Wow – what a kick off for the 2017 Festival of Small Halls!

So many great musical memories made. Were you there to witness multiple generations of Abrams come on stage to sing their encore at Stonefield’s in Beckwith?

Or how about when the power came back on in Balderson at the exact right moment for when Jenn Grant was to take the stage?

Did you see Fred Penner bring little Zeke up on stage in Morton to help sing Down by the Bay to raucous laughter and applause? Were you there when Chaffey’s Lock Community Hall was packed to the rafters for incredible music not one, but two nights in a row? It’s these magical moments that really make the Festival of Small Halls special.

This week is proving to be just as unique as our shows are bringing in more top talent and showcasing halls with heritage and heart in Toledo, Spencerville, Delta, Bolingbroke, Mississippi Mills, Lyndhurst, Merrickville, Pakenham, Elgin, Maberly and Tatlock!

We’re welcoming artists like Dave Gunning, The Outside Track, Old Man Luedecke, Leif Vollebekk, Rosie and the Riveters, and Sultans of String. It’s sure to be memorable to the core!

So, you have your tickets – why not extend your visit to explore some of Eastern Ontario’s intriguing small towns? It’s easy to extend your stay and celebrate small town charm and community – by discovering it.

Here are some suggestions for authentic experiences to get you in the Festival spirit this week.

Spend time in…

Toledo – Bring your camera! All roads lead to Toledo – back roads that is! This area is perfect for roadside photography. It’s predominantly rural with lots of farms, barns, old fences and gorgeous fall flowers that make your camera click! We’re hearing reports of the fall colours are starting now with yellow and reds popping.

Spencerville Mill

Spencerville – Before the show, partake in TAPAS by ZOLAS, a pre-event mix and mingle event starting at 5:30 p.m. Advance tickets only! Kick off the evening with a delicious modern Italian cuisine served tapas style.Tickets: $22.50 per person. Tickets available online via snapd or by calling 613-658-5885 or in person at Spencerville’s JoeComputer and Home Hardware. Cash bar available. Be sure to set aside time to marvel at the mill itself! Find out more here: http://www.spencervillemill.ca/

Bolingbroke – Discover country charm in Bolingbroke! This is the definition of Sunday drive. The winding roads, gorgeous scenery and even a nearby elevated bridge high over picturesque train tracks – you never know what is around the next bend! Fall River Restaurant and coffee house is only minutes away on Hwy. 7 and even an overnight cottage stay is doable with waterfront Cobblestones Cottages on Farren Lake right in Bolingbroke.

Delta – See the beauty of the Rideau Canal through its stunning lakes and tight-knit community. Explore heritage in Delta by walking through the village and discovering its historical plaques, paying tribute to important people, buildings and times past. See the Delta Old Stone Mill and find peace on an easy hike along the trail in Lower Beverley Lake Park within walking distance from the Old Town Hall. The hemlocks on the trail are gorgeous! Work up your appetite as the Delta Old Town Hall is hosting a buffet dinner before the show. Beginning at 6 p.m. it will be served at the Old Town Hall. Tickets are $14 and  reservations required by email at joanne.van.dreumel@gmail.com.

Mississippi Mills – Before the sold-out Dave Gunning with Brad Scott show this Friday, be sure to pay a visit to the Clayton General Store – an historic, old-style general store near the shores of Clayton Lake. Gas, groceries, maple syrup, a lending library and a community billboard. Taste a little slice of country and visit the community hub for generations!

Lyndhurst – Explore here! Take a picture with the legendary plaid house on the main street, stroll along the docks and discover Ontario’s oldest bridge, find unique gifts in a few local shops and take advantage of amazing local eats on Saturday evening! Beginning at 5:30 p.m., Little Vittles & Light Libations a Celebration of Local Food & Community will be held at St. Luke’s United Church (403 Lyndhurst Rd). $15 per person. Tickets at Wendy’s Country Market or by phone at 613-928-2477.

Merrickville – In addition to taking advantage of the unique wares in this small town shopping mecca, there are some amazing events taking place on the day of the Festival of Small Halls bring Leif Vollebekk to the Merrickville United Church! The annual Merrickville Artist Guild studio tour starts on Saturday and continues on Sunday (and again Sept. 30 to Oct. 1). This sees 22 regular MAG Artists and four guest artists showcasing painting, sculpture, pottery, glass, jewelry etc. Find stops in and around the beautiful village of Merrickville. For more info visit www.mag-artists.ca/  Also in Merrickville at the Fairgrounds on Sept 23 is the Harvest Goat Carnival. This unique carnival starts at 10 a.m. and has activities for all ages.  To view details please see www.harvestgoatcarnival.ca.

Pakenham – Marvel at the only five-span stone bridge in Canada and then step back in time at the Pakenham General Store which has been in operation since 1840. The store still maintains its charm with wood floors, original wooden counters and antiques used by the original owners. Fresh in-store bakery! Take in the natural beauty and friendly community of Pakenham and visit other unique shops and eateries.  As a scenic village on the banks of the Mississippi River, it’s easy to see why generations of people have made a home here.

Elgin – Take the heritage walking tour available through Rideau Lakes Township, taste the best small-town pizza around made at the local restaurant down the street, pop into a savoury store next door and then enjoy antiques and rustic décor at a shop on the main street. Take a drive to the end of Davis Lock Road to see the locks in action in a pristine, quiet setting along the UNESCO World Heritage Site Rideau Canal! Be sure to take a moment to read the new plaque beside the Red Brick Schoolhouse to learn about local contributions to war efforts.

Maberly – Stroll through “Fieldwork”, a dynamic and vibrant destination for the creation and experience of site-specific artwork. It’s a place for all ages to explore art as they experience nature. Paths through the forest lead to some eye-opening surprises. Fieldwork hosts work by local, national and international artists at various stages of their careers and invites the public to visit and explore the artwork all year long.

Tatlock – Lace up before the show and discover nature by being immersed in it! Explore local hiking trails, like the Baird Trail and even one up Blueberry Mountain! Find out more here: http://mvfn.ca/hikingtrails/ This area is a nature lover’s paradise and there is an avid birding population here so take the binoculars!

Don’t have your tickets yet? See our full schedule here! Please note that ticket purchase over the phone is also an option and can be easily done by calling 613.402.1425.