November 11th – Remembrance Day is honoured in many ways locally each year and if you find yourself in Fergus or Elora over this weekend, we invite you to take part in our many events.
Without a doubt, the most spectacular display to honour our fallen takes place on front lawn of the Wellington County Museum and Archives. In partnership with our local Legions, we honour the 526 fallen from Wellington County. Those who died in the First World War, World War Two, Korea and Afghanistan are remembered with a marker on the front lawn.
This informal and poignant tribute takes place at dusk on November 10, (5:30pm) and the candles will remain lit until November 12. Candles are provided by the Museum and everyone is encouraged to attend.
Early on Sunday, November 11th, members of the Fergus Pipe Band will be taking part in the 100th Anniversary of Armistice by performing at the Fergus Legion.
At 6am pipers will perform the piece Battle’s O’er to commemorate the end of World War One and pay tribute our fallen. All our welcome to start the morning of Remembrance with this important event.
Elora – Remembrance parade Nov. 11 starting at 11am, followed by a ceremony at the cenotaph in front of our municipal offices.
Fergus – Remembrance parade Nov. 11 starting at 10:30am, followed by a cenotaph service.
Salem – Remembrance parade, Nov. 11, starting at 9:30am; with a service at the cenotaph.
This Remembrance Day marks the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War.
On Nov. 11 1918, after four long years, the guns had fallen silent. In their place, across Canada church bells rang out to share the news that the Great War, regarded at the time as “the war to end all wars,” was finally over.
To commemorate the occasion, The Royal Canadian Legion, in partnership with the Government of Canada, is encouraging all communities across the country to participate in the Bells of Peace initiative.
Elora – Knox Presbyterian Church will ring its bell on Nov. 11 at dusk.
The Legion is awaiting confirmation from other churches in Elora.
Fergus – The Fergus Legion will ring the bell from the WWII corvette HMCS Fergus, usually on display in the club hall, in front of the Legion at 5pm on Nov. 11.
St. James Anglican Church will also ring their bells.
We invite you to join us as we gather to remember. #LestWeForget
Photo credit to Bill Longshaw and Olivia Rutt.
BOO!! Ah! Don’t be scared, the Halloween Haunt Street Walk brings the fun of Halloween out in to the daylight and invites kids of all ages to head to downtown Fergus for a frightfully fun time! There will be witches, ghosts and spooky creatures amongst us, wondering in the shops, creeping through the streets and possibly checking out books at the public library too, (because even ghosts like a good ghost story).
The Halloween Haunt Street Walk invites trick-or-treaters to roam through Downtown Fergus on Saturday, October 27 between 10am – 12pm.
It’s all about the spirit – or spirits – of Halloween brought to you by the Fergus BIA. Get your costume on and head to Downtown Fergus, where participating shops will open their doors and welcome in little monsters, princesses and super heroes too (and even their parents), to enjoy sweet treats and enjoy some Halloween fun!
Follow the balloons for stores ready to greet the trick-or-treaters. Along the way be on the look-out for these Halloween Haunt Street Walk events:
The Halloween Haunt Street Walk is geared for younger children and is all about family-friendly fun. So bring the little monsters and wander about our historic downtown. We’re sure you’ll have a Spooktacular time!
The best weekend of the fall season is here and the best place to be? Also here. Right here, in Elora. Why? Because it’s sensational!
This long weekend boasts many fine traditions for friends and family to gather and celebrate the harvest. In our community’s social calendar, it brings two of our favourite fall events – and we’d love for you to join us!
Sensational Pumpkin Day is a FREE family event held in Elora’s Bissell Park, at the Elora Farmers’ Market. The event is all about celebrating the end of the harvest season with all kinds of fun, interactive activities for all ages. Bring the family and get ready for some fun!
PLEASE bring a donation of a non-perishable food donation for the Centre Wellington Food Bank too!
