By MPP Bobbi Ann Brady
By the time this column is published we will have celebrated our wonderful country’s 159th birthday at various parties and parades across Haldimand-Norfolk. I was proud to partake in parades in Caledonia and Port Dover, as well as a fantastic celebration in Dunnville. The sound of Canada Day fireworks is the starter pistol for summer fun in our neck of the woods. And with so many things to do and places to experience, there is no reason to travel outside our beautiful riding.
I would like to remind folks about how Canada Day came about. Less than a year after the signing of the British North American Act on July 1, 1867, which made Canada a country, our then Governor General Lord Monck (Charles Stanley Monck, Viscount Monck) requested all Canadians celebrate July 1st. In 1879, a federal law made “Dominion Day” a statutory holiday, and that is how it was until after it became Canada Day in 1982. Same country, same celebration, less ‘colonial’ name. Some still debate which is better. I will leave that up to you to decide.
To my point about not having to leave Haldimand-Norfolk to have a great summer, I will run down some of the cool things going on.
The No. 6 RCAF Open House and Car Show in Port Maitland on July 4th, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. If you are into autos, aircraft, audio stylings and more, this family-friendly event is for you. It features classic cars, vintage aircraft, vendor markets, and live entertainment.
Yee-haw! It is back partner! A raucous good time is guaranteed when the annual Norfolk Pro Rodeo arrives at Timmerman’s Ranch on Nixon Road, between Nixon and Rattlesnake Harbour from July 17th -19th. They call it “The best 8 seconds of summer,” and being a part-time cowgirl, I might just agree. George Canyon and Aaron Pritchett will be sharing their sweet sounds July 17th and 18th respectively. More info at www.norfolkrodeo.com
Cayuga Summer Festival is on Saturday July 18th from 9:00am to 3:00pm. Cayuga Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring this event bursting with bouncy castles, food trucks, local vendors and a classic car show. It is in the Cayuga Arena parking lot at 55 Thorburn Street. Oh, and admission is a great price, free!
Back for the August long weekend, August 1st-3rd, it’s a Haldimand county celebration of our agriculture heritage with the Walpole Antique Farm Machinery Association’s Heritage Days in Jarvis.
Feel like making friends? Simcoe Heritage Friendship Festival is taking place July 31st to August 3rd. You’ll find arts and craft vendors, food trucks, and a wide variety of local talent. More details at https://www.facebook.com/FriendshipFest.ca/
August 15th and 16th, brings us more artisans and antique vendors with Port Dover Summer Festival, aka Art in the Park. The event is organized by the Port Dover Board of Trade. https://portdoversummerfestival.com/
It’s not corny, it’s cool! The Jarvis Cornfest is back from August 14th to 16th. This is a great selection of music, food, and fun for everyone. Happening at the Jarvis Lions Park. So much going on and I only have so many words. Check it out here https://jarviscornfest.com/
Long Point Region Conservation Area is again shining like the sun this summer. There’s the Festival of Lights on July 18th, Field to Flour and Field to Fabric on August 1st, and more poignant than ever, The War of 1812 Re-enactment is on September 12th and 13th. Visit https://www.lprca.on.ca/events/ for more information.
Keep in mind all summer long, Haldimand and Norfolk abound with farmers markets. Do not miss the bounty of local fresh foods. Plus, museums also host a variety of events over the summer months.
As in the past, we have done our best to research all these events, but if we missed anything contact my office and I will promote your special event on social media. Summer’s here and the time is right for Haldimand-Norfolk.
Bobbi Ann Brady is MPP for Haldimand and Norfolk