School Shelters
We are now halfway (OMG) through summer. I can’t believe that it has one by so quickly! Judi and I hope that you are having an “awesome” summer and are able to enjoy everything that Ontario and its amazing communities offer.
Here at TIMS!
Article by Gary McWilliams (aka Festival Nomad) Original Artwork by K.C. (Susan) Caron
Well, here I am at Tim Hortons. It’s been a long time! You know, the pandemic and all of life’s challenges. Before Covid-19, I use to visit TIMs regularly. In fact, it was my “go to” places to write my articles and Blogs. It was either TIMS or the library. If I was going to the library, I would stop off at TIMS to get my “inspirational” takeout coffee. I must have needed the caffeine to get my “create juices” flowing!
It’s funny, the noises and activity didn’t seem to bother me. Actually, atmosphere seemed to heighten my creativity! The same with the library. I just was able to think more clearly… “go figure”.
So, it’s back to TIMS to write new, and I hope entertaining, articles and Blogs. Hopefully it will be the start of some “fabulous” writing! If not, I’ll just have to blame TIMS!
Ontario Agricultural Fairs
History of Agricultural Fairs
(From https://ontarioagsocieties.com/about-us/history-of-agricultural-fairs)
By Guy Scott, OAAS Past President
Agricultural fairs were transplanted to the colonies by the earliest British settlers. The concept of fairs soon flourished in agrarian North America. In Canada, the first agricultural society was formed in 1765 in Nova Scotia. Ontario followed suit in 1792 with the Agricultural Society of Upper Canada based at Niagara on the Lake. From the Ontario strongholds, the concept of agricultural fairs spread west with the first settlers.
After a few false starts, the system of agricultural societies and their fairs spread all over Ontario in the 1800’s. They were organized by county and township and at one time numbered over 500 in Ontario alone. While agricultural societies used many methods (of varying success) to improve agriculture and the rural lifestyle, they’re most enduring and endearing legacy was the agricultural fair. Industrial exhibitions and festivals came and went, but the fairs just carried on. Fairs soon became an ingrained part of Ontario’s (and indeed Canada’s) culture. They still are, in our society.
Ontario Fairs have changed since their inception, but they still carry on their mandate of promoting agriculture and the rural lifestyle.
Want to see modern tradition meet the modern world? Attend a fair!
Ontario Community Spotlight
Ontario is a wonderful place to work, live and have fun. For over 15 years, we have traveled across Ontario several times. We have never been disappointed on the diversity of the province and its communities. That’s why we started (a few years ago) our “Ontario Community Spotlight”. Each month we recognize a wonderful Ontario community. Some of the communities we have recognized in the past include ~ Buckhorn, Goderich, Port Colborne, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Wasaga Beach and many more. In fact, we have honoured over 40 Ontario communities.
This month’s Ontario Community Spotlight, presented by Ontario Visited, is the Community of Honey Harbour.
My childhood friend’s (Richard) family had their boat harboured in Honey Harbour. He had told me about their boating adventures, but I never really understood how amazing they were. That is, until Judi and I visited the area.
Honey Harbour, a very small “permanent” community, multiples in the summer months. It’s only natural, because it’s the launching point to the “30,000 Islands”
Traveling through the village to the shores of Georgian Bay, you get the sense of excitement the boaters and cottagers must feel as they start their “summer adventures”!
I can see now why Richard’s family loved the area.
If you are looking for wonderful community to visit and explore, try Honey Harbour.
Summer Fun
