'Downtown' Haliburton Ontario Canada - Friday May 18 2012

Happy VICTORIA DAY WEEKEND –and beyond!

It’s official. Summer is here. The calendar even says so.

There is a whole lot going on in the Haliburton Highlands including activities in the farther away reaches of the Highlands that I’ve yet to but plan to explore.

‘Buskers are welcome’

Eclectic Country Market in downtown Wilberforce - open weekends between 9-1 Saturdays and 10-2 p.m. Sundays - Victoria Day through Labour Day.

Haliburton Highlands May 19 - June 1 Weather Outlook

I’m so exited that we’ll be at the cottage for part of this time period. I’m really okay with the slightly higher temperatures as it would be nice if the lake warmed up sooner than later.

This sounds important.

More about the Wilberforce Country Market

Halls Lake (near Minden), Ontario SOURCE: Weathernetwork.com

Live at the Wild Moose Pub

Minden Hills Museum

CLICK THE THUMBNAILS TO READ ABOUT (FULL SIZE) MANY MORE EVENTS AND HAPPENINGS COMING UP IN THE HALIBURTON HIGHLANDS!:

Long time between posts, I know. Hopefully, the jam-packed menu of Haliburton Highlands good times coming up in the next couple of weeks will make up for it.
I’m going to highlight a few favourites, then follow with all the information you need on the rest of the activities (and there are many!!)

Minden Hills Bluegrass Festival

Want to hear some of the finest bluegrass music anywhere? This may sound a bit naive but I’m not sure I’ve ever heard Canadian Bluegrass music–so if it were possible for me to warp speed myself out of the American Midwest to Minden Hills, Ontario I’d see you there. This event, which takes place over two days, July 16-17 is a must see.

Living History Days - Day with a Black Smith

Living History Days! Again, this sounds fascinating because I’ve not ever encountered a ‘black smith’ shop. And costumed characters seal the deal for me!

9th Annual Stanhope Heritage Day

In it’s 9th year, Stanhope Heritage Day is teeming with some of my favourite activities like a BBQ lunch and the Stanhope Museum‘s famous ‘Citron Marmalade.’ But there’s much more than food being offered. there is music all day and uniquely skilled local residents demonstrating and in some cases inviting you to try rush weaving, tatting, carving, bookbinding, tinsmithing and much more!

Where Are the Whip-poor-Wills?

On a more informative and serious note is this informative presentation about the decline of the Whip-poor-will population by a staggering 50% in the last several decades. When an iconic species such as this is disappearing at this rate it is time to get informed and hopefully, join together to discuss possible solutions.

Highlands Summer Festival Presents - 'Looking'

I’m just realizing that there are over 20 separate events, some taking place over days or months to browse through. I’m ‘thumbnailing’ them all here–just  click to enlarge them and read all about them. I’m ever-impressed by the creativity, strong love and commitment to community and commitment to the arts, be they culinary, artsy-crafty, or fine arts like the play ‘Looking,’ by Norm Foster (see above).

I strongly encourage you to indulge yourself. There is so much to relish in the Haliburton Highlands!

After the jump: The entire list! What’s Happening This Week! July 13 – 20, 2011–AND BEYOND

All this good stuff is brought to you by and thanks to:

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:

Thanksgiving at the Minden Wild Water Preserve
October 9 2010

Come and enjoy Thanksgiving at the Gull River. Enjoy the fall colours, get in a paddle on this amazing river and enjoy the company of people that have something in common with you – the Gull River. Spend the day or the weekend. Enjoy Thanksgiving dinner with all of the friends of the Gull River.

Minden Wild Water Preserve
Bethel Rd
(off County Rd #20/Horseshoe Lake Rd)
Contact: Donna Boadway, Cale Reeder
Tel: 1-888-322-2849
Email: info@whitewaterontario.ca
www.whitewaterontario.ca

If you’ve not yet firmed up your plans for the Thanksgiving weekend in the Haliburton Highlands, this virtual cornucopia of events should give you some great ideas. From the arts, to the art of finding edible treats in the outdoors to a yoga fundraiser to Thanksgiving at the Minden Wild Water Preserve and much, much more there is literally something for every taste and budget. Happy Thanksgiving! Much thanks to the Haliburton Highlands Tourism Department for assembling the information contained on this page.

Thanksgiving Dinner
October 10 2010

Contact the Dorset Recreation Centre for more details.

Dorset Recreation Centre Dorset
Contact: Melissa Alfano
Tel: 705-766-9968
Email: drc@algonquinhighlands.ca

Go Go Grannies Yoga Fund Raiser
October 9 2010
Saturday Oct 9th from 10:00- 12:00. Funds raised will go to the Steven Lewis Foundation Grandmothers Campaign. Gail Holness will lead us in Yoga to an African beat. Terri Mathews will teach us some African dance moves. Fun for whole family. Please come out and support us.

