IMAGE FILE: Clockwise from top left: Pottery Lane Studio & Gallery (clay), Red Thread Design (fashion) , Opal Wing Creations (jewellery), Box Boy (wood), Cori Lee Marvin (watercolour)

WHEN: Friday July 23 noon – 7 pm
Saturday July 24 10 am – 6 pm
Sunday July 25 10 am – 4 pm
Admission. $2, children under 12 free

Wow. So this celebration has been going on my whole life. I remember it going back to young childhood and it seems it started at the perfect age for me–when I was four.
This year we traveled back to Maryland to see my folks then took this week “off” (euphemism for madly tried to catch up) so we can leave later this weekend for Maple Lake. So again I’m missing the Art & Craft show though I know that I’ll still be able to enjoy some of the featured attractions individually during the few weeks I’m at the Lake.

And remember: Admission is good for all three days, just be sure to have your hand stamped at the gates for readmission.

Webcam shot from Southern Ontario Today:

Chapleau River, Ontario - 7.22.10

WHERE: Head Lake Park, Haliburton Village
MORE info/directions www.railsendgallery.com

705-457-2330

July 23,24,25 Haliburton Art & Craft Festival – Make it part of your Haliburton Highlands Summer
More to see and do at the 2010 Festival

There’s more to see, do, and hear this year with Buskers throughout the park, afternoon Kids Art Attack, a Lakeside Lions Club BBQ and the Rails End beer tent (a family friendly spot), Artist demos, Brigitte’s Picks of the Show and the Library in A Box. Make a day of it, or make it a weekend. Admission is good for all three days, just be sure to have your hand stamped at the gates for readmission.

Visit www.railsendgallery.com

for a list of participating artists and daily events schedules.

The Haliburton Art & Craft Festival is presented by Rails End Gallery & Arts Centre.

Rails End Gallery & Arts Centre is a registered Canadian charity devoted to bringing art to life in Haliburton and a member of the Ontario Association of Art Galleries (OAAG), the Ontario Crafts Council (OCC) and Arts Council ~ Haliburton Highlands.

Info thanks to the County of Haliburton, Department of Economic Development, Tourism & Marketing.

Lake Of Bays

Haliburton Highlands Short Term Weather

Summer has certainly reached the Haliburton Highlands and on the whole, the weather for the next 2 weeks should be NORMAL. Isn’t that fantastic?!

I had high hopes after the less-than-great summers of 2008-09 and Mother Nature seems to have come through for us.

The remainder of this weekend calls for light rain and a high temperature of 68°F. Light rain continues overnight Sunday with low temperatures a mild 63°F. There could be 0.6 inches of rain in this 24-hour period.

Monday morning is more of the same with a prediction of cloudy with showers and the day starting at about 64°F.  By Monday afternoon  the weather shifts to cloudy with sunny breaks and a high temperature of 75°F.

Monday evening calls for variable cloudiness and a high of 75°F. Overnight Monday, expect cloudy periods which change to mostly clear as the temperature drops to 57°F.

Links to some fun activities this week in the Haliburton Highlands:

Haliburton Highlands Long Term Weather July 20 -25

Tuesday, you can expect variable clouds with a high of 75°F and an overnight low of 57°F. There is no rain in the forecast.

Wednesday also calls for variable cloudiness. The high will be 77°F–which will feel like 88°F– and the overnight low should be about 63°F. There is no rain in the forecast.

Thursday will be a sunny day with a high temperature of 79°F–which will feel like 91°F with an overnight low of 64°F. Again, there is no rain in the forecast.

Friday, July 23 bring clouds and showers, a high of 79°F, which will feel like 93°F and a muggy overnight low of 66°F. More than 10mm of rain is possible so it looks like some significant storms are rolling in.

Saturday, there will be a chance of thunderstorms, a high of 75°F and another muggy overnight low of 68°F. There may be 0.4 inches of the wet stuff.

Finally, on Sunday expect a sunny day, a pleasant high of 75°F and an overnight low  of 66°F. There is no rain in the forecast.

Have a great week! Scroll down for more webcam shots of Southern Ontario and this week’s bug report.

Bug Report July 18 - 23

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Charter. All opinions are 100% mine.

I’m not a big television watcher but I am a serious one and like most folks my non-television schedule can be quite packed so scheduling the watching a television show or movie can be quite a challenge.

I think we can all agree that years ago when the VCR came ’round it was a convenience that ranked up there with the microwave–you know, the type of thing that you wonder how you ever did without?

