Community Events in
Barrie and Orillia, Ontario
 

September | October | November | December |
2013: January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August |

The Barrie Farmers' Market is open-year round! From May to October vendors are outdoors at Barrie City Hall. Vendors offer farm fresh produce, planets and flowers, honey, bread, fish, meat, handcrafted items and much more.

The Market is a good ol' meeting place to talk to friends, catch up on the news, voice your opinion, play a friendly game of cards while enjoying coffee, juice and baked goods.

Open Saturdays from 8am to 12:30pm.

September 3, 11:00 AM-3:00 PM
Annual Labour Day Picnic - Celebrating all workers and weaving Solidarity!
Sunnidale Park, Barrie

This is a free event that is open to the community. There will be live music, activities for the kids and a free BBQ.

Joanie Cameron Pritchett
Confederation of Canadian Unions
Phone: 705-790-3697
Email: cameronpritchett@gmail.com

September 9, 12:00 PM-8:00 PM
ASHIKO! DRUMMING AWAY HUNGER
22 West St. South
705-326-0307, don_evans@rogers.com, www.sharingplaceorillia.org,

Now in its fourth year, the Ashiko International Music Festival (formerly, the Ashiko Drumming Away Hunger Festival) will enliven the beautiful lakeside grounds of Orillia's Stephen Leacock Museum with exciting performances of music and dance from many cultures on Sunday, September 9, 2012, from noon to dusk.

The popular event's organizers expect the festival's new name will attract a broader audience and new patrons to the area's only multi-cultural music and dance festival. Drumming circles will continue to be part of an entertainment mix that will feature an exotic array of music from many lands.

The Ashiko International Music Festival is a major fundraiser for The Sharing Place Food Bank.

September 9, 12:00 PM-2:00 PM
Parkinson SuperWalk 2012
Heritage Park, 5 Lakeshore Drive, Barrie

2012 marks the 22nd anniversary of Superwalk, Parkinson Society’s annual fundraising event. In 2011, a record $3 million dollars was raised nationally through SuperWalk, funding 28 research projects as well as providing resources for education, advocacy and support services to the over 100,000 Canadians living with this debilitating disease. This year, it is our goal to raise $3 million, $900, 000 of which is hoped to come from generous supporters in Central and Northern Ontario. The Barrie SuperWalk will be held on Sunday, September 9th at Heritage Bay, with registration beginning at 12:00 pm. This is a fun family event with participants ranging from infancy and on! You can even register your family as a team. Everyone is welcome! With your help we can provide a better life and a brighter future for Canadians living with Parkinson’s today. A world without Parkinson’s tomorrow. For more information on SuperWalk and to register or sponsor a walker please visit www.parkinsonsuperwalk.ca or call 1.800.565.3000.

Karla Watson
Parkinson Society Central and Northern Ontario
Phone: 1-800-565-3000
Email: karla.watson@parkinson.ca
Website: http://parkinsonsuperwalk.ca

September 14 -16
Simcoe County Quilt, Rug & Craft Fair
Simcoe County Museum, 1151 Highway 26, Minesing
(705) 728-3721; museum.simcoe.ca

The Simcoe County Quilt, Rug and Craft Fair is a wonderful showcase of heritage crafts from throughout our region. Saleable items such as beautiful quilting, embroidery, spinning, handweaving, and rug hooking will be on display by the guild members who handcrafted them. The Simcoe County Arts and Crafts Association Members Boutique is also a must see with folk art painting, knitting, beadwork, and more for sale. Discover new skills at one of our hands-on demonstrations, talk to the experts and get advice, or simply shop for a unique gift.

Event Time: Friday-Saturday: 9:30am - 5:00pm ; Sunday: 9:30am - 4:00pm

September 15, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM
Showcase of Homes Tour
Various Homes In Barrie

The Barrie & District Association of Realtors' Inc and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Barrie and District will be presenting the 21st annual Showcase of Homes Tour on Saturday September 15th. Come out and support Big Brothers Big Sisters of Barrie and District while viewing beautiful homes in our community. Tickets are $30.00 and will be available at many convenient locations around the city. The ticket allows you entrance into all of the show homes and gets you lunch at St. Mary's Church. We hope that you come out to join us. For more information regarding this event or any of our other fundraising events please visit our website at www.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca/barrie.

