Hometown News

Westport & Rideau Lakes Weekend Guide: June 17 – 19

Check out the weekend guide below to find out what is going on in your community.

FRIDAY, JUNE 17

Westport Film Society Screening

6:30pm – 9:00pm
2016-06-17
Westport Film Society (WFS) hosts free open screenings at 6:30pm in the United Church Hall throughout the WAC season.  Join us for a film, light refreshments and great discussion led by Paul Millar. Free for film lovers.
For more info email westportfilm@gmail.com

SATURDAY, JUNE 18  

Hoe Down in the Park

5:00pm – 8:00pm
Lockwood Memorial Field
35 Concession Street, Westport

SUNDAY, JUNE 19

Happy Father’s Day

All day.
Don’t forget to celebrate the men in you’re life this fathers day.

SENIORS SPECIAL EVENTS SUMMER PICNIC

Anyone 50 years of age and older, whether or not you belong to one of the Township’s Seniors Clubs, you are invited to join us at Lower Beverley Lake Park for a Chicken BBQ lunch and entertainment – rain or shine – for $10.00.
http://www.explorewestport.com/westport-on/seniors-special-events-summer-picnic

Fish Fry

5pm- 630pm
Elgin Lions Hall

Almonte & Mississippi Mills Weekend Guide: June 17 – 19

Check out the weekend guide below to find out what is going on in your community.

FRIDAY, JUNE 17

June Mixer is a Sign of the times

6:00pm – 8:00pm
The Barley Mow
Registration
Guest – $20.00 (CAD) Any non paid member or person from the community.
Member – Free Fully paid up member
Registration is closed

Paint and Sip

7:00pm
Paint, drink and be merry at the Museum’s first paint night! Join Ottawa artist Veronica Keith as she leads participants step-by step to complete a work of art. No painting experience is necessary. It’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy a night out with friends and get creative!
To learn more about Veronica, please visit her website veronicakeith.com.
Tickets are $40 per person and include all painting supplies and one glass of wine.
The event is 19+.
Space is limited. To register, please call 613-257-8503 or email appletonmuseum@hotmail.com.

SATURDAY, JUNE 18  

Tour: “Mills and Manors of Little Manchester”

10:00am – 5:00pm
Mississippi Valley Textile Museum
3 Rosamond Street East, Almonte, Ontario K0A 1A0
In the 1890s, Almonte had six textile mills, including the Rosamond No. 1—the largest woolen mill in the country. This earned Almonte the title “little Manchester of Canada.” This tour highlights the adaptive reuse of two of those mills as well as taking you into some of the town’s outstanding homes and gardens.
Tickets are $30 and can be purchased in Almonte at the Museum (3 Rosamond St. E., Almonte, 613-256-3754) and Baker Bob’s also in Almonte, in Carleton Place at The Pickle Dish, as well as in Ottawa at Wabi Sabi on Wellington St. and Darrel Thomas Textiles on Preston St. Ticketholders will also have free entry to the Textile Museum to see “Cu: Copper and Textile Fabrications” by artists Fran Solar and Sayward Johnson and to enjoy tea and dessert

Clayton Hall Hoedown

8:00pm – 1:00am
147 Linn Bower Lane
Saddle Up, put on your boots & come on out for our Country Western Dance. Cause we’re hootin’ and hollerin’ it’s the Clayton Hall Hoedown Fundraiser! Come on out for a night full of fun, at our first ever Hall Hoedown! Doors Open at 8pm. Music by DJ – Karen Nichols. There will be tons of prizes to be won! Specialty country/western themed drinks. All proceeds will be going to the renovations/up keep at the Clayton Hall!
Tickets will be available at the Clayton Store, you will also be able to get your tickets from the members of the Hall Committee.
Ticket Prices – $10 in advance & $15 at the door.
Tickets Available at: Clayton General Store, Hopetown General Store, Kaleigh Fergusson – 613-889-2247, Donna-Jean Nichols – 613-979-6190, Faith Taylor – 613-898-9865, Paige Comerford – 613-316-1268, Karen Nichols, Joanne Taylor, Christine McNeely, Tracy Bowden, Darlene MacDonald, Neil Giles
For more information or any questions please contact – Donna-Jean Nichols at 613-256-6190

SUNDAY, JUNE 19

Happy Father’s Day

All day.
Don’t forget to celebrate the men in you’re life this fathers day.

