Frozen in Time - Lots of great things to see and do for the whole family

Christmas Day Feast in Collingwood

  

It's hard to believe the Christmas Day Feast is now into year three, and the organizers are very grateful that so many companies and individuals in the Collingwood area continue to support the event!

Christmas is a time of hardship for some people, either unable to put together a Christmas dinner due to financial or emotional barriers or due to loneliness. Some are new to the town or simply want to enjoy a special spirit of the holiday with others in the community.

A dedicated team of volunteer "elves" has been working behind the scenes to provide a community Christmas day event open to all. Chairperson, Marg Scheben-Edey said, "We are grateful for the support that has come forward on an annual basis. Just last week we were thrilled to learn of the significant contribution again pledged by the Rotary Club of Collingwood South Georgian Bay.".

Several local businesses and individuals have come forward with generous donations that have ensured the event will be one to remember for the 130 expected guests. At this time all of the nearly 100 volunteer positions have been filled and the group is now turning its attentions to reaching potential dinner guests.

This FREE event takes place on December 25th at 1PM, at the Collingwood Curling Club, who have once again generously donated the use of their Hall. It is a non-denominational event and everyone, of all ages, is welcome. This feast will include a home-style meal, seasonal entertainment, an activity for children and a little something for the adults to take home.

Reservations are required as seating is limited to 130, and can easily be made by calling 211 (Community Connection).

For more information, visit our website or facebook page. 

Twinkle Bulbs - where to find them

Local entrepreneur, Julie Card (that's me) has been hard at work in the wee hours of the early morning and into the night getting ready for the month ahead aka Twinkle Bulb Season.  A craft project that went from a hobby into a business almost overnight last holiday season, launched at the Downtown Collingwood Christmas Market to rave reviews and a lot of sparkle.

Where can you find Twinkle Bulbs this season?

Events

December 10, 2016

Old Fashioned Christmas Vendor Market in the Beaver Valley Community Centre - Beaver Valley Community Centre

The following retail locations will also have some custom colours available.

Aarden's Chocolates - Coming Soon.

Bonnie Dorgelo Jewellery & Paintings - available now

Scandinave Spa Blue Mountain - available December 1, 2016

IWA Spa Blue Mountain - available after Nov 11, 2016

The Cheese Gallery, Thornbury - available mid November

Georgian Hills Vineyards - Coming soon.

Custom Orders

If you'd like to order a custom colour selection or large quantity of Twinkle Bulbs for holiday gifts or decor please contact Julie Card directly at 705.444.3453 or send me an e-mail.

Find Twinkle Bulbs on Facebook

Help Save the Lighthouse

Vote for the Lighthouse (Posted On: Sunday, October 23, 2016)

  

The Nottawasaga Lighthouse Preservation Society has an entry in the Aviva Community Fund Competition.  We need you to click on the Aviva website  and register. You will have 18 votes which you can cast all at once. Voting closes Friday, October 28 at 4 PM. Please help!

The Nottawasaga Lighthouse stands on an island at the entrance to the busy Collingwood harbour as a reminder of our strong marine history. It was lit in 1858 the same year that Collingwood was incorporated. For many decades our Imperial Tower did her work, keeping mariners safe. The light could be seen for 17miles. But today the light no longer shines. Our tower has fallen into disrepair and named to the National Trust for Canada’s list of the top 10 most endangered historic sites in Canada.

The Nottawasaga Lighthouse Preservation Society is a very dedicated group of individuals working hard to save and restore our once beautiful historic landmark. Enough money was raised and this fall they are able to complete step one of the restoration plan. They are shrink wrapping the structure to slow down the deterioration by protecting it from the elements and the harsh freezing and thawing of our winters. In order for the restoration to begin again in the spring they need to continue fundraising.

"Canada's heritage lighthouses are iconic symbols of our communities and have played a crucial role in keeping mariners safe. They are also important tourism attractions that contribute to local economies."  Catherine McKenna Federal Minister responsible for Parks Canada.

It takes a Community to restore a Lighthouse.

Be The Change - Eating You Alive

The Be The Change Film Series, presented by Royal LePage Locations North, is now in its 9th year. This year we are offering dinner before screenings as well as online ticket sales.  

