COLLINGWOOD SET TO HOST BEST ALPINE SKIERS IN NORTH AMERICA

WHAT: Alpine Ontario Alpin (AOA) and Alpine Canada Alpin is pleased to announce the return of the Nor-Am Cup (North American Cup) to the Collingwood area. The series will also be the first Nor-Am ever to host a parallel slalom, which is a new addition to the World Cup FIS circuit, providing fans with a very exciting venue as racers go head-to-head down the course.

WHEN: January 2nd – 6th, 2019

WHERE: 
January 2 – Georgian Peaks Club, Giant Slalom
January 3 – Georgian Peaks, Giant Slalom
January 4 – Alpine Ski Club, Parallel Slalom
January 5 – Osler Bluff Ski Club, Slalom
January 6 – Osler Bluff Ski Club, Slalom

WHO: Approximately 80 of the best women FIS* Alpine Ski Racers in North America including members of the Canadian Alpine Ski Team, USSA National Team, Ontario Ski Team and Quebec Ski Team. FIS pertains to athletes competing on a world ranking systems for competitors 16years and older.

WHY: The Nor Am Cup Circuit is a feeder system to the World Cup Circuit. It is a stepping stone for athletes to jump from the Provincial level to the World Level allowing for high calibre racing in North America. The overall winners of the Nor Am Cup circuit earn an automatic berth on the World Cup for the following year.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Visit https://www.alpineontario.ca/2019noram/

Christmas Shopping in the Blue Mountain Village with Andrew and Meghan

We decided to go on a tour of the retail shops in the Blue Mountain Village to see what kind of unique gifts we could find. Andrew Siegwart and Meghan Harwood came along to introduce us to some of the shop owners, do a bit of modeling and taste testing.  We had a ridiculous amount of fun and found some pretty great Christmas gifts that will take care of everyone on your list.

Did you know that most shops in the Blue Mountain Village are open from 10AM until 9PM daily, including Christmas Day?  Plus you can take in the Blumination Dream Trail each evening from 5PM-10PM with a spectacular light show in the events plaza each evening at 6PM, 7PM, 8PM and 9PM.

One of our first stops was Madison Clothing Boutique.  They've got some great 2-for-1 offers on tights, scarves and more so you can check off two people on your list or make someone twice as happy.

We stopped in at the Pepper Palace...hot hot hot...with great gift packs. Everything is hand-crafted, made in small batches with all natural ingredients. Surprisingly, not everything will burn your tongue off.  Though, from this point forward Andrew is now 'Andrew the Brave'.

Next we were on to Crock-a-Doodle.  If you're inspired to create this season, this is the place to do it for sure.  Most people really really appreciate a hand made gift because it's thoughtful and truly unique.  If you're pressed for time (and who isn't at this time of year?) you can always snag a gift card and gift someone a fantastic, creative experience. Remember those ceramic Christmas trees your aunt or grandmother would bring out once a year?  Now you can create one of your very own.  

Get into the holiday spirit at Georgian Christmas.  Find out what the pickle ornament is all about. Apparently this old tradition is making quite the comeback.  They've also got a fabulous sale on ornaments. 

And if you've got a Harry Potter fan on your shopping list, pop by Georgian Christmas so you can fill that wish.  They've got a great selection of Harry Potter figurines.





Next, we hopped on over Gabby Isabella, an established Canadian women's clothing store and they've got a great incentive...free gift with purchase! These gorgeous gloves have a retail value of $59.00. 

Do you know someone that wants a hippopotamus for Christmas?  You're in luck because Reiner's Origianls have these very cool hand crafted leather ottomans designed and made in Canada. They come in all sorts of shapes and designs.

Next I needed to find something warm and cozy for my husband who is always freezing, so we headed off to North Face to find something cozy, warm and fashionable.

IWA Spa has a lovely boutique and we discovered that they are now the exclusive Lululemon retail partner in the Blue Mountain Village.  In addition to great clothes and accessories, you can purchase the gift of exerience and buy someone on your list a gift certificate for spa services.  Their facials are absolutely incredible and their Gan-ban Volcanic Rock Therapy is relaxing and rejuvinating.  This multi-award winning spa also offers massages, so a gift certificate for a couples massage is a great gift for the busy, hard-to-buy-for couple that seems to never take time for themselves.

