Hello everyone, welcome to our Cottage Country Report for the last weekend of May…

While we aren’t up to mid-summer activity volumes yet, rural Ontario has lots of options for cottagers and day trippers this weekend…

Terroir, an annual wine event in Picton, takes place Saturday afternoon…

The Port of Bath Marine Heritage Festival will bring sailing ship activity to the waters between Picton and Bath over the weekend…

The O’Hara Mill Homestead opening day in Centre Hastings is Sunday…

The annual Kite Day is Sunday at Ferris Provincial Park near Campbellford…

It’s Apple Blossom Time Festival weekend in Colborne…

The Warkworth Lilac Festival opens this weekend.

The annual Lindsay Lilac Festival is this weekend at  Logie Street Park….

There’ll be some street fun in Lindsay Sunday with the Lindsay Charity Road Hockey event ….

Stampede days at the Lindsay Fairgrounds Saturday and Sunday featuring the All About Horses Show and the Rawhide Rodeo…

The Harvey Community Policing Committee has a fishing derby near Buckhorn on Saturday morning…

The Dandelion Festival at Kemptville runs into Sunday…

The 9^th Annual Barrie Waterfront Festival takes place this weekend…

For aviators the Rideau Lakes Flying Club spring Breakfast Fly-in takes place Saturday near Westport…

The Christie Antique Show is on at Flamborough on Saturday…

Heritage sites in Brockville  and Orillia will be open Saturday and Sunday as part of the Doors Open Ontario program…

Heritage sites in Kincardine will be open Saturday …

This is the first of two weekends for the Huron Fringe Birding Festival at McGregor Point Park near Port Elgin….

If you’d like to get closer to or learn more about your food sources, the Wellington Rural Romp is happening on Saturday…  Some of the same rural roads may have more bicycles than usual on Sunday with the annual Food Cycle Ride taking place.

The New Hamburg Mennonite relief Sale is a Friday Saturday event while the Quilt and Fibre Art festival in around the Waterloo region concludes on Saturday…

The Forest Spring Fling happens on Friday…

Look for bikers in the Listowel area with the Forbidden Ride Motorcycle weekend taking place…

An early season motorcycle and car Poker Run will make for busy highways and some dollars for local causes in Hanover on Saturday…

South Bruce will be busy with bikers with the Wiarton to Cape Croker Ride on Sunday…

The Ride for Minden is a Saturday event on highway 35…

Watch out for cyclists in the Huntsville area with the Annual Spin the lakes Tour on Saturday…

There’s a British Car Show at Blue Mountain on Saturday…

The Apple Blossom Festival at Neustadt takes place on Saturday…

At Beeton, the Honey and Garden Festival happens on Saturday…

The Grand Valley Lions Duck Race floats on Saturday…

The Midland and District Railroad Club is having its  Annual Train show at the Sports and Recreation Centre Saturday and Sunday…

The annual Fish Kincardine Derby wraps up on Sunday….

Back for 2013 is the Bobcaygeon Chamber of Commerce Canada/U.S. Walleye tournament running Friday to Sunday…

Two of the early summer fairs are on this weekend… The Gloucester and Schomberg Fairs…

and, while you’re on the road to cottage or event keep an eye open for newly re-opened farmers markets or farmers stalls and add some Ontario grown produce to your diet…

We hope you enjoyed reading the on-line version of the Cottage Country  Report …

For more localized reports when you are on the road, the Cottage Country Reports are heard in the Quinte area on 800 CJBQ,  in Peterborough on FM 90.5,  in Lindsay on BOB-FM 91.9 , around Stouffville on CIWS,  in Waterloo on FM 98.5 CKWR, in the Hanover area on 91.3 FM Bluewater Radio,  in the Erin region on CHES 88 point 1 FM, in the Fergus area on The Grand at 92.9 CICW.

Have a great weekend and be careful out there…

Swallow B and B

Hello everyone, welcome to our Cottage Country Report for the Victoria Day weekend.

