Bullet News Huron » Ontario Travel Divas Fri, 22 Mar 2013 20:35:57 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.5.1 Back Before Midnight a blend of laughs and frights /2013/03/19/back-before-midnight-a-blend-of-laughs-and-frights/ /2013/03/19/back-before-midnight-a-blend-of-laughs-and-frights/#comments Tue, 19 Mar 2013 17:24:11 +0000 Heather Boa /?p=12288
Floyd Herman plays George and Jenna Leifso plays Jan Sanderson.

Floyd Herman plays George and Jenna Leifso plays Jan Sanderson.

Come join the team of Ontario Travel Divas as they trip about Huron County and beyond, relaying their adventures along the way. If you want to take a vacation, have a beach day, explore the best food and agriculture around or even just wine and dine they’ll discover a spot for you to do just that on Ontario’s West Coast, your countryside and coastline.

Join bloggers Jenna Ujiye, Trista Russell, Maegan Reinhart, Sarah Sholdice, Kerri Gingerich, Lisa MacDonald and Karen Stewart here or on their website, Ontario Travel Divas.

Florence Stalenhoef plays Greg's sister, Laura Sanderson.

Florence Stalenhoef plays Greg’s sister, Laura Sanderson.

By Diva Jenna Ujiye

Last Saturday I attended I’ll Be Back Before Midnight, written by Peter Colley and directed by Nina Reynolds put on by the Goderich Little Theatre at the Livery in Goderich. I wasn’t really sure what to expect. I was told it was party comedy, part thriller. Well I was not disappointed. The show was filled with laughs, scares, creepy sounds and very unique characters.

The show opens with Greg and Jan Sanderson entering the stage, which is set as an old country house. Shortly after they settle in, the owner of the house they are renting stops by. His name is George Willowby. He has a country charm and wacky personality and is portrayed perfectly by Floyd Herman. Jan already seems on edge and George tells her all about how the house is haunted by the ghost of a woman who was killed in the house years before.

Jenna Leifso points a gun in fear.

Jenna Leifso points a gun in fear.

Greg then enters and announces that his sister Laura will be dropping by for a visit. Apparently the two ladies do not get along as this almost throws Jan over the edge. Unfortunately for Jan, Laura is already on her way, so the trip can’t be cancelled. Laura, played by Florence Stalenhoef, is quite the lady. Her bold and provocative character traits really overwhelm Jan. To make things worse, Greg who seems like a shy and cautious guy, is stuck in the middle of the two women.

I really don’t want to tell any of you more about the show, as I don’t want to give away any of the surprising and scary moments. Just be ready to laugh and jump in your seat! There are still three shows left and a few tickets for each show. So if you are interested in attending here are the details:

Shows – Thursday, March 21 at 8 p.m.; Friday, March 22 at 8 p.m. and Saturday, March 23 at 8 p.m.

Ticket ordering – you can call to order 519-524-6262, go in to the box office or order online.

For more information, please visit: www.thelivery.ca

Ron Plasschaert plays Greg Sanderson.

Ron Plasschaert plays Greg Sanderson.

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Call from space highlights Trent Severn concert /2013/03/18/call-from-space-highlights-trent-severn-concert/ /2013/03/18/call-from-space-highlights-trent-severn-concert/#comments Mon, 18 Mar 2013 14:47:10 +0000 Heather Boa /?p=12257

jennaujiyeCome join the team of Ontario Travel Divas as they trip about Huron County and beyond, relaying their adventures along the way. If you want to take a vacation, have a beach day, explore the best food and agriculture around or even just wine and dine they’ll discover a spot for you to do just that on Ontario’s West Coast, your countryside and coastline.

Join bloggers Jenna Ujiye, Trista Russell, Maegan Reinhart, Sarah Sholdice, Kerri Gingerich, Lisa MacDonald and Karen Stewart here or on their website, Ontario Travel Divas.