Heather MacArthur
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Barrie and District
Phone: 705-728-0515
Email: mentor@bbbsbarrie.com
Website: http://www.bigbrothersbigsisters.caébarrie

September 16 from 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Terry Fox Run
75 Lakeshore Drive Centennial Park, Barrie Waterfront

Annual Barrie Terry Fox Run for cancer research. Open to everyone. Come walk, run, rollerblade, or cycle for cancer research. Pledge sheets will be available at Mac's Convenience Stores in mid-August, or by calling Patrick Scott at 705-735-0551. Pledges and donations can be made on-line at the Terry Fox Run website (www.terryfoxrun.org) Pledges and donations are appreciated, but not required - no one is ever turned away at our event if they do not have a donation. This is a family friendly and pet friendly event. Help support this great Canadian tradition!

Patrick Scott / Sybil Myers
The Barrie Terry Fox Run Committee
Phone: 705-735-0551 / 705-728-5140
Email: pat_scott69@hotmail.com
Website: www.teryfoxrun.org

September 16
Barrie Wheelchair Relay Challenge
Simcoe Street and Mulcastor at Heritage Park [map]
Registration begins at 11am. The race starts at 12am.

Today one of our fellow Ontarians will sustain a spinal cord injury resulting in permanent paralysis. At CPA Ontario, our job is to do whatever it takes to quickly help that person on the path of recovery. Your support will help us do this.

Join us at the Barrie Wheelchair Relay Challenge at Simcoe Street and Mulcastor at Heritage Park in Barrie and help raise funds for people with spinal cord injuries! Whether you're looking for a corporate team building experience, a group outing or just an opportunity to get outside and have fun and support your community, this event is for you!

All you need is a team of 5, lots of spirit, energy and enthusiasm. We provide the wheelchairs and the friendly competition! The whole family can have fun!

September 22
Orillia Wheelchair Relay Challenge
Couchiching Beach Park at the Terry Fox Pavilion [map]
Registration begins at 11am. The race starts at 12am.

Organization Canadian Paraplegic Association of Ontario
www.cpaont.org

Today one of our fellow Ontarians will sustain a spinal cord injury resulting in permanent paralysis. At CPA Ontario, our job is to do whatever it takes to quickly help that person on the path of recovery. Your support will help us do this.

Join us at the Orillia Wheelchair Relay Challenge at Couchiching Beach Park at the Terry Fox Pavilion in Orillia and help raise funds for people with spinal cord injuries! Whether you're looking for a corporate team building experience, a group outing or just an opportunity to get outside and have fun and support your community, this event is for you!

All you need is a team of 5, lots of spirit, energy and enthusiasm. We provide the wheelchairs and the friendly competition! The whole family can have fun!

September 25
Franco-Ontarian Day
Sainte-Marie among the Hurons, 16164 Highway 12 East, Midland
(705) 526-7838; www.saintemarieamongthehurons.on.ca

French culture and heritage comes to life through story telling, special displays and activities.

Event Time: 10:00am - 5:00pm (Last Admission: 4:45pm)

September 28-29
Culture Days
Sites throughout Barrie, Barrie, ON

Check out Barrie’s arts and culture scene, and participate in hands-on and behind-the-scenes activities in unique venues throughout the city. For more information, visit www.culturedays.ca and www.barrie.ca/Culture/Pages/CultureDays.aspx.

