With International Women’s Day having just happened, the official day of honouring all the amazing women in your life may be over. But there is still cause to celebrate. There is cause to continue to keep at the forefront, all the gracious actions and selfless acts that women perform, and there is cause to connect with more women. Building community is about building connections and celebrating success, and that couldn’t be truer than here in Collingwood.

In our community, amazing, empowering women who are simply a part of our every day life constantly surround us.  And while we don’t necessarily take it for granted, we also don’t necessarily take the time to show them the gratitude that we feel towards them.  Whether it is our doctors, teachers or council members, or our fellow moms, sister, or neighbor, there is the need to celebrate women beyond one day of the year. And more than that to tell them that we celebrate them and appreciate them and are grateful for them. As a community, we always need to be working to come together to celebrate victories and share in overcoming obstacles. We must use the power of collaboration and connection to act as a catalyst for courage: to push forward the women who are stepping outside their comfort zone, the women who are living the daily grind keeping everything together, and the woman running the shop that she started herself.

Whether you are an entrepreneur, a mom, a wife, neighbor, doctor or teacher, International Women’s day is a call for connection and a call for action. Being part of the Collingwood community is an honour and a privilege, and one, that as women, we need to uphold and take on with gratitude. We must remember the common goals that bring us together: to try new entrepreneurial endeavors, to follow our dreams, to break down barriers, and to reach success in our family, career and community.  Commit to extending this beyond simply one day, and think about women in your life and in the community who you are grateful for and share this with them – every day. Take the time to simply to show them, that in everything they do, they are not alone, but rather have a tribe of incredibly supportive women, believers, and fellow change makers who are standing behind them to push them on.

This year, celebrate another successful international women’s day, by committing to connecting with more women in your life and in the community who can bring you up and push you forward.  Go find your tribe.  As women we are strong, but as a community of women, we are strongest.  And this is true every day of the year

The countdown is on to the start of the Blue Mountain 24-Hour ski relay fundraiser, held at Blue Mountain Resort on February 24-25, 2018. During this time and in the months leading up to the big day, Individuals and teams raise money to support local Collingwood charities, including Special Olympics Ontario and G&M Hospital Foundation. If you are not familiar with the event, or haven’t been able to attend in previous years, you are in for an exciting weekend filled with lots of snow, lots of skiing, and of course, lots of community spirit.

How it Works

Every February, Blue Mountain Resort organizes a 24-hour ski relay charity event as a chance to raise money, raise awareness and to bring the community of Collingwood and surrounding areas of Ontario together. Each individual looking to participate as a skier, must register for the event and purchase a ticket. This includes a lift pass for the weekend, reception Friday night, Saturday morning breakfast, a gift bag, and of course a ski bib and timing chip for your team for the weekend. You can register as a team or if you do not have a team, enter as an individual and you will be placed on a team for the weekend.

Special Guests

Not only is the event for a good cause, but it will also bring in some good people! Brian Semmle, 4-time Olympic skier will be coming on as an event ambassador, bringing his experience, expertise, and long-standing support of the Special Olympics to the forefront of the event. In addition, Kate Pettersen, sports reporter and host, will be hanging out on the mountain for the duration of the event to act as the official on-air host and supporter of the event. Kate grew up as a skier in the Escarpment, and now comes back ready to act as an enthusiastic event host and supporter.

How You Can Get Involved

While you can register to participate in the skiing, there are lots of ways to get involved and support the cause, even if you aren’t into skiing. All participants will be looking to raise $150 in addition to their registration fee, so feel free to donate to any team or individual who is participating. You can show up on either day during the event to donate money, act as the cheer squad, or just take in the events and hang out at Blue Mountain to show your support. There will be a live band Friday night, fun skiing events to watch, guest speakers, and of course loads of fun.

Get your hat and gloves and ski pants ready, because when relay weekend arrives, Blue Mountain is the place to be. What are you doing February 24-25^th?

It’s time to take your mind off the snow and the cold, stop wishing for spring and the sunshine, and immerse yourself in Collingwood’s arts scene. The month of February is stacking up to be a great show when it comes to taking full advantage of the city’s arts and culture. Whether you’re into film, theater, or want to take a workshop to learn about art yourself, this month is the time to make it happen.