More recently, DVR technology has been yet another step in the “can’t do without” direction regarding home entertainment. But the one downside to using my DVR to record my must-watch television shows and movies? Unless I program it to record the shows I wish to see–I can miss them. Worse, is when I think I’ve programmed it correctly, then go to watch a favourite show–only to realize that “something” went wrong (code for “I messed up”). How disappointing!

You can imagine then how incredibly enthusiastic I was when the On Demand viewing option became available. On Demand serves me in two important ways. One, it’s a little insurance policy that I will not miss my show if there’s a glitch and the the DVR does not record it. Two, I don’t even have to bother thinking about recording a host of shows both network, basic cable, and premium cable because with the ever-growing roster of television shows available On Demand, with a few simple clicks I can pull up for example, the last episode of LOST and enjoy it on my schedule. This kind of conversation has actually occurred in my home:

Me to my spouse: “Did you remember to record LOST (the ABC network hit/(Hawaii & LA-filmed) struck-on-an-island series that recently ended a phenomenally popular six-year-run)?” Spouse: “Yep!” OK! The two of us get comfy on the TV-room sofa, hit the DVR play button and… nothing.

“What happened?,” I say. “I don’t know, he says…I set it up…” “Oh well, I respond, we’ll just watch it tomorrow On Demand.” And we do. There is no blaming or upset for missing a show so compelling that we watched every episode for 6 years.

Pretty cool, right?

More recently, on the AMC television network, the show “Mad Men” has gotten a lot of praise and currently, quite a few Emmy nominations. Even though I’d not heard of any of the actors in the show previously they were now becoming names that you heard with some frequency. My curiosity has gotten the best of me–but I’ve missed the first three seasons and would feel weird jumping in without even knowing where they left off at the end of season three. So what do I do now? Check out the On Demand home page , of course! My plan is to work my way back, episode by episode, like I did with another television show I enjoy, Sons of Anarchy (on FX) which I’d love to see On Demand. I can watch whenever I wish, night or day! You can, too!
You will ‘Like’ their Facebook page as well.

Greetings!

I have an important and fun bit of information that I’m going to share and that, if you live in the Haliburton Highlands area or plan to be in the area on June 19, 2010 you’ll be intrigued to hear about. First click on the announcement below:

Minden Kinsmen Truck Pull and Show and Shine June 19, 2010

This year marks the 23rd year that the Minden Kinsmen Club has sponsored the Truck Pull and Show and Shine
in a continuing effort to support the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and the community as a whole.
The Truck Pull and Show and Shine will take place on June 19^th 2010 at the Minden Fairgrounds. This is a fun family event which children under age 12 enjoy for FREE (ages 12-16 are $6 -adults, $12).

What will you see?  I’m happy to report that there is something for everyone. New this year is the ATV Mud Bog with prizes presented at the event. Less messy but just as entertaining is the Vintage Vehicle Show for vehicles of an 80 year-and-older vintage. The fun continues with a Truck Pull which starts at 12 noon. There are more details on the flyer above so be sure to click on it to enlarge it for better viewing.

In addition to the activities mentioned, The Truck Pull and Show and Shine will feature Food, Refreshments, Camping and Beer Tents on Site!

Want to know more? Contact the Haliburton Visitor Info Centre at 1-800-461-7677.

This is a non-paid post in support of the Haliburton Highlands continued vitality.

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Hampton Hotels. All opinions are 100% mine.

The Hampton Inns are running a sweepstakes in which the grand prize winner in going to have to make one of those rare life choices: Which 100 of my friends shall I invite for a FREE weekend at any Hampton Inn? (And if I do win the grand prize I will not worry a whit about the hotel taxes because I’ll be awarded $5000 to help pay the tax for the weekend!)

I’ll be quite forthright. I don’t have 100 friends that I see face-to-face but I’ll bet I could get 100 Internet buddies rounded up! That would be my first inclination. However, in-line with how many people feel that due to our ever-changing lifestyle more folks are considering family as friends (you’ve heard expressions like “My mom is my best friend” and the like) I might just invite every relative and FoR ( friend of relative) that I could contact.

Years ago, my grandmother made sure that my extended family got together for ginormous family reunions. Unfortunately times change, people leave us and traditions fall by the wayside. But one thing that hasn’t changed is that we all enjoy good food, great company and fun times shared so I think then that I’d invite friends yes, but family too–even family I’ve not ever met but know of and we’d meet up at the Hampton Inn in Barrie, Ontario for the weekend. I really love  Barrie, Ontario as I’ve watched the lovely city on Lake Simcoe grow before my eyes as I frequently stop over on my way to our cottage which is north of there.