October 5-8
29TH ANNUAL IMAGES THANKSGIVING STUDIO TOUR
Orillia, Barrie & surrounding area

A self-guided studio tour & juried presentation of works by some of the area's finest artists & craftspeople! 10:00 am - 5:00 pm, Orillia, Barrie & surrounding area, 327-3363 (Brochure & map available at venues, Orillia District Chamber of Commerce & various locations throughout Simcoe County)

October 9-13
CRAFTS WITH CLASS ARTS & CRAFTS SHOW
Orillia Square Mall

A variety of artisans & crafters display their works throughout the mall! Orillia Square Mall, 325-2366

October TBA
FLAVOURS OF ONTARIO'S LAKE COUNTRY

Savour a diversity of culinary delights from some of the finest restaurants in Ontario's Lake Country! Delicious three-course set-menu dinners for $20 & $30 plus alcohol, taxes & gratuities! 325-9321 or 1-866-329-5959 for information. Call participating restaurants for reservations.

In partnership with the Barrie Farmer's Market we invite everyone to come down to City Hall (70 Collier St) from 8am - noon and have a 'spook'tacular time with a variety of activities and attractions to celebrate Halloween. The following spooky activities will be taking place:

• Costume Contest (for children 12 and under) -
  • Registration - 9am
  • Judging - 10am
  • Winners Announcements - 11am
• * Pumpkin Carving Contest -
  • Registration - 9:30am
  • Judging - 10:30am
  • Winners Announcements - 11:30am
• * Free Face Painting
• * Free Wagon Rides
• * Free Hot Apple Cider courtesy of Downtown Barrie and The Farmers Market
• * Take a picture with a Scarecrow

Come down and start your 'spooky' day in Downtown Barrie at The Farmer's Market.

November TBA
17th Annual Barrie Christmas Craft Sale
Barrie Molson Centre, 555 Bayview Dr.

AND ON THE 12TH DAY OF XMAS MY TRUE LOVE GAVE TO ME... the most beautiful one of a kind hand crafted gift from the Barrie Molson Centre Xmas Craft Show. On November 4, 5 & 6, 2011 over 140 of Ontario's most talented artisans & crafters come together at the Barrie Molson Centre for the 17th Annual Xmas Craft Show & Sale. Choose from pottery, stained glass, teddy bears, Xmas crafts, body care products, jewellery, clothing, woodcrafts, ceramics, and more, making Xmas shopping easy.

Event Time: Friday 12:00pm - 8:00pm; Saturday 9:00am - 5:00pm; Sunday 10:00am - 4:00pm
Admission: Adults - $7.00; Seniors - $5.00; Children 12 & Under - Free

November 10
ANNUAL ORILLIA KIWANIS MAMMOTH AUCTION

Live auction featuring hundreds of goods & services! Proceeds to Kiwanis Club of Orillia programs & community projects, 9:00 am, ODAS Park, Fairgrounds Road off Hwy. 12 West, 325-2233

November 16
CHILDREN'S CANDLELIGHT PARADE & TREE LIGHTING
Downtown Orillia

Hundreds of children carry candles & carol through Downtown Orillia to turn on the giant Opera House tree & light the way for Santa! Free cookies & hot chocolate! 7:00 pm, Mississaga Street from Legion to Opera House, 325-3261 (Free parking in Downtown lots)

November 17-18, 10:00 AM-4:00 PM
Homes For The Holidays
Barrie Country Club - Tea Room, 635 St. Vincent St., Barrie
www.maycourtclub.org

Five holiday decorated homes self-drive tour plus tea room and craft boutique . All funds raised go to charitable needs in The City of Barrie. $25./ticket

Come Downtown to enjoy the 35th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at Memorial Square on Friday November 18th 2011 from 5pm - 9pm. The following activities will be taking place to bring in the festive season:

* Visit from Santa - between 6pm and 6:30pm
* Tree Lighting and Fireworks at 6:30pm
* Choir Singing, Wagon Rides, Pony Rides and Face Painting 5pm - 9pm
* Free Hot Chocolate with a non-perishable donation
* Old Tyme Kettle Korn and Captain Cooke De Fries

Start the season off with this long standing annual ceremony in Downtown Barrie.

