Fergus/Elora – Grand and Gorgeous

Tag Archive: Elora

  1. Elora Festival: A Celebration in Song

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    The sweet sounds of summer rise above the village when the Elora Festival brings the world of music to our door, for three full weeks of world-class performers and performances in a variety of music genres from classical and choral to opera,  jazz and contemporary sounds and so much more. It’s not just a series of concerts – it’s a series of experiences as diverse as the audiences themselves.

    Prepare to be impressed.

  2. Black Sheep Festival of Contemporary Art

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    Spotted any Black Sheep around Elora lately?

    The Elora Centre for the Arts is bringing a new festival to the village July 7th. Black Sheep Festival of Contemporary Textile Art will feature a curated marketplace highlighting the works of professional textile artists, makers and producers as well as weekend workshops, demonstration tents, a Honky-Tonk community breakfast and live Old-Time music.

    The Community Breakfast starts at 9AM. Festival marketplace opens at 10AM. Admission $8

    Community and art in a village that isn’t sheepish about their love of both!  See you there.

     

  3. Centre Wellington Derby Nights

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    Locals love harness racing and we hope you will too.

    Come catch the action at this year’s newest series of races – Centre Wellington Derby Nights!

    A trio of Friday race nights at Grand River Raceway will celebrate our unique community, featuring a race named exclusively for Township of Centre Wellington residents and offering $1,000 in cash prizes.

    Plus for everyone:
    • BBQ specials ($2 hamburgers & hotdogs, $1 pop)
    • Drive a racehorse with the Hands On Horses Program (30 spots)
    • 10 races including Racing Under Saddle with RUS Ontario
    • Kids’ activities and barn tour in The NEIGHbourhood

    Admission and parking are always free.

    N0B vs. N1M in the Centre Wellington Derby:

    This summer, the residents of Centre Wellington will head to the track, bearing their postal codes with pride as they compete for $3,000 in prizes and bragging rights as the champions of Centre Wellington Derby NightsPresent your proof of residence at the Registration Table between 5:30 – 7:30.

    The track will host a trio of these events: June 29, July 27 and August 31. The feature race of each evening will be designated as the Centre Wellington Derby and the eight horses in the race will be randomly assigned to a postal code (N1M or N0B). The Centre Wellingtonians representing each postal code are registered for a draw following the race where 10 residents representing the winning horse will share a $1,000 cash prize.

    *Must be 18+. Proof of residency includes photo ID with postal code listed, or photo ID accompanied by addressed letter showing postal code.

    Centre Wellington Derby Nights at Grand River Raceway are presented by the Grand River Agricultural Society.

  4. Doors Open Fergus Elora

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    Knock, knock. Who’s there?

    YOU ARE!

    Welcome to Doors Open Fergus Elora 

    We’re opening the doors to some of the coolest sites in Fergus and Elora. With 10 locations on the self-guided tour, each with their own unique history and experiences to be had, plus more than a few with local tales of great woman who have helped shape our nation’s history, you’ll be inspired by new experiences and a peak behind the scenes.

    Coordinated by the Township of Centre Wellington in association with Heritage Centre Wellington, the Wellington County Museum and Archives and Ontario Heritage Trust, Doors Open is a celebration of our community’s heritage.  It is part of the provincial Doors Open events that take place across Ontario from April to October each year.

     

     

     

  5. 2018 Canadian National Fly Fishing Championship

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    We’re hooked!

    Throw on the hip-waders and tie one on. Fly Fishing Canada will host the 16th Annual National Championship  in Fergus and Elora, (Centre Wellington) from June 3-8, 2018.

    Test your skills and sportsmanship in search of Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout and Brook Trout.

    Watercourses include the beautiful Grand River, Conestoga River and the Upper Credit Trout Club. This is the second time that the Nationals have been held on the Grand and Conestoga Rivers. One cast and you’ll know whyThe Grand and Conestoga rivers are tailwater fisheries, stocked annually each Spring with up to 40,000 Brown Trout, many of which hold over from year to year, producing some of North America’s best trophy brown trout approaching the 30-inch size.

    The Upper Credit Trout Club has operated as a private members’ club for over 40 years. It features a pond large enough to provide beats for rotational bank-fishing, is stocked with trophy Rainbow Trout and Brook Trout.