By Diva Jenna Ujiye

divastrendseverneI was at the East Street Station to watch the Trent Severn concert and in the middle of their set Commander of the International Space Station, Chris Hadfield, called in to chat with us! How cool is that? Not only was this one of the most interesting phone calls I have ever been involved in, the whole concert was awesome. Trent Severn, made up of three amazing musician singer/songwriters Emm Gryner, Dayna Manning and Laura C. Bates, have come up with some really great songs and harmonies. Their eclectic Canadian folk blend is well put together and they play from the soul.

Hadfield told us that this was the first concert he had ever called in to from space. He also mentioned that it was 1:40 a.m. and that the sun was about to rise. He joked with the band that becoming commander [last week] has added to his to do list, along with having to make sure the lights were out and the garage door had to be put down!

My friend George Zoethout from Huron Image Factory posted a video, so here it is!

First off, what a great venue to relax and enjoy music, even when the venue is totally packed full.

So if you haven’t noticed, I am a big fan of rural living in Canada. I am always so happy to hear people talking and singing about our great country! Trent Severn has created music with a story, they use the slogan Folk From Canada, singing songs with familiar names in their titles such as Mulroney Times, Truscott, Like a Donnelly and Bluenose Dime. Their sound is big, three-part harmony with banjo, bass, guitar and fiddle, it makes my heart smile and brings me back to when I was a kid. My toe was tapping the whole time and really felt that if there were a dance-floor it would have been packed. If you couldn’t make it to the concert Trent Severn has two gigs at the Dakota in Toronto on March 19 and 20 or check out their website www.trentsevernband.ca to get a listen and find out when there are upcoming shows!

I have been lucky in the past to be able to perform on the stage of the East Street Station and with the likes of Emm Gryner. Ashley Anderson and I have done back up singing for her in the past and after forming Trent Severn she asked if Ashley and I would open a show for them. We were delighted, and asked Jamie Wallace, Bud Mabon and Brendan Purser to perform us. It was so much fun to share the stage with these three wonderful ladies.

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Queens Bakery hosts tea for little princesses, princes /2013/03/15/queens-bakery-hosts-tea-for-little-princesses-princes/ /2013/03/15/queens-bakery-hosts-tea-for-little-princesses-princes/#comments Fri, 15 Mar 2013 21:58:00 +0000 Heather Boa /?p=12240
Mikayla and Jayden Ansley enjoy tea with Gramma Debbie.

Mikayla and Jayden Ansley enjoy tea with Gramma Debbie.

Come join the team of Ontario Travel Divas as they trip about Huron County and beyond, relaying their adventures along the way. If you want to take a vacation, have a beach day, explore the best food and agriculture around or even just wine and dine they’ll discover a spot for you to do just that on Ontario’s West Coast, your countryside and coastline.

Join bloggers Jenna Ujiye, Trista Russell, Maegan Reinhart, Sarah Sholdice, Kerri Gingerich, Lisa MacDonald and Karen Stewart here or on their website, Ontario Travel Divas.

By Travel Diva Karen Stewart

Gina and Melanija Wernham enjoy an outing with their great Aunt Linda Bird.

Gina and Melanija Wernham enjoy an outing with their great Aunt Linda Bird.

Young princesses and princes from near and far met at the Queens Bakery in Blyth for a Royal Tea this week.

Most were dressed for the royal occasion where they enjoyed balloon sculptures, storytelling and puppets.

Delighted by its enormous success, co-owner Les Cook said it was “lots of royal fun . . . it was a blast! “I’m sure this is the first of many tea parties for children (young and old) as the full house of delightful and excited youngsters were thoroughly enjoying the party.”

 

Madeline Doran is cute as a button in blue.

Madeline Doran is cute as a button in blue.

Sarah & Abigail Ball with Mom Melanie enjoy the fun with Katie Schneider and her friend, Colleen Edwards.

Sarah & Abigail Ball with Mom Melanie enjoy the fun with Katie Schneider and her friend, Colleen Edwards.