November TBA
Annual Santa Claus Parade
Downtown Barrie
(705) 721-5000; www.barriechamber.com

Welcome Santa at Barrie's Annual Night Parade! Stay Tuned for Parade Route

Event Time: Parade begins at 5pm
Admission: Free

November TBA, 10:00am - 4pm
Christmas at the Museum Artisans Show & Sale
Simcoe County Museum, 1151 Highway 26, Minesing
(705) 728-3721; www.simcoe.ca

Bring home an original creation from one of over 50 regional artisans. Catch the Christmas spirit early. Empty Bowls Program and Christmas Cheer Gingerbread Competition.

November 18
ORILLIA SANTA CLAUS PARADE

One of the largest Christmas parades North of Toronto! Over 100 floats, bands & Santa himself celebrate the "Spirit of Christmas"! 1:00 pm, Downtown Orillia, 326-4424 or 1-888-326-4424 (Non-perishable food collection for Orillia Food Bank by Big Brothers-Big Sisters / Free parking in Downtown lots)

November 29-30 & December 1, 5:30 – 9:00pm
First Light (Evenings)
Sainte-Marie among the Hurons, Highway 12 East, Midland
(705) 526-7838; www.saintemarieamongthehurons.on.ca

The First Light event is a 17th century holiday season celebration. Under the magical glow of over 3,000 candles, enjoy an enchanted evening on the historic site, listening to live music, Aboriginal drumming and choirs. Family activities and crafts.

The romance of a Victorian Christmas comes alive in the Barn at Cookstown Antique Market. Come and enjoy our twin ten foot tall real Christmas trees decorated in vintage and new ornaments all for sale. See our staff and the barn decked out in Victorian style. There will be lights, music, and plenty of sweet and savory treats. There is something for everyone. Receive 10% off all your purchases plus many more in store specials.

Please bring a non perishable food item, new unwrapped toy or cash donation for the Salvation Army.

February TBA, 10:00 AM
Black History Month Celebration
Mady Centre for the Performing Arts, 1 Dunlop Street West, Barrie

Please join us to hear presentations by local speaker Rose Adams and African Canadian historian Janie Cooper-Wilson from 10:00am to 12:00pm, then stay for lunch, generously provided by SunRise Caribbean Restaurant. Evening concert by Brownman Electryc Trio with catering provided by At the Five begins at 7:30pm. Cash bar. $5 cover charge.

February TBA, 6pm
Seduced by Shakespeare
Mady Centre for the Performing Arts, 1 Dunlop Street West, Barrie

Join celebrity chef Randy Feltis, Artistic Director Scott Hurst & Musical Friends for the Valentine's event of the year! Gourmet dining, wine pairings, fine chocolate and Shakespeare-inspired entertainment combine for a romantically epicurean evening in the theatre!

Cocktails and hor d'ouvres with a cash bar at 6pm. Dinner and show begins at 7pm.

Tickets are $100 each and include a $50 tax reciept. Proceeds go to support the 2012 Theatre by the Bay theatrical season.

To order tickets, call 705-735-9243 or email boxoffice@theatrebythebay.com.

February TBA
Hockey Day in Orillia
100 University Avenue, Orillia

Come celebrate Canada's sport throughout the weekend. Events taking place at Rotary Place, Brian Orser Arena, Orillia Ball Hockey, and at the Orillia Winter Carnival

February TBA, 7:00pm-11:00pm
The Dress Red Gala
Mady Centre for the Performing Arts, 1 Dunlop Street West, Barrie

The Heart and Stroke Foundation presents the 3rd Annual Dress Red Gala... Raising Awareness about Women and Heart Disease. Fashion theatre performance, decadent desserts, live auction, complimentary apps by At The Five, and cash bar provided by Michael and Marion's.

Sponsored by Pie Bookazine
Venue sponsored by Shannon Murree and Remax Chay Realty Inc.
For tickets, call the Barrie Heart and Stroke Foundation office at 705-737-1020.