Last year the Series moved from the Gayety to the Simcoe Street Theatre (across from the Collingwood Library), with 2 screenings per night at 5:00 and 7:30. The audience loved the new screening times and the welcoming local marketplace/food-oriented venue, so we are back for the second year in a row. 

Join us before the film in the marketplace and enjoy a fresh, local and healthy meal prepared by Farm to Table Market and Kitchen. Vendors have farm-fresh groceries of many kinds available for sale and Creemore Coffee Studio and Earthlinks (CCI environmental student group) have gourmet snacks and beverages, too.

Eating you Alive is, appropriately, the first movie of the series, airing twice on Wednesday October 19th. The film's directors speak with everyone from medical experts to chefs to Hollywood stars about how whole-food, plant-based nutrition can help us to take control of our health in the face of a North American crisis the likes of which we've never seen before.

"We know that food is part of what attracts our big crowds, so we opted to start with a film in line with that," says Christy Deere, one of the principal BTC organizers."We believe that offering a fresh, local and healthy meal is going to be a big driver for our viewers." Deere also notes that - for the first time-tickets are available for purchase on sale, either individually for $8 or $40 for all six films at our website. 

The BTC Film Series is designed to unite the Collingwood and surrounding communities around a variety of environment-centric issues. Provocative, carefully chosen films are selected around themes such as conservation, health and climate change.  

As in years past, proceeds from BTC will benefit two local organizations: Elephant Thoughts, a childhood education-focused charity, and The Blue Mountain Watershed Trust, a local environment-focused charity.

BTC Vital Statistics

-3rd Wednesday of every month, starting October 19th

-2 screenings: 5:00 & 7:30

-Full vendor marketplace 5:00-7:30

-Local live music: 6:45

-Simcoe Street Theatre (86 Simcoe Street, across from Library)

Find us at our website for film listing and complete details 

Moses Znaimer Coming to Collingwood - Get your tickets today.

Grab your tickets to see Moses Znaimer in Collingwood at the Historic Gayety Theatre. Mix and Mingle afterwards. Don't miss out! Book online today to save on your admission: http://ow.ly/8aYS304Jo5H

Free Marketing Seminar...if you're in business, you don't want to miss this!

Increase Your Local Rankings With Google plus build a foundation to engage your audience with Email Marketing on October 4th at The Georgian Bay Hotel and Conference Center starting at 8:45am.

The Agenda for the morning

8:45am Doors Open

9:00am Chris Johnstone - Google Local Rankings

10:10am Julie Card     - Email Marketing for Retail, B2B, Non-profit.

                                    - Create A Holiday Marketing Plan

11:00am Tim Newton     - Small Business Enterprise Centre

11:20am Alison Swan    - Senior Small Business Advisor - Meridian

12:00 noon Optional Networking Lunch at Gustav

Many small businesses and organizations find themselves seeking the right strategies to make their marketing efforts as effective as possible.  But with so many different marketing activities that they could focus on, they often miss some of the important marketing concepts that will help them understand why those activities are so important.  Uncover some of those core concepts and show that a little bit of marketing knowledge can go a long way. 

Attendees of This FREE seminar Will Learn:

A system to help you generate more customers that are searching for your products and services using Google and Email Marketing Plus a full walk through by Chris Johnstone, trainer  on how to use Google's latest changes to rank on the front page and a step by step process to help you become the top rated business in your category!

This Event Is Not To Be Missed!  Register by clicking here.

Delicious New Prix Fixe Menu from Cabin Bistro

TUESDAY & WEDNESDAY DINNER FALL PRIX FIXE - $35
$5 corkage

STARTERS
FEATURED SOUP
composed daily by our team of chefs with inspired garnish
Or
SQUASH SALAD
baby greens, cranberries, pumpkin seeds, pears, cider emulsion

MAINS
BLUE RIDGE TURKEY POT PIE
button mushrooms, carrots, celeriac, english peas, puff pastry

Or

CEDAR PLANK SALMON FILLET 
wild rice, barley, cauliflower puree, charred leeks, tomato jam 

Or

BUTTERNUT SQUASH LASAGNA
spinach, goat cheese, mozzarella, parmesan crostini, seedlings

DESSERT
FLOURLESS PEAR CRUMBLE
stewed pears, walnut crumble, local french vanilla ice cream

Cabin Bistro is located in Downtown Collingwood at 209 Hurontario Street in Downtown Collingwood - Our passion at Cabin Bistro is to provide a place where our customers know they will always find comfort in our menu and our friendly service. We believe offering fresh, local produce is part of a restaurant's obligation to the community. 