Almonte Farmers’ Market

Saturday Mornings
Library Grounds, Almonte
www.almontefarmersmarket.ca

Carleton Place Weekend Guide: June 17 – 19

Check out the weekend guide below to find out what is going on in your community.

SATURDAY, JUNE 18  

Carleton Place Scouts Yard Sale

7:30am – 2:00pm
239 Park Avenue.
(Corner of Park Ave. and Nelson St.)
All proceeds will go towards assisting youth to attend The Canadian Scout Jamboree 2017 (CJ’17), taking place during July of 2017 at Camp Nedooae in Nova Scotia.

Farmer’s Market

8:30am – 12:30pm
Are you are looking for farm fresh produce and meats? Or how about home made preserves and baking? Or maybe hand made crafts and artwork? Then the Carleton Place Farmers’ Market is the place to be! We pride ourselves on having only local produce and craftspeople represented, giving you a taste and experience unique to Carleton Place.
Fresh produce, meats, fish, fruit, herbs, plants, honey, maple syrup, preserves, baked goods, prepared dinners and arts and design ware

BIA Annual Lambs’ Down Park Festival

10:00am – 3:00pm
Spondored by the BIA. Annual wool celebration with lamb/dog demonstrations, sheep shearing, spinning and displays by the Wool Growers. Co-ordinated by the Business Improvement Area and Canadian Co-operative Wool Growers Limited.
Franktown Road.
Info: 613.257.8049
www.downtowncarletonplace.com

I love my Parks

10:00am – 12:00pm (noon)
Families are encouraged to come out, meet other friends in the community, and take part in some outdoor recreation fun! Recreation and Culture Department staff will be on site with toys, games, and other special treats! Each session runs from 10:00am – 12:00pm and there are no participation fees.
Westview Park (Dunham Street)
For more information please contact Jessica Smith, Community Programmer
613-257-1704
jsmith@carletonplace.ca.
To stay up to date on weekly themes, families are encouraged to like “Carambeck Community Centre” page on facebook.

THE MAN CAVE THE ULTIMATE SHOW FOR MEN

10:00am – 6:00pm  
Beckwith Park, 1319 – 9th line Beckwith
Admission $5.00

Family Movie Night

7:30pm – 10:30pm
Join us for Family Movie night at Riverside Park (Amphitheatre)
7:30 Pre movie fun with crafts, snow cones and play
9:00 Minions (rated G)

SUNDAY, JUNE 19

Happy Father’s Day

All day.
Don’t forget to celebrate the men in you’re life this fathers day.

Women’s Self Defence

12:30pm – 2:30pm
Lisa Carroll and Greco Carleton Place present Women’s Self Defence
$25.00 all proceeds go to the Lanark County Interval House
Please email emilygrecocp@gmail.com to reserve your place

Perth Weekend Guide: June 17 – 19

Check out the weekend guide below to find out what is going on in your community.

FRIDAY, JUNE 17

Silent Auction for 3 Local Charities

June 16 @ 12:00pm (noon) – June 18 @ 4:00pm
Mariposa Design is hosting a Silent Auction – in our shoppe. ALL Proceeds will be donated to 3 Local Charities that have been selected by Susan personally. In support of our fellow citizens, children and seniors. Please join us on Saturday to celebrate and share some local community fellowship. We are in our new location – on the other side of the alley – beside the Bank of Montreal.
Mariposa Design
32 Gore Street East

SATURDAY, JUNE 18

Kick Off to Summer VIP Sidewalk Sale

Registration. Begins at 9:30 in the Atrium of Codes Mill
Downtown Perth Shopping event with over 200 swag bags filled with coupons, promotions and gifts.

