Category: Uncategorized

Apple Harvest Festival

by Collingwood InfoUncategorized

Thanksgiving is a wonderful reason to be in Southern Georgian Bay. It is here where you can see the beautiful fall colours and celebrate the amazing harvest. What we are well-known for is our apples and Thanksgiving is when we celebrate the Apple Harvest Festival, with events at Blue Mountain Village, Thornbury and Clarksburg.

On Saturday, Sunday and Monday, there are events from morning until night and fun for the entire family. All events are free and include magic shows, pie eating contests, dancing, arts and crafts, apple picking and education.

While you are here, you can visit and do other area activities, like visit the Scandinave Spa, Scenic Caves or the Thornbury Village Cidery. Or, you could do one of two Fall Colours Drives, which are just scenic tours around the area to take in the red, gold and green colours of fall on Georgian Bay. Of course, the Apple Pie Trail is well-worth the drive, visiting locations along the trail to pick up apple-themed goodies.

You may want to attend the Apple Harvest Festival at just one of the locations, or pick and choose where you want to be at what time, based on the event schedule.

Some of the highlights of the weekend include:

Blue Mountain Village:

  • Stilt Walkers in the village – 11 to 4:30, Saturday and Sunday
  • Sawyer Bullock Magic Show – 12pm at the Coca-Cola Village Stage, Saturday and Sunday
  • Creation Station – 1 to 4pm at the Events Plaza, Saturday and Sunday
  • Storytime by the Pond – 3:30pm on Saturday and Sunday and 11:30 on Monday at the Storytime Park
  • Live Music – 4 to 7pm on the Coca-Cola Village Stage, Saturday and Sunday
  • Glow in the Dark Grove Dancing – 7pm on Saturday at the Events Plaza
  • Interactive Drumming – 2:30 to 3:30pm on Monday at the Coca-Cola Village Stage

Clarksburg

  • Downtown Outdoor Market – 10am to 5pm on Marsh Street on Saturday
  • Horse and Wagon Rides – 11am to 1:30pm at Lions Park on Saturday
  • Apple Tasting and Picking – 10am to 6pm at Farmer’s Pantry all weekend

Thornbury

  • Apple Education – all day at the downtown parkette, all weekend
  • Family Fun Zone – 11am to 4pm at the Town Hall Park, Saturday and Sunday
  • Live Music – 1 to 4pm, all weekend at the downtown parkette

Whatever events you choose, this is going to be a weekend to remember. The weather is going to be cooler, but still lovely for an event such as this. See you there!

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Collingwood Ski & Snowboard Swap

by Collingwood InfoUncategorized

Let’s face it: Collingwood is well-known for its skiing. People from all over Ontario know the Blue Mountain area for its well-maintained and beautiful Blue Mountain and the rich skiing and snowboarding opportunities it provides. With 42 runs, 16 chairlifts and three freestyle terrains, it is one of the largest resorts in Ontario. Ever since Jozo Weider signed an agreement in 1948 to lease the area, Blue Mountain has been the spot for snow enthusiasts to come and enjoy what we’ve got to offer.

With skiing and snowboarding comes equipment and one of the best events of the year that happens in Collingwood, every Thanksgiving weekend, is the Collingwood Ski and Snowboard Swap. It is here where you can swap, sell or buy a number of ski-related items, which can include:

·        Helmets

·        Skis

·        Ski boots

·        Snowboards

·        Snowboard boots

·        Ski poles

·        Snowshoes

·        Goggles

·        Bags

The entire event is free, whether you are buying or selling, and if you are in the market for new snow equipment, this is the place to stop and find some great deals.

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Basically, how it works is that you’ll register to sell your equipment during the swap. You’ll start by filling out a form and describing your equipment, along with the price you wish to sell it for. It is then tagged and put on display during the sale. Qualified sales people will be on hand to answer questions about your equipment and others and you’ll receive 80% of the purchase price of the goods once it is sold. You’ll come back once the sale is done to get a cheque or take back your unused equipment. If you want, you can donate your unsold equipment.