209 Hurontario Street, Collingwood ON L9Y 2M1
T: 705.444.2299

Blue Mountain Guitar Trail

After being named "Best New Festival" by Festivals and Events Ontario in 2014 and achieving the prestigious Top 100 Status in 2015, the Guitar Trail enters its third year ready to up the ante on fun and entertainment. From 1 to 4 pm on Saturday September 10th, 20 artist locations will provide the soundtrack to the Trails at Blue with guitars, voice, drums and ukuleles as visitors trek up, down and around the mountain. Guests will follow the map and should they wish, complete the scavenger hunt provided at check-in for prizes and giveaways. The hike is roughly 60 minutes but allow 2-3 hours to enjoy all the performers.

Guests can enjoy a free open-air gondola ride down the mountain following the hike - an excellent opportunity to see and capture the amazing views looking out over Georgian Bay. Or, purchase a ticket for the gondola ride up and hike down. The first 200 guests to complete the scavenger hunt will receive a fresh apple tart and a copy of the Village's own CD, "Best of Blue", a compilation of 12 songs, many by artists along the Trail.

 "This is the best way for families to kick off the fall hiking season," says Patti Kendall, Director of Marketing & Events for Blue Mountain Village. "Last year we doubled our attendance and the feedback from our guests was overwhelming. Incredible scenery, interactive music and the chance to see legendary Alan Frew will make this your best hike of the season!"

New this year, Joe Rockman, founding member and bass player of the Jeff Healey Band will be onsite for tips and an opportunity to jam with Joe. Bring your own bass or use the guitar at Joe's bass station. Also returning is luthier Tony Carol talking about the timeless art of guitar making, local drummer Bambalamb! hosting interactive drum lessons, and, at the top of Blue Mountain the Beinn Gorm Highlanders Pipe & Drum band. The festival concludes with a free concert by multi-Juno Award winning and Grammy nominated performer Alan Frew at 4:30pm on the Coca-Cola Village Stage with songs from his Glass Tiger days and his extensive catalogue of solo work. 

Full details on the Guitar Trail, including the full list of performers, can be found online at Blue Mountain Guitar Trail.

Local Live Lunch on Wednesdays

Looking for something to take away the mid-week blues? If so, then mark each Wednesday this summer on your calendar and join us in Downtown Collingwood for the return of LOCAL LIVE LUNCH!

Beginning June 29th and continuing through to August 31st, the downtown core will come to life each Wednesday between noon and 1:30 with live musical performances on the 95.1 PEAK FM Northern Tracks Stage, located in the Sheffer Court outdoor plaza area (186 Hurontario Street, between 3rd and 4th). While taking in the sounds of local live music you can also purchase your lunch (cash only), on location; prepared by a different presenting restaurant each week.

Here is the summer concert and lunch line up:

June 29

LIVE David Russell LUNCH Ali’s Kitchen

July 6

LIVE Shane Cloutier LUNCH Fish and Sips

July 13

LIVE Touch of Vinyl LUNCH Gustav Chophouse & Bar

July 20

LIVE The Dylan Burchell Band LUNCH Hill and Bay

July 27

LIVE The Craigleith Jam Band LUNCH Cabin Bistro

AUGUST 3

LIVE The Mike McCarthy Band LUNCH The Strand

AUGUST 10

LIVE Strange Potatoes LUNCH Azzurra

AUGUST 17

LIVE Laurie Z & Friends LUNCH Tesoro

AUGUST 24

LIVE Davey K Band LUNCH Brunello at 27th on Fourth

AUGUST 31

LIVE Lance Dobinson LUNCH Sol Kitchen

Look for the each restaurant's menu for the day posted on the Downtown Collingwood website - or like Collingwood Downtown on facebook to be the first to know!