2016 RCMP Musical Ride Tour

Gates open – 5:00pm, Pre Show 6:00pm, RCMP Musical Ride 7:00pm
One of  Canada most recognized icons, The Royal Canadian Mounted Police, will be performing at the Perth Fairgrounds.
Alzheimer Society Lanark Leeds Grenville & Perth and District Agricultural Society
Perth Fairgrounds -50 Arthur Street

Silent Auction for 3 Local Charities

June 16 @ 12:00pm (noon) – June 18 @ 4:00pm
Mariposa Design is hosting a Silent Auction – in our shoppe. ALL Proceeds will be donated to 3 Local Charities that have been selected by Susan personally. In support of our fellow citizens, children and seniors. Please join us on Saturday to celebrate and share some local community fellowship. We are in our new location – on the other side of the alley – beside the Bank of Montreal.
Mariposa Design
32 Gore Street East

KIDFISH in the BASIN

Registration takes place starting at 8:00am
Fishing ends at 12:00pm (noon)
Perth Legion for the ANNUAL KIDFISH in the BASIN. All kids are welcome to come fish in the Basin, no fees attached! Instill a love of fishing and the outdoors in your kids! Kids who are registered can receive prizes and a hot dog lunch.
For information please call Kathy Lowry
613-267-7655.

PERTH FARMERS’ MARKET 2016

Vendors are set-up between 8:00am – 1:00pm
Takes place every Saturday morning between May 7th and October 8th, 2016, in the Tay Basin Parking Lot and around the Crystal Palace. Offers fresh, local, organic in-season produce, plants, preserves, meat, home baking, and tons of other goodies. The Market also offers artisans and crafts, jewellry, entertainment occasionally and chance to have breakfast at the Piggin’ Out Market Cafe. This is a great way to spend a Saturday morning, getting to know your local producers in the heart of downtown Perth!

WALK TO CELEBRATE SENIORS AND THE HISTORY OF PERTH

9:00am-11:00am
A walk will take place, hosted by Carolina Retirement Suites, to celebrate all the seniors in Perth and surrounding areas. All proceeds are being donated 100% to the GWM Site of the Perth & Smiths Falls Hospital.
Registration is $10 per person.
For information contact Michale Fyke
613-267-7000
mfyke@carolinasuites.ca

20th ANNUAL ART IN THE GARDEN AT KIWI GARDENS

9:00am – 5:00pm
KIWI GARDENS presents their 20th Annual ART IN THE GARDEN on Saturday and Sunday, June 18th and 19th, 2016.  Kiwi Gardens offers an amazing stroll through their property of show gardens, featuring great vendor displays, outdoor art, sculpture, garden products, food and music. Not your average art or garden show, terrific idea for Father’s Day Weekend!  Perennials available for purchase at the nursery after the tour.
Admission is $5 per person and parking is free.
Located at 687 Harper Road
Check them out on Facebook!

Heritage Herb and Wild Food Walk

10:00am
Conlon Farm Baseball Diamonds and follow the local “Devil’s Rock” path to Grant’s Creek.
The historic uses of  plants along the trail will be discussed including: wild Leek, wild Strawberry, Calamus (Sweetflag), Chokecherry, Common Plantain and wild Violets. Wild Blueberry and other plants are also featured.  Learn how the original settlers of the area would have prepared and used the plants.
This event is a 200th Anniversary Celebration Event.
For more information about the event, please contact summerstudent@tayvalleytwp.ca

Elmwood Cemetery Open House and Self-Guided Tour

10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Elmwood Cemetery Open House and Self Guided Tour-a tour that highlights some of the unique architectural attributes in the cemetery as well as noting unusual symbols to be found on some early burial markers.  The seldom seen interior of the burial vault will also be open.
Located at 165 Dufferin Road

PERTH 200TH ANNIVERSARY WALKING FOOD TOUR

Tour starts at 1:00pm
Every Saturday until June 25th, join the Perth 200th Anniversary WALKING FOOD TOUR. Some tickets are left for certain dates. An insightful, historical tour of downtown Perth, while enjoying great food from a few our local eateries, including: Bistro 54, Coutts Coffee, Fiddlehead’s Bar + Grill, the Golden Arrow Pub, Maximilian’s, O’Reilly’s Ale House and Sunflower Bake Shop.
Call the Matheson House Museum to arrange tickets
613-267-1947