The Barrie downtown has one of the most scenic waterfronts in Ontario–Lake Simcoe,whichfor me is a must-visit.  Barrie downtown has quite a number of exceptional restaurants and unique shops too as well as an outdoor farmer’s market.  This area depicts turn of the century Ontario architecture, and many of the buildings have been restored to their original state which evokes a charming, small-town atmosphere. A portion of Barrie’s history can be viewed through the Ontario Historical Association Plaques if you want to dig more deeply into the city’s roots. The family aspect of the “100 friends” might particularly enjoy this because we have roots in the not-too distant area.

This is one side of Barrie, but the flip side is the highly-charged outdoor sporting opportunities and a vibrant nightlife offering a taste of excitement and fun-filled adventures for anyone wishing to partake of them. With 100 people to keep busy, Barrie seems to me the ideal locale to enjoy my Grand Prize from Hampton Chain of Friends Sweepstakes .
So what are you waiting for? Wouldn’t you dig a weekend away with 100 of your closest friends? Want a few more details that make this getaway sweepstakes even more enticing? Alrighty!

• There is no purchase required.

• The contest is quite inclusive about who can enter. Eligible folks include residents of the 50 US States, Washington, D.C., Canada (excluding Quebec), the United Kingdom and Mexico!

• The contest is currently underway and I’d urge you to enter NOW but the official last moment to do so is at 11:59pm CT on 9/4/10.

Oh yes, one more thing that is awesome about the Hampton Chain of Friends Sweepstakes: The sweepstakes is open to everyone! You don’t have to be a  Hilton Honors member.  You don’t even have to have previously stayed at a Hampton though I daresay once you do you will be likely to do so again.

.

Have a great weekend!

Happy Victoria Day and official first weekend for cottaging!

If you had a chance to see a weather forecast or read my post  about  the Haliburton Highlands Holiday Weekend & Long Range Weather Forecast for 5.21 – 5.28 you already do know that the weather this entire week is going to be near-perfect for year-rounders, cottagers and visitors alike.

Today (Saturday) will be nicer than yesterday and tomorrow nicer than today and it keeps going in that pattern for about 5 days straight!

I so wish I could be there!

Regardless, I’ve copied many goings-on in the Haliburton Highlands this weekend and beyond into the album below. There are some fantastically fun things going on all the time. Plus, there is community information from when and where to sign up for swimming lessons to the homeowners association. There are some charitable and community causes that need support. All you need to do is grab the family, show up and be thoroughly entertained. There is plenty more, including talent up from Toronto as well as well-known area entertainment. I encourage you to thumb through and simply click to full size if a page looks interesting. Enjoy!

Whether you are a ‘foodie’ or simply someone that enjoys good company and the enjoyment of food from around the world check out the Epicurious Club get-together this month.

Enjoy gardening but you’d love to extend the gardening season a bit and learn about cost effective and environment-friendly ‘low-tech greenhouses’? Read below about the Extending Garden Season workshop.

Finally, world renown pianist Lucille Chung is the featured performer on May 1st in the Haliburton Concert Series. Get more details below about the Concert Series and check out the music video of Ms. Chung in performance live at the Santander Festival, in Spain!

These are just a few of the exciting, entertaining, fun happenings in the Haliburtons Highlands so be sure to click through to the What’s Happening This Week website to find out what else is happening and what is up next!

The Epicurious Club
April 29 2010

Here are the details:

April celebrates Cajun cuisine of the Acadians – Join us at the home of Epicurious Club Member Joan Barton for Cajun favorites that are sure to inspire. For the Epicurious, come and enjoy food from around the world each month without leaving Highlands East! We meet the last Thursday of each month for a Pot Luck dinner. You bring a food or beverage item of the country or cuisine selected! It’s that easy, it’s free and we dine at members homes. This club is open to all ages, all genders and all foodies! Cheers to good food!