 

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Last day of March Break fun in South Huron /2013/03/15/last-day-of-march-break-fun-in-south-huron/ /2013/03/15/last-day-of-march-break-fun-in-south-huron/#comments Fri, 15 Mar 2013 13:32:35 +0000 Heather Boa /?p=12216

divatristaCome join the team of Ontario Travel Divas as they trip about Huron County and beyond, relaying their adventures along the way. If you want to take a vacation, have a beach day, explore the best food and agriculture around or even just wine and dine they’ll discover a spot for you to do just that on Ontario’s West Coast, your countryside and coastline.

Join bloggers Jenna Ujiye, Trista Russell, Maegan Reinhart, Sarah Sholdice, Kerri Gingerich, Lisa MacDonald and Karen Stewart here or on their website, Ontario Travel Divas.

By Travel Diva Trista Russell

March Break is great for kids no matter where they’re from (who doesn’t love a week off from school?), but it’s worthwhile to realize what fun you can have without travelling far. As a resident, as well as an employee, of South Huron, I checked out what the municipality had to offer for March Break activities.

divassouthhuronskatingThis particular day was the South Huron Day Camp. Kids aged six years and up enjoyed a full day of activities at the South Huron Recreation Centre in Exeter. Activities included bingo, a yummy pizza lunch, ice skating, snacks, crafts, and games. The camp was run by Maggie Miller, who was happy with the turnout and said bingo was a hit. A number of community groups and businesses including the Exeter Legion Ladies Auxiliary, Hansen’s Your Independent Grocer, Exeter Lions Club, and New Orleans Pizza made donations, which helped make this event possible.

Friendly faces at the Recreation Centre in Exeter. Darcey Cook, Program & Events Assistant, and Jo-Anne Fields, Manager of Community Services for the Municipality of South Huron.

Friendly faces at the Recreation Centre in Exeter. Darcey Cook, Program & Events Assistant, and Jo-Anne Fields, Manager of Community Services for the Municipality of South Huron.

A brochure listing all of the March Break events in South Huron is available online. There’s free public skating at the Recreation Centre in Exeter today (Friday) from noon to 2:30 p.m., and a Fun Day planned in Crediton from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with crafts, lunch, snacks and games for the kids. This event is hosted by the Crediton Optimist Club and is $10 per child.

For questions about recreation programs in South Huron, give Darcey or Jo-Anne a call at the Recreation Centre at (519) 235-2833. Information about programs and events are also posted on South Huron’s websiteFacebook & Twitter pages.

South Huron is proud to be an in motion community. Huron-Perth in motion is a group of recreation and health organizations whose goal is to promote physical activity and get Huron and Perth County residents moving more.

Municipality of South Huron
322 Main Street South
Exeter ON N0M 1S6. Phone: (519) 235-0310.

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Ice plant tour a cool March Break outing /2013/03/14/ice-plant-tour-a-cool-march-break-outing/ /2013/03/14/ice-plant-tour-a-cool-march-break-outing/#comments Thu, 14 Mar 2013 12:44:44 +0000 Heather Boa /?p=12190

divasice1Come join the team of Ontario Travel Divas as they trip about Huron County and beyond, relaying their adventures along the way. If you want to take a vacation, have a beach day, explore the best food and agriculture around or even just wine and dine they’ll discover a spot for you to do just that on Ontario’s West Coast, your countryside and coastline.

Join bloggers Jenna Ujiye, Trista Russell, Kerri Gingerich and Karen Stewart here or on their website, Ontario Travel Divas.

By Travel Diva Kerri Gingerich

Although I wasn’t always thrifty, I am becoming more and more so the older I get and when I first heard about the new, family-focused ice plant tour put on by Iceculture in Hensall my immediate reaction was, “that sounds cool but $14 per person is a lot of money.”