Oh, and wait, they also offer a wonderful selection of body and facial care products and Andrew found exactly what he was looking for with their beard care packages. He's definately channelling his Blue Steel look.

Next, we checked out Sinergy Clothing and we found sporty leisure clothing for women and men and we also found some pretty funny sweatshirts.  Gift in style with their brands: Champion, Fox Racing, Born Rich, and My Package 

Phew!  Well that certainly kept us busy for the morning.  Time for a lunch break at Firehall Pizza.  Love their salads...and their pizza too.

Stay tuned for our afternoon shopping adventure.  We found more great shopping solutions and look forward to sharing them with you in my next post.

The countdown to Christmas is on and we're on it!

JC

Christmas Jazz at the Marsh Street Centre in support of BVO

On Saturday December 15, 2018 at 7:00 pm Social Time and 7:30 pm Concert a group of extraordinary musicians will open the festive season with familiar carols and hymns interpreted as only this stellar ensemble of outstanding jazz musicians can offer. We are delighted to welcome Ross Wooldridge on saxophone, Brigham Phillips on trumpet, Danny Douglas on trombone, Andy Harasymczuk on guitar, Dave Young on bass and Ted Warren on drums. An awesome congregation indeed.

Special Guest and MC for the evening will be Dean Hollin who no doubt will convince us with word and song that this really is the most wonderful time of the year.

This event is a fundraising drive to support the work of Beaver Valley Outreach and gives you the opportunity to win over $1,500.00 worth of unique draw items. The $10 pack of 6 tickets in the BVO Holiday Draw gives you the chance to put your money on a round of golf for Four at the LORA BAY Golf Club or a Weekend for Four at the ROYAL HARBOUR RESORT. Check out a few other exclusive choices on the list.

Concert tickets are $30, students $5 at the door, and available at Pharmasave and BVO in Thornbury, Gabriele Photography in Collingwood and Marsh Street Centre in Clarksburg.

Christmas Day Feast in Collingwood

It’s starting to look a lot like Christmas! The fifth annual Christmas Day Feast, Tuesday, December 25th, 1 p.m. at the Collingwood Curling Club is coming together with tremendous support from local business owners, individual supporters and over 100volunteers. Chairperson, Marg Scheben-Edey said, “We are grateful for the continuing support of the community to make this event possible.” The Christmas spirit is alive and well in Collingwood!

The planning committee, made up of 12 elves, has been hard at work since September planning logistics, fund raising, arranging rentals, food, entertainment and organizing volunteers.

Community Partners to date include The Rotary Club of Collingwood, Collingwood Curling Club, Men with Knives Catering, Chef Simon Bailey, Northwinds Brewhouse & Kitchen, Giffen’s Country Market, Tim Hortons, Sobeys, Eggsmart, The Print Shop, Meridian, Community Connection and Ace Cabs. Many more have provided financial support and resources to make this event memorable for all who attend!

The event is FREE and ALL are welcome to the Community Feast! Whether new to town or far away from family, Christmas can be a lonely time, and for others, financial or emotional barriers may make it difficult to put together a Christmas dinner. Some people simply want to enjoy holiday cheer with others in the community. The event is non-denominational and

open to all ages. Reservations are required as we are limited to 140 seats, and can be made by calling 211 (Community Connection).

The main attraction, “the feast” will include a home-style meal with all the trimmings, seasonal entertainment, activities for children and a little something for the adults to take home.

For more information: www.CollingwoodFeast.com

www.facebook.com/ChristmasFeastCollingwood

Canadian Pet Connection: Grey-Bruce’s Pet Health Experts

Pets can enrich our lives in unique, and irreplaceable ways. Whether it’s a dog, cat, guinea pig, or mini pig, pet lovers everywhere can attest, there is no substitute for the bond shared between people and their pets.

As the saying goes, “Do something you love, and you’ll never work another day in your life”. That’s why, in 1993, Lorne Forder left his career in Toronto’s financial district, and started Canadian Pet Connection - one of Canada’s first pet health food stores, located in Oakville, Ontario.

Lorne’s passion for the pet industry started with his black Labs, whom he adored, trained and competed with in dog training and agility events. In an effort to find healthy products to help his dogs perform at peak levels, Lorne became frustrated with the lack of high quality, human-grade pet foods and supplements available in his area. In fact, many people in the professional dog-showing community were travelling south of the border to purchase better quality foods for their furry friends.