If you are a buyer, you can attend the sale at the following times:

·        Thursday October 8th from 5pm – 10pm

·        Friday October 9th from 9am – 10pm

·        Saturday October 10th from 9am – 5pm

·        Sunday October 11th from 9am – 4pm

Of course, your best bet is to come early to the first day of the sale to have the most selection. Admission is free and so is parking, so it doesn’t hurt to come and have a look around. If you aren’t from the area, feel free to enjoy the surrounding amenities of Blue Mountain and Collingwood!

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The Collingwood Art Crawl

by Collingwood InfoUncategorized

There are some really top-notch events that happen in Collingwood, but the Collingwood Art Crawl is truly one-of-a-kind. Happening Saturday, September 24th from 6-10pm, this completely free event features over 100 artists at more than 40 venues all in downtown Collingwood.

You read that correct: this event is free and it is also self-guided. Take a walk down Hurontario from First Street to 4th street (and down a few side streets) to discover all that this art crawl has to offer. Along with all of the wonderful art, you’ll also be able to experience live music and food and beverage samplings.

Catching artists in action as they make their art of choice, with several live demonstrations throughout the evening, is one of the events not to be missed.

There are some amazing art projects to be seen this evening, with some great causes. The REDress Project is an initiative to bring attention to missing and murdered Native women in Canada. Art from this project will be featured during the Collingwood Art Crawl. The Youth Art Connect Project is dedicated to creating art sessions for young people, through various forms, so you’ll want to visit them at their location to learn more.

You also won’t want to miss the live body painting, a realtime experimental electroacoustic noisescape, youth aerial skills demonstration, and mural slam, among many other live art exhibits going on during the Collingwood Art Crawl.

There are ways you can participate too, as art isn’t just about viewing! Take part in the Zentangle Mosaic, where your simple line or circle will contribute to the end piece.

Musical performances will be held both inside and outside a variety of venues along the strip. These locations will also be offering food and beverage samplings, so you’ll want to bring your appetite with you. You can find out which venues are offering what on the Collingwood Art Crawl’s website, along with a list of who is performing and when. You can also check out their Facebook page for more in-depth content about what’s happening tomorrow night.

This event will bring in residents and visitors from all over Ontario, so you may want to get there early to find parking near the downtown core.

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Collingwood Low-Cost Rabies Clinics

by Collingwood InfoUncategorized

Keeping your animal up-to-date on all of their shots is super important. It is the only way to limit the spread of some nasty diseases that can make your animal (and others) very sick and even be fatal. Rabies is one of those diseases where it is actually mandatory that your dog or cat be vaccinated for. The cost of pet ownership can be high and sometimes the cost of the required needles can be out of some pet owner’s reach. It is for this reason that many cities put on low-cost Rabies clinics.

The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit is participating in the organization of low-cost Rabies clinics throughout our area, with one located right here in Collingwood. Costs vary, but range from $20 – $25, depending on which veterinarian you choose.

What is Rabies?

Remember the movie Cujo? That dog certainly had Rabies. A viral disease, spread from other animals, usually through bites or scratches, it causes inflammation of the brain and always results in death. Rabies can also be transmitted through saliva, if it comes into contact with the other animal’s eyes, mouth or nose. Humans can also be infected with Rabies, which is why prevention is so important. Globally, Rabies is most often spread by dog bites, but because of solid efforts to eradicate Rabies in North America, it is rare for dogs to have it. Instead, bat bites are the most common source of Rabies here.

Either way, all domestic animals are required to be vaccinated for the Rabies virus and clinics such as these help to prevent the spread of this nasty disease. Once you’ve contracted Rabies, it is possible to vaccinate after exposure, but your chances of survival will diminish.

Where are the clinics in our area?

All clinics in our area are held on Wednesday September 28th.

  • Wasaga Beach Veterinary Clinic –from 9am to 2pm – $20
  • Abernant Veterinary Services – from 2pm to 7pm – $25
  • Balsam Veterinary Office – from 2pm to 5:30pm – $25
  • Bellbrae Animal Hospital – from 2pm to 7pm – $25
  • Creemore Veterinary Services – from 2pm to 7pm – $25

Of Note

You can only pay with cash at these clinics as they don’t have access to debit or credit. All prices include taxes, so this will be a flat fee. All animals need to be restrained with a leash or carrier and they all have to be at least three months of age.