 Is there a better way to spend your mid-week lunch hour than savoring local cuisine and relaxing to our very talented local artists?

Thanks to all of our sponsors for making this event possible!

New this year - Presenting sponsor - Ardiel Septic Services

Event Sponsors - Scotiabank, Rituals Medical & Day Spa, Balmoral Village and Blue Horizon Dental Hygiene

Media Sponsors - The Peak FM 95.1, The Enterprise-Bulletin and mycollingwood.ca

Canada Day Celebrations at Blue Mountain

Celebrate Canada's birthday in the Village!!  Live music with the Saturday Night Superstars, Canadian Flag cake, guided hiking, family activates, scavenger hunt, and FIREWORKS!  Plus 50 shops & eateries open 10am-9pm.

Friday July 1st

9am-4pm Military Display Event Plaza

All Day  Village  Scavenger Hunt  Activity Central

1pm-4pm  Face Painting  Water St. Bandstand

2pm  O'Canada Celebration & Cake Cutting  Event Plaza

3pm-4pm  Interactive Drumming  Event Plaza

4pm-6pm  Live Music with Janie (duet)  Coca-Cola Stage

4pm-8pm  Creation Station: Make Your Own Canada Day button!  Event Plaza

4:30pm Beavertail eating contest  Information Hut, across from Beavertails

8pm-10pm  Live Music with The Saturday Night Superstars  Coca-Cola Stage

10pm  Fireworks  Over the Mountain

Saturday July 2nd

All Day  Village Scavenger Hunt  Activity Central

10am-9pm  'Inside-Out' Village Shopping Market  Shops throughout the Village

11am-11:30am  Tim Holland Puppet Tamer Live Show  Coca-Cola Stage

12pm-1pm  Interactive Family Groove Dancing  Event Plaza

1pm-4pm  Balloon Twisting  Water St. Bandstand

1pm-4pm  Creation Station: Make Your Own Button  Event Plaza

1pm-1:30pm  Tim Holland Puppet Tamer Live Show  Coca-Cola Stage

2pm-2:45pm  Magic Show with Sawyer Bullock  Coca-Cola Stage

3pm-3:30pm  Tim Holland Puppet Tamer Live Show  Coca-Cola Stage

3:30pm-5:30pm  Live Music with Aaron Garner  Coca-Cola Stage

7pm-10pm  Live Music with Too Nice  Coca-Cola Stage

Sunday July 3rd

All Day  Village Scavenger Hunt  Activity Central

10am-9pm  'Inside-Out' Village Shopping Market  Shops throughout the Village

11am  Musical Storytelling with Vincent  Water St. Bandstand

12pm-3pm  Live Music with Caitlin Gale  Coca-Cola Stage

1pm-4pm  Creation Station: Make Your Own Button  Event Plaza

2pm  Musical Storytelling with Vincent  Water St. Bandstand

3pm-4pm  Interactive Family Groove Dancing  Event Plaza

4pm  Musical Storytelling with Vincent  Water St. Bandstand

Blue Mountain attractions open daily all summer long including The Plunge! Ridge Runner Coaster, Dockside Boat Rentals, Rock Climbing, Woodlot & Timber Challenge Ropes Course, Cascade Putting Course, Triple Zip Line, Mountain Top Segway Tours,  Gondola and more! For complete details and descriptions click here.

Georgian Triangle Music Festival

Georgian Triangle Music Festival, Presented by: Yamaha Canada and Wasaga Beach Brewing Company, returns for its 4th Annual event, June 30th, July 1st & 2nd, 2016. This free music festival will bring over 35 multi-genre acts, to 7 venues across Wasaga Beach. This year, the festival has added a "Main Stage" featuring live entertainment June 30th from 7pm to 11pm at the new "Main Street Market" at Beach One.