Lorne believed healthy pet products should be available to all pet owners. Canadian Pet Connection began with one retail location in Oakville, and grew into two brick-and-mortar stores, complete with professional grooming facilities, as well as a distribution centre. 2017 brought many changes, and with that came a new business model embracing the growth of ecommerce. The assets of those locations were sold to allow the business to relocate to the small town of Meaford, Ontario.

Over that last 30 years, Lorne, alongside his son Brandon, have acquired extensive knowledge pertaining to pet health. This includes pet diet and nutrition, supplementation, and holistic approaches to treating a myriad of animal health ailments. Brandon and Lorne have established themselves as experts in pet problem solving: everything from food allergies and sensitivities, to unwanted behavioural problems, including leash aggression, barking, anxiety, and more.

Canadian Pet Connection’s retail outlet in Meaford is located right beside the Meaford Factory Outlet. There, they offer high-quality, human-grade pet foods, supplements, treats, toys and accessories. They also offer free delivery from Collingwood to Owen Sound, and all the areas in between.

Since moving the business to Meaford, this small family business has shifted their primary focus to e-commerce. In fact, their online store, found at www.canadianpetconnection.ca, is quickly becoming one of Canada’s largest, and fastest-growing e-commerce pet retail sites.

Do you need expert pet health and nutrition advice? Call or visit the pet experts in-store today!

One-of-a-kind Creative Clothing Alteration Shop Opens its doors to Collingwood Community.

One-of-a-kind Creative Clothing Alteration Shop Opens its doors to Collingwood Community.

Livinlove Alterations & Creations announces the official grand opening of their clothing alteration studio, and art boutique, on Thursday, November 1st 2018 from 4pm-6pm, located at 17 Spruce Street, (just down from Skiis and Biikes) entrance parallel to the walking trail. You’ll see the bright yellow painted bee mural, and the welcoming glass door entrance. Come celebrate the newest, most unique and colourful clothing alteration shop in town, offering services in hemming, mending, patching, repairs, taking in, letting out, custom creations, and embellishments.

Livinlove also offers one-of-a-kind, originally designed fabric art creations in her boutique, and silk screening studio, such as, ethically sourced organic bamboo t-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, kids clothes, all printed with Livinlove’s original designs, pouches, hats, patches, cards, pillows, and buttons, made from recycled scraps, cuttings from alterations, and donated materials. This is a perfect place to shop local for one-of-a-kind gifts, or inquire about a custom creation, any time of the year. There are new designs being created daily. Visiting Livinlove’s studio is an experience of its own, as you are greeted with the warmth of colourful, creative energy, and a friendly smiling face. There is no end to the creativity within these walls.

Founder of Livinlove, Jill Sosnowski, moved to Collingwood three years ago, after living abroad, and previously owning a successful clothing alteration shop in Nelson, BC., she eventually found her way back to the Ontario roots, from once she came.

“As a nature lover, I am passionate about providing a service which recycles and reuses your garments and materials, as there is such an immense waste left over from the fast fashion industry. As an artist, I provide one-of-a-kind wearable and usable art, that elevates, inspires, and encourages a unique sense of style. As a lover of Collingwood, Ontario, I want to be of service to the beautiful community which I have chosen to make home. The epic nature and vast beauty of Georgian Bay constantly inspire me, and has become my greatest muse.”

Come celebrate this unique, new small business in our community. There will be door prizes, snacks, friendly faces, and of course, a whole lot of inspiration.

Livinlove alterations and Creations
17 Spruce Street
705.994.2958

Black Harvest Returns

The tradition of Halloween and the Black Harvest Festival continues in historically Chilling Downtown Collingwood this October, with Witches (and Warlocks) of the ‘Wood taking over the town. Mark Saturday October 27th on your calendar and prepare to come downtown to see what is brewing.

As the toe of newt and the eye of frog are added to the cauldron of Halloween festivities, the downtown streets will be decked out in all things frightening…. from Pumpkins and creatures of the night, to the feature attraction, Witches and Warlocks. The spirit of the season has also taken over many of the businesses; check out all the windows to see who has been put under the spell of the spirits.

Starting at 11 a.m. activities will begin along Hurontario Street to put even the most skeptic of creature into the haunted mood; awaiting is a cauldron of activities. You can also create your own spine- chilling Halloween craft to take home or watch as balloons are twisted into ghosts. As the town hall clock strikes 1 pm all good little Witches and Warlocks and their friends will gather at the town hall for a costume contest for various age categories…. Judged by the Head Witch and Warlock!