STEWART PARK FESTIVAL 3RD ANNUAL KICK-OFF TO SUMMER DANCE

7:00pm
Crystal Palace in Downtown Heritage Perth
It’s the 3rd ANNUAL STEWART PARK FESTIVAL KICK-OFF TO SUMMER DANCE, featuring THE WEBER BROTHERS. A great night of live music to celebrate the summer season, as we look forward to the Stewart Park Festival. This day will also feature a shopping special in the downtown.
Tickets at The Book Nook, Gore Street East, Perth $20.00 per person
For information contact Kari
267-3311
visit www.stewartparkfestival.ca  

SUNDAY, JUNE 19

Happy Father’s Day

All day.
Don’t forget to celebrate the men in you’re life this fathers day.

20th ANNUAL ART IN THE GARDEN AT KIWI GARDENS

9:00am – 5:00pm
KIWI GARDENS presents their 20th Annual ART IN THE GARDEN on Saturday and Sunday, June 18th and 19th, 2016.  Kiwi Gardens offers an amazing stroll through their property of show gardens, featuring great vendor displays, outdoor art, sculpture, garden products, food and music. Not your average art or garden show, terrific idea for Father’s Day Weekend!  Perennials available for purchase at the nursery after the tour.
Admission is $5 per person and parking is free.
Located at 687 Harper Road
Check them out on Facebook!

FAERYFEST 2016

11:00am – 4:00pm
A festival for the faeries! This year will feature a best costume contest.
Perth Civitan Hall (#6787 Hwy. #43).
For more details email faeriecc@hotmail.com, proceeds to LAWS

FRIDAY

9 to 5: The Musical
8 p.m.
Studio Theatre Perth
For information: studiotheatreperth.com

SATURDAY

Perth Farmers’ Market
8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Tay Basin Parking Lot

Perth Museum Bird Watching Tour
8:15 a.m. and 11 a.m.
Perth Wildlife Reserve
Got Questions? Call Janet at the Perth Museum – 613-267-1947 or Lynda at 613-267-6754.

Hungry Planet Pop-Ups
11:30 a.m.
Hungry Planet
For information contact kris.thetablecfc.org.

Walking Food Tour
1 p.m.
Downtown Perth

Rideau Lakes Cycle Tour
Throughout Lanark County.
Motorists are asked for patience and caution as riders navigate the roads in and around Lanark County. For more information please contact the Ottawa Bicycle Club.

9 to 5: The Musical
8 p.m.
Studio Theatre Perth
For information: studiotheatreperth.com

Pride Day in Perth
Parade at 3 p.m., Evening Dance at 8 p.m.
Royal Canadian Legion
Hosted by the Lanark County Civitan Club

By: Chris Must

What could be more Canadian than paddling a canoe? Paddling enthusiasts will once again have the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and indulge in a little friendly competition as the third annual Rideau Paddlefest comes to Lower Reach Park in Smiths Falls on Saturday, Aug. 6.

Co-chaired by Peter Au and Pat Graveline, the volunteer Paddlefest committee has already secured sponsorship from Kilmarnock Enterprise, Wills Transfer, Innovative Logic, Impression Printing, and Metroland Media. The Town of Smiths Falls recently approved a grant of $2,000 to support the festival, which is billed as a cultural, historical, community-based sporting event centred around voyageur canoe races. The committee is also grateful for the financial support of Tweed Inc.

In addition to canoe races, the festival will offer paddling demonstrations and voyageur canoe tours of the Rideau. Waterfront activities will include demonstrations of paddle boarding and kayaking. Educational displays and special children’s activities are planned, and live music will be offered from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 6. The lineup of entertainment for the afternoon has been confirmed, and will include performances by fiddler Ellen Daly, classic rock and R&B band Straight Shooter, and accomplished blues rockers River City Junction.

Participants will have the opportunity to try out a variety of canoes, kayaks and paddleboards.

Teams of 15 are invited to register for the voyageur canoe races. Registration fees are $500 per 15-person team, or $50 per individual. An early bird team registration fee of $450 is offered up to May 31. To register, call Ken at 613-592-6316, or email RideauPaddlefest2016@gmail.com.