    We’ll be welcoming competitive anglers from across Canada to compete in the waters that flow through our community, surrounded by beautiful views like limestone cliffs and rocky shore lines, waterfalls and the prettiest towns too.

    Schedule:
    Opening Ceremonies: Sunday June 3, 6pm-9pm
    Official Practice Days: Sunday June 3, Monday June 4
    No-fishing Day: Tuesday June 5. Captain’s meeting, Conservation Symposium
    Competition Dates: Wed June 6 through Friday June 8: 6-session format (one spare session per angler)
    Closing Ceremonies: Friday June 8, 6pm-10pm
    Check-out and Depart: Saturday June 9

    Local Charity Beneficiary of proceeds from silent- and live-auctions, raffles, etc.:
    Big Brothers Big Sisters of Centre Wellington (BBBS-CW) https://centrewellington.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca/

     

  6. Live racing opens at Grand River Raceway

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    Expect an experience when the live harness racing season returns to Grand River Raceway – one of the BEST tracks in the province of Ontario on Friday, June 1.

    Then plan ahead for live racing on Monday, Wednesday and Friday nights all summer long!

    • Mondays at 6:30 p.m. from June 4 – September 24
    • Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. from June 6 – September 26
    • Fridays at 6:30 p.m. from June 1 – September 7

    With a race card of between 10 to 12 races, free admission and free parking and lots of fun on the Tarmac Show, it’s fun for the whole family.  And for those over 19th, the OLG Slots are on-site to make for a fun night.

    Enjoy the thrills, the sights and the sounds of live harness racing at Grand River Raceway!

     

    Photo credit: Iron Horse Photography

     

  7. Elora en Plein Air

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    Calling all artists! Pack up your easels, brushes and paints and then look out across the beautiful, picturesque scenery around Wellington County to find your inspiration.
    From the rivers to the limestone cliffs, to the expanse of agricultural horizons, or the thick woods and natural trails, there is no place like this. Explore the towns of Elora and Fergus with their unique cultural vibes and historic architecture, connected through time by the flowing Grand River. Beauty is in the eye of the artist.  Share your canvas, and our view.
    The Elora en Plein Air Festival – Grand River Painting Festival is an annual event and art competition, established in 2016 by the Elora Arts Council.
    You’ll find the details here: Elora en Plein Air

  8. 30th Annual Giant Book Sale

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    Bookworms and avid collectors never miss this event.  You shouldn’t either.

    Clear out the trunk and make room on the bookshelf  because here you’ll find bargains galore, with over 70,000 used books, games, LPs, CDs, DVDs, sheet music and posters.

    The 30th Annual Giant Book Sale, a fundraiser to support the Elora Festival and Singers, is one of the largest gently-used-book sales in Ontario. Every year the selection grows, as does the crowd.  That’s because the prices are great, the selection is outstanding and there are NO restrictions on the number of books you can purchase. Browse through more than 40 different categories of books, music and more.

    Bookmark these dates:

    Friday, May 4: 5pm  to  9 pm ($5.00 admission)
    Saturday, May 5:  9:30 am to 5 pm (free admission)
    Sunday, May 6:  9:30 am to 5 pm (free admission)

    Enjoy free parking all weekend and be sure to check out the view of the Elora Gorge, literally steps away with one of the most spectacular views on the David Street Bridge.  Tour the town and find a quiet place to read. Grab a pint or a bite to eat, because reading on an empty stomach is just not wise. Or shop some more, because why stop now? Right? Right.

     

     

     

     

  9. Elora Monster March Parade

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    Gather together and wander along … all you need is a costume and you’ll belong.

     

    The Monster March

     

    Get your Halloween ON! The annual Monster March Parade is a tradition of family-friendly fun that brings out the ghouls, the zombies, and yes, the princesses and Super Heroes too. You’ve never experienced a Halloween event like this!