Of course, our downtown merchants invite all the costumed good little girls and boys children to come for some early trick or treating….. just look for the Orange ‘Witch’ signs on the door or window to find out who has treats inside!

This family orientated Halloween day is a Collingwood tradition, join us, or else....

For further information, call 445-5595 or visit www.collingwooddowntown.com

Blue Mountain Whisky Tasting - Tickets now on sale

BLUE MOUNTAIN WHISKY TASTING 
NOVEMBER 10, 2018 7PM - 10PM GRAND CENTRAL LODGE 

• 100 + Whiskies
• Food • Cocktails • Music
• Whisky and Cigar Pairings

Join us for an evening of Whisky tasting at the Grand Central Lodge, 156 Jozo Weider Blvd, Blue Mountain Village, The Blue Mountains, ON

Enjoy this unique opportunity to try whiskies and experience the stories behind the wee dram.

$85 Ticket Includes:

• Entry and access to over 100 Whiskies 7:00 pm to 10 pm
• A FREE Glencairn Souvenir Tasting Glass
• Gourmet Tables ~ Chef Lussier, The Dam Pub
• Live Music from Canadian Trad Trio NUA

$125 VIP Ticket Includes:

• All the above, plus three Masterclasses starting at 5:15 pm
• Early Entry Tasting at 6:30 pm
• Access to VIP Room for Specialty Pouring at 8:30 pm

Masterclass 1: Bill Somerville, "Speyside Travels" - 5:15pm - 5:45pm
Masterclass 2: Davin de Kergommeaux, "The Audacity of Rye" - 6:00pm - 6:30pm
Masterclass 3: Blair Phillips, "Cigars and Whisky" - 8:00PM - 8:30PM

Aberlour • Ardbeg • Auchentoshan • Benromach • Bowmore • Buffalo Trace • Blantons Single Barrel • Canadian Club • Caol ila • Cardhu • Dalwhinnie • Eagle Rare • Forty Creek • Gooderham & Worts • Glenmorangie • High River • Highland Park • Hepburn’s Choice • Johnnie Walker • Jim Beam • Kavi Reserve • Knob Creek • Lot 40 • Laphroaig • Makers Mark • The Macallan • Oban • Pike Creek • 1792 Small Batch • Talisker Storm • The Glenlivet • Toki • Wiser's

Disclaimer: Excessive drinking and intoxication will not be tolerated.
Patrons who show signs of either will be asked to leave.

Click here for hotel accommodations. Use Promo: GB00000914

Celebrate Thanksgiving in Apple Country!

From October 6th to 8th, celebrate Thanksgiving weekend with fall fun in the Blue Mountain Village, Thornbury, and Clarksburg! There’s no better way to enjoy Thanksgiving weekend and the beautiful fall colours!

Fabulous fall colours, crisp autumn air and even crisper apples. These are just some of the ingredients of the ultimate Thanksgiving experience, and you’ll find all this and more at the Apple Harvest Festival from October 6th to 8th in the towns of Thornbury, Clarksburg and the Blue Mountain Village.

Awarded the Top 100 Festivals designation by Festivals and Events Ontario for many years, the Apple Harvest Festival features free family events and activities to enjoy as you venture from one charming town to the next. Take a horse-drawn wagon ride, enjoy live music from dozens of talented local artists, take part in guided hikes, apple pie eating contests, cidery tours, art studio tours, caramel apple decorating, Applelicious, interactive family groove dancing, the John Deere Kids Zone, hand-painted apple ladders, and more!

On Saturday, October 6th at 8pm, make your way to the Blue Mountain Village for the Town of The Blue Mountains’ 20thAnniversary Fireworks display! The breathtaking fireworks show will take place over the mountain to celebrate 20 years as The Blue Mountains.

Find the full schedule at www.AppleHarvestFestival.ca

How can we be better Canadians?

Answer that question and you can help George Czerny with the content for his new book idea.

People work hard to better their bodies and their minds, but what do they do to become better Canadians?A Collingwood, Ontario, man aims to find out. George Czerny has sent letters across Canada to selected government, First Nations and Inuit leaders asking them the question: What can Canadians do to be better Canadians?