February tba, 9:00 AM- 9:00 PM
3rd Annual Sled for a Cure
OFSC & MOST trails
705-726-0832, simcoemuskoka@ontario.cancer.ca

Join us for a great day on the OFSC & MOST trails covering approximately 150 kms across central Ontario. This one day snowmobile event will be held on Saturday, February 11, 2012. Admission of $50 includes a free lunch. There will be a meet and greet in the evening at the Penalty Box in Barrie. For more information, check out the website at www.sledforacure.com or simcoemuskoka@ontario.cancer.ca or call us at (705) 726-8032 or 1 800 338-6610.

February TBA
Muscular Dystrophy Canada's Buck for Luck Campaign
Lowe's Home Improvement Store - 71 Bryne Dr.
www.muscle.ca

Starting St. Patrick’s Day, you can help support Muscular Dystrophy Canada’s Buck for Campaign by purchasing a lucky shamrock from your local Lowe's Home Improvement store at 71 Bryne Dr. Lucky shamrocks can be purchased for $1 at the cash register during check-out with the proceeds going to Muscular Dystrophy Canada's Core Equipment Program. Since coming on board in 2009, Lowe’s Canada have raised more than $220K for Muscular Dystrophy Canada’s Core Equipment Program and have provided Muscular Dystrophy Canada a unique opportunity to raise public awareness and funds to carry out the important work that we do. Please show your support by purchasing a lucky shamrock at your local Lowe's store and help make a difference in the lives of people with neuromuscular disorders! If you are from the restaurant, pub, or retail sector and would like to know more about the Buck for Luck Campaign, please contact Mercedes Ordono at 416-488-2699 ext. 152 or by e-mail at mercedes.ordono@muscle.ca.

February tba, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM
Curling Bonspiel for Gilda's Club Simcoe Muskoka
Barrie Curling Club, 175 Essa Road , Barrie
www.gildasclubsimcoemuskoka.org, 705-726-5199 ext. 227, katherine@gildasclubbarrie.org

This is the 5th annual curling bonspiel in support of Gilda's Club Simcoe Muskoka. We welcome curlers of all skill level as this is a FUNspiel! There are 2 draw times to choose from (830am and 1045am). $300 entry fee for a team of 4 (light breakfast and lunch is included). Everyone is welcome!

February tba, 6:00 PM-11:00 PM
BARRIE SALSA PARTY
41 Essa Road Event Centre
www.barriesalsaparty, 705-719-0443, norbert@smoothlatingrooves.com

The party starts off at 6 PM with a SALSA beginner lesson with NORBERT WUNN - SMOOTH LATIN GROOVES Dance Studio - ($10 admission). Dance party from 7 - 11PM ($5 admission.) Music mix of Salsa, Merengue, Bachata, Cha Cha, Rumba, and Raggaeton. Also a Zumba lesson with Barrie's Zumba sensation AMARU MENDEZ. Dance party for all different styles of Latin dance, such as Ballroom International Style, Club Style, Cuban Style, or any other authentic Latin Style. Free snacks and raffle of admission vouchers and free Zumba lessons. Free parking on premises.

February tba, 8:00 pm
Local Live
The Mady Centre for the Performing Arts, 1 Dunlop St. W

Local live is a showcase that was created two years ago by Singer/Songwriter Steve Major to promote the Local Talent from within the Barrie & Simcoe County area. The show's creative team held auditions December 10, 2011 and the top 15-20 artists (Solo, Bands, or Variety Musicians) were chosen to compete in front of a live audience and panel of judges on the night of the showcase. At the end of the showcase, the judges decide who they feel have the strongest performance of the night and that artist is awarded a prize.

This year, The judges are : Record Producer/Engineer Michael Jack, Composer/Producer Jazzfeezy, Recording Artist/Song Writer/Producer/Vocal Coach Lorraine Lawson, & Director/Vocal Coach Edwina Douglas. The night will be hosted by Steve Major. The winner will take home 10 hours of Studio Time courtesy of The Lab Studio, 1 hour pre-studio vocal lesson with Edwina Douglas, & Photo Shoot courtesy of Locke Photography.