Long story, short, I decided to check it out and am so glad I did – the tour was professional, educational and well worth the money (be sure to check out the video of me in the ice playground.)

divasice2The plant tour itself lasted about 45 minutes and then there was playtime in the ice playground.  The tour is very kid-friendly and includes: learning how crystal clear ice is manufactured, watching a carving demonstration, touring of an ice lounge, and of course, the opportunity to slide down a 50-foot ice slide.   (See on YouTube here)

If you’ve never had a tour of the plant and are looking for something fun to do with the kids this week, I would definitely recommend checking this out.

The tours run daily through March 17. Tours must be booked in advance.  Cost is $14 per person with special group rates available.

For bookings or for more information call Karen at (519) 262-3500 ext 229, or e-mail [email protected].

www.iceculture.com
 81 Brock St.,
Hensall, Ontario.

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Ontario Travel Divas: Plenty to do this March Break /2013/03/08/ontario-travel-divas-plenty-to-do-this-march-break/ /2013/03/08/ontario-travel-divas-plenty-to-do-this-march-break/#comments Fri, 08 Mar 2013 23:19:06 +0000 Heather Boa /?p=12103

childrenCome join the team of Ontario Travel Divas as they trip about Huron County and beyond, relaying their adventures along the way. If you want to take a vacation, have a beach day, explore the best food and agriculture around or even just wine and dine they’ll discover a spot for you to do just that on Ontario’s West Coast, your countryside and coastline.

Join bloggers Jenna Ujiye, Trista Russell and Karen Stewart here or on their website, Ontario Travel Divas.

By Travel Diva Karen Stewart

From crafts to sports, the County of Huron has lots of activities for your family during the week of March 11-15 in recreation and culture facilities, pools and arenas. Find active and interesting camps in your neighbourhood or a specialty camp for the athlete or artist.

WEEKLY DAY CAMPS

GODERICH

March Break Theatre Week at the Livery – For age 12+ / Registration $100.
A week of theatre at the livery … workshops on vocal technique, how to approach a script, movement, improvisation, scene study, learning to love Shakespeare with Emily Johnston.  www.thelivery.ca – 519-524-6262.

YMCA Day Camp - March Break Madness -
An exciting week jam-packed with games, competitions, trivia and fun with friends.
Members $110/week or $30/day | Non-Members $125/week or $35/day
9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.; before/after camp care – 8 a.m. – 9 a.m.: 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. (no cost)

Register online.

FULL ONE-DAY CAMPS 

WINGHAM 

NORTH HURON – March Break Mania (suitable for youngsters 4-10 years of age)

Monday, March 11:  Candy Land Day – 8:30a.m. – 5 p.m. / $35 – skating, lunch, swimming, games, qualified leaders.

Tuesday, March 12:  Glow-in-the-Dark Bowling - 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. / $40 – 2-way bus transportation, bowling, swimming, craft, qualified leaders.

Wednesday, March 13 – Easter Bunny Day - 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. / $35 – skating, lunch, swimming, games, qualified leaders.

Thursday, March 14 - Pirates & Princesses – 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. / $35 – skating, lunch, swimming, games, qualified leaders.

Friday, March 15 - St. Patrick’s Day Party – 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. / $35 – skating, lunch, swimming, games, qualified leaders.

Phone 519-357-1208 or email [email protected]

SOUTH HURON
 brochure

EXETER:  Monday, March 11 – Ringette Bunny Fun Day – 9 a.m. -4 p.m. South Huron Recreation Centre.

EXETER:  Tuesday, March 12 – Green Camp for Kids (ages 6-12) $30/child – skating, snow shoeing & crafts (team-oriented). South Huron Recreation Centre.

EXETER:  Wednesday, March 13 – Bingo (ages 10 & under) – 11 a.m. -12:30 p.m. – $2/child | South Huron Day Camp (ages 6-15) 8 a.m. – 5 p..m. … bingo, skating, snacks, crafts, physical activity – $30/day. South Huron Recreation Centre.

