Festival/Event Rating ~ All About Horses at the Lindsay Exhibition grounds

If you love horses, then All About Horses at the Lindsay Ex is for you! This event, held in May at the Lindsay Exhibition Fairgrounds, features various demonstrations, displays and activities all aimed at helping visitors learn more about this splendid animal that we call "HORSE". In the "Exhibition Building" you'll find plenty of displays featuring the latest in equestrian products, equipment and tack. In the main show ring, demonstrations take place. Interested crowds can learn everything from the training of young horses to the displaying of horsemanship. In the horse barn you'll be able to be "up close and personal" with your favourite friends! At the Grandstand there are also plenty of activities. The most popular of which is the "Extreme Rodeo". If you love horses, it's "All About Horses"!

Event Advertising & Promotion  – Rating 4

All About Horses is well promoted through its website, television and radio ads, newspapers and the internet. I was disappointed this year, when I went to their website to find that there were no admission prices or times. This might well be the result of timing. The event takes place at the end of May, so perhaps event and pricing haven't been confirmed yet. This is likely the answer. Other then that  small glitch, everything else was very well done, including the "Handout" we received when we entered the grounds.

Curb Appeal - Rating 5

Lindsay Exhibition Fairgrounds are very impressive. We approached the grounds westbound on Hwy #7 and passed several large buildings. Even the entrance roadway into the grounds is impressive. There was good directional signage as we came in to Lindsay. The grounds have plenty of "close by" free parking and the All About Horses staff directing traffic were friendly and efficient. The event pricing was all inclusive and quite reasonable.

Festival Site & Activities - Rating 5

The fairgrounds are large and clean, with plenty of space between buildings. This allows for excellent traffic flow. There could be some accessibility challenges if the grounds became too wet. All About Horses did provide a (you've got it!) horse-drawn people mover! In the exhibition building, where equine products and services were being displayed, there was a nice eating area with good food. The washrooms were clean and conveniently found. The show ring, which is located west of the exhibition building, held events that help educate All About Horses visitors. When we visited, Randy Bird, aka, the Canadian Horse Whisperer was demonstrating how he trained his horses. Other interesting demonstrations came later, including the Canadian Cowgirls. In the horse building Judi and I were able to walk  amongst "the Giants". Other activities during All About Horses included horse-drawn wagon displays, riding demonstrations and, the Extreme Rodeo. The event, the year we visited, featured Terry Grant, aka THE MANTRAKER, Judi's new BFF!

Festival Theme – Rating 5

This event certainly lived up to its "All About Horses" theme. The entire event contained  plenty of activities, displays and demonstrations devoted to our equine friends.

Final Thoughts - Overall Rating  5

This was a great event that included lots of interesting events and displays. All About Horses is a specialty event gear towards people who are interested in learning more horses. However, All About Horse is presented in such a way that it appeals not only to the "hardcore" enthusiasts but also to all people, adults and children, who just love the beauty and majesty of this magnificent animal. Judi and I thoroughly enjoyed ourselves, especially when we walked through the large horse building and became "up close and personal".

NOTE ~ A word of caution, however, the rating and evaluation are the "opinions" of the writers and don’t necessarily reflect those of the readers. Also, we do not attend an event for its entire duration. Our visits are only a “snap shot in time”. We would encourage readers to “discover” each event for themselves. Whatever you decide, remember that Ontario festivals and events are the best and so are their event organizers and their volunteers. Anything can determine how an event appears at any given time ~ weather, time, unforeseen circumstances, etc. Always keep an open mind and if you have a suggestion or concern about an event, let the organizers know. They will appreciate your input.

(Next Week ~ Peony Festival - Oshawa)

Festival/Event Rating ~ Dominion Day at Lang Pioneer Village

When I think of "Living History", I generally think of Pioneer Villages and the one that most often comes to mind is Lang Pioneer Village located near the community of Keene. Each year, on July 1st, Lang Pioneer Village celebrations "Historic Dominion Day". Dominion Day is one of Lang's special events and attracts visitors from all over the Kawarthas and beyond! The event includes pioneer demonstrations throughout the village as well as special activities for the whole family. Activities include a horse drawn wagon ride, lots of music, crafts for kids and the cutting and eating of a giant Birthday Cake! There are also special features, such as an Dominion Day parade, a re-enactment of a skirmish between the "Fenian Brotherhood" and "British soldiers" and, of course, a speech by our first Prime Minister, Sir John A. Macdonald. All-in-all, a fun, historic day for the whole family.