“As well as offering a full day of fun activities, we hope to attract visitors to Smiths Falls, and to promote sustainable use of the Rideau waterway, this fantastic resource right here in our own backyards,” said Au. The Rideau Canal has been designated as a world heritage site, he noted.

Graveline said the volunteer committee also wants to promote physical activity, and to increase awareness of Smiths Falls’ waterfront assets, and appreciation for everything the town has to offer.

“Our committee envisions a celebration of sport paddling, competition, local history, nature, cuisine and the arts,” added Au.

FRIDAY

Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser for Gutsy Walk
6 p.m.
Kinsmen Community Pavilion, Lower Reach Park
$8 per person.

Voluntary Road Toll – Torch Run for Special Olympics
10:00 am – 4:30 pm
Cornelia St Underpass

SATURDAY

Yard Sale in the Barn
8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Lombardy Agricultural Fairground

Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics
10 a.m.
County Fair Mall going through the downtown core to the Smiths Falls Memorial Community Centre

Plant & Book Sale
8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Calvary Bible Church (44 Beech Street)
All proceeds donated to Cornerstone Landing, a group dedicating to eliminating teen homelessness.

Great North Wrestling
7:30 p.m.
Smiths Falls Memorial Community Centre

SUNDAY

Fly-In Breakfast
7:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Russ Beach Smiths Falls Montague Flying Club (102 Van Exan Drive)

Friends of the Library Annual Book Sale                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Beside the Library (Daniel Street )

Family Fun Bingo
1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
RCAFA Hall (44 Abbott Street)

While we don’t usually encourage crying in public spaces, we’re going to set that preference aside for the Ontario Provincial Town Crier Championships. Taking place in downtown Perth from May 21 to May 22, 2016, the town will welcome town criers from across the region for the 2016 Ontario Guild of Town Crier Championships. It’s a free event, and we encourage the public to come check out the three cries that will happen over the two-day period.

‘Wait, can you explain what a Town Crier does?’

O’yez! You’re in for a little history lesson, my friend. A Bellman or Town Crier could well be described as the original historical news broadcaster. In many early settlements and towns, such as Perth, they were the travelling anchorman for the nightly news: a source of daily information and entertainment. Another traditional term, “Beadle,” was also a bellman and crier, but usually attached to a parish, to a court, or to a specific judge. Here in Perth, we actually had Criers of the Court who were Criers of the Council (later called Messengers of the Council) and who also served as Public Criers.

The Town of Perth’s very own Town Crier, Brent McLaren, will welcome these criers to his hometown. He’ll play host for the weekend, and as such, he won’t be competing. 

Here’s the weekend’s schedule:

Saturday, May 21, 2016

Criers’ Walk
Time: 9:45 AM
Location: Best Western Plus Parkside Inn and Spa
The event officially launches when the Town Criers and their escorts gather at the Best Western Plus Parkside Inn and Spa on Peter Street. They’ll make their way to Crystal Palace with a short walk, and ultimately launching the weekend’s festivities!

The First Cry – a Home Town Cry
Time: 10:30 AM
Location: Crystal Palace
The Town Criers’ task will be to bring greetings from their home town or organization to the Military Settlement at Perth. The Town Criers have been challenged to include our area’s interesting elements in their cry, including agriculture, the Rideau Canal and historic components. Humour is always appreciated, too!
Throughout the morning and especially during the first cry a team of judges will be observing and adjudicating the Escorts and how they assist the Crier and interact with the public. The criteria for the Best Escort award goes far beyond simply best dressed and will be determined by the judges, whose decision shall be final. The award will be presented at the end of this round.
The cries will occur as the Perth Farmers’ Market will be buzzing with business. Local producers and crafters will set up that morning to sell their wares. From fresh produce to home-baked goods to gorgeous flower arrangements, the Perth Farmers’ Market is a hub of activity on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Learn more about the Perth Farmers’ Market.