At posting time the weather was looking fair for all three days of this annual “get out there somewhere” weekend…mostly a mix of sun and cloud with a spot of rain possible in some locales…

In the events department,

Spring Fling Day in Forest is a Friday event…

At Bethany, the Community Park will be packed with activities all weekend long…

The Hiawatha First Nation Annual Pow Wow happens at Rice lake Saturday and Sunday…

The Spring Art Show at the Whetung Ojibway Centre at Curve Lake is on Sunday…

If the family anglers are gone again, they could be out for the opening weekend of the  28^th Annual Fish Kincardine Salmon and Trout derby…

The Blue Mountain Tour of the Arts spring edition is on through Sunday…

The Village at Blue Mountain is packed with action all weekend….

At the Buckhorn Community Centre, the spring craft show is on Saturday and Sunday…

Main street  Barry’s Bay will be closed on Saturday for the annual Bay Day…

There’s a Rotary May 24^th weekend Country Music  Jamboree on until Sunday at Paisley…

In the Lanark Highlands, the Brooke Valley Spring Tour is a Saturday to Monday event…

The Desboro Lions Club annual pork barbeque takes place Saturday…

The Owen Sound summer long art crawl opens on Saturday…

World Fiddle Day is happening in Owen Sound on Saturday…

The Warblers and Whimbrels Weekend is taking place Saturday and Sunday at Presquile Provincial Park…

The TrentSevern system is open for traffic this weekend and just up the Trent at Frankford, the annual Riverfest happens on Saturday with various activities…

The Tay/Rideau Canal Locks are scheduled to open again as of this weekend…

On the Rideau, there’s a Spring Festival at Seeleys Bay…

Various studios will be open throughout the weekend in the Westport area…

Warkworth Art in the Park is on Saturday and Sunday…

There’s an  Antique Show and Sale at the Picton Fairgrounds on Saturday and Sunday…

The Prince Edward County Spring Birding Festival wraps up on Monday…

Doors Open Georgian Bay sees historic community locations open in Port Severn, Honey Harbour and Mactier…

Many community museums are having their openings this weekend with fresh new exhibits for a rainy day or any day… it’s also the weekend for some farmers markets to re-appear… There will also be some fireworks displays this weekend and Monday features Victoria Day celebrations in many communities….

Spring Dafs

While most of us have our sights set on the Victoria Day weekend, there are activities that might tempt you for this weekend and certainly lots to think about as the summer season approaches…

For some the routes to cottage and recreation areas will have some construction delays… You can check them out on the MTO website… If you’re readying your boat for fishing or recreation, it’s important to check your safety equipment and remember the water is not summer-warm yet… Cottagers should check their chimneys before lighting a fire.

In the events department,

Celebrate Havelock is taking place on May 11th

Aberfoyle’s Spring Antique Show is on Saturday…

The Rolling Hills Spring Studio Tour south of Lindsay is this weekend…

The High Water Weekend at Petawawa is a Friday to Sunday event…

Watch out for outdoor adventurers in the Warsaw, participants in the 12^th season of Storm the Trent…

The Bluewater Car Club Annual Car Inspection happens Saturday morning in Owen Sound…

The Fergus Lions Club Home and Leisure Show is or was a Wednesday to Friday evening event…

If you’re missing an angler,

Saturday is the last day of the Orillia Perch Festival…

And walleye season opens on some but not all inland waters this 2^nd Saturday of May…

There are various activities this weekend in association with the Prince Edward Spring Birding Festival…

Migration celebrations continue during the Festival of Birds in the Leamington area…

Springsong happens Saturday at the Pelee Island Heritage Centre and the Spring Shore and Songbird Celebration is on Saturday and Sunday… At Hillman Marsh

There’ s a Trillium festival at Mount Forest, plus there are a variety of plant sales and Mothers Day activities…

We hope you enjoyed reading the on-line version of the Cottage Country  Report …

For more localized reports when you are on the road, the Cottage Country Reports are heard, starting next week, in the Quinte area on 800 CJBQ,  in Peterborough on FM 90.5,  in Lindsay on BOB-FM 91.9 , around Stouffville on CIWS,  in Waterloo on FM 98.5 CKWR, in the Hanover area on 91.3 FM Bluewater Radio,  in the Erin region on CHES 88 point 1 FM, in the Fergus area on The Grand at 92.9 CICW.