Soup’s on! Get ready to slurp up some hot, delicious and creative soups for the annual Sensational Soup-off and Empty Bowls event, a yummy Thanksgiving weekend tradition.
Held at the Wellington County Museum and Archives, in the Aboyne Hall, the event invites local soup-makers to stir it up for a good cause. From professional Chefs with delectable skills to amateur foodie enthusiasts, including some award-winning youth entries, with homemade recipes that are tried and true, they’ll face off in a bowl-to-bowl competition – and best of all, you get to be the judge!
Your ticket allows you to sample from this amazing buffet of soups made with local and sustainable food. Your vote dictates the winner!
Tickets:
$15 Adults
$5 Children
$35 Family
$25 Bowl
All proceeds from this event go to support the Centre Wellington Food Bank and Centre Wellington District High School‘s Breakfast Program.
For more information visit Sensational Elora.
Take the day. Take the weekend. Hey, take two! Because exploring the Elora Fergus Studio is a true highlight to the fall season around here. It’s like a “Choose Your Own Adventure” for grown-ups! So grab your map, mark your route and head out to explore some of the finest artists in and around Fergus and Elora.
The Elora Fergus Studio Tour is a free self-guided tour that welcomes you into the workshops of local artisans. See art in various stages of creation, including pieces that are not always shown in gallery settings. Meet the makers. See unique creations. Ask questions. Get inspired.
Here’s just a few of the fine art mediums you’ll find on the tour:
Let’s face it, we’re all curious about creative spaces where artists make their art, because we are all curious about the process, the tools and the inspiration. Now’s your chance to find out about it all.
Start your tour at the Elora Centre for the Arts, a heritage building lovingly restored as a creative arts hub in the community. Here you’ll find:
The Elora Centre for the Arts will host an opening reception for the Elora Fergus Studio Tour on Thursday, Sept. 13 from 7pm to 9pm in the Minarovich Gallery. This free exhibit will be on display through to Sept. 30, 2018.
So many artists. So much time. Two weekends. 40 stops. Choose your inspiration.
Studios are open from 10am to 5pm – September 22 & 23/ September 29 & 30.
Come on and get your country on!
Sure, most people come to Fergus to see the beauty of the Grand River, our beautiful historic downtown or the many events that have put our community on the map, but one thing we really have to be proud of here are our “Country Roots.” It’s what started this community and it’s what feeds us today.
That’s why we hope everyone gets to the 182nd annual Fergus Fall Fair.
You don’t have to be from here to feel welcome at this community tradition because that’s the whole point. Here we celebrate the farmers who feed us, the next generation learning the value of working the land and the growing importance of agriculture in our changing world.
As progress and growth changes the landscape, we know that agriculture is the bedrock of our community and we are thrilled to see the Fergus Fall Fair thrive without losing the charm that is the 182 years of tradition and a heritage worth saving.
Get out of the city and get back to your country roots.
Here’s our pick for the things you absolutely must do to get a real Fergus Fall Fair experience:
1. Walk around the animal rings and watch the 4-H youth prepare their animals for the show ring, because any kid who never got to spend time on a farm really needs to watch the work it takes to get a cow ready for the big event. Hair dryers, colour sprays, clippers – the beauty of a fall fair is there is no behind-the-scenes. It’s all about the work and the care that goes into it.
2. Cheer on the 4-H youth as they compete in the show ring with their farm animals, like the dairy competition or the sheep show. You will begin to appreciate the hours and hours of chores, animal care and dedication it takes to get these animals show ready. Plus, watch the work it takes to walk a cow into a ring and ask it stand still! We’re totally fascinated by watching these young people work so hard. It’s serious business.
3. Don’t chicken out. Tour the barns and check out the birds. Seriously, everybody gets a real kick out of this. Up close and personal with some of the most beautiful chickens, ducks, geese and more. It will make you appreciate all the variations of birds and what it takes to keep them healthy
4. The Midway, because whether you ride a vomit-comet or just laugh at those who do, there is something so nostalgic about the sights and lights of the midway as the September sun sets.