EXETER:  Thursday, March 14 – 3 on 3 Hockey Tournament for Atom, Pee Wee & Bantam Divisions – $200/team. South Huron Recreation Centre. Pre-registration was required, but spectators welcome.

CREDITON:  Friday, March 15 – Fun Day in Crediton – 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. – crafts, lunch, snacks, games $10/child

FREE PUBLIC SKATING

WINGHAM:  Monday, March 11 – Friday, March 15 from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. – North Huron Wescast Centre.

BLYTH:  Monday, March 11 and Wednesday, March 13 – 1.pm. – 3p.m. – Blyth Arena

BRUSSELS:  March 12-15, 1:30 p.m. – 3:p.m. | Shinny 3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. – Brussels Arena

EXETER:  Tuesday, March 12, 2 p.m. -4 p.m. | Wednesday, March 13, 12:30 p.m. – 2 p.m. | Friday, March 15, noon – 2:30 p.m. – South Huron Recreation Centre

EXETER:  Parents & Tots – Tuesday, March 12, 1 p.m. – 2 p.m., Wednesday, March 13, 10 a.m. -11 a.m. - South Huron Recreation Centre

EXETER:  Shinny Hockey – early morning until 4 p.m. – $8/person/hour … call staff for availability, 519.235.2833 – South Huron Recreation Centre

HURON PARK:  Friday, March 15, 5:15 p.m. – 6 p.m. – Stephen Arena

HURON PARK:  Parents & Tots Monday, March 11, 4:15 p.m. – 5 p.m. – Stephen Arena

SWIMMING

WINGHAM:  March Break Swim at North Huron Wescast Community Complex

WINGHAM:  Monday 11th – Friday 15th – 1p.m. – 3p.m. | Cost:  Ages 0-5 yrs Free | 6 – 17 $3.50 | 18+ $4.50

HURON EAST:  March 11-15 – 1:30 – 3:30 | Vanastra Rec Centre

MARCH BREAK PHASE HOCKEY TRAINING CAMP

WINGHAM: 2006-2003 and 2002-1998 | Cost: Players $400 no meal plan or $450 includes meal plan Goalies $300 no meal plan or $350 includes meal plan.  Information/reservation contact: Kory Green 1-226-339-1327 [email protected]

YOUNG CANADA WEEK

GODERICH: Goderich Lions Club present the 64th Annual Young Canada Week Pee Wee Hockey Tournament ~ Friday, March 8 – Saturday, March 16. Chuck-a-Puck with 24 Mountain Bikes as prizes. 2 Winners every Chuck! ~ pre-sales at Huronia/MEDichair & McGee Motors. Admission: Booster Passes for the Tournament ~ Adults: $10; Students (over 12): $5. Games take place at Maitland Valley Recreation Centre and Goderich Memorial Arena. For schedules and more details, check out the website.

MUSEUM

GODERICH:  For information on three full-day day camps, please visit online.

For information on family fun through the March Break, please visit online.

HURON COUNTY LIBRARY

CLINTON:  Saturday, March 9 – 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. – Make n’ Take Crafts – “Crown” craft to coincide with March Break activity theme “Visit the Queen” | 519.482.3673

SEAFORTH:  Monday, March 11 – 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. – Young Artists Workshops – Finger paint art, Printing with Veggies, collage | ages 6-12 | Registration required.  FREE program. | 519.527-1430

CLINTON:  Monday, March 11 – 1:30 p.m. – 3 p.m. – “Visit the Queen – Masked Ball”  princes and princesses of all ages are invited to a masked ball and theatrical entertainment at the castle with the Queen.  Attire can reflect Medieval times.  Mask craft included.  | 519.482.3673

GODERICH:  Monday, March 11 daily until Sunday, March 17, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. – Make n’ Take Crafts – Open to children of all ages, but children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.  Contact the branch for more details | 519-524-9261

WINGHAM:  Tuesday, March 12 – 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. – Wingham Young Artists Workshop – $3/youth, Learn about different types of art media from a local art group | 519.357.3312

WINGHAM:  Wednesday, March 13 – 2 p.m. – Reptile Kingdom – $3/person or $8/family – hands-on event with some amazing reptiles such as snakes, lizards and scorpions! | 519.357.3312

HENSALL:  Thursday, March 14 – 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. Explore finger paint and collage.  Ages 6-12 years.  Registration required.  FREE program.  | 519.262.2445

CLINTON:  Thursday, March 14 – 1:30 p.m. – 3 p.m. – “Visit the Queen, Visit the Faire” The Faire is at the castle!  Join in the fun and check out the carnival booths.  Test your skills at the games.