Have a great weekend and be careful out there…

Now that spring has sprung, it’s  the time we change to weekly reports to line up with our weekly radio broadcasts. We hope you’ll also listen in on a station near you from time to time and let your friends who are not so net-inclined know that they can find useful event information on traditional terrestrial radio. Details below.

This early in the season the major urban areas are very busy, perhaps in anticipation that cottagers and day trippers will soon be unavailable more often. Even so, there are some tempting offerings for those craving some healthy stimulation.

On the events list;

The Canadian Kashub Festival happens Satuday the 4^th in Wilno,

The Stirling Automotive and Antique Flea Market  is on Saturday and Sunday…

Near Campbellford, the Ferris Provincial Park Spring Nature Walk is on Sunday…

Country Heritage Park at Milton has it’s Spring Farm Craft Show May 4^th and 5^th…

The Goderich Home and Cottage Show runs the 3rd to 5^th…

The Smiths Falls Home and Living Show also runs from the 3^rd to the 5^th…

The Grand Bend and Area Studio Tour is on the 4^th and 5^th…

Also the 6^th Annual Oxford Studio Tour…

Leamington’s Festival of Birds has now opened…

In the Port Perry area, the Scugog Studio Tour is a Saturday-Sunday happening…

The Enterprise Country Jamboree is Sunday afternoon…

The Port Elgin Rotary Home and Rec  Show runs from Friday to Sunday…

The Fenelon Falls 29^th Annual Home and Cottage Show is Friday to Sunday…

This is the first weekend of the 32^nd  Annual Orillia Perch festival…

In the Quinte area, the Walleye World Fishing Weekend runs Friday to Sunday…

Look out for rally cars and revved up spectators in the Perth area on May 4^th with the Lanark Highlands Forest Rally taking place…

We hope you enjoyed reading the on-line version of the Cottage Country  Report …

For more localized reports when you are on the road, the Cottage Country Reports are heard, starting next week, in the Quinte area on 800 CJBQ,  in Peterborough on FM 90.5,  in Lindsay on BOB-FM 91.9 , around Stouffville on CIWS,  in Waterloo on FM 98.5 CKWR, in the Hanover area on 91.3 FM Bluewater Radio,  in the Erin region on CHES 88 point 1 FM, in the Fergus area on The Grand at 92.9 CICW.

Have a great weekend and be careful out there…

On the more conventional events side,

The 30^th Annual Antiques and Collectibles show at Elmira is April 5 and 6…

There’s a Gem and Mineral Show at Paris the 6^th and 7^th…

The 20^th Annual Simcoe Spring Home and Cottage Show runs from the 12^th to 14^th…

The Quinte West Home and Leisure Show runs from the 19^th to 21st…

The Petawawa Home, Leisure and Consumer Showcase takes place the 19^th to 21st…

At Bobcaygeon, Kawartha Settler’s Village has Earth Day activities on Sunday the 21^st…

The Saugeen Home and Recreation Expo is April 19^th to 21st…

The 22nd Elora Antique Show and Sale happens there on the 20^th and 21st…

The Lanark/Perth Gun, Hunting and Sportsman Show runs the 20^th and 21^st…

The Owen Sound Home and Cottage Expo is on the 20^th and 21st…

The 32nd Annual Orillia Perch Festival opens April 19th…

The Annual Port Dover Perch Derby opens on the 20^th…

The Saugeen Home and Recreation Expo runs from the 19^th to 21^st in Walkerton…

The Muskoka Home and Cottage Show takes place in Gravenhurst  April 26^th to 28^th…

The Kincardine Home and garden Show is on the 27^th and 28^th…

Doors Open Prince Edward County, an arts event,  is happening on the 27^th at various locations…

The Barrie Spring Art Tour is on from the 27^th to 29^th…

Various Trout seasons open for some on the 4^th Saturday in April…

April also has many sugarbush and maple syrup related events  scheduled but some may be weather dependent so it’s advisable to double check before heading out…

Our weekly radio reports will return in May one weekend before the May long weekend… If you’d like to advertise on this site or on future radio reports, please click on the contact tab…

Thanks for joining us, and if you are going to be on the road to any of the Cottage Country events we have listed, please “be careful out there”.