Event Advertising & Promotion  – Rating 5

Lang Pioneer Village promotes its Historic Dominion Day in several ways. First and foremost through its own website. They also use other internet sites to promote all their special events. Lang's General Manager, Joe Corrigan, is deeply involved with the area's tourism programs and markets this special event through the various media available. At each event, they give each visitor a program guide that describes event's activities and times.

Curb Appeal - Rating 5

The way to Lang Pioneer Village is well marked. Signs, including mileage, are posted along all the major roadways leading to the village. At the village they have a large parking lot with accessibility parking near the visitor centre. Once you enter the visitor centre, you are greeted by friendly staff who accept admission fees and hand out program guides. The cost for each special event varies, but good value is received. Nearby Peterborough offers out-of-town visitors plenty of food and accommodation choices.

Festival Site & Activities - Rating 4

Lang Pioneer Village is laid out in such a way that visitors can logically follow the dirt roads to each of the village's heritage buildings. During special events most of the buildings have historical interpreters. During Historic Dominion Day displays and interpretations emphasized Canada's "Living History", especially with the parade lead by Canada's first Prime Minister, Sir John A. Macdonald and his later, stirring speech! The village does have a couple of challenges, washrooms and accessibility to some buildings. The washrooms are a challenge because they are only located at the Village's entrance. Because of the nature of the property, placing permanent washrooms around the village is not an option. The problem could possibly be addressed by placing "portable washrooms" in such a way that they don't take away from the heritage nature of the Village. Perhaps they could be made to look like "outhouses". Just an idea. The other challenge is accessibility. This challenge is a little more difficult but I think most buildings could be made more accessible. It has been accomplished in other Pioneer Villages but the cost, here, may be prohibitive.

Festival Theme – Rating 5

Over the past couple of years, Judi and I have visited other Canada Day celebrations. Lang's Historic Dominion Day brought back some of the pageantry that must have taken place during Canada's initial years. This was definitely a great place and way to spend Canada day.

Final Thoughts - Overall Rating  5

As I have mentioned, the activities at the Lang Pioneer Village Historic Dominion Day were great. I especially enjoyed and appreciated General Manger Joe Corrigan's portrayal of Sir. John A. Lang Pioneer Village is a first class facility that offers families a wonderful way to learn about Canada's incredible history and the people who worked so hard to make it that way. Lang events are engaging, educational and well organized. This attention to detail, along with their dedicated volunteers, make Lang Pioneer Village an authentic trip to Canada's and the area's past

NOTE ~ A word of caution, however, the rating and evaluation are the "opinions" of the writers and don’t necessarily reflect those of the readers. Also, we do not attend an event for its entire duration. Our visits are only a “snap shot in time”. We would encourage readers to “discover” each event for themselves. Whatever you decide, remember that Ontario festivals and events are the best and so are their event organizers and their volunteers. Anything can determine how an event appears at any given time ~ weather, time, unforeseen circumstances, etc. Always keep an open mind and if you have a suggestion or concern about an event, let the organizers know. They will appreciate your input.


(Next Week ~ All About Horses)

Festival/Event Rating ~ Elmira Maple Syrup Festival

Each year the Town of Elmira proudly hosts its annual Maple Syrup Festival. This is a well attended event that encompasses the entire village plus an awesome Maple Sugar Bush and Farm located away from the town. The event includes  "shuttle wagon" services from nearby parking areas. The main downtown street is full of event vendors offering everything from great food to unique maple products. Just off the main street, all day pancake breakfast are being served. Close to the Pancake tented area kids can enter an old fashioned barn and learn about farm animals. Other parts of the town include a Craft Show, an Antique Show, a small Carnival/Midway , A Toy Sale and a Super Dog Show. All in all, it is a well run event that offers families plenty to do and see.

Event Advertising & Promotion  – Rating 5

The Elmira Maple Syrup Festival has an easy to use comprehensive website that includes pricing and event descriptions. It also includes such things as an event list and schedule, area information, directions to the event, activity descriptions and an event history. When we arrived, we were given an event program guide along with instructions on how to best enjoy the festival.