Extending Garden Season workshop
May 1 2010

View and learn about hoop-houses, tunnels, and cold frames…cost effective and environment-friendly ‘low-tech greenhouses’. 10:00 to 3:00 $5 Registration includes lunch. Sponsored by Environment Haliburton! Haliburton Highlands Local Food Coalition, and other local food advocates. To register call:

Melanie at HKPR Health Unit (705 457 1391 x245)
Home of David Bathe near Gelert Francis Road Minden
Contact: David Bathe Tel: 705-286-2950

1220 South Wilberforce Road
Contact: Joan Barton
Tel: (705) 448-3074
Email: highlandscultural@gmail.com

Haliburton Concert Series
May 1 2010

Lucille Chung

May 1st is the first concert for the year, and features pianist Lucille Chung. Lucille was born in Montreal and is now based in New York. She has performed all over the world with more than 50 orchestras. The concert is at 7:30p.m. The three-concert classical music series is sold only as a subscription. The total cost for three concerts is $50 for adults and $25 for students. The other concerts feature Quartetto Gelato on September 11th, and Made in Canada Ensemble (string and piano) on November 13th. To order your subscription, contact Brenda Robinson at 457-2695.

Northern Lights Performing Arts Pavilion
County Road 21 and Gelert Road
Contact: Brenda Robinson
Tel: 457-2695
Email: brobinson@interhop.net

bibianorucolina — June 18, 2008 — Lucille Chung, piano, plays 3 Scriabin Preludes. Live at the Santander Festival, Spain

Thanks to What’s Happening This Week! April 26 to May 2, 2010 for the great information!

This is an unsponsored post in support of the many activities and services in the Haliburton County (Ontario) area.

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Hiltons of Branson. All opinions are 100% mine.

I now live in Illinois which borders Missouri but when I was a teenager I drove in my VW camper van cross country.  I was moving actually to southern California but as is my attitude  still, if you are going to be in proximity of somewhere special try to go there too. Also because of Route 66 mid-20th Century vibe, I opted, when mapping my route pre-journey to make sure I drove some long strips of Route 66 as I drove west. I had 10 days to take in as much as I could of the country. My first-time trip through Missouri was cool in that we were following the rich-in-history-old Ozark Trail Systems that are somewhat in line with Rte. 66 and of course, the sad monument to long-ago practices, the Cherokee Trail of Tears. We made a stop at the well-known Meramec Caverns as well, as they are not far from the Stanton area of Route 66. I remember Missouri very well. There is just such a varied number of activities –so I’ve been back since– a number of times. I’d love to go to Branson–especially this time of year–I just need to have a distant relative leave me an inheritance as I would fully take advantage of the the fun Branson has to offer. I define fun many ways so I’ll mention just a few to be had in Branson.

Branson is an Ozark resort town which focuses on its wholesome country, pop music and family entertainment roots. Branson is a Midwest gem,  the entertainment capital.

Two outstanding establishments for the non-entertainment hours depending on your  needs and wants are the

Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing and the Hilton Branson Convention Center. They are situated right in the heart of the “entertainment capital of the Midwest,” so they are able to offer much more than just a place to stay. Consider if you would, these ideas!

Here are some specifics pertaining to activities for Spring 2010 in Branson:

Branson also has ongoing events like the 14th annual Branson Tri-Lakes Building and Home Show, NAIA Division II Men’s Basketball Tournament, Branson’s Best Boat and Recreation Show, Silver Dollar City’s Family Spring Break Day and the memorable Young Christian’s Weekend; not to mention a series of amazing concerts on the Branson Landing including shows from 65 South, Colgate Country Showdown with KHOZ 102.9, EXILE, The Nashvegas All Stars, and David Letterman Stupid Human & Pet Trick Auditions!

Both Hilton hotels are within easy driving distance of  Branson’s championship golf courses, lakes, museums, theme parks and 49 live entertainment theaters.

For me spa treatment with the one I love would be just the ticket.

I’d book the Romance Package at the Hilton Branson Convention Center which promises  to wash my worries away with a relaxing spa treatment. Perhaps I’ll take two.

This relax and recharge package includes deluxe, overnight accommodations at the hotel, a full breakfast for two and the complete awesomeness of a spa treatment for two.

Mmm. Doesn’t that sound really nice?

In addition to what you can enjoy in the proximity of the Hiltons there is much more to enjoy and it is a short drive to do so.

Packages for the Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing and the Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel come for every taste and include Hilton’s Bed & Breakfast Package, Romance Package, and Hilton Requests Upon Arrival™ to name but a few.

Be sure to click one of the above links to see and read more about all the great things waiting for you in Branson.