Please check us out online at www.locallivebarrie.com.

March tba
Annual Spring Home & Garden Show
Barrie Molson Centre, 555 Bayview Drive, Barrie
(705) 734-1728; www.mbmshows.com

Exhibitors will include home renovation ideas, new kitchens, fall gardening tips, update your floors, hot bathroom trends, energy efficient windows, home décor, colour consultations and more.

Event Time: Saturday: 9am - 4pm; Sunday: 10am - 4pm
Admission: Adults: $7.00; Seniors: $5.00; Children Under 12: Free

March tba, 6:00 PM-1:00 AM
Epilepsy SImcoe County's Lavendar and Lace Gala
Georgian College
705-737-3132, epilepsysimcoecounty@rogers.com

Dance and Silent Auction with all proceeds to Epilepsy Simcoe County. Tickets on sale now call 705-737-3132 to purchase!

April tba
ANNUAL SIMCOE SPRING HOME & COTTAGE SHOW

Website:http://www.orilliahomeshow.ca

April tba
Better Living Expo
Holly Community Centre, 171 Mapleton Avenue, Barrie
705-999-0909, info@valuemedia.ca

The Better Living Expo is 'four events in one' spread over the two arenas at Barrie's newest recreational facility. This weekend expo is expected to feature over 150 selected participants in a blend of health & fitness, activities & leisure, recreation & travel, lifestyle & décor; plus consumer products, professional services and community groups.

April tba, 9:00 AM-2:00 PM
2013 MS Walk - Orillia
Orillia District Collegiate and Vocational Institute
www.mswalks.ca, 416-922-6600, stephanie.mather@mssociety.ca

Check-in Time: 8:30 AM
Start Time: 10:00 AM
Route Length(s): 5 km, 8 km

The MS Society of Canada’s largest event fundraiser combines fundraising with food, prizes, and community spirit. Proceeds of the MS Walk will fund research into the cause and cure of multiple sclerosis, as well as provide services to people with MS and their families. Register online today at http://www.mswalks.ca/.

Coordinator: Stephanie Mather
Phone: 1-800-268-7582 ext. 3112
Email: stephanie.mather@mssociety.ca

May tba
Walk for Kids Help Phone
South Shore Centre, Lakeshore Drive, Barrie, ON
www.walksokidscantalk.ca/locations/barrie

Annual Walk for Kids Help Phone is a 5 km walk around the waterfront in Barrie. Participants can register online. Create a team to represent your school / business or walk independently, raise pledges and come out and support the youth in your community.

The Barrie Farmers' Market is open-year round! From May to October vendors are outdoors at Barrie City Hall. Vendors offer farm fresh produce, planets and flowers, honey, bread, fish, meat, handcrafted items and much more.

The Market is a good ol' meeting place to talk to friends, catch up on the news, voice your opinion, play a friendly game of cards while enjoying coffee, juice and baked goods.

Open Saturdays from 8am to 12:30pm.

May tba
KidsFest Run 4 Change
Running Room, 56 Dunlop Street East, Barrie
www.run4change.net, 1-888-320-8844, volunteers@kidsfestonline.com

Make change in the lives of the 1 million Canadian children who live in poverty. Create a team, join a team, or participate on your own. You can also drop off loose change at any Scotiabank location.

May tba, 7:00 PM-11:00 PM
Taste The World - Kempenfelt Rotary
Napoleon Home Comfort, 24 Napoleon Road, Barrie
tastetheworldbarrie.com, 705-241-0968, hforde@simcoe.com

Taste The World - A Kempenfelt Rotary Club of Barrie event. An entertaining evening including food, wine & beer tastings from around the world - emcee, live band, live & silent auction, prizes. Tickets $79 - This is a fundraising event in support of event partner IOOF Seniors Homes and community charities supported by Kempenfelt Rotary Club

June TBA, 7:00 PM
Barrie Relay For Life
Mapleview Community Church Campus, 300 Mapleview Drive West , Barrie
simcoemuskoksa@ontario.cancer.ca, 705-726-8032

12 hours, non-comepetitive, family friendly. Signature fundraser of the Canadian Cancer Society.