Blue Mountain Foundation for the Arts (BMFA)

A mainstay in the community when it comes to promoting art and encouraging art education, BMFA is going to be busy this month with workshops and events. First up is the Intuitive Abstract Painting Workshop, on February 21^st. This workshop will use individuals’ current knowledge of colour theory to educate on using intuition to complete abstract paintings. Next up, on February 24^th and 25^th, participants will be able to study evocative landscapes. In this workshop, participants will learn how to use color for emotional emphasis and learn how to create inspirational landscapes.

Sweetwater Film Festival

Coming on February 23^rd to the Simcoe Theatre, the Sweetwater Film Festival is offering a selection of four films, which are not to be missed! The theatre will be screening Frozen Tails, a collection of films that celebrate individuals who choose to head outside in the winter and snow, instead of staying in. These films are all about people who go and freeze their “tails” off in the pursuit of new adventure, new records, and new self-motivated success. With four films to choose from, ranging in everything from skiing to cycling to scootering, you’re sure to find one (or four!) that will make you laugh, smile, shed a tear in triumph. And maybe even make you rethink you decision to hibernate inside for the season!

Meaford Cultural Centre

If music, concerts and performing arts are more your scene, the Meaford Cultural Centre is the place to be. Get out of house and head to a sing-a-long performance of Grease on February 16^th – open to everyone, even if you think you can’t carry a tune! On February 21^st, take in the Led Zeppelin show, where Classic Albums Live will be performing Led Zeppelin 1. On the following night, you can enjoy an “Intimate Evening with Jully Black,” before finishing off the month on February 25^th with The Beckett Family. They’ll put on a classic country music, toe-tapping fiddling show that is sure to have you bouncing in your seat!

This month in Collingwood, there are lots of opportunities to soak up the culture, get creative, and sing along to your favourite musical songs. Get a few friends together, or join up with your family and head out to enjoy the Collingwood arts community.

A cherished holiday every year, Family Day in Collingwood is a chance to forget about work, leave all the weekday stresses behind, and get out in the community with your family. This year, there are lots of family friendly activities happening throughout Collingwood, and lots of ways for you to get involved. On February 19^th, check out some of these locations for your Family Day celebrations:

Blue Mountain Resort

Family Day weekend at Blue Mountain Resort promises to be filled with active adventure, entertainment, outdoor activities, and events that the whole family can participate in. And the best part is, you can take in events starting Saturday morning, and going straight through until Monday afternoon! Start the weekend enjoying family activities and taffy on the snow, before enjoying a DJ party Saturday afternoon and taking in the fireworks in the evening. Sunday brings special Birds of Prey shows, along with interactive drumming in the afternoon, and Monday is filled with family activities, including Groove Dancing and a Wildlife Rescue Show. Pack up the car, grab your skis, and enjoy this weekend as a family affair at the resort!

Blue Mountain Village

The Village at Blue Mountain also has some exciting family events happening to help you celebrate the holiday weekend. Saturday, Sunday, and Monday morning start with a guided snowshoe tour, presented by the village Columbia Store. Snowshoes will be provided and participants will have the chance to explore beautiful parts of the mountain and the surrounding village area, all with the experience and expertise of a professional. This is only the beginning though: in the afternoon on Saturday and Sunday, the village will welcome the characters of Frozen! Roam around the village with them as they meet each family, sing songs, and take in the frozen winter wonderland that is the Blue Mountains.

Central Park

When it comes to free events for Family Day, Central Park is the place to be. Hosting the Collingwood Family Jam, all day on Monday, February 19^th, the park is offering activities for the whole family to enjoy and to encourage getting out together in the community. There will be swimming and an open gym for getting active and playing inside, while outside activities will include public skating, Shinny hockey, a scavenger hunt, and a campfire. You can take in Fat Bike demos, or participate in a family obstacle course, and when you get too cold, just pop into the Central Park Arena to enjoy some free hot chocolate. Pack a lunch and make a day of it, enjoying time with your family getting active and supporting the community!

This year, Family Day weekend is all about getting out and getting active. Choose your favourite activities and get ready to have a jam-packed weekend of fun, all while supporting the Collingwood community and strengthening family ties.

Situated less than 10 minutes from the Blue Mountains Resort, and closer still to the Scandinave Spa of Blue Mountain, you’ll find Collingwood’s Scenic Caves. Dating back to 1850, these caves were first discovered by explorers in the early 1800s, before Collingwood was even incorporated. They were later settled as a farm and with additional acreage. In 1932, the caves were established as a tourist attraction. Owned by a former Toronto police chief, opening the location to the public gave visitors the chance to explore the farm as well as attend guided tours of the caves. Today, it continues to grow in popularity and it offers cave tours, as well as 420-foot suspension bridge, children’s adventure playground, a train, and now a zipline, featuring as the longest Twin Zip Line in Canada. And with winter in full swing, there is something even more exciting: exploring the park on snowshoe!