The Month also features March Break…

Events wise, things are slow…a few of the annual Maple Syrup activities with more ahead in April…

There are other events that took place in March of 2012 that are April events this year…

Among the offerings for March,

There’s a Trapper’s Carnival in Apsley March 2^nd…

The Annual Thornbury Winter Antique Show happens on the 9^th and 10^th…

The Annual Warkworth Maple Syrup Festival is on the 9^th and 10^th…

The March Break Maple Festival at McDonalds Corners is from 9^th to the 17^th…

The Waterfowl Weekend at Presquile Provincial Park is the 16^th and 17^th…

There’s an Old Tyme Maple Syrup festival near Paisley Marc h 23^rd…

The Muskoka Arts and Crafts Show in Bracebridge is the 22^nd to 24th…

There’s a Home and Leisure Show in Renfrew the 22^nd to the 24th…

The Saugeen Bluffs Maple Syrup Festival happens on the 23rd and 24th…

The Brighton Spring Jubilee is on the 23^rd and 24^th…

The Formosa Farm Toy Show and Sale takes place in Walkerton on the 24^th…  

Maple in the County, Prince Edward County, has lots of ingredients starting on the 31^st…

There will, undoubtedly, be other Maple Syrup events we haven’t tapped into so be alert for any in your area and support local producers wherever possible..

Our weekly radio reports will return in May one weekend before the May long weekend… If you’d like to advertise on this site or on future radio reports, please click on the contact tab…

Thanks for joining us, and if you are going to be on the road to any of the Cottage Country events we have listed, please “be careful out there”.

The Barrie February Blues Festival continues to the 3^rd of February… The Barrie Winterfest and Festival of Ice is on the 2^nd and 3^rd…

The 2013 Canadian Pond Hockey Championship is in Haliburton the  1^st to the 3^rd…

The first weekend of the month also includes Killaloe SnoFun activities, Groundhogfest in Stirling Friday to Sunday,  Marmora SnoFest, The Wiarton Willie Festival,  Polarfest in Lakefield ,  Goderich Winterfest,  Port Carling Winterfest, Winter Carnival in Beaverton,  Midland’s Annual Outdoor Winterfest…

The Ancaster Nostalgia Show and Sale is on the 3^rd…

Lindsay District Fur Harvesters have their 32^nd annual event on the 2^nd at the Fenelon Township Community Centre…

Tiverton Winterfest is February 8^th…

The Orillia Winter Carnival is the 8^th to 10^th…

The Annual Gravenhurst Pond Hockey Tournament runs from the 8^th to the 10^th …

The Victoria Harbour Frosty Frolics happens  from the 8^th to the 10^th…

Snow Day in Bethany Hills is on the 9^th…

The Newboro Winter Carnival is on the 9^th…

The Parry Sound Snowfest is also on the 9^th…

The 19^th Annual Kearney Dog Sled Races are February 9^th and 10^th…

Timberfest at Barry’s Bay happens on the 14^th, 15^th and 16^th,

The Dorset Snowball Winter Carnival is February 15^th and 16^th…

Think Snow activities are running Bancroft the 15^th to 17^th…

Honey Harbour Winterfest is on the 16^th…

Winterama is on in Hepworth on the 16^th…

Heritage Day in Buckhorn is also on the 16^th…

The 7^th Annual Frontenac Heritage Festival is the 15^th to 18^th…

The winter edition of the Ontario Family Fishing Weekend runs from the 16^th to the 18^th…

The Grand Bend Winter Carnival runs the 16th to 18^th…

The Dwight Winter carnival is runs the 21^st to 23^rd…

Feb Fest in Port Perry is on the 23^rd…

The Canadian Shield Ski and Snowboard Event happens from the 21^st to 24^th at Collingwood…

The Gravenhurst Winter Carnival happens the 22^nd to 24th…

The Rideau Cup Sled Dog and Skijoring Races are on the 23^rd…

There’s snowmobile races at Eganville, the Bonnechere Cup, the 22^nd to 24^th…

The Canadian Ice Fishing Championship is the 22^nd to 24^th at Jackson’s Point…

Our weekly radio reports will return next May one weekend before the May long weekend… If you’d like to advertise on this site or on future radio reports, please click on the contact tab…

Thanks for joining us, and if you are going to be on the road to any of the Cottage Country events we have listed, please “be careful out there”.