BRUSSELS:  Thursday, March 14 – 1:30 p.m. – March Break Storytelling and Magic – fun, games and magic for children 5 and up.  Registration Free.

GODERICH, Friday, March 15 – 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. – Paper Bead Making Workshop – create bracelets, necklaces or 3D art.  Free Program open to children and adults | 519-524-9261

CLINTON:  Friday, March 15 – 10:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. -  “Visit the Queen.”  Tales with the Queen – o ye maidens and young men, the Queen will be leading songs and telling stories from the castle.  | 519.482.3673

WINGHAM:  Saturday, March 16 – 10:30 a.m. – noon – Felt Finger Puppet Workshop, ages 7 & up, artisan Ruth McLean leads you in the creation of a one-of-a-kind puppet. Registration required.  FREE program. | 519-357-3312

CLINTON:  Saturday, March 16 – 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. – Make n’ Take “Dragon” craft.

OTHER SPECIAL EVENTS

BLYTH:  Tuesday, March12 at 2 p.m. Queens Bakery Royal Tea.  Come dressed for a royal occasion, children of all ages.

BLYTH:  Tim Holland (The Puppet Tamer) back by popular demand.  Saturday, March 16, 11 a.m. & 3 p.m. (Kids Shows) 8 p.m. (Adult Show).  Tickets are $5. Blyth Memorial Hall, Blyth Legion Fundraiser | 519-523-9300

HENSALL:  “EXPLORE ICE” THIS MARCH BREAK at IceCultures – have fun…find adventure…learn something new…support a great cause!  Cost of the 90-minute tour is $14 per person or bring a group of 12 and only pay $12 each. A portion will be donated to The Ontario Association of Food Banks (OAFB).

During March Break they are offering scheduled plant tours from Friday, March 8 to Sunday, March 17.

Call Karen at 519-262-3500 / 1-888-251-9967

ZURICH:  Huron Ridge offers workshops for “little gardeners” for only $5 a child, which includes supplies and a snack. Check out this link for more details.

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Huron County: A winter cottage escape too /2013/03/07/huron-county-a-winter-cottage-escape-too/ /2013/03/07/huron-county-a-winter-cottage-escape-too/#comments Thu, 07 Mar 2013 15:37:20 +0000 Heather Boa /?p=12062

jennaujiyeCome join the team of Ontario Travel Divas as they trip about Huron County and beyond, relaying their adventures along the way. If you want to take a vacation, have a beach day, explore the best food and agriculture around or even just wine and dine they’ll discover a spot for you to do just that on Ontario’s West Coast, your countryside and coastline.

Join bloggers Jenna Ujiye, Trista Russell and Karen Stewart here or on their website, Ontario Travel Divas.

By Travel Diva Jenna Ujiye

divaswintercottage2

A typical summer experience in Huron is heading up to the cottage for a long weekend or week-long vacation. Last weekend, my friend rented a cottage for a winter wonderland escape. I’m sure many of you don’t think of cottaging in the winter, but many of these accommodations are available all year round!

divaswintercottage4Many of the people coming up for the weekend were from Toronto, so we all got there around 10 p.m. on the Friday night. We had a few leisurely drinks and snacks and played some card games. The next day we had decided on winter fun activities, including hiking/snowshoeing along the beach, tobogganing and general snow play!