Curb Appeal - Rating 4

Finding a parking spot was a bit of a problem. This was both "bad" and "good". It was "bad" because like most of the events we attend there were very few directional signs. This is such an easy fix. It's amazing that most events still don't think directional sign are important, especially for out-of-town visitors. It was "good" for the organizers, because it was a beautiful day and there were a large number of people wanting to visit the event. This caused traffic tie-ups and full parking lots. I believe that the Elmira Maple Syrup Festival organizers did everything they could to alleviate this challenge, but the great weather beat them a little. Once we finally found a parking spot in one of the official parking lots, we were able to board one of the many "shuttle" wagons. The wagons took us right to the downtown area. It's unfortunate that the shuttle weren't "access friendly". Because of the terrain and the type of festival, it is not an easy fix.

Festival Site & Activities - Rating 4

As I mentioned in my introduction, the Elmira Maple Syrup Festival is a well run event with plenty to do. I think the highlight for us may have been the Pancake Breakfast. Even though there were large numbers of people in line for pancakes, we were feed quickly and efficiently. The event is spread out, so be prepared for a fair amount of walking. On the downtown street there was a good mixture of vendors and activities. One challenge, especially because of the large number of visitors, was the pathways running on either side of the vendor booths. People tried to push their way in two directions. This caused a considerable bottleneck. We felt sorry for families with strollers or carriages for their small children. Again, this hard to control because of the shear number of people. A hard challenge for the organizers! Other than the downtown bottleneck, pathways were clear and easy to use. All of the activities were well organized and well attended. Each had a clear theme, so that visitors could pick and choose what they wanted to see. It was a long bus ride to the Festival's Sugar Bush, but once we got there it was well worth the trip. When we arrived, a fresh batch of "kettle popcorn" was being bagged. Inside the Sugar Shack, the steam from the boilers filled the air!

Festival Theme – Rating 5

The theme of the Elmira Maple Syrup Festival is, of course, Maple Syrup and the festival organizers made sure that the theme was carried out throughout the even ~ the vendors selling maple products, the Pancake Breakfast and the Sugar Bush and Sugar Shack all enhanced the theme of the event, as does the timing of the event.

Final Thoughts - Overall Rating  5

It was a long drive from Cobourg to Elmira and the Elmira Maple Syrup Festival, but the drive was well worth it. Judi and I thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. I think my one reoccurring thought was how family friendly the festival was. There were plenty of activities for kids, from animal farm to yummy pancakes; an outdoor carnival/midway to a supper dog show and a fun Toy Sale to a trip to a Sugar Bush, plus a lot more! Adult family members weren't left out either, the vendor area, the Craft Show, the Antique Show and, the PANCAKES! Maple Syrup Festivals, in general, start the spring off right! The Elmira Maple Syrup Festival, especially with great weather, not only makes for a great spring start but helps the winter blues fade into the past! 

 NOTE ~ A word of caution, however, the rating and evaluation are the "opinions" of the writers and don’t necessarily reflect those of the readers. Also, we do not attend an event for its entire duration. Our visits are only a “snap shot in time”. We would encourage readers to “discover” each event for themselves. Whatever you decide, remember that Ontario festivals and events are the best and so are their event organizers and their volunteers. Anything can determine how an event appears at any given time ~ weather, time, unforeseen circumstances, etc. Always keep an open mind and if you have a suggestion or concern about an event, let the organizers know. They will appreciate your input.

(Next Week - Dominion Day at Lang Pioneer Village)

Festival/Event Rating ~ Canada Blooms

You can always tell that spring is just around the corner after visiting Canada Blooms in March. This event is the harbinger of bright sunny days and of rejuvenation! The event is held at Toronto's Direct Energy Centre located on the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) grounds. Once inside the building it's almost impossible to know where to look! There is so much to see! We visited Canada Blooms with our friends Barb and Laurence Stephenson. Barb, an avid gardener, had volunteered at past shows, so she was able to show us around. Part of the show is made up of spectacular displays ~ floral and landscape, while the other part is made up of hundreds of vendors offering an array of products and ideas. The event is laid out in such a way that a visitor can enjoy just the display or the whole show. In 2012 Canada Blooms and the National Home Show are joining together to form the largest Home & Garden Show in North America.

Website Link - Canada Blooms - visit Canada Blooms!