As we open 2013, we find little going on in rural areas apart from the normal winter pursuits for which you have to be appropriately equipped.  But if you want an experience to enjoy we have a few to remind you of.

What’s called the Biggest Old Sled Show in Ontario is happening January 12^th at Eganville…

The Woodstock Nostalgia Show and Sale takes place on the 13^th of January…

Wingfest in Lindsay happens on the 19^th…

The Palmer Rapids Winter Carnival runs from the 16^th to 20^th…

Sauble Beach Winterfest is January 18^th and 19th…

In Prince Edward County, the Milford Winter Carnival is on the 25^th and 26^th…

In the Muskokas. The Port Sydney Winter Carnival runs from the 23^rd to 27^th…

The Frosty Fling Winter Carnival at Lanark runs from the 25^th to 27^th…

The Bridgenorth Polarfest opens on the 25^th…

Renfrew has Frewfest on the 26^th…

The Polar Bear Winter Festival in Campbellford is on the 26^th… also the Chocolate and Cheese Festival…

Haliburton is home to the Canadian Pond Hockey Championship 2013 starting on the weekend January 25^th to 27^th…

There’s snowmobile racing in Kincardine January 26^th and 27^th…

Killaloe’s Snowfun starts on the 29^th…

The FIS Snowboardcross World Cup opens in Collingwood on the 31^st…

The Wiarton Willie Festival opens on January 25^th…the big day coming in February…

Please note that some events have been cancelled because of snow, or lack of snow, conditions and whether or not you see a mention here it’s best to check on events that are very weather dependent…

Remember your woollies when you head out of doors and be careful of snowy/slippery road conditions…

Our weekly radio reports will return in May one weekend before the May long weekend… If you’d like to advertise on this site or on future radio reports, please click on the contact tab…

Thanks for joining us, and if you are going to be on the road to any of the Cottage Country events we have listed, please “be careful out there”.

We said the month of November wasn’t one of those times to drive around aimlessly hoping to stumble upon some interesting activities… December on the other hand is chock full of events that mirror each other and they are nearly all about Christmas… Santa Claus Parades, Festivals of Trees, Carol Sings, Craft Sales and much more….  Way too many to report on and most everyone can find a Christmas-themed event within a snowballs throw of where they live…

Thus, the calendar in cottage country is a bit thin once you discount the seasonal events but, there are a few things happening….  Among them;

The Bruce Peninsula Studio Tour around Lion’s Head is December 1st…

Our personal notes include the notion that buying  some Made in Canada gifts is a good way to bring Christmas to others beyond the recipient…  The safety of yourself and others is something we hope you will keep paramount in your thinking over the holiday season, driving of course, but be mindful there can be dangers during exuberant play and even while cooking…That said, we hope you have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year…

Our weekly radio reports will return next May one weekend before the May long weekend… If you’d like to advertise on this site or on future radio reports, please click on the contact tab…

Thanks for joining us, and if you are going to be on the road to any of the Cottage Country events we have listed, please “be careful out there”.

anks for joining us, and if you are going to be on the road to any of the Cottage Country events we have listed, please “be careful out there”.

Our first full month of fall starts off with a bang, a mix of fairs and studio tours that provides something within driving distance for almost everyone…

In the fairs department,

The Norfolk County Fair runs from the 2^nd to 8^th…

Elmvale the 4^th to 6^th…  Howick Turnberry 5th to 7^th, Burford , Rockton, Moore (Brigden), North Dorchester and Erin the 5^th to 8^th…

Norwood and Woodbridge have fairs from the 6^th to the 8^th and Walkerton, one of the last fairs of the season, if not the last, runs from the 12^th to 14^t …

On the Arts front,

The Perth Autumn Studio Tour runs Oct. 6^th to 8^th…

The 16^th Crown and Pumpkin Studio Tour in northern Lanark Highlands is also the 6^th to 8^th…

The 2^nd Annual Hastings County Beer festival is Saturday October 13^th at Farmtown Park in Stirling…

Country Heritage Park at Milton has its Heritage Fall Harvest Celebration the 13^th and 14^th…