5. Pies. Crafts. Cooking. Admit it, you want to see who won. And for those of us who have no idea how to bake, sew or glue anything to anything, this is impressive.
6. Four words: Farmer Olympics/Redneck Games. Tell us the curiosity of just exactly what that entails isn’t enough to inspire you check it out.
7. Truck pulls. We have no idea why these are so awesome, but there is something about them that brings us back every year. It’s exciting and we have no idea why.
8. The Extreme Bike Show is fun to watch. And then to realize that you probably shouldn’t try anything you saw at home.
9. Horses. And more horses. Because, they’re horses.
10. Eat a candy apple and cotton candy while you enjoy the live music, because a sugar rush AND live music? Right?!
It doesn’t matter how old you are, where you’re from or whether you know a Holstein from a Limousin, (those are cow breeds, folks), we are sure you’ll find the Fergus Fall Fair a jam-packed weekend of fun for the whole family.
Come celebrate our “Country Roots” – see where we come from and where we’re going at the 182nd Fergus Fall Fair.
We’ve waited all year for this party. ALL YEAR. And we’re okay with it because, we already know that Riverfest Elora 2018 is totally worth the wait.
How can we be so sure? Experience. We haven’t missed a Riverfest yet, which means we have TEN years of adoring the little backyard festival that grew into an epic summer music festival and yet, has never lost its charm. True fact.
You have likely been to many concerts in many venues and taken part in music festivals in all kinds of venues from sports stadiums, outdoor arenas and maybe a few big parties held in cow pastures. Yep, us too. Good times, but no charm there.
But when you plan a giant party in Elora’s Bissell Park, with the beautiful Grand River running alongside it, complete with three stages, food trucks and vendors galore, an Artisan Alley, beer and spirits, art exhibits and beautiful greenspace all around, in the heart of one of the prettiest villages in Ontario, honestly, you cannot beat that. You just can’t. Because, when you imagine the ultimate music festival with the audience experience in mind – you grow it organically. And well, you can’t go wrong. So come and get charmed.
Because the Riverfest Elora organizers turns this ….
Into this ….
Oh – and there’s like a whole bunch of awesome bands playing too. You knew that right? There’s about 60 bands. And after parties.
Check out the 10th anniversary Riverfest Elora line-up!
(Photos: Dear Rouge and Blue Rodeo will return to Riverfest Elora to help celebrate the big anniversary!)
So trust us when we say, you’ve never experienced anything like Riverfest Elora. When we say EPIC, we mean it! Pack in as much as you can. Enjoy Elora. Visit Fergus. Charm on every corner. You’ll be a Riverfriend in no time! Rock on, people. Rock on.
There is something about the sound of horse’s hooves thundering passed the rail, going at breakneck speed along the track, so gallant and strong, making the final turn running for position, with the yips from the drivers leaning back long in their sulkies, steering them into position.
And all the while the animated commentary of the sportscaster keeps pace with the action, broadcasting from the speakers, his excitement booming out over the crowd so everyone is in the know for their win, place or show. Then there is the cheering, the energy of the crowd, the pure anticipation of the first horse to cross that post line. This is racing! Alive and in the moment.
And there is no better place to experience it than Elora’s Grand River Raceway.
We’ve never missed an Industry Day in Elora for good reason. It’s truly a summer highlight and one of the most fitting ways to cross the finish line of the August long weekend in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. We’ve been there in the rain and we’ve basked in the summer sun, but we’ve never left early, because there is something special about this day that can only be appreciated by being there.
First off, It goes without saying that the signature races – Battle of Waterloo and Battle of the Belles – are incredible races and a true testament to the work, dedication and skill behind the standardbred racing industry. If you like horse-racing at all, or even if you’re new to the sport you’ll love the pomp and pageantry of these races. But the competition? Well, we’re placing bets two seriously close races this year and some records being set! There are some racing legends and family legacies we can’t wait to see compete.