I had to head out to meet some other friends for dinner in Bayfield, but the rest of the vacationers went to Shannahan’s Quality meats in Goderich and got a huge Metzger beef loin that they roasted for dinner!

What a great time we had! It reminded me of being a kid again.

If you are looking to rent a cottage or accommodation in winter on Ontario’s West Coast, visit its website to see all of the options!

divaswintercottage1

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Hootenanny: What a hoot /2013/03/06/hootenanny-what-a-hoot/ /2013/03/06/hootenanny-what-a-hoot/#comments Wed, 06 Mar 2013 12:56:01 +0000 Heather Boa /?p=12038

jennaujiyeCome join the team of Ontario Travel Divas as they trip about Huron County and beyond, relaying their adventures along the way. If you want to take a vacation, have a beach day, explore the best food and agriculture around or even just wine and dine they’ll discover a spot for you to do just that on Ontario’s West Coast, your countryside and coastline.

Join bloggers Jenna Ujiye, Trista Russell and Karen Stewart here or on their website, Ontario Travel Divas.

By Travel Diva Jenna Ujiye

The audience was invited to sing along in an evening of mostly folk music.

The audience was invited to sing along in an evening of mostly folk music.

Last Saturday was the 4th Hootenanny, a fund-raiser for the Goderich Celtic Folk Society. Organizer John Lodge, along with Warren and Eleanor Robinson, asked if I would be part of this event, to which I said yes! I hadn’t really heard of a hootenanny in the past, so I looked it up and found out that it is a sing-along concert, typically in the folk music genre.

Finola McGuinty and Phil Main perform a duet.

Finola McGuinty and Phil Main perform a duet.

There were a variety of songs performed throughout the evening by musicians including: Gordon Lightfoot, Joni Mitchell, Simon and Garfunkel and more.

Well what a night I had at Lakeshore United Church in Goderich.  Not really knowing what to expect, this event truly blew my mind! There were over 170 people in attendance and many people were singing along. There were 16 of us performing and each song was unique and different from the next. One thing I have to say is that I can’t wait until the next event!

The performers included: Don and Betsy Rivera, Finola McGuinty, Evie Shand, Florence Stalenhoef, Jenny Cousteils, Marianne Hogan, Dave Armour, Phil Main, John Lodge, Warren and Eleanor Robinson, Mike Reynolds and Kim and Travis Teed. If you are interested in other Hootenanny or Goderich Celtic Roots Festival events make sure to visit online.

Dave Armour was among about 16 musicians to take part in the evening of song.

Dave Armour was among about 16 musicians to take part in the evening of song.

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In search of spring in Huron County /2013/03/04/in-search-of-spring-in-huron-county/ /2013/03/04/in-search-of-spring-in-huron-county/#comments Mon, 04 Mar 2013 13:56:38 +0000 Heather Boa /?p=12007

divatrista

Come join the team of Ontario Travel Divas as they trip about Huron County and beyond, relaying their adventures along the way. If you want to take a vacation, have a beach day, explore the best food and agriculture around or even just wine and dine they’ll discover a spot for you to do just that on Ontario’s West Coast, your countryside and coastline.

 

Join bloggers Jenna Ujiye, Maegan Reinhart, Kaylie Ginn and Lisa MacDonald here or on their website, Ontario Travel Divas.

 

By Diva Trista Russell

 

It’s finally March, and the countdown is on to spring and warmer weather. I received an email newsletter from a local greenhouse, Huron Ridge Acres, and decided to visit and go in search of some signs that spring will soon be here.

Fun fact: 2013 marks 40 years in the greenhouse business for Huron Ridge. They are having some special promotions to celebrate their anniversary, so head to their website to keep tabs on any deals.

ontariotraveldivasprimulasOn the day of my visit, they had a special one-day two-for-one sale on primulas, so I decided to head out and pick up a couple of plants. They come in a variety of vibrant colours, and the best thing is that you can enjoy their colours inside your home until it’s warm enough to plant them outside. While you’re at the greenhouse, be sure to meet Huron Ridge’s resident cat, Princess. She’s very friendly.