Our Local Treasure: The Scandinave Spa

by Collingwood InfoUncategorized

While Collingwood has many great amenities, one of our most valued spots for both residents and visitors alike is the Scandinave Spa. These Scandinavian baths do wonders for your health, your mind and your general well-being, which is why they are such a treasured resource.

Located just outside the city, near the base of Blue Mountain, this luxurious retreat will literally knock your socks off. With hot and cold pools, a sauna, steam room and many indoor and outdoor spots to relax and kick back, Scandinave Spa is a spot you can visit once a year or many times a month.

Nestled right in the forest, the spa is open every single day from 10am until 9pm, where guests can escape from the stresses of their daily life and simply enjoy the serenity. Similar to the hot springs you’ll find in Europe, your experience includes hydrotherapy, which is where the healing properties of water are used to improve your health.

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The process

From the time you walk into the spa, you’ll be greeted with a friendly and calming atmosphere. You’ll change into your swimsuit in one of the two change rooms and put on a robe (if you so choose). From there you’ll head outside, whether it is spring, summer, fall or winter, where you’ll enter one of the hot pools to relax and simply be still. There are three tubs of varying temperature and you can work your way up to the hottest one. After spending some time in the hot pool, you’ll exit and then enter one of the cold pools. It can definitely be a shock to some, but the effects of getting your body temperature up and then lowering it so rapidly in the cold water is very good for the body.

Once you’ve run silently screaming out of the cold pool, you’ll rest in a hammock, by the fire or another relaxing spot on the Scandinave Spa’s vast and gorgeous property. You may see a bunny run by or a deer in the wood as well.

Your next step might be to go into the sauna, again cooling yourself off in the cold pool or under one of the rain showers. The eucalyptus steam room is great for those winter colds that won’t go away, clearing your sinuses and your head as you enjoy the completely steamed room.

You can spend the entire day here, treating yourself to each feature as you go, being sure to take a break between to get your body temperature back to normal before having it fluctuate again. They have a cafe on site, where you can get delicious and healthy salads and other spa fare, like tea and cookies. Once your treatments are over, you may enjoy an alcoholic beverage or two from the bar.

This spot is great for singles, couples or a group. There is a no-talking policy, as silence is very restorative, so be sure if you are in a group, you are still respectful of the other guests.

Benefits

Of course, a day at the spa is its own benefit, but there are a myriad of other benefits that await you after a treatment here. These include:

  • Boosting your immune system
  • Reducing stress
  • Connecting with a loved one
  • Connecting with yourself
  • Being one with nature
  • Improving blood flow to your organs and skin

The baths cost $55, although Wednesdays are only $45. Book a massage and you’ll get in for free. As a local, you may want to look into a membership so you can go on a regular basis.

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Success for Area Entrepreneurs with Gin Smash

by Collingwood InfoUncategorized

There have been many successful ventures that have come out of our area. Collingwood was voted one of the top places to start and grow a small business in a ranking of Canada’s top entrepreneurial cities. One recent extremely successful business that was created in the area is Georgian Bay Spirits. While they’ve been around for a while with products like Georgian Bay Vodka and Georgian Bay Gin, it wasn’t until their release of Georgian Bay Gin Smash did their business explode.

Made from local ingredients, Gin Smash has flown off the shelves at the LCBO and is the “hit of summer”. Created by founders Tim Keenleyside and Denzil Wadds, part-time residents in the south Georgian Bay region, the pair were shocked to find out that their new product was sold out all over Ontario.

A gin cooler, made with juniper berries harvested in Muskoka and water from the Elmvale aquifer, the cooler has been immensely popular, which caused production issues for the duo. They sold through their forecasted sales for the summer in the first month, which meant many were disappointed to find the shelves at the LCBO were empty of the product.