Second Cry – Promotional Cry
Time: 2:00 PM
Location: Stewart Park
The Second Cry will take place in Stewart Park. The public is encouraged to bring a lawn chair and enjoy the shade and trees, which are part of this beautiful, expansive park, located just behind the Town Hall. Chairs will be available for the Criers and Escorts.
About six weeks before the Championships, a special draw paired each Crier with a local business or organization. The Crier was provided with contact information and some basic background. The objective of this cry is to promote the business or group proving that Perth is truly Aged to Perfection. Criers will be encouraged to use a prop associated with that business or organization.

This cry is also being watched by a special judge(s) who is adjudicating the Crier’s use of wit and humour in their cry.

Sunday, May 22, 2016

The Third Cry – an Historic Cry
Time: 1:30 PM
Location: Crystal Palace
The Town Criers will have had to do their research for this one! They’ve been handed a range of resources documenting our area’s vast history. They’ll then need to take that history and turn it into a cry. Their task will be to bring some element of the local past to light. It could be an event, tell a story or re-enact as if they were at an event that occurred over these past two hundred years! We’re envisioning cries about last duels, cheese, whiskey and more. It will be interesting to see where their interest lies in our history. Let’s be honest: we’re probably going to learn something about our community after hearing these cries.
Following the third and final cry, the scoring will be added up to determine the winners from the weekend. The judges will consist of a range of local community members ranging from theatre producers to historians to artists. They’ll use their expertise and good judgement to mark up the score sheets that weekend.

Join In!
The weekend is expected to be filled with entertainment, laughter, skill and a demonstration of how our 200-year-old community once got its news. Join us in downtown Perth for the two-day championships. The weekend will also include a host of historically themed events, including the Settlers’ Trek and William Morris Plaque Dedication. Learn more at www.perth200.ca

Submitted by the Stewart Park Festival 

The year 2016 marks not only the 200th anniversary of the Perth military settlement, but also the 25th anniversary of one of the area’s most popular events the Stewart Park Festival. The festival saw its humble beginnings as part of the Town of Perth’s 175th anniversary celebrations back in 1991. That year, six individuals under the auspices of the Downtown Heritage Perth BIA, oversaw a variety of activities in Stewart Park, including musical performances by Colleen Peterson, Power Snooze, The Sox and Steve Hannah.

From that time on, come July, there has been music in the park. Now the Stewart Park Festival is looking back at its own history. Local writers John McKenty, Ralph Willsey and Steve Tennant are teaming up to put together a souvenir history book to commemorate the past 25 years.

“Stewart Park Festival has been a success primarily due to the hundreds of amazing volunteers who have stepped up over the years to share the workload,” points out Tennant, “and in the process they have taken home many memories of the great times enjoyed during each and every festival. We are hoping to share these memories with everyone.”  

Recently, the festival held a songwriting competition in recognition of the 200th anniversary of the Perth military settlement. The top entry was Tim Loten’s composition entitled “Ode to the Big Cheese,” followed by Brian Lynch’s “Perth by the Tay” and “The Fields of Perth” written by Doris Folkens & Heather Elliott. These songs, as well as other contest entries, will be featured on a commemorative CD being produced by the festival and Spirit of the West’s Hugh McMillan.

Both the book and the CD will be launched at a special Founder’s Dinner to be held on July 9 at Michael’s Table in Perth. At that time, a plaque will also be unveiled recognizing the founders of the festival. The plaque will subsequently hang in the town hall.

This year the festival will open on July 14 with a special heritage show. This Thursday night show will feature an evening of music, dance & drama, all with a historical theme. The festival then runs through until Sunday July 17.

What’s New For 2016

• 200th Anniversary CD
• Souvenir History Book
• Founders’ Dinner
• Thursday Night Show

What’s Back in 2016

• Music on three stages
• Artisan & Food Market
• Workshops
• Children’s Activities
• Sat & Sun Patio
• Sunday Brunch
• Saturday Sidewalk Sale
• Saturday Farmers’ Market

FRIDAY

Barn Door Productions presents: Under Milk Wood
8 p.m.
Full Circle Theatre (26 Craig Street)
$22 at the door or $10 for students.

Stephen Fisher at O’Reilly’s Pub
9 p.m.
O’Reilly’s Pub (43 Gore Street East)

SATURDAY