While the majority of flowers and plants won’t be available until after spring arrives, I noticed that right now they sell a variety of pots, seeds, fertilizers, indoor potted plants, gardening tools and accessories. They also had lots of bright coloured decorative containers, which are a perfect addition to an Easter centrepiece!

Another fun fact: on Tuesdays and Fridays during the winter months, Huron Ridge lets visitor use the sidewalks in their over 50,000 square feet of greenhouses to enjoy the sun and get some exercise.

During March Break, they offer workshops for “little gardeners” for only $5 a child which includes supplies and a snack. Check out this link for more details.

They are open six days a week, Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The greenhouse is located at 74101 Bronson Line, just outside Zurich.

Remember, less than 3 weeks until the first day of spring!

Website: http://www.huronridge.ca

Email: [email protected]

Follow Huron Ridge on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HuronRidgeCarol

Like Huron Ridge on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Huron-Ridge-Acres

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Oscar Night at The Park House a red-carpet affair /2013/02/27/oscar-night-at-the-park-house-a-red-carpet-affair/ /2013/02/27/oscar-night-at-the-park-house-a-red-carpet-affair/#comments Wed, 27 Feb 2013 13:24:15 +0000 Heather Boa /?p=11924

 

Fighting over the Oscar.

Fighting over the Oscar. Photo by Jeremy Penn.

Come join the team of Ontario Travel Divas as they trip about Huron County and beyond, relaying their adventures along the way. If you want to take a vacation, have a beach day, explore the best food and agriculture around or even just wine and dine they’ll discover a spot for you to do just that on Ontario’s West Coast, your countryside and coastline.

Join bloggers Jenna Ujiye, Maegan Reinhart, Kaylie Ginn and Lisa MacDonald here or on their website, Ontario Travel Divas.

By Travel Diva Jenna Ujiye

I have not watched the Academy Awards in about six years, as I haven’t had cable and I usually spend my Sunday evenings at home. divasoscar2This year my friend Kate Johnston, who is the manager of the Livery in Goderich, mentioned to me that there was a Livery fund-raiser Oscar Night at the Park House in Goderich and that it was a formal dress-up night. If you haven’t noticed, I hate to miss out on getting dressed up, so I told her I would be there.

I realized that all I had for formal wear were my prom dresses and a couple of other dresses that were very tight. So I went with the larger of the tight dresses! I arrived at the Park House at around 7:30 p.m. and our hosts Ben Scholton and Ian Doyle had already started the evening commentary. I really felt like a star myself. The ticket price of $15 included a glass of sparkling wine, tons of door prizes and half-priced appetizers. I hadn’t had dinner, so I ordered a BLTC (Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato and Cheese) sandwich… I know it doesn’t sound glamorous, but it sure hit the spot for me.

Ben Scholten and Ian Doyle just about to interview Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie.

Ben Scholten and Ian Doyle just about to interview Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie.

We were each given ballots to put our votes in on all of the awards. I had seen four of the movies, so I had to do some “educated” guesses. There were prizes for best dressed male and female and of course a prize was given to the person who scored highest on the awards list. The awards were fun, but I would have to say my favourite part was the photo booth. As you can see from the pictures we had a lot of fun! I hope the Livery has more entertaining nights such as these and it was great to spend the night with friends at the Park House.

Photobooth at the Oscar Party.

Photobooth at the Oscar Party. Photo by Jeremy Penn.

A thorn between 11 roses?

A thorn between 11 roses? Photo by Jeremy Penn.

The Livery hosts the Goderich Little Theatre, The Livery Film Fest and Live! at the Livery. If you are looking to see a great theatre production, one is starting on March 15. I’ll Be Back Before Midnight, written by Peter Colley and directed by Nina Reynolds, sounds to me like it is going to be a great murder mystery show! So if you are looking for information on more great events visit www.thelivery.ca

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