Looking for one last quick road trip—in the city or beyond—before the Labour Day weekend? You could hit a drive-in in Almonte or Gatineau, go shopping in Kingston, enjoy a scavenger hunt in Cobden or browse for deals at a yard sale in Smiths Falls. Enjoy, and travel safely!
Cheer for fast boats on the St. Lawrence River
On Saturday, August 29, spectators can watch speedboat racers zip along the St. Lawrence River during the 1000 Islands Gananoque Poker Run. At each stop, racers will draw a playing card; the idea is to get the best poker hand by the end of the race. Boats will start from the Gananoque waterfront at 10:30am (the best view will be at Joel Stone Park), then stop at various points along the river before roaring back into Gananoque. (Note: I’ve updated this post based on new information from the organizers; the exact route is currently being tweaked.) The racers are expected to get back to the Gan around 3:30pm.
See clay sculpture in Chelsea
This is your last weekend to catch Digging Mountains, an exhibition of clay sculpture by Valérie Blais, at La Fab Arts Centre in Chelsea.
Get historical in Cumberland
The Cumberland Heritage Village Museum is a collection of vintage and reconstructed buildings that brings the 1920s and 1930s back to life for visitors. Throughout August and September, the museum is offering socially distanced outdoor activities (weather dependent) all week long—try your hand at everything from printing to fermentation. The schedule is available on the museum’s Facebook page. The museum encourages everyone to pre-book their visit, online or by phone, by 4pm the day before.
Dance for good causes in Orleans
I’ll be the first to admit that I’m the last to catch up on the latest online dance crazes. So when I found out about a fundraiser on Petrie Island this weekend where people will be taking the Jerusalema Dance Challenge, I followed the organizers’ link to a YouTube video of the song “Jerusalema” by South African musician Master KG, featuring Nomcebo Zikode (see above). And, man oh man, is it catchy! I will warn you in advance that it will be in your head for days.
Anyway, getting back to the fundraiser: hosted by a group that includes the Carivibe Festival Ottawa, Bananas Beach Grill & Rum Shack and Sweet ‘N Nice Ice Cream, the Jerusalema Dance Challenge Ottawa is happening on the beach at Petrie Island in Orleans on Saturday, August 29, with the dancing starting at 5pm. Funds raised will go to Child NEXUS—which supports children with learning differences—and the Sickle Cell Action Network. COVID-19 restrictions will be in place. (Remote option: You can donate to the causes online via the link above.)
Enjoy barbecued goodies in Hardwood Lake
For many years, I’ve been driving regularly from Ottawa to rental cottages near Bancroft and Haliburton. Along Highway 28, I always go through the tiny community of Hardwood Lake, but I rarely stop. But I just got an email from the new owner of Maplehaus, a banquet hall there, letting me know that they’re open from Thursday through Sunday, as well as holidays. Under umbrellas in the backyard, on the deck or socially distanced indoors, you can nosh on burgers, corn on the cob, poutine and other barbecue fare. Next time I’m over that way, I’ll stop in and check it out!
Take the kids to drive-in movies in Gatineau or Almonte
Friday night (August 28) is your last chance this season to catch a drive-in movie double bill at Place des Festivals Zibi in Gatineau. The opening show is the animated feature Surf’s Up, followed by The Da Vinci Code. You can choose either the French or English soundtracks. Gates open at 7:30pm and social distancing measures will be in place. Admission is $30 per vehicle.
Also this weekend, the Almonte Fair, Carebridge Community Support and the Town of Mississippi Mills are hosting a free circus-themed drive-in movie night at the Almonte Fairgrounds on Saturday, August 29. The gates open at 7pm and the first movie, Madagascar 3, starts at 8pm, followed by the 2019 version of Dumbo at 10pm. Patrons must stay in the cars except to visit the canteen or the washrooms. You’ll need a mask and cash if you plan to hit the canteen.
Do some shopping in Kingston
Heading to Kingston and hoping to indulge in a little retail therapy? The Love Kingston Marketplace is a daily outdoor event in Springer Market Square (behind City Hall). It features products from a range of Limestone City businesses, including Mio Gelato and Martello Alley. Hours vary; check the link above for details. Kingston Tourism also has a new list of 10 Kingston shops with great finds.
Enjoy a “virtual fair” in Cobden
The Cobden Fair can’t happen as usual this year, so the organizers are trying something new: a virtual fair. This week, you can try your luck in a real-world scavenger hunt (anytime this week), pre-order some fair-style snacks (for pickup on Saturday, August 29), or bid in an online auction (winning bidders will pick up their loot on Saturday). There’s also a fundraising barbecue for the Cobden Agricultural Society on Saturday at the Cobden Fairgrounds, from 11am to 2pm.
Stroll through a walled garden in Ottawa
Did you know that there’s a restored 19th-century walled garden in the heart of Westboro? It’s next to The Keg steakhouse at 529 Richmond Road. The Keg is housed in an 1830s mansion called Maplelawn, and the garden once provided flowers and produce to the home’s residents. Now, it’s open to all for free, and it’s a peaceful place to stroll. You can even bring a picnic! Learn more about it in my recent post about murals, sculptures and other public art in Westboro.
Check out a big yard sale in Smiths Falls
UPDATE: The date has been changed to Saturday, September 5. The Heritage House Museum in Smiths Falls is holding a boardwalk yard sale on Saturday, August 29, from 8am until noon. Browse for gently used goods and fuel up with sweet treats.
One last note…
Wherever you go, be sure (and you know I’m going to say this, because I say it every week!) to bring your mask, use your hand sanitizer and keep your distance. If an event or location seems more crowded than you expected or are comfortable with, give it a pass—both for your sake and for the sake of the communities involved. Somewhere down the road, you’ll probably find a wide-open park or quiet hiking trail to enjoy instead.
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2 comments
As always, a pleasure to see what’s happening in the area! Thanks
You’re welcome–glad you enjoy the posts!