The Toronto Star has voted this “The best pre-mixed cocktail to have ever hit the LCBO” and many consumers agree, considering the inability to keep it stocked.

ginsmash

The Georgian Bay Spirit Co. was established in 2013, creating products that evoked the purity, balance and relaxation of beautiful Georgian Bay. Their first choice was the Elmvale water aquifer, as it has been touted as having the purest water on earth. They believe they’ve captured “the spirit of the bay in every bottle”.

Not only is their Gin Smash doing well in Ontario, their vodka has received awards in the World Spirits Competition including Best Vodka. Their next project is going to be creating a vodka cooler with their award-winning vodka and they hope for similar success from this cooler as they’ve had from Gin Smash.

The pair hope the production issues will be resolved soon and that they’ll be able to keep up with the demand. In the meantime, if you can’t find Gin Smash on the shelves at the LCBO, you could try one of their delicious recipes for things like Gin and Tonic, French 75, Salty Dawg and Southside.

Sources:

http://www.simcoe.com/news-story/6823127-georgian-bay-gin-cooler-the-smash-hit-of-the-summer-season/

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Collingwood Craft Beer & Cider Festival

by Collingwood InfoUncategorized

This weekend, get your designated drivers in place and come down to the Collingwood Craft Beer & Cider Festival. In its second year, this highly-successful festival brings you delicious food and drink from local brewers and chefs.

Located at the Eddie Bush Memorial Arena (and its parking lot), events will happen Friday night from 5pm to 9pm and on Saturday from 12pm until 9pm. Once you are done there, be sure to head to one of Collingwood’s great restaurants for a nightcap.

Tickets

There are a number of ticket options, with include admission and more that you can buy in advance. If you just want to attend, tickets are $15 for either Friday or Saturday. For $20, you’ll get admission, plus six sample tokens plus a commemorative sample beer stein. Once you are there, you can buy additional sample tokens for only $1 each. If you plan on sampling, the $20 admission option is your best bet. If you wait until you get to the door to pay for your tickets, the prices will go up $5 (that’s five samples!).

Drinks

Some of the great beer and ciders to try at this festival will include:

  • Angry Orchard Hard Cider
  • Barnstormer Brewing
  • Black Oak Brewing
  • Brickworks Ciderhouse
  • Creemore Springs Brewery
  • Four Fathers Brewing Co.
  • Highlander Brew Co.
  • Junction Craft Brewing
  • St-Ambroise
  • Nickel Brook Brewing Co.
  • Sawdust City Brewing Co.
  • The Collingwood Brewery
  • Side Launch
  • … and so many more!

collingwood cider

Entertainment

Not just good food and brew, there is also live music to entertain you on both days. Friday night will feature Drew Wright and Strange Potatoes. On Saturday you can see Jason Redman Band, Touch of Vinyl and Strange Potatoes.

Warm-up party

If you want to head out tonight (Thursday, August 25th), there is a warm-up party at the Huron Club tonight with reps from La biere St-Ambroise to answer your questions, plus come complimentary samples and prizes.

A few things to remember

This is a 19+ event, so you will need your identification to prove your age. Children and pets are not allowed, with the exception of infants, who must remain in their strollers. If you are going to drink, remember not to drive!

 

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Collingwood Museum: A Great Spot to Visit!

by Collingwood InfoUncategorized

One of the many great things to do in Collingwood is the Collingwood Museum. Residents and visitors alike visit this completely free museum (by donation!) regularly. With special events, educational programs, archives, research facilities and a gift shop, the Collingwood Museum has it all! Volunteer-run, this museum gives a great opportunity for those in Collingwood to give back to their community.

This museum showcases Collingwood’s marine heritage for the last 150 years. The exhibits change throughout the year and there is a ship sidelaunch every 15 minutes. There are also some great activities for children. Take, for example, the kids programs this summer. All programs are only $12 and only $10 for museum members. The three-hour programs require registration and feature so much fun. Some of the best programs this July at the Collingwood Museum include:

  • Sensational Sister Cities – features Collingwood’s sister cities, along with crafts and other fun activities related to those cities
  • Kickstart my Art – everything from clay to fashion to birdhouses
  • Blast from the Past – celebrating Collingwood’s amazing heritage with lessons on blacksmithing, ship crafts and railway history
  • Water Week – learn about canoeing, fishing, sailing, rowing and swimming during this themed week that celebrates Collingwood’s nautical past and present

Becoming a member of the museum definitely has its advantages, like 20% off in the gift shop, 20% off photographic services, free access to the archives and research facilities, invitations to special events and special rates on museum trips.

