Lake of Bays, Muskoka, Ontario, Canada on 3.16.11

March break is in full swing in the Haliburton Highlands!:

I’ve got a big list of diverse activities to enjoy that including playing, creating, eating and more!:

Let’s start with activities that are scheduled for March 17 (St. Patrick’s Day).

Though some folks enjoy green beer on St. Paddy’s Day I’ve always been partial to a good hearty, Irish meal. If you enjoy eating, too here’s a great suggestion for where to enjoy such a meal on Thursday, March 17, 2011: Between 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. at the Minden United Church (scroll down for location info.) dig in to St. Patrick’s Day Irish Stew and Biscuit Dinner.

St Patrick's Stew and Biscuits!

Earlier in the day on Thursday, March 17 there are several cool-sounding activities to take part in like:

Soapstone carving, wire sculpture, pillowcase sewing and design at the Minden Hills Cultural Centre through March 18 from 10:30 a.m. -  4 p.m. daily!

Culture Club in Minden

Also on March 17th, don’t miss ‘Bend It, Bead It’ at the Art Hive! This activity is open to ages 7+. See below for more details.

Art Hive

There are two March Break Children’s Concerts slated for March 17th.At 10:30 p.m. check out Rick & Terry at 10:30 a.m. at The Minden Hills Branch of the Haliburton Public Library and at the Dysart Branch you can do the same at 1:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome!

Haliburton Public Library

Finally, on March 17 at the Art Hive is ‘Crafty Girls Playing with Paper’ in which you can learn to make paper beads and more. See below for all the deets!

The Art Hive

MUCH MORE after the jump including activities for March 18, 19 & 21!

At the Art Hive on Friday is ‘Captured Fairy/Troll‘ in which you make a specimen container for that “something” that lurks in your backyard.

Art Hive

Learn about ‘Pin Weaving – A Mini Tapestry’ at the Art Hive on Friday, March 18.  See below for more details!

Art Hive

Here’s one that I am extremely curious about–The annual ‘Wild Game Dinner’ on March 19 at the Haliburton Legion. Tickets are just $30 apiece or  $50 per couple. Get the details by reading below! Sounds delish and fun, too!

Wild Game Dinner

On March 21 (Monday) you’ll have  the opportunity to try Indoor Rock Climbing at the Climbing Club.  There’s activities for all ages. Read about all the details below!

The Climbing Club

Thanks to these fine folks for keeping  me up-to-date:

Sharon Lynch’s Pottery Bowl

In an effort to freely support local business I’m giving a shout out to The Art Hive, a business that is mostly woman-run. If you have not visited yet I strongly urge you to do so.

I came across The Art Hive late in my stay at Maple Lake last summer and went inside to find a lovely and talented artist who welcomed me warmly and told me of the the many artists and craftspeople involved in “The Hive.” Many pieces representative of these artists are on display in the store.

My initial interest and reason for stopping by was not the art but the building in which The Art Hive is housed. Decades ago, it was a general store and I have clear memories of tagging along with my cousins–all of us barefoot–in hopes of getting some penny candy if we behaved. In the ensuing years the store has had a number of incarnations but I hope this particular one ‘sticks.’  This is wonderful showcase for cottage country local talent that wholly deserves the support of their community as well as visitors who truly want to take home a beautiful piece that represents the Highlands.

Please read more below and clear your calendar Saturday afternoon on May 30. You’ll be glad you did!

Opening Reception: Saturday, May 9, 3-5pm
A recycled art exhibition and partnership fundraiser
Fundraising Auction will be held on Saturday, May 30th.
A recycled art exhibition and partnership fundraiser. Includes at least one component which has been reused, scavenged, found or repurposed. Entries can be sculptural, functional, decorative, wearable.
Visit Website: www.thearthive.com
The Art Hive, 10239 Hwy 118, 4 km east of Carnarvon
Phone: 705-754-0021
Email: thearthive@live.ca