Irish Mythen at Meaford Hall

Meaford Hall Wed July 5, 8pm          $28/33

Think back to a time in your life when you heard music that was so powerful and beautiful you were instantly engaged. That very well could have been an Irish Mythen show, an experience in the joy of everything. Born and raised in County Wexford Ireland, Irish Mythen has travelled the globe — playing in Europe, Australia, the Middle East and the UK. Her music has the root of small communities and the strength of a loyal fan base. During her travels she has worked with a host of world-renowned artists like Tom Paxton, The Dubliners and The Pogues. She shared stages with Emmylou Harris, Gordon Lightfoot, and Peter Yarrow, to name but a few. Since her immigration to Canada in 2008 Irish has been honored to create music and memories with Gordie Sampson, Joel Plaskett, Ron Hynes, Matt Andersen, Bruce Guthro and Dave Gunning. She has become an admired and respected artist on the Canadian scene.

Irish is a true entertainer who is known for her gripping live shows. She is the storyteller who will grasp your attention and who will bring you on an incredible and emotional journey, as well as the comedian with a joie de vivre who’ll have you laughing from the very beginning until long after the end of her show. Presented by Meaford Hall, as part of the Peak To Shore Fest 2017 www.peaktoshore.ca

For more info click here 

Canada Day 150 Celebrations in Collingwood

Sandy Acres Equestrian - Sara Edwards

Sara Edwards had one dream career from a young age. To work with a horse, of course.

Edwards is the owner and operator of SE Equestrian where she works with not just one but many horses and their riders as a riding coach and through a series of schooling shows she has organized at the GNE fairgrounds.

"I always wanted to work in horses. I never thought about doing anything else," said Edwards. "It's not really a career, it's a lifestyle."

As a child, she begged for riding lessons and finally received them as a birthday gift from her aunt. She was hooked immediately and spent 12 years showing competitively. She competed on the provincial and national circuit and later worked as a groom at the Royal Winter Fair and in Florida during the winter circuits.

"I never thought about doing anything else," said Edwards.

She's been coaching for nine years, and makes every effort to instil a passion for horses, their care and equestrian sportsmanship in her students.

"I make sure the kids have fun and a good experience," she said. "And they have to take care of their horse, not just ride it - It teaches responsibility for another being."

When it comes to sportsmanship, Edwards pushes her students to support each other as a team. Though equestrian sports are - for the most part - individualized, she said she encourages her students to help each other in the barn and at competition.

"Not only is it great for physical activity," she said. "The kids form good friendships here. They find a common bond."

Many of her students start at an SE Equestrian summer camp where they too get hooked on the sport. Though it’s hard not to love the life around someone like Sara Edwards.

"That feeling you get when you’re riding - I can't put it in words,” she said. "It's your happy place. It makes a bad day a good day."

Edwards gives private and semi-private lessons both at the barn and freelance for competitive and recreational riders of all levels and ages. She also runs summer camps at Sandy Acres Equestrian Centre in Nottawa.

And in the spirit of a lifestyle career, the SE Equestrian brand also includes Edwards' skills making custom-design show and competition ribbons and A-level braiding and clipping for competition horses.

You can see her work and contact her through her website at her website.   

Written by:  Erika Engle

Photos:  Doug Burlock

Collingwood Beer Dinner on June 7th, 2017

Ring in spring at the Collingwood Beer Dinner. Hosted by The Collingwood Brewery and partnered with Tesoro Restaurant & Chef Tony, this unique menu promises an Italian twist to be paired with The Collingwood Brewery's local selection of craft beers.

Doors open at 6:30pm. First course served at 7pm. Tickets: $60 each include: plated dinner with beer pairings at each course and 1 pint of choice upon arrival at the brewery. 

Purchase tickets online or at The Collingwood Brewery. For questions or for more information please email info@thecollingwoodbrewery or call (705) 444-2337.