Ontario Festivals Visited Article Link - Canada Blooms

Event Advertising & Promotion  – Rating 5

As you might expect, the promotion of Canada Blooms was top notch. Their website was complete, easy to navigate and informative. Event promotion included radio and television commercials along with newspaper ads. Because of the size and scope of the event, organizers were able to attract plenty of media coverage. One aspect that Judi and I thought well done, was the handouts given at the entrance.

Curb Appeal - Rating 5

If you are going to have an event in Toronto, you can't beat the CNE. They have excellent buildings, especially the Direct Energy Centre and lots of parking (we parked conveniently in the underground parking area). Just outside the show, visitors could check their winter coats at numerous "Coat Checks". As we walked into the show, we were greeted by recognizable show personnel who handed out "bags of goodies". Considering the type and expanse of the show and where it is located, the cost to visit Canada Blooms is great value.

Festival Site & Activities - Rating 5

It's difficult to describe in words the entrance to the show! Breathtaking does not do it justice! The designers of the entrance take a great deal of pride, each year, to made the entrance even better than the year before! Once inside, the visual experience continues! It was amazing to watch our friend Laurence, an enthusiastic photographer, flit from floral display to floral display. It was like watching a worker bee pollinating all the flowers in a garden! Once we had passed through the floral displays, it was on to the landscaping displays. More eye "candy". The great part of the show that is completely accessible for all. The layout was well thought-out and easy to manoeuvers, event with the crowds. There were plenty of resting spaces for us "old folks" to "sit and rest a spell". After the landscaping displays, came Canada Blooms' Marketplace. I am pretty sure that anything you wanted, that had to do with flowers or landscaping, you could find amongst the sea of unique vendors. Another great aspect of the show was that it didn't exclude kids from enjoying the event. There were a number of "kid friendly" areas where children of all ages could roam and discover. Event the food was well placed and there was a good variety offered.

Festival Theme – Rating 5

The theme and the timing of Canada Blooms is excellent. March is a month where we Canadian start to get restless for spring and the warmer weather! This event is a perfect entry way to "April showers bring May flowers".

Final Thoughts - Overall Rating  5

As you can see from all of the ratings, Judi and I thought that this was one of the best events visited last year and perhaps ever. The event was well organized and fun to walk through and discover. Canada Blooms' division of displays versus marketplace offers visitors the choice of just enjoying the "prelude to spring" or "jumping in with both feet" and buying all the neat things necessary to make your property the best it can be! The show also includes lots of opportunities to learn, as the it offers a number of "Special Events", featuring Canada's top experts. If you and your garden are in need of a "spring tune-up", this is the show for you!

NOTE ~ A word of caution, however, the rating and evaluation are the "opinions" of the writers and don’t necessarily reflect those of the readers. Also, we do not attend an event for its entire duration. Our visits are only a “snap shot in time”. We would encourage readers to “discover” each event for themselves. Whatever you decide, remember that Ontario festivals and events are the best and so are their event organizers and their volunteers. Anything can determine how an event appears at any given time ~ weather, time, unforeseen circumstances, etc. Always keep an open mind and if you have a suggestion or concern about an event, let the organizers know. They will appreciate your input.

(Next Week ~ Elmira Maple Syrup Festival)

Festival/Event Rating ~ Niagara Passion

Niagara Passion is a one day event that is held each year in the Niagara Region, in August, to be exact. It is a festival for food and wine lovers! It also includes silent and live auctions. I visited this event with my daughter, Ainsley Brush, and we both had a great time! The event is held in a local nursery and is set up for tasting and sampling. Even the entrance way is enticing. It is an event that captures the spirit of the Niagara Region and Niagara-on-the-Lake. Niagara Passion is a well run event, organized by the Rotary Club of Niagara-on-the-Lake as a fund-raiser.

Event Advertising & Promotion  – Rating 4

Niagara Passion has an excellent website that  contains the information needed to understand and enjoy the event. The website also contains links to local wineries, accommodations, restaurants and the Shaw Festival. You can also learn more about the event through their "Facebook Page".