But you don’t have to love horse racing to go – we just happen to believe you will once you experience it. So, here are a few reasons why Industry Day at Grand River Raceway is awesome:
We’re betting you’ll have the best time, with 11 races on the card and the heart-pounding excitement of the Battle of Waterloo and the Battle of the Belles, the two signature races of the day, plus so much more. And don’t worry if you don’t much about harness-racing. The staff at Grand River Raceway make it easy and fun and there are no silly questions.
The fun begins August 6 at noon, with Post Time for Race 1 set for 12:30pm.
We’re betting you’ll have as much fun as we do at our favourite summer tradition – #IndustryDay28!
Fergus is a beautiful historic town, but it’s about to go MEDIEVAL!
On Saturday, July 28, the merchants of Downtown Fergus will host the Fergus Medieval Faire, inviting everyone to take a step back in time with a full day of fun. And seriously, who doesn’t want to see a Knight in Shining Armour parade through downtown on his trusted stead Fergus? Sign us up!
The Medieval Faire will run from 11am to 6pm and feature an array of hands-on activities, interactive experiences, live Celtic music, specialty foods and more. Best of all – this event is FREE for all. It’s just about having a fun experience in a town that knows how to make an event special for everyone!
Take part in some Medieval-themed games, or watch archery by professionals who know how to hit the mark. Watch the falcons take flight right over our heads. There is nothing like seeing these beautiful birds spread their wings and dip through the air. Incredible!
We’re excited for the Medieval re-enactment group. Who doesn’t enjoy the sound of the clash of swords in make-believe battles, or some hand-to-hand combat stunts performed by trained professionals who love to bring history to life. We totally do.
The Viking encampment sounds intriguing, so we’re keen to explore that. Hope they are ready for questions, ‘cause we’re going to have lots!
Gear up the kids for a chance to do battle too in a fun Fight the Knight competition. For the wee ones, there will be puppet shows and Medieval story telling too. But we’re sure that the sight of horses, knights and fair maidens wandering the street will be enough to amaze them. It doesn’t get more interactive than that!
We’re stoked to watch the live iron forge masters craft unique metal pieces from the coals of their hot fire. It’s an art form like no other. The armour display will showcase the skill it takes to make these massive pieces. But in a completely different artistic format, textile artists will exhibit their weaving and spinning skills. It’s equally impressive.
Downtown Fergus is a great place to shop in modern day, so imagine the fun to be had shopping on this historic Medieval Faire event. We’re sure the merchants will get into the spirit of the day and add to the character of the day. Plus, specialty vendors will make for a colourful outdoor marketplace too.
The fun and frolicking will go on throughout downtown Fergus so be sure to pick up a map of the Medieval Faire Sites & Exhibits at the Welcome Station in front of the Fergus Library.
Once you’ve worked up an appetite, put your money on the table, because they’ll be serving up a Medieval Feast at 6pm. We’re sure they aren’t using utensils, so maybe don’t wear a white shirt. (That’s a free tip! You’re welcome.)
And if you are feeling brave, the Fergus Ghost Walk will bring history to life in a whole different way starting at 8pm. Admission fees are available here.
See you in Downtown Fergus on July 28th!
Sir Isaac Newton is quoted as saying, “We build too many walls and not enough bridges.”
Well, we assure you, Mr. Newton would love Fergus and Elora because we love our bridges.
They aren’t just a means to cross over the beautiful Grand River and Irvine River, they are meeting places, special places – destinations in and of themselves. Some of the most spectacular views of our gorgeous region are best viewed atop these architectural structures that span across the rivers that unite us.
We cross them by foot, cycle on them, walk our dogs along them, ski and snowshoe in the winter months by them, but no matter the season or the reason, we take time to stop on them and appreciate the spectacular views. We hope you will too.