Participating venues for Georgian Triangle Music Festival 2016 include, Art in The Park, Barcelos, The Beacon, Boston Pizza, Studs Lonigans, Wild Wing, and the Wasaga Public Library for our youth and family stage. The various musical genres will range from Rock, Blues, Country, Jazz, Singer/Songwriter and cover acts. Performing acts and schedule will be announced over the coming weeks, through press release, social media and our website.

For more information on Georgian Triangle Music Festival, or to schedule an interview, please contact us through the information below.

Georgian Triangle Music Festival - Media Inquiries and Interviews - Shawn Crozier - Event Coordinator/Founder, Phone: 705-627-1382

Side Launch Brewing Company wins Canadian Brewery of the Year for 2016

Side Launch Brewing Company Inc, a local craft brewery has been named Canadian Brewery of The Year for 2016. "We are very excited and honoured to have won this award" said Chuck Galea, V.P. of Sales and Marketing. "We have had a huge year so far in regards to awards and we are really excited at the notion of us helping put Collingwood on the map as a craft beer destination."

Along with winning Canadian Brewery of The Year, Side Launch also earned three gold medals for their Side Launch Wheat, Side Launch Huronic Tripel, and Side Launch Germanic Bock. In April at the Ontario Brewing Awards, Side Launch took home four medals with Side Launch Huronic Tripel winning Gold and Side Launch Mountain Lager, Side Launch Dark Lager and the barrel-aged Side Launch Dunkelbach all winning bronze medals. In early May, the Ontario Beer Guide was released by co-authors Jordan St. John and Robin Leblanc and not only did Side Launch beers receive very high ratings overall, but they named it "Top Brewery in Ontario".

"Winning all this hardware and being recognized as the top brewery in our province has everything to do with the beer that our Head Brewer, Michael Hancock, makes. In addition, we have an amazing crew and are very proud of what we have accomplished ." says Galea

About Side Launch Brewing Company

Side Launch Brewing Company opened its doors in May 2014 and now employs over 30 people. It is located at 200 Mountain Road, Unit 1 in Collingwood. Side Launch's award winning beers are available at the brewery, various LCBO's across Ontario, select Beer Stores, select Grocery Stores, and various bar and restaurants in Ontario.

To find out more visit their website or better yet, stop in and meet us in person and try some Side Launch today.

Stag and Doe presented by Theatre Collingwood

Theatre Collingwood is proud to announce it will open its 2016 Summer Theatre Festival with Mark Crawford’s hilarious comedy Stag & Doe. 

Bonnie and Brad are having a Stag and Doe in a small town community hall kitchen. Dee, their Maid of Honour, is still getting over being left at the altar. Mandy and Rob are getting married that very day, and Jay just found out his entire catering staff is in jail!  Stag and Doe is a fun-filled romp that exposes the perils of pre-nuptial shenanigans.  It is a hilarious look at this southern Ontario tradition.

In keeping with their model of collaborating with other regional theatres to present a variety of high quality, professional, productions Theatre Collingwood is bringing this production to Collingwood from their friends at Theatre Orangeville and Artistic Director David Nairn. “I am so thrilled to be working with David again.  I can always count on him to produce great work as well as interesting sets.  Stag & Doe is no exception and will have people laughing in the aisles.  We have wonderful collaborations with Theatre Orangeville and will continue to open our season with the show that finishes off their season,” said Erica Angus, Executive Director.

The cast for this production is incredibly talented and includes:

Cast

Rob ............................................. Jesse Griffiths

Brad ............................................Jeff Hanson

Dee ............................................ Karen Knox

Mandy ........................................Heidi Lynch

Jay ..............................................David Reale

Bonnie ........................................Caroline Toal

For Stag & Doe Theatre Collingwood is calling out to any bridal parties, as this show would be a great way to celebrate you upcoming nuptials with your “team” to enjoy a fun show together.  For any wedding groups who wish to purchase tickets there is a group rate (minimum of 4 purchased tickets), and the bride’s ticket is FREE.

 Theatre Collingwood would like to thank the generous support of their production sponsors, Noble Insurance and Harrison Denture Clinic.  Both companies generously donated $5,000 each to the production.  For tickets call 705-445-2200 or visit www.theatrecollingwood.ca.