    • A costumed event open to anyone, of any age.
    • A non-motorized parade that winds through the main street of Elora.
    • The event is FREE to participate in, and of course, free to watch.
    • Monsters gather at MacDonald Square, outside the Township of Centre Wellington’s Municipal Offices at 6pm.
    • The parade begins at 6:30pm.
    • It takes approximately 30 minutes to walk the parade route.
    • It’s a casual walk, so just enjoy the stroll and walk along.
    • Feel free to play some fun Halloween-themed music to keep everyone in your Monster posse in step. (Organizers ask that you only play Halloween music, because Monsters don’t like the Back Street Boys. This is a fact. Ask any Monster.)
    • Dogs dressed in costume are welcome too! (Because who doesn’t love a wiener dog dressed like a hot dog, am I right?)

     

     

     

    The Monster Route:

     

    The route follows Metcalfe Street South to Mill Street East and follows to the Elora Centre of the Arts on Melville Street. Road closures will be in place along these routes.

     

    Monster minders:

     

    Marching your little monsters? Here’s a few tips to keep them safe:

    • Make sure they can see clearly if wearing a mask or anything around their faces. Let’s keep the Monsters marching.
    • Be sure they won’t trip on the longer costumes. Monsters don’t like ouchies.
    • It will be getting dark early, so be sure the kids have reflective marks on their costumes (we’re thinking post-parade safety for when you walk back to your car, home, Monster castle).
    • We highly recommend glow sticks or flash lights, (even though we all know Monsters are not afraid of the dark).
    • The event is rain or moonshine. It won’t rain. And even if it does, only the Wicked Witch melted with water, so we’re safe.
    • Dress layered for the weather because even Monsters get chilly.
    • Strollers and wagons are a great option, because you don’t want cranky Monsters on the walk. Maybe pack a snack too, because well … cranky.

     

    Don’t forget your non-perishable food donations! Volunteers will be collecting food and cash donations along the Monster March Parade route to support the Centre Wellington Food Bank.

  10. Elora Fergus Studio Tour

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    Meet the makers.

     

    The 2018 Elora Fergus Studio Tour is September 22-23 and September 29-30.

    It’s one thing to appreciate art; it’s another thing altogether to  see where the creative process begins, where the art is made and meet the artist in person.

    The Elora Fergus Studio Tour is two weekends of inspired discovery. A total of 36 artists working in various mediums open the doors to their creative spaces just to welcome you in.  It’s a wonderful way to tour our communities, from the historical downtowns to the rural routes that surround us. Take a free, self-guided tour and follow the map. The journey is up to you!

     

    Start here:

     

     

     

    The best place to begin the Fergus Elora Studio Tour is at the Elora Centre for the Arts. Here you will find:

    • The Fergus Elora Studio Tour Exhibit, featuring individual art pieces from participating artists
    • Free Fergus Elora Studio Tour Maps with easy to follow directions
    • Friendly people who can answer questions about the tour and the towns
    • Tours of the Elora Centre for the Arts, one of Elora’s cherished heritage buildings
    • Public washrooms
    • Free Parking

     

     

    How to get around:

     

    The beautiful thing about this tour is the many ways you can experience it. Walk. Ride. Drive. Carpool with your friends. Come in a pack. Go it alone.

    In Elora, we suggest you park at the Elora Centre for the Arts and put your walking shoes on. You can tour many of the studios by foot easily from this location.

    NOTE: Current road construction between Colborne Street & Mill Street West have closed that portion of the route to vehicles, but access is still available on foot. Don’t let the construction stop you for exploring the artists in this neighbourhood.

    Cyclists will enjoy the ride to and from Elora and Fergus, allowing a great adventure with many artist’s sites accessible by bike. Connect between the towns via the Elora Cataract Trail

    Drive the route and enjoy free parking wherever you turn. This is the best way to experience the rural studios and the edge-of-town sites you don’t want to miss.

    Watch for the purple and steel sandwich board signs along the routes to clearly identify studio locations. 

     

     

    The best way to enjoy the Fergus Elora Studio Tour

     

    • Keep an open mind. Art is about exploration.  artists whose work is unfamiliar to you. Check out mediums that are new to you.
    • Ask great questions. There are no wrong questions. These artists are welcoming you to their creative spaces. They want to talk about their art and teach people about the process. Ask away!
    • This may sound funny, but wear shoes you can kick off and put on easily. Just in case.
    • Be sure to check out downtown Fergus and Elora and make a day of it!

Come for a day. Stay for a lifetime.

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