Downtown Fergus has many bridges to enjoy and we recommend you venture out and take a tour of them, day or night, to see the beautiful way this town appreciates its Grand River views.
Most will drive into town across the Tower Street bridge, just as you enter the heart of the old town. But looking out a car window doesn’t do it justice. With free parking downtown, we suggest you ditch the wheels and put your heels to the ground, so you can get a sense of how nature not only runs through our town; it’s the essence of our history here.
Looking west out toward the waterfall, as the Grand River rushes into town, or east to where the water flows several kilometers out toward Elora, the sidewalks on both sides of the Tower Street bridge offer a wonderful view.
Behind the Fergus Library, the Milligan Footbridge draws visitors and locals alike to an accessible walkway with a wonderful vantage point of the water, connecting the Riverwalk area behind the renovated Fergus Library across to the historic Fergus Marketplace, with shops and restaurants to explore. Be sure to take a stroll through Templin Gardens and take the limestone steps down to the river’s edge.
Don’t just tour by day, make a stop at night to see the waterfalls light up with coloured beams of blues and reds, giving the rush of the water a splendor worthy of an evening stroll.
Coming October 2018, the brand-new St. David Street Bridge replacement will open just east of the Milligan Footbridge. Removed in winter of 2018, the old bridge was important to help with the flow of traffic along Highway 6, but it also held a nice vantage spot to view the Grand River in and out of town. We can’t wait to see the new bridge and once again look at the beauty of downtown Fergus and the mighty river that runs through it.
On the edge of downtown Fergus, the historic Caldwell Bridge, built in 1955, is a Camelback truss structure. It carries traffic along Scotland Street to connect with St. Andrew, leading us into the heart of downtown Fergus, or north to neighbourhoods and businesses up towards Gartshore St. This bridge has sidewalks on the west side, overlooking the Grand River where the water flows quietly, just before dropping into a beautiful cascade beside the historic Fergus Mill. We highly recommend this view in early morning, when the mist rises off the river. Spectacular. Take this bridge down to the trail on the south end that leads into Confederation Park. It’s worth the walk. Looking eastward, the river is wide and quiet as it flows steadily from the not so far off Shand Dam at Belwood Lake. You’ll see some wonderful homes that back on to the river.
In between Fergus and Elora, the grandness of the Wellington County Museum and Archives is matched by the equally impressive views of the Trestle Bridge, (which also happens to be a really cool place to look across the river and over the trees at the museum, high on the hill). Accessible by the trail that shares its name, the bridge is a former railway bridge that towers above the Grand River and offers views of our region that you simply cannot find anywhere else.
But take the trail down to the water’s edge and look all the way up, because the bridge itself is every bit as impressive as its views.
Look up! Look down! Maybe don’t look down. How about, look over there! Some of the best views in Elora are from atop or beneath the bridges that are characteristic of this beautiful historic village.
Bissell Park is a serene spot to take a walk riverside, leading up to the pedestrian bridge that connects our neighbours from the south side of town to the north across the Grand River. Just a short distance from the heart of downtown Elora, this bridge is the perfect spot to be still and listen to the waterfall, or gather with friends to take a photo.
The Badley Bridge keeps cars, bikes and people moving in and out of Elora, and is, for many, a welcome site, crossing the Grand River directly into the center of town. The riveted truss bridge offers views of the backdrop of homes and historic shops that line of the river, with the newly renovated Elora Mill Hotel and Spa and its continued construction merging the old town with the new.
At night, the bridge is lit up with white lights, a beacon to be sure that whether you are coming into town or leaving, you are always welcome here.
The David Street Bridge in Elora is not for the faint of heart, but it is for those who love a spectacular view. On either side, the view shows the depth and raw beauty of the landscape. Looking out, you can span the tree line along the limestone cliffs of the Irvine Gorge, just before the Irvine and Grand Rivers meet at the Elora Gorge. This historic bridge is an immense, proud structure, first built in 1868, and reconstructed in 2002, with the original pier remaining. It is one of the most popular views in Elora and one of the most photographed from the river below. Taking the steep steps down to the river in Victoria Park, down to the rocky shoreline of the Irvine River, you’ll have the best view of this historic engineering masterpiece.