Aspiring rally drivers will be gathering near Bancroft for the Maple Leaf rally Club’s Ca-Jam  Rallycross Championship Series event on October 21st…

A Bountiful Fall Art Crawl Show and Sale will happen at the Owen Sound Farmers Market October 21^st…

The Rideau Lake Artists Fall Show is the 20^th and 21^st at North Crosby Community Centre…

The 9^th Annual  Kissing Bridge Trail Studio Tour in the Elmira, St. Jacobs area is October 27^th and 28^th…

Among the seasonal closings, the Tay/Rideau Canal and Locks on October 13^th…

All across the province there will be a variety of Halloween happenings for adults and children and you likely won’t have to go far to find something to your taste… Whatever you choose, please be mindful of the safety practises that go with Halloween, particularly if you are on the road…

Our weekly radio reports are over for the summer but will return next May one weekend before the May long weekend… If you’d like to advertise on this site or on future radio reports, please click on the contact tab…

Thanks for joining us, and if you are going to be on the road to any of the Cottage Country events we have listed, please “be careful out there”.

NOVEMBER

Well, the month of November isn’t one of those times to drive around aimlessly hoping to stumble upon some interesting activities… The calendar in cottage country is a bit thin once you discount the seasonal events…

First, we encourage everyone to make a short drive to a cenotaph near you on Remembrance day…

At the very least buy and wear a poppy and reflect on how much our society owes to the people who gave their lives in past conflicts…

Among the events this month, the Heart of Hastings Studio Tour  runs weekends between November 2^nd and 11^th…

The Deep River Arts and Crafts Fair is Saturday and Sunday the 3^rd and 4^th…

There’s an artisans tour in Orillia November 9^th and 10^th…

The Innisfil Studio Tour is November  3^rd and 4^th …

Prince Edward County’s “Countylicious”  is on for most of the month…

The Christmas at Presquile Juried Arts and Crafts Show is happening from the 3^rd to the 11th…

For motorsports fans, the annual Rally of the Tall Pines returns to Bancroft area country roads November 23rd and 24^th…

On the seasonal front , the few holdovers from Halloween quickly give way to such things as Christmas bazaars and bake sales, Christmas house tours, Festivals of Trees and Lights, choir performances and some early Santa Claus Parades…  Plenty of seasonally oriented retail as well…

Of course there’s that other season that gives us a parade of camo, hunter’s dinners, cards and camaraderie and even some hunting… another pastime for which we urge care and caution…

For anglers, don’t forget that bass season ends for most areas on November 30^th…  Be careful to stay out  of that cold water if you are out there…

And speaking of cold, please be mindful  when travelling that conditions near your destination or on route may not be as good as they are when and where you set out…

Our weekly radio reports will return next May one weekend before the May long weekend… If you’d like to advertise on this site or on future radio reports, please click on the contact tab…

Thanks for joining us, and if you are going to be on the road to any of the Cottage Country events we have listed, please “be careful out there”.

DECEMBER

We said the month of November wasn’t one of those times to drive around aimlessly hoping to stumble upon some interesting activities… December on the other hand is chock full of events that mirror each other and they are nearly all about Christmas… Santa Claus Parades, Festivals of Trees, Carol Sings, Craft Sales and much more….  Way too many to report on and most everyone can find a Christmas-themed event within a snowballs throw of where they live…

Thus, the calendar in cottage country is a bit thin once you discount the seasonal events but, there are a few things happening….  Among them;

The Bruce Peninsula Studio Tour around Lion’s Head is December 1st…

Our personal notes include the notion that buying  some Made in Canada gifts is a good way to bring Christmas to others beyond the recipient…  The safety of yourself and others is something we hope you will keep paramount in your thinking over the holiday season, driving of course, but be mindful there can be dangers during exuberant play and even while cooking…That said, we hope you have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year…

Our weekly radio reports will return next May one weekend before the May long weekend… If you’d like to advertise on this site or on future radio reports, please click on the contact tab…

Thanks for joining us, and if you are going to be on the road to any of the Cottage Country events we have listed, please “be careful out there”.

anks for joining us, and if you are going to be on the road to any of the Cottage Country events we have listed, please “be careful out there”.