Czerny, who is retired, is seeking feedback in connection with a book idea he has and he would like your comments too. The working title of his book is “Kiss The Ground You Walk On, Canada” and in it he wants to convey the message of how we can all be better Canadians.

He is looking forward to responses from across Canada. Anybody who would like to comment can send him an e-mail at:ilovecanadatoo@gmail.com

Treasure Hunt at Kings’ Court

A renovation project at our cottage led me on the hunt for antique 6 pane windows.  Off to the Thornbury Antique Market I went…with measurements in hand.  It had been quite a while since I’d checked the place out and I was hopefully excited that I would find what I was looking for.

Nestled in the Kings' Court Design Building, Thornbury Antique Market is an incredible destination for a treasure hunt.  There are so many antiques packed into this location, at first it was a bit overwhelming so I asked the owners Christine and Mick for a bit of assistance.  Sure enough, they knew exactly where to find what I was looking for….and surprise surprise…I’m not suffering from sticker shock.  Well priced merchandise and excellent customer service.

They offer a huge variety of antiques that are sourced from 14 different vendors plus some consigned Items.  And as a side note, if you’re on the hunt for some famed Blue Mountain Pottery…make this your first stop.

Christine and Mick have been the owners for over two years now and appreciate all the regular customers but hope new ones will discover them too. They have been working antique shows, fairs and had an antique shop in England before.  Located opposite the Thornbury Cidery, you can easily find parking in the lot and the market can be accessed from the side entrance.

They’ve got paintings, furniture, architectural salvage, china L.P.'s , bronzes, vintage clothing, lighting, vintage glassware, dolls, jewellery and so much more it’s impossible to list it all. Worth a visit for that unusual find as the merchandise is changing constantly.

Find them at 99 King St. East, Thornbury or visit their website at thornburyantiquemarket.com.

Open daily in summer from 10:30AM to 4:30PM on weekdays and from 10:30AM to 5:00PM on weekends.

Shipyards Kitchen Party honoured with Kemp Award.

The Blue Mountain Foundation for the Arts is proud to announce the 26th recipient of the
Robert G. Kemp Arts Award for 2018, “Shipyard Kitchen Party” and their production
“100 Years from Now”.

This exciting project tells Canadian stories from a uniquely Georgian Bay perspective through the visual, musical and dramatic arts. Audiences will have an opportunity to see “100 Years From Now” when it returns to the Simcoe Street Theatre in Collingwood, from November 9th to 11th, 2018.

The $5000 award will allow the group to expand their audiences through audio recording, filming and lesson plans for educators.

The Award was created in 1989 through a trust fund administered by the BMFA with the intent to provide encouragement and/or recognition to an individual or group residing in the South Georgian Bay area. Each applicant submits a project proposal that will benefit the community.

A formal presentation will be made at the BMFA Annual General Meeting later in the fall.

Photo (L-R): Julie LeBlanc, Sacha Law, John Eaton, Barbara Kemp and Jason Murphy.

Local Live Lunch Returns

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 27th and continuing through to August 29th, the downtown core will come to life each Wednesday between noon and 1:30 with live musical performances on the 95.1 PEAK FM 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 27

LIVE Jimmy & The Extractions LUNCH Ali’s Kitchen

JULY 4

LIVE The Shipyard Kitchen Party LUNCH Fish & Sips

JULY 11

LIVE Strange Potatoes LUNCH Azzurra

JULY 18

LIVE Shane Cloutier LUNCH Sõl Kitchen

JULY 25

LIVE Lance Dobinson LUNCH Steakhouse Social Eatery

AUGUST 1

LIVE Romney Getty LUNCH The Crow. Bar and Variety

AUGUST 8

LIVE The Mike McCarthy Band LUNCH Tesoro

AUGUST 15

LIVE 50 Years Late LUNCH The Curly Willow

AUGUST 22

LIVE The Dave Giles Band LUNCH Brunello at 27th on Fourth

AUGUST 29

LIVE Harbottle Band LUNCH Cabin Bistro

Thanks to all of our sponsors for making this event possible! We are pleased to announce that Collingwood Hyundai will be returning as Presenting Sponsor; joined by Event Sponsors - Scotiabank, Parkbridge and U Salon. Special thanks to Media Sponsors - The Peak FM 95.1, The Connection and mycollingwood.ca and Production Sponsor – CHS Productions

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!