Held at night, snowshoeing tours happen underneath the stars, where the nighttime sky creates a perfect setting to experience nature in a completely different way. The park, covered in snow, is transformed into an entirely new adventure, making it a perfect addition to the Scenic Caves Adventure Tours offerings. The hike is usually about two hours in length and is led by an experienced guide who knows all the best places, all the park secrets, and even all the tricks to help you get up the hills! Because don’t think this will be a walk in the park: indeed you are in for a delightful evening workout as you strap on your shoes and gear up in your hat and mittens.

The trail takes you throughout the countryside of the park, winding through paths that intertwine amidst 100-foot tall tress of the mature forest. As you look up at the trees and try to take in the amazing surroundings, you may be surprised to hear it’s time to take a rest! Stopping at the Suspension Bridge, you will have a chance to take in the magnificent views and lookouts of the Niagara Escarpment, before crossing over the bridge (if you dare!). And with a little luck, you may even see the glowing eyes of animal nightlife.

If just reading about it is exciting you, it’s time to get out your calendar and book in your adventure. Held most Saturday nights (weather permitting) from now until March, make sure to reserve your spot so you don’t miss out. Participants are provided with a headlamp to use during the hike and are required to wear hiking boots as well as to dress in layers appropriate to the weather. The pace is moderate and the atmosphere relaxed, but it is recommended for individuals ten years of age and older. And the best part? At the end of your hike, be treated to hot chocolate or cider as well as the option to purchase additional cold snacks and hot beverages!

Winter is here to stay for a few more months, so make the most of it and explore the great outdoors on foot, under the nighttime sky, romping through the pristine snow. Head over to the Nordic Centre to book your adventure!

Winter rages on here in Collingwood, and while it may be cold outside, if you are into winter sports, it has been a ski-lovers’ paradise. With lots of snow, temperatures that allow the hills to stay in good condition, and proximity to the pristine Blue Mountain region, it’s time to ramp up your ski season and make sure you are taking full advantage of all Collingwood has to offer with these fun, upcoming skiing events.

Celebrate Winter

On January 20 and January 21, come celebrate winter all day long. Presented by Blue Mountain Resort, start in the morning with your usual ski and snowboarding plans, then stop at the top of the mountain for Woodview Mountaintop Skating. There is a snowshoe tour and family activities, along with interactive drumming and wagon rides to round out the morning. In the afternoon, take in the DJ’s set, go eat taffy off the snow, and try your hand at the Beavertail eating. In the evening, the village comes aglow with the torch light parade, a family dance party, and fireworks to finish off the night. Head over to check out the schedule and get ready for a weekend of fun.

Badlands Slopestyle

Whether you go in as a spectator, or go in as a competitor, the slopestyle competition hosted by Blue Mountain on January 27 is sure to be exciting for everyone. Taking place at the Badlands Terrain Park, the course will include a selection of jumps, rails, and creative competition features, and will also include cash prizes for Open Divisions. There is something for everyone, starting with the kids, and going all the way through to amateur to open men and women. This event will be a great show of talent to watch, so be sure to head out and support your local community athletes.

Winter Blast

Held as a fundraiser for the Shelter Foundation and Hospice Georgian Triangle, Winter Blast is a day of skiing, yoga, snowshoeing, gourmet food, and outdoor fun sponsored by Royal LePage Locations North. The event takes place at the Craigleith Ski Club with tickets on sale now, which include your day of skiing, eating, and après ski events, all in the name of a good cause. Now in its 33^rd year, this popular event seeks to raise money to support local women and children and offer them access to shelters and support programs in the area. The Hospice Georgian Triangle uses funds raised to train volunteer community members to support individuals living with life-threatening illness.

Not into skiing? Don’t worry; the Skate Trail is open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday to allow you to sharpen your skating skills instead, or just to enjoy some fun winter activities with the family. The line up of fun changes weekly, so be sure to check it out and decide when you want to attend. Or of course, you can always combine the two: spend the day on the slopes and hit the ice at night. Here in Collingwood there is no shortage of winter activities to enjoy: get outside and experience all that it has to offer!