Curb Appeal - Rating 5

As I mentioned, the event is held in a Niagara Region nursery and is situated in wine country. The nursery, with all its greenery and colours enhanced the charm of the event. Off site parking had been arranged and transportation for the visitors to the nursery was available immediately. As we walked through the picturesque entryway, we were met by festival staff who handed us a wine glass, a unique plate that allowed for carrying our wine glass, a clothe napkin and an event guide instructing us how to enjoy the event. Event staff were easily recognizable with their bright red event shirts.

Festival Site & Activities - Rating 5

The nursery was set up to make the most of the space available. As we entered the festival through the nursery doors, we entered a different world!  The large open space was organized to suit the mood of the event.  In the middle of the space, chairs and tables were set up with a stage at one end. Entertainers were performing when we arrived. Many of the tables had umbrellas to protect visitors from the sun. On two sides of the seating area there were food and wine stations, each featured either local wines or foods. It was all very well organized. Guests were lined up at each station eagerly awaiting their "sampling". There was also an area displaying items that could be purchased in a “silent auction”. While we were still there, an auctioneer took the stage and started "calling" a "live Auction". The audience responded enthusiastically.

Festival Theme – Rating 5

Niagara Region is known world-wide for its superb wines, the Shaw Festival, its delicious fruits and its gourmet food. Niagara Passion shows off Niagara's wines and foods and brings to life the "passion" that has made Niagara famous!

Final Thoughts - Overall Rating  5

Traveling to Niagara-on-the Lake from Cobourg is not always an easy trip. Fortunately, this time, we made our way with little hold up. Once we arrived at the event and park our car, we were immediately whisked from the "offsite" parking to the Niagara Passion location. There, we were greeted by enthusiastic volunteers who tasting utensils and instructions. Inside the event grounds everything was set-up for easy access to both seating and sampling. Music was playing as we entered. The Passion guests were lined up to receive their favourite wine or food. Volunteers, in their "red festival shirts" were available to answer questions. All-in-all, this was a delightful event, especially if you like good food and wine and a charming unique setting! This was one the best events visited in 2011.

NOTE ~ A word of caution, however, the rating and evaluation are the "opinions" of the writers and don’t necessarily reflect those of the readers. Also, we do not attend an event for its entire duration. Our visits are only a “snap shot in time”. We would encourage readers to “discover” each event for themselves. Whatever you decide, remember that Ontario festivals and events are the best and so are their event organizers and their volunteers. Anything can determine how an event appears at any given time ~ weather, time, unforeseen circumstances, etc. Always keep an open mind and if you have a suggestion or concern about an event, let the organizers know. They will appreciate your input.

(Next Week ~ Canada Blooms)

Festival/Event Rating ~ Cabbagetown Festival

Cabbagetown Festival

The Cabbagetown Festival is located in the heart of Toronto (Old Cabbagetown), Carlton and Parliament to be exact. The two streets feature vendors, exhibits and music. If you walk east down one of the many side roads you’ll reach Riverdale Park and its eccentric Art Show and if you walk a little further, you’ll find the Riverdale Farm Zoo. I think one of the most unique features of the festival is that the whole neighborhood seemed to become involved. Many of the homes feature garage sales and private art shows. Young entrepreneurs sell fresh homemade lemonade and treats along the way. (Website Link -  Cabbagetown Festival)

Event Advertising & Promotion – Rating 4

The festival's website is a bit confusing. The main show is run by the Cabbagetown BIA, but there are other events that run currently. The BIA website does promote these events, but there are other websites that also promote. It becomes a little confusing. However, the BIA does produce an excellent Event Guide which explains each of the events and activities. It is comprehensive and informative.

Curb Appeal - Rating 3

This is the kind of event that evokes different emotions. It depends on how you feel about the older parts of a large city. To me, I found it quite exciting, especially when we walked through the residential part. The homes and properties were very well cared for! The park, as with most city events was problematic. We did manage to find a parking spot, but it was quite some distance away. This is a difficult problem to solve with this type of event. The best way to get to it is via public transit (TTC). The other problem was lack of signage, both directional and informational. I’m not sure if the City of Toronto allows directional signage for an event. If it does the committee might consider placing some in the strategic areas.

Festival Site & Activites - Rating 4

Perhaps everyone won’t agree with me, but I found the festival site both interesting and exciting. With the site being as large as it was, there were lots to see and do. The music on the main street definitely added to the ambiance of the event. With an event such as this, there was plenty of walking involved. Fortunately the weather was great, so finding shelter from the sun was not a problem. If it had been raining, it could have been. Although there was a good crowd in attendance, the pedestrian flow did not seem hectic. The main streets had been closed off, so there was plenty of room to move. Washrooms were a challenge, however, I was able to use a washroom in one of the retail stores.

