You’ll soon see Festival of Small Halls posters appearing in communities across Eastern Ontario and the Ottawa Valley! We’re excited for this year’s design and are looking forward to sending them out to our energetic volunteers in the host communities. They usually find a home on local bulletin boards, community placards, and even online. If you have a business or another great spot to hang one in your community, be sure to get in touch with your local hall host. Keep an eye out for online versions, too – please share the small hall love!
Speaking of our cherished host venues, want to learn more about our small halls? Did you know we had more than 30 new halls apply to be a part of the Festival this year? Click here to peek inside each of this year’s Festival venues, where you’ll find a former schoolhouse, historic churches, a refurbished barn, old town halls and even a mill! Though the halls may have all started in different forms and for various purposes over the years, one thing they have in common is the feeling of community they inspire. We guarantee you’ll learn a new little nugget of info about one of your local halls!
We really enjoy this time of year, as buzz for the Festival starts to percolate. So many shows are on the edge of selling out so please don’t wait to get your tickets if you’re keen to see a specific show. We’re excited to think about the fact that in only a month and a half, we’ll be starting our Festival performances. We can’t wait!
In the meantime, some of our host communities have events on the go this long weekend. Why not hit the backroads and take a little rural road trip?
The Glengarry Highland Games are celebrating 70 years in 2017! Maxville rolls out the plaid carpet Aug. 4 to 5. This highly-anticipated event in Maxville is the largest of its kind outside of Scotland! It features North America’s largest performance of massed pipe bands. Find out more here.
For a down home good time, head on over the Lombardy Fair Aug. 4 to 7 in Rideau Lakes! Enjoy produce, home crafts, handicraft displays the Agricultural Showcase, new Ranch Competitions and Extreme Cowboy Races (Sat. and Sun.) – and even a demolition derby! There are also lots of games and activities for the children. Look for more here.
Local musicians and the Township of Beckwith have joined forces to host the Goodwood Festival a country music event at Beckwith Park this summer celebrating Canada’s 150th anniversary! Mark your calendars Aug. 4 to 6, 2017, featuring local Ottawa Valley country musicians. See more here.
Feeling crafty? The 30th annual Chaffey’s Lock Craft Market is set for success on the front lawn of the Opinicon Resort Saturday, Aug. 5 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. More than 40 vendors offer original, high quality local arts and crafts during the market. Check out the Chaffey’s Lock Rocks Facebook page for more or get in touch with Gay Henniger at 613.359.5706.