Organization: ALS Ontario
Website: http://www.walkforals.ca

Build a team and Walk for ALS! Help us raise awareness and funds! Join us at Centennial Beach for a 5 KM walk along the shores of Kempenfelt Bay. BBQ lunch to follow for participants of the walk. Wheelchair Accessible. Parking available.

June TBA
Gutsy Walk for Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of Canada
St. Vincent Park, Barrie

St. Vincent Park is located at St. Vincent Street and Blake Street.

Registration Time: 11:15 AM
Warm-Up Time: 11:45 AM
Start Time: 12:00 PM
Finish Time: 2:30 PM

Gutsy Walk is the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of Canada’s (CCFC’s) most energetic and fun fundraising event.Thousands of Canadians at almost 80 locations across the country will walk together to raise money to find a cure for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which is made up of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

For more information on how to get involved, please contact Courtney Taylor at 1-800-387-1479 ext 239 or by email at ctaylor@ccfc.ca

June TBA
RIDE FOR SIGHT - MOTORCYCLISTS FIGHTING BLINDNESS
www.rideforsight.com, 1-800-461- 3331, info@rideforsight.com

Ride for Sight is the longest running motorcycle charity fundraiser in Canada; the first ride began in 1979 in Central Ontario. Each regional Ride has its own unique features. Annual Ride for Sight weekend celebration events are supported in part by generous corporate sponsorship and are organized by volunteer Ride for Sight Planning Teams. While Ride for Sight participants are primarily comprised of motorcyclists -- volunteers, fundraisers and supporters also include non-motorcyclists and families affected by retinal diseases.

Ride for Sight is the single largest private fundraising initiative for vision research in the world. To-date, Ride for Sight has raised more than $19 million in support of the Foundation Fighting Blindness, the only organization in Canada whose mandate is to fund research for blindness caused by retinal degenerations.

This is the second year that R4S will be held at Tudhope Park in Orillia.

• No telephone reservations accepted until persons in line at the Port have been served.
• Those waiting in line will be granted a maximum 6 slip reservation per person, no exceptions.
• Everyone who has a slip for Christmas in June must decorate their boat.

Port of Orillia: 705-326-6314
Orillia District Chamber of Commerce: 705-326-4424 / 1-888-326-4424

June TBA, 9:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M.
Kids Fishing Day
Heritage Park – Downtown Barrie
www.teachakidtofish.com

This exciting event provides children with the opportunity to experience fishing, learn about conservation and have lots of fun compliments of the Kempenfelt Rotary Club. This event is open to children 13 years of age and under.

Registration begins at 9:00 AM and continues until 11:00 A.M or until event is full. The Registration Tables will be located at the Spirit Catcher.

June TBA
CANFORCE SNOWBIRDS 2013
Couchiching Beach Park
www.communityfoundationorillia.ca, 705-259-1163, info@communityfoundationorillia.ca

Canadian Forces Snowbirds return to the shores of Orillia on June 30, 2012. Don't miss this breathtaking air show!

June TBA
Promenade Days & Canada Day Festivities
Memorial Square & Dunlop Street – Downtown Barrie

Enjoy Downtown Barrie’s longest standing Canada Day family weekend. Dunlop Street is closed to traffic from Mulcaster Street to Mary Street. The Downtown merchants will showcase all their fantastic products during the Street Market the remaining days from 10am – 7pm. There will also be a Family & Kids Zone with activities for all ages in Memorial Square with a Petting Zoo, Face Painting, and a Midway. Interactive Street Level Entertainment throughout Dunlop Street, along with Restaurants Street Patios will be throughout the event area. Make this year’s extra long weekend fun and enjoyable in Downtown Barrie! Watch for details on our Facebook, Twitter and Blog pages

July 1
CANADA DAY IN ORILLIA
Couchiching Beach Park
www.canadadayorillia.ca, 705-329-2333, info@canadadayorillia.ca

July
Craft Beer and BBQ Festival
Memorial Square & Dunlop Street – Downtown Barrie

The 12th Annual Ribfest and Craft Beer Show is set for another tasty weekend. Scheduled for Thursday July 5th 2012 to Sunday July 8th 2012. A great line up of Rib Teams and Craft Brewers will surely temp your taste buds.