Rated as the #2 thing to do in Collingwood on TripAdvisor after the Georgian Trail, it is definitely somewhere that young and old like to visit. The majority of the reviews give it an excellent or very good rating. Reviewers say it is a “small but interesting” museum with friendly staff. Visitors learn quite a bit about Collingwood and its history, as well as the history of the surrounding areas.

Open daily from 9am to 5pm, this might be a fun thing to do when the rain starts this fall!

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Collingwood’s Fire Ban

by Collingwood InfoUncategorized

It has been one scorcher of a summer in Collingwood so it is lucky we live on such a large and gorgeous lake. But, our hot and dry weather has prompted the Collingwood Fire Department to issue a fire ban, which means you can’t burn anything here or in the surrounding areas, for risk of fire.

Many communities in Ontario have fire bans in place right now, as dry conditions have led to an extreme risk of fires in forests and the homes that surround them.

When a fire ban is present in your community it means:

  • No burning of brush
  • No campfires
  • No open flames (i.e., chimneas)
  • No fireworks

As well, those who smoke should be extra careful to dispose of their lit cigarettes in a way that won’t be a potential fire cause.

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While many are aware that they can’t have fires during a fire ban, many aren’t aware that fireworks also pose a significant risk.

While this may sound like a huge bummer, risking the burning down of our beautiful trees and other topography isn’t worth a night around the campfire.

As well, the Town of Collingwood could issue you a fine of up to $1,200 under the town bylaw if you do have a fire during a fire ban. On top of that, if someone needs to call the Collingwood Fire Service because of a fire during a fire ban, they could also charge you for their services.

In other words, be smart and don’t have an open air burning during the fire ban.

Officials don’t know when the fire ban will be lifted, but it will have to be after some significant rainfall, which, as the forecast looks, won’t happen anytime soon.

Enjoy the hot days by taking a swim in the lake, get out on a boat or stay inside in the air conditioning!

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What is the Georgian Good Food Box Program?

by Collingwood InfoUncategorized

Want fresh and nutritious produce at a great price? Want to help those less fortunate in your community, to ensure they also have fruits and vegetables in their diet? The Georgian Good Food Box Program can help you do both.

This non-for-profit organization is essentially a buying club that purchases fresh produce and distributes it in the Southern Georgian Bay area, including Collingwood. They buy it wholesale and pass on those savings to you. All members are volunteers, which is also another great opportunity for Collingwood residents to give back to their community. If you can lift up to 20 pounds, you can volunteer with the Good Food Box Program.

Orders are placed on the second Wednesday of each month and packed and ready for pick up every third Wednesday of the month. There are a number of spots to place orders in Collingwood, Wasaga Beach, Stayner and Creemore. The pick-up for Collingwood is at the Legion at 499 Ontario Street from 11:30 to 2pm every third Wednesday. You can place your order at the Collingwood Community Resource Center or Breaking Down Barriers. If you choose, you can place an order online using PayPal.

good food

Just so you can realize what a great deal you are getting, a large box only costs $15, while a medium one is $10. If you do order online, there is a $1 processing fee.

Because the costs are so low, you might want to consider donating what you would have spent at the grocery store to ensure others are provided with fresh fruit and vegetables. Georgian Good Food Box donates free boxes to fixed-income families.

While the Georgian Good Food Box Program is not new, it is worth mentioning such a great resource we have in the Collingwood community. Not only does it help ensure families are getting good quality and fresh produce at affordable prices, it provides opportunities to make our community better.

If you follow them on Facebook or Twitter, you’ll get reminders to put in your order right in your newsfeed. They’ve also got some great recipes on how to use up all that yummy produce.

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