Relish Elgin Summer 2015 by Joanne Bagshaw

Culture Home Recreation Summer 2015 | Volume 9 | Issue 2

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The Artwork of

Robin Grindley

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:

25 Years at Quai du Vin • Moosberger Potato Farms Chef Cindy Bircham's Crispy Potato Cakes Wedding Guitarist Guy Miskelly • Buy Local Buy Fresh

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FROM THE EDITOR

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

“Comfort” is a funny thing. Herculean efforts have gone into making our lives more comfortable—to taking the work out of daily tasks and to adding luxury. At the same time whole industries have grown up around motivating us to step outside of our comfort zones both physically and creatively.

4 A Grape Celebration: 25 Years at Quai du Vin Estate Winery 8 Potato Pride at Moosberger Farms 12 The Humble Potato, with recipe for Crispy Potato Cakes

All of the people we have written about in this edition