Credit: flickr photostream

How we celebrate St. Paddy’s Day near just south of where  I live:

Chicago River, Chicago, Illinois - St. Patrick's Day - Dyed Green. This is nothing, really. About 80 or so years ago, engineers were hired to make the river run backward. Permanently. For sanitation reasons, I believe.

Above: Not the Haliburton Highlands–though very St. Patricks’ Day in terms of hue.

St. Paddy’s Day – Black Feather Band at Mckecks Restaurant, Haliburton, Ont.

Photo: Canada, eh?

Black Feather Band

March 17 2010 – St. Patricks’ Day

Featuring the incredible local “Black Feather Band”…6-9 pm, free admission, Come early to get a seat and a green pint…..:)

Mckecks Restaurant Photo credit: Canada, eh?

Mckecks Restaurant Recent News

McKecks opens stage to students (recent McKeck’s news – 1.27.10)
Everyone has a little rock star in them and it’s hard to get out of the garage or basement band mode when you live in a small town.

On Jan. 27, at ac: The Blue Line, from 4 to 6 p.m., students from the local schools are invited to the After-School Open Stage Program.

For two hours, kids can come and play their instruments, sing their hearts out and just rock out.

The idea was originally brought to Carl Dixon when he was informed that the local high school had stopped doing their coffee houses that allowed students to show off their talents. There was only one open stage but only a couple students showed up, so Dixon and McKecks decided to hold it off, and try to start the program back up later after renovations and the holidays were finished.

With those two issues out of the way students are allowed to come and show their stuff. Already a few students have contacted McKecks asking if they could come and do an act and no one has been turned down. There will be a $2 fee for each person’s act they would like to do with all the proceeds going towards The Blue Line – a charity run by the restaurant.

If you’re worried about limited space, and would like to reserve a spot for yourself or for your band, you can email Sean Carthew at bookwithsean@gmail.com. If you don’t play an instrument and would just like to sing, you can bring some karaoke music to accompany you and get everyone in the swing of things.

So come on out and show this town what you’ve got. Even if you’re a bit nervous come and see what the action is all about, you might just get motivated enough to jump up on stage.”

Mckecks Restaurant

207 Highland Street
Contact: Sean Carthew or Karen Frybort

Tel: 705-457-3443

Terri and Rick Performa on March 18, 2010 in the Highlands

March 18, 2010

Terri and Rick will be performing two concerts in Haliburton County on March 18th. The first is at the Minden Hills Branch of the Haliburton County Public Library at 10:30am and the second is at the Dysart Branch at 1:30pm. These concerts are free and everyone is welcome.

Contact: Sue Robinson

Tel: 705-457-2241
Email: srobinson@haliburtonlibrary.ca
www.haliburtonlibrary.ca

Food and Fellowship with a St. Patrick’s Day Irish Stew and Biscuit Dinner at the
Minden United Church

March 17, 2010

Come and join us for an evening of food and fellowship! Adults $12, Children, 6-12 yrs. $5, Pre-schoolers free. $30 for Family of 4 or more. Tickets available at Minden PHARMASAVE in advance, or at the door, or by calling 286-2136 or 457-1424.

Minden United Church

21 Newcastle Street Minden

St. Patrick's Day Irish Stew and Biscuit Dinner at the Minden United Church

Contact: Janet Heffer

Tel: 705-286-2136

Email: janet.heffer@gmail.com

Miss Canada International 2010 - Canadian Ambassador to the Teddy Bears of Hope Campaign

(February 12, 2010, Haliburton, ON) The County of Haliburton is excited to announce that Bridget Nickerson, Miss Canada International 2010 will be in the Haliburton Highlands this Family Day Weekend!

A native of Nova Scotia, Miss Nickerson is currently touring across Canada. Miss Canada is strong supporter of giving back to her community and as such, she is the Canadian Ambassador to the Teddy Bears of Hope Campaign.

The Teddy Bears of Hope bring smiles and hope to children all over the globe who are lonely, underprivileged and caught in a web of poverty and despair.

Miss Canada International will attend the Haliburton Highlands Dog Sled Derby at the Pinestone Resort & Conference Centre on Sunday, February 14 where she will be available for media interviews and photos between 10 am and noon. She will also attend the Blue Line Charity Auction at McKeck’s on Sunday from 4 to 6pm. On Monday, she will enjoy some of the great winter activities the Haliburton Highlands has to offer before continuing her journey across Canada.

Thanks to the County of Haliburton, Department of Economic Development, Tourism & Marketing!

This is a  non-paid post in support of the County of Haliburton and the Haliburton Highlands.