Festival Theme – Rating 5

The Theme, of course, was Cabbagetown and the festival took place in “Cabbagetown”, so not much to criticize here. I think that if you expand the definition to include the Cabbagetown residents and business, I would have to say the theme was excellent! The residents seem to really embrace the spirit of the event. It just seemed to enhance our enjoyment!

Final Thoughts – Overall Rating 5

The Cabbagetown Festival has been entertaining visitors for many yeas and it is definitely worth a trip to Toronto. To make your visit as pleasurable as possible, I have two suggestions. The first is to take public transit to Cabbagetown and the second is to wear good walking shoes. If you heed both of these, you will have a great time!

NOTE ~ A word of caution, however, the rating and evaluation are the "opinions" of the writers and don’t necessarily reflect those of the readers. Also, we do not attend an event for its entire duration. Our visits are only a “snap shot in time”. We would encourage readers to “discover” each event for themselves. Whatever you decide, remember that Ontario festivals and events are the best and so are their event organizers and their volunteers. Anything can determine how an event appears at any given time ~ weather, time, unforeseen circumstances, etc. Always keep an open mind and if you have a suggestion or concern about an event, let the organizers know. They will appreciate your input.

(Next Week - Niagara Passion)

Festival/Event Rating ~ Norfolk County Fair

Norfolk County Fair & Horse Show

The Norfolk County Fair & Horse Show is located in the town of Simcoe at the Norfolk County Fairgrounds. The fair is held each year in October. It is a comprehensive fair that includes named entertainment, agricultural exhibits and displays, farm animals, horse racing, loads of vendors and an awesome Midway. It also features special events such as top notch cooking shows to high divers. (Website Link - Norfolk County Fair and Horse Show)

Event Promotion – Rating 5

The Fair has a great website that includes information about their annual fair plus other events that are held at the fairgrounds. There Event Guide is simple but informative. It includes event information plus the dates and times the events take place and location.

Curb Appeal - Rating 3

Part of the Curb Appeal is being able to find the fairgrounds. For anyone coming from out-of-town, the grounds are difficult to find and unfortunately the directional signage is poor. This problem could easily be solved with strategically placed signage. The other challenge we experienced was the traffic flow into the grounds. I know that this is a difficult problem to solve, but it does posse a certain amount of frustration for fair visitors. Perhaps it’s a by-product of their success! The fairgrounds and the fair, itself, is very good! Even though many of the building are older, they seem to be well maintained.

Festival Site - Rating 4

The layout of the fair is typical. There are lots of buildings to walk through with plenty of different vendors, displays and exhibits to enjoy. It has a grandstand that features horseracing during the day and big names entertainment at night. There is also a newer building that features well known Chefs cooking up delicious dishes. There is a lot of walking needed, if you want to take in the entire fair. The one aspect I was a little disappointed in were the washrooms. I found them far apart and not well marked. Again, good signage would help solve the problem. Of course, my age and tiny bladder may have played a roll in this assessment.

Festival Theme – Rating 5

The Theme, of course, is County Fair, and the Norfolk County Fair has it all, from farm animals, to the agricultural displays and the giant pumpkins, the fair had it all!

Final Thoughts – Overall Rating 5

This is one of the largest fairs in Ontario. It has plenty to offer, so you’ll need lots of time to see everything. Plan on attending for the whole day. The evening entertainment is excellent! We would definitely recommend a visit to the Norfolk County Fair & Horse Show!

NOTE ~ A word of caution, however, the rating and evaluation are the "opinions" of the writers and don’t necessarily reflect those of the readers. Also, we do not attend an event for its entire duration. Our visits are only a “snap shot in time”. We would encourage readers to “discover” each event for themselves. Whatever you decide, remember that Ontario festivals and events are the best and so are their event organizers and their volunteers. Anything can determine how an event appears at any given time ~ weather, time, unforeseen circumstances, etc. Always keep an open mind and if you have a suggestion or concern about an event, let the organizers know. They will appreciate your input.

(Next Week - The Cabbagetown Festival)