Where: Haliburton Dance Arts HDA (The Source Building)
Hwy 21 Accross from TimBr Mart Haliburton
Contact: HOLNESS YOGA- Gail Holness
Tel: 705-455-9294

Haliburton County Studio Tour
October 9-10 2010

An opportunity to visit the studios of Haliburton County’s artists. 26 studios spread out across the County offer a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of Haliburton County at this colourful year while visiting individual studios.
Haliburton County

Contact: Thom Lambert
Tel: 457-9110
www.haliburtonstudiotour.on.ca
Email: info@haliburtonstudiotour.on.ca

Tastes of Haliburton
October 9 2010

Join Yours Outdoors and discover the many Tastes of Haliburton! The unique local food producers and providers will be sure to wet your appetite – Haliburton style! Yours Outdoors offers a full-day home-grown taste tour which can also be enjoyed as half-day experience. Or simply join us for the ever-popular edible wilds hike in Snowden park for a morning!

Contact: Barrie Martin
Tel: 705-754-3436Email: info@yoursoutdoors.ca
www.youroutdoors.ca

Story of the Camera Exhibit
October 5-23 2010
Reg Holloway brings a fantastic camera collection and knowledge to you. Jose Smith utilizes his camera skills at the studio set up. Have your portrait put on Christmas cards or printed off for you. Check website for accompanying workshops/demonstrations.

Where: Minden Hills Cultural Centre
174-176 Bobcaygeon Rd
Contact: Minden Hills Museum
Tel: 705-286-3154

Tactile Memories
October 2-30 2010
Opening reception Saturday October 2 2-4 pm. Textiles from local collections and the stories behind them. This exhibition is curated by Wendy E. Bateman with Laurie Jones.

Where: Rails End Gallery & Arts Centre
23 York Street
Contact: Laurie Jones
Tel: 705-457-2330
Email: info@railsendgallery.com
www.railsendgallery.com

Carl Stewart: warehouse
October 2-31 2010
Opening reception Saturday October 2, 2-4 pm. “warehouse” is an installation project that honours the artist’s father and the story of a four generation family farm. Carl Stewart is an artist from Ottawa, Ontario and a member of the Enriched Bread Artists since 1997.

Rails End Gallery & Arts Centre
23 York Street
Contact: Laurie Jones
Tel: 705-457-2330
Email: info@railsendgallery.com
www.railsendgallery.com

Celebrity Portraits by Fred Phipps
October 1-31 2010
Fred Phipps had an amazing career working as the CBC photographer for over twenty-five years. Not only did he photograph Canada’s most celebrated TV personalities but was the one and only photographer to capture the famous images of Karsh. Viewing this exhibition is reviewing Canada’s TV culture from the 1960s onward. Stunning and rare these images are incredible but not as interesting as Phipps commentary and witty anecdotes on what it was like to photograph celebrities. This exhibition will be on display from September 15 – November 20.

Agnes Jamieson Gallery
176 Bobcaygeon Road Minden
Contact: Laurie Carmount
Tel: 705-286-3763

A Shriek in the Forest Night
October 1-31 2010

This exhibition will be on display from June 19 through November 6. Funny, insightful and full of extraordinary tales of Ron Lawrence’s sometimes dangerous encounters with wildlife over 41 years in the field, A Shriek in the Forest Night was first published in 1996. In this display find out the identity of the Star Washer, how Zorra returned to freedom after a debilitating accident, and which creature Lawrence had to bail out of jail.

R.D. Lawrence Place, Minden Hills Cultural Centre
176 Bobcaygeon Road Minden
Contact: Sheryl Loucks
Tel: 705-286-2298
Email: rdlawrenceplace@mindenhills.ca
www.mindenculturalcentre.com

From Abstract to Landscape – Retrospective on John Lennard
October 1-31 2010

In this exhibition John Lennard’s life as an artist since 1964 will be realized. Works from his years at the Ontario College of Arts, Toronto and Student League, New York to his struggling years living in New York, where a number of significant influences occurred and a range of styles were tried, to his poignant discovery of landscape upon his return to central Ontario will be included. This exhibition will be on display from September 15 – November 20.

Where: Agnes Jamieson Gallery
176 Bobcaygeon Road Minden
Contact: Laurie Carmount
Tel: 705-286-3763
Email: gallery@mindenhills.ca
www.mindenculturalcentre.com

BIG Thanks to the Haliburton Highlands Tourism Department for assembling the information contained on this page!