• The Rib Teams get fired up on Thursday July 5th and will keep cooking until Sunday July 8th – (11am – 11pm each day except Sunday 11am – 7pm).
• The Craft Beer Show starts Thursday July 5th and runs until Sunday July 8th (11am – 10pm, Sunday – noon – 6pm).
• The Celebrity Cook Off - Thursday July 5th at 7pm. Come down and cheer on your favorite celebrity team from The City of Barrie, The County of Simcoe Paramedics, Barrie Fire, and other local media groups as they compete for the best BBQ sauce.
• Best in Show – Ribs, Sauce & Pulled Pork - Sunday July 8th at noon: This time it’s the ‘judge’s choice’. Come down and find out who has the best ribs and pulled pork at the show decided by a local judging panel of rib and pulled pork enthusiasts.
  

Take advantage of super savings from merchants in downtown Orillia! Enjoy live entertainment everyday! 9:00 am - 6:00 pm, Downtown Orillia. (**FREE PARKING IN DOWNTOWN LOTS**)

Celebrate the 100th anniversary of Stephen Leacock's "Sunshine Sketches of a Little Town" all over Orillia this year.

July
ORILLIA TRIATHLON & DUATHLON: SWIM / BIKE / RUN
www.trisportcanada.com/orillia.php

Subaru Triathlon Series organized by World Endurance Canada! Triathlon, duathlon, chariot try-a-tri for beginners to accomplished athletes! Couchiching Beach Park, 905-562-6670

A free summer series held every Wednesday evening throughout the summer featuring classic cars, film nights, and more set in beautiful Heritage Park.  Don't forget to bring your lawn chair!  For a complete schedule, visit www.lawnchairluminata.com.

August TBA, 10:00am - 5:00pm
Métis Day Bo’jou Neejee
Discovery Harbour, 93 Jury Drive, Penetanguishene
(705) 549-8064; www.discoveryharbour.on.ca

Learn about the strong historical connection the Métis people have to Discovery Harbour. Celebrate the Métis culture and lifestyle, interact with artisans, enjoy live music and playing traditional games.

Admission: Adults: $7; Seniors (65+): $6.25; Students (13+): $6.25; Youth (6-12): $5.25; Children 5 & Under: Free

August TBA
STARRY NIGHT GALLERY & STUDIO TOUR
Downtown Orillia

A magical evening of art! Experience Downtown Orillia's vibrant arts community & meet local artists in their studios & host galleries! 7:00 - 11:00 pm, Downtown Orillia, 329-2333

August TBA
CHIPPEWAS OF RAMA FIRST NATION POW WOW
Casino Rama

A celebration of competition singing & dancing, featuring host drum, Midnite Express & head dancers, Rhonda Doxtator & Jason Gullo! 5884 Rama Road, across from Casino Rama, 325-3611, Ext. 1299 (Grand Entry: 1:00 & 7:00 pm Sat. / 12:30 pm Sun.)

August TBA
6TH ANNUAL SAVOUR SIMCOE
Simcoe County Museum, Hw. 26, Minesing

A culinary event celebrating the heritage, agriculture & cuisine of Simcoe County! Food tasting featuring some of the finest chefs in the County; Ontario wine, beer & cider tasting, cooking demonstrations & live entertainment! Noon - 4:00 pm, Simcoe County Museum, Hw. 26, Minesing, 734-2075 or 728-3721