Heritage Park Elmvale – 25th Anniversary – By George Allen and Matt Garwood
Twenty-five years ago, on Canada Day, Elmvale and the surrounding area came together in the park to celebrate. After two years of removing old buildings, building an amphitheater, cutting some trees and relocating others, seeding and sodding, building a pavilion and stage, creating a parking lot, and grooming a trail, the community was ready to put the new facilities to use. Over one hundred people had put in 30 or more hours to bring this project to completion. Many people generously donated equipment, such as trucks, loaders, tractors, chainsaws, and planters, providing whatever was needed to get the job done.
Every organization contributed through its own fundraising efforts. The Federal Government provided $35,000 to help turn a vision into reality. Springwater Township purchased the land, and the community came together to build the park. It was a true partnership in action, effective, collaborative, and inspiring.
In the years since that original Canada Day celebration, there have been countless concerts for the enjoyment of the community, each with a BBQ for those that wished to come early, meet old friends and prepare for an evening of music. There is much to celebrate, both past and present, about this community project.
This Canada Day, the community will come together in the park to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Heritage Park. Join us on July 1st from 1:00 to 4:00 PM for an afternoon of festivities as we commemorate this milestone. There will be food, music, a salute to Canada, dedication of the soon to be newly renovated entrance sign, and so much more. It will be an opportunity to learn a little history of the park, celebrate our wonderful country, and strengthen the bonds of community. Prizes will be awarded for the ‘Best Dressed’ (Canadian theme), and we can’t wait to come together in celebration on July 1, 2025!
Celebrate 15 Years of World-Class Music at the Festival of the Bay! – Submitted by John French
Midland, ON – This summer, the Festival of the Bay returns to Midland to celebrate its 15th spectacular season! Presented by Brookside Music Association, the 2025 Festival promises an unforgettable series of five concerts featuring internationally acclaimed classical musicians — all taking place at the beautiful Midland Cultural Centre in July and August.
The stellar concert lineup includes:
- True North Brass – Monday, July 28
- Janina Fialkowska – Thursday, July 31
- The Rudersdal Chamber Players – Monday, August 4
- An Evening of Opera Arias – featuring Leslie Fagan, Russell Braun, Colin Ainsworth, Alyson Hardy, Carolyn Maule, and Guy Few
- A Grand Finale – with James Campbell, Graham Campbell, Cameron Crozman, and Carter Johnson performing a dynamic blend of classical music and jazz standards
Adding even more excitement to the festivities, the Festival kicks off early with a Dinner/Dance Under the Stars on Friday, July 11th at the Midland Golf and Country Club. Enjoy a glamorous evening featuring the energetic sounds of the Toronto All Star Big Band.
A Series Pass for all five concerts is available for only $125 (plus HST and service charges) — offering an unbeatable opportunity to experience world-class music close to home.
The Dinner/Dance tickets are $95 plus HST a plate.
Tickets are available on line or at the Midland Cultural Centre box office.
Brookside Music Association, the proud organizer of the Festival of the Bay, is a registered charity dedicated to presenting high-quality classical and jazz performances in Midland. Through its programming, Brookside Music enriches the cultural life of the community and fosters a lifelong appreciation for live music.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this milestone season!
For tickets and more information, visit www.brooksidemusic.com
Great Lakes Waterfront Trail, Car Rally – By Helmut Paddags
My curiosity was tweaked when a new sign appeared on the hydro pole across the street from our house. Intrigued, I investigated the significance of the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail. I was surprised to learn that the Trail ran from the Quebec border along the great lakes in Ontario, ending at Sault Ste. Marie a distance of 3600 km.
Georgian Shores Seniors Club endorsed the idea to run a car rally through the north of Tiny Township following the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail. The committee prepared maps, directions and questions about points of interest along the route. On the day of the rally 35 people left Georgian Shores Seniors Club at staggered intervals in 10 cars. Along the way they discovered a tail of a plane in a yard, gargoyles standing guard and even a model of a curling rink “house” with a curling stone on top. All cars returned to The Place in Balm Beach between two hours and three and a half hours. A lunch was served, the questionnaires were marked and the answers were displayed in a video. Prizes for the top three teams were awarded and every one agreed that they had a wonderful morning and looked forward to the next rally event.
For a rally package, please contact the office manager at gssseniors2016@gmail.com.
Celebrate Summer at Longest Freshwater Beach in the World!
By Town of Wasaga Beach – Here’s the full lineup:
Kick-off to Summer featuring Elton Rohn, and The Carpet Frogs. June 27 at the Wasaga Stars Arena. Tickets available now at wbse.ca.
Summer Sets – Stonebridge Gazebo
- June 6: Kitty and the Boys
- June 13: Huronia Hot Strings
- June 20: Too Nice
- June 27: Whisky River
- July 4: The Sandra Good Band
- July 11: Déjà vu
- July 18: Jess Bowman
- July 25: Sydney Riley
- August 1: Beaver Valley Concert Band
- August 8: Mirage
- August 15: Motes and Oates
- August 22: Queen M
- August 29: Freez’Careeb
Beach Area 1 – Main Stage
- June 28: Canada Day concert featuring Reggaddiction.
- August 30: Memories of Summer, featuring Queen Flash.
Trail Tunes – The award-winning Trail Tunes returns June 7, featuring The Black & Blues, Genevieve Cyr and The Trio+.
Music in the Park – Oakview Woods Gazebo
- June 24: Andrea Johnston
- July 1: The James Brown Trio
- July 8: The Sean Stanly Duo
- July 15: The Sidewalk Crusaders
- July 22: Jim & Randi
- July 29: Gayle Ackroyd
- August 5: Michel DeQuevedo
- August 12: The Mugs
- August 19: Key Legends (Dan McVeigh)
- August 26: Mariachi Fuego
Stonebridge Wasaga Beach Blues Festival. September 12-14. Get tickets here.
Summer fun for the whole family
In addition to live music, the Town of Wasaga Beach has organized a full summer of fun for the whole family.
- 5K Foam Fest returns on July 19th.
- The annual Multisport Triathalon is set to take place on August 23.
- Delicious food trucks return to Beach Area 1 in our new beachfront Fun Zone.
- Movies Under the Stars begins July 2nd, featuring Wicked. Note the location has changed to 120 Glenwood across from Town Hall. Other movies include Wild Robot, Mama Mia, Guardians of the Galaxy, Cars, Avengers End Game, Inside Out 2 and more!
For more information, visit wasagabeach.com/events