The hamlet of Salem, just minutes outside of Elora, is not to be missed, though to those uninitiated with its charm, it can be overlooked. Stop and be charmed and be sure to bring your camera.
The Woolwich Street Bridge leads traffic to and from town across the width of the Irvine River, offering picturesque views of Veterans Park, with its pond setting before the water flows into the river to wind through the rocky cliffs of the Irvine Gorge, heading for Elora.
And while this is the bridge most will cross, make time to seek out the Washington Street Bridge next to Veterans Park, accessible only by foot, looking over the waterfalls of the Irvine River as they rush in from the countryside to the quiet town, before filling the large pond at the park below, it is a lovely place to enjoy the sounds of the water.
The Shand Dam is a historic feat as the first reservoirs of the Grand River Watershed. It has an important role in the management of water all year round and is an impressive site to see, whether you cross the top of the dam looking out towards Belwood Lake or the stream of the Grand River below, or if you take the long series of steps down to the river and look up at the massive structure that controls the flow of the Grand River heading to Fergus and Elora.
Bridges build communities. We’re good with that. We hope you too enjoy the view.
Photo credit: Bill Longshaw, Drew Mochrie & Kelly Waterhouse
Break out the tartans and the itchy woolen socks, strap on the sporran and polish the boots. Then head to downtown Fergus for a day of fun on April 8, from 1-5pm. (Aye, but rest assured the party goes on much longer! Surely you can too.).
Fergus Tartan Day is a street party worthy of Scottish tradition.
There will be live street performances by Celtic Jazz/Funk band Skril, plus the Blue Bonnet Dancers will perform their award-winning Highland dance routines out front of the Fergus Library. Celtic Henna tattoos will be offered by artist David Rankine, at The Bookery. Visit other participating stores who will also be celebrating in this festive event in their own unique ways. And if you don’t have Scottish gear, we know you’ll find it here. The Scottish Shop will bring the Highlands to you.
Bringing the wee lads and lassies? They’ll get in on the fun too with the McHeavies events, archery skills (don’t worry – they use foam-tipped arrows) and can hurry-hard to hit the button on the outdoor curling rink.
Take a fun and entertaining walking tour of the downtown and learn just how deep our Scottish roots go.
Pack your sneakers and be sure you’ve got some shorts tucked under that tartan because we’ve got an event sure to put the breeze up yer kilt. The Kilted Kilometer is a quick dash through the streets of Fergus which makes for a great family-friendly event for those who can muster the run, but also a most colourful spectator sport for those happy enough to cheer from the sidelines! Join in the race at 1:30 outside Fraberts Fresh Foods at the Fergus Marketplace.
But don’t get too winded, because we have an epic Pub Crawl to keep the party moving. With live acts, special Celtic fare and of course, pints a plenty, the pubs and restaurants of downtown Fergus are getting into the spirit of Tartan Day too. And we don’t just walk from pub to pub. No way! What kind of Tartan Day would it be without the pipers? We’ve asked them to lead the way! It’s a beautiful sight, to roam the streets led by members of the Fergus Pipe Band and Grand Celtic Pipe Band, as they march us through town. See what awaits you at each destination.
The Brew House – The Fitzgerald’s
The Goofie Newfie – Fiddlestix
The Leslie Public House – Adam Shaw
The Breadalbane – Iona Fyfe
Red Door Café – A five course meal and live music
North River Lounge – $5 pints of Stout, Scotch Eggs and Deep Fried Mars Bars
And remember – you don’t have to be Scottish to party like you are Scottish. This is a cultural celebration that includes everyone. If there was ever a time to pull out your plaid and get in on the action, Tartan Day is it.
