoka area this June as Huntsville, Ontario hosts the world's G8 Summit for 2010! This is an amazing opportunity to welcome the eyes of the world into 'our' home, to share the spirit of cottage living and our hospitality. This event will have an impact on our community and surrounding areas that will last a lifetime!

The G8 Summit is also known as The Group of Eight... "The Group of Eight is an economic and political forum for the leaders of eight of the world's most industrialized nations, aimed at finding common ground on key topics and solutions to global issues. The G8 includes Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, the United States, and the United Kingdom." quoted from the Ontario Government website. This year our Prime Minister, Stephen Harper will be representing Canada at the G8 Summit in Huntsville.

The G8 Summit is on Friday, June 25th 2010 and Saturday, June 26, 2010. The G8 Summit began in 1975 and 2010 will mark Canada's 5th opportunity to host the annual meeting.

Preparations for security, lodging and meeting quarters have been ongoing since the initial event was announced. The Town of Huntsville and it's residents, the media, RCMP, OPP and the G8 Summit Integrated Security Unit (ISU) are collaborating and contributing to ensure a safe and successful summit meeting.

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The Canadian government estimates investing $50 million dollars to host the G8 in 2010. The benefits being left behind are the new Media Centre in Huntsville which will revert to an additional ice surface and the newly resurfaced landing strip in North Bay stays too ;) The G8 summit created an economic boost for the area that will have lasting effects that are beneficial to the wholecommunity and surrounding areas.

For further information visit the Ontario Government - FAQ's , view this PDF document entitled  Town of Huntsville's 2010 G8 Legacy Project  or visit the Town of Huntsville.

Music Video "I Believe" by Nikki Yanofsky - Olympics theme Song Vancouver 2010

Good luck to all of the participants in this year's 2010 Olympics hosted in Vancouver, B.C. Canada!

You amaze and inspire us all!

 Thank you to all who have contributed to make this event happen and Nikki, you rock this song!

I'm Proud to be Canadian!

Update: Way to go Team Canada you did awesome and made us all very proud!!

Top 5 Medalists from the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics

United States - 9 Gold Medals  15 Silver Medals  13 Bronze Medals  37 Medals in Total

Germany - 10 Gold Medals  13 Silver Medals  7 Silver Medals   30 Medals in Total

Canada - 14 Gold Medals  7 Silver Medals   5 Bronze Medals   26 Medals in Total 

Norway - 9 Gold Medals    8 Silver Medals   6 Bronze Medals   23 Medals in Total

Austria - 4 Gold Medals   6 Silver Medals   6 Bronze Medals   16 Medals in Total

I Believe (lyrics)

There comes a moment

When my heart must stand alone

On this lonely path I've chosen,
Like a house that's not a home
Sometimes when I feel I've had enough
And I feel like giving up
You willed me to be all I can be
Now nothing can stop me

I believe in the power that comes
From a world brought together as one
I believe together we'll fly
I believe in the power of you and I

This is the moment we have dreamed of all our lives
We'll be the change we wish from others
We'll stand tall for what is right
And in my heart there'll be no doubt
The arms of the world will come reaching out
And embrace me to be all I can be
Now nothing can stop me

I believe in the power that comes
From a world brought together as one
I believe together we'll fly
I believe in the power of you and I

I believe the time is right now
Stand tall and make the world proud
I believe together we'll fly
I believe in the power of you and I
I believe in the power of you and I

I believe, I believe, I believe in
I believe, I believe in you
I believe, I beleive, I believe in
I believe, I believe in you
I believe, I believe, I believe in
I believe, I believe in you
I believe, I believe, I believe in you

I believe together we'll fly
I believe in the power of you and I

I believe the time is right now
Stand tall and make the world proud
I believe together we'll fly
I believe in the power of you and I
Power
Of you and I
Together we'll fly
I believe in the power of you and I


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Winter Carnival 2010! Orillia, Ontario

Celebrate the Chill of February by joining the community of Orillia at Couchiching Park

 for the annual Winter Carnival Feb 12 - 14, 2010!

This is a family oriented, super fun event that takes place over a whole weekend in February. So just when you thought hibernation could set in, jolt yourself awake by exploring the frozen shores of Lake Couchiching! Enjoy a stroll around the carnival, visit the Petting Zoo, join in the Winter Olympics or sample a taste from the Chili Cook Off. May I also suggest you partake in the always frigid, eye opening Polar Bear Dip which raises funds for local, charitable causes.

There are events planned throughout the weekend so be sure to check Orillia's Winter Carnival website for further updates. Events listed for the 2010 Carnival include Shivers Ice Castle home to Shivers the mascot, Dog Sled Rides, Horse and Sleigh Rides, Ball Hockey Tournament, Helicopter Rides, Adult Dance, Teen Dance (at TUX II), Public Skating, KenJen Petting Zoo, Mini Snowmobile Rides, Duck Soup Productions, Toboggan Hill (New), Pancake Breakfast, Chili Cook-Off, O.P.P Kiddies Fish Pond,

Food Tent and the Midway along with...

Snow Sculptures
You need to complete and return a completed registration form to Orillia. Judging Sunday February 14, 2010 from 11:30AM-12PM.

Polar Bear Dip
Applications for proceeds for the 2010 Polar Bear are now being received!
Collect over $50 in Pledges and You Can Jump Too!

See the Orillia Chamber of Commerce for community realated information and other events.

Thank you for supporting Orillia's Winter Carnival!

p.s. If you need an ice sculpture check out Ice Culture Inc. based out of Hensall, Ontario

Visit other Winter Carnivals and Festivals in the area!