I love how creative people are getting in these days of social distancing! This week’s roundup of things to see and do includes an “upside-down parade” in Navan, drive-in bingo in Perth, a virtual art walk in Brockville and an outdoor radio play in Hull. And another Ottawa museum is re-opening this week, with timed tickets and other safety measures.
As always, don’t forget your mask, as you’ll need to wear it anytime you’re indoors or closer than two metres to other people. Wash your hands frequently. Keep your distance. If a place is crowded, don’t join the crowd—instead, come back another day. Stay safe and have fun!
Play drive-in bingo in Perth
Every Thursday in August, starting August 6, the Perth & District Agricultural Society will be hosting drive-in bingo at the Perth Fairgrounds (50 Arthur Street). Games start at 7pm and only cash will be accepted as payment (a minimum of $10 for 15 games). Bring your own snacks, drinks and boards; daubers will be on sale at the gate. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, you’ll have to stay in your car at all times. See the Perth Fair’s website for more details.
(P.S.: If you’re wondering about the Carp Fair’s drive-in bingo, it has been cancelled this year.)
Enjoy an upside-down parade or a virtual garden tour in Navan
Since a traditional parade isn’t feasible this year, the Navan Fair is holding a “upside-down parade” instead. Local clubs, businesses, family groups and others have created floats and displays. They’ll be setting them up along a route at the Navan Fairgrounds on Saturday, August 8, from 10am until noon. The floats and displays will stay still, and the audience will move, as visitors drive past the creations to admire them.
You can even “visit” the fair without leaving home, via the fair’s virtual garden and crop tour. Starting August 9, keen gardeners and farmers will be invited to post pictures of their best flowers, fruits and veggies to the virtual tour’s Facebook page for all to enjoy.
Listen to historical characters in Gatineau
For years, Gatineau-based Théâtre Dérives Urbanes has been presenting a touring show called Personnages de légende (Legendary Characters). Actors bring people from the region’s past to life, ranging from the famous (city planner Jacques Gréber, Hull founder Philemon Wright) to the humble (tram-rider Irène Brouilette, in the video above).
This year, the company will be giving outdoor shows in a radio-play format, creating the characters with voices only. The first show is happening on Sunday, August 9, in Place de la Francophonie in Hull, starting at 1:30pm; there will also be shows on Saturday, August 15, at Parc des Cèdres in Aylmer (6:30pm) and Saturday, August 22, at Quai des Artistes in Gatineau (1:30pm). All shows are in French, patrons are welcome to bring lawn chairs and food, physical distancing measures will be in place, and admission is free.
Shop and learn in Brockville
It’s going to be a busy weekend in Brockville, with no fewer than three events on the agenda.
First up is this month’s edition of the King West Virtual Art Walk, happening on Facebook on Friday, August 7, from 10am to 7pm. This online event showcases works for sale by local artists.
Next comes an outdoor makers’ market on Saturday, August 8, where local artisans will be selling their products from 9am to 1pm. It’s happening in the back parking lot of Court House Lodge at 7 Court House Square.
Also on Saturday, Downtown Brockville will be running its latest Space to Shop Saturday. From 9am to 9pm, King Street between Perth and Park streets will be closed to traffic, permitting more social distancing as pedestrians move from store to store. All municipal parking lots will be free for the day, too.
And finally, the Brockville Museum has re-opened for private visits, which visitors need to book at least 24 hours in advance. This summer’s show, “Painting Picnic with Prudence Howard,” highlights the work of a local artist who was active in the 1920s.
Cuddle rescue dogs in Ottawa
Pups on a Patio is a fundraising event for Sit With Me, a rescue dogs organization. At timed seatings on the back patio, guests will have the chance to cuddle pooches looking for a forever home, and to enjoy a taco and a cocktail. It’s all happening at Happy Fish Ottawa, a raw bar on Elgin Street in Ottawa, on Saturday, August 8. There are two 90-minute seatings, starting at 1pm and 3pm.
Learn about Polish heritage (and eat pierogies) in Wilno
Long-time readers of this page will know that I’m fascinated by the history of the Kashubs, a group from what is now Poland who emigrated to the Barry’s Bay area in the 1800s. So I was delighted to learn that the Polish Kashub Heritage Museum in the village of Wilno, just east of Barry’s Bay, is currently open for visitors seven days a week, from 10am to 5pm. You can explore heritage buildings, pick up books and souvenirs in the gift shop, and just generally put yourselves in the shoes of immigrants who travelled thousands of miles in treacherous conditions…only to end up with farms on rocky, unforgiving land. You can learn more about the museum’s COVID-19 protocols on its Facebook page.
Years ago, in one of my first-ever Ottawa Road Trips posts, I also wrote about Wilno. Across Highway 60 from the museum, you can pick up some of the best pierogies in Eastern Ontario (as well as lots of other dishes) at the Wilno Tavern, which is currently open six days a week (closed Mondays) for patio dining, in-restaurant dining and take-out; see the restaurant’s Facebook page for hours and menus.
Visit the Canada Aviation and Space Museum in Ottawa
The Canada Aviation and Space Museum is the latest national museum in Ottawa to re-open its doors to visitors. It will be open to members only on August 6 and 7, and then to the general public starting on Saturday, August 8. Hours are 10am to 4pm, Thursday to Monday, and the last hour each day is free. You must get a timed ticket online in advance, even for the free hour (in that case, you will reserve a ticket but won’t be required to pay). Come learn about Canada’s adventures above the ground, from the pioneering Silver Dart airplane to the space shuttle’s Canadarm.
Looking for more ideas for things to see and do in Ottawa, Eastern Ontario and the Outaouais? Subscribe to my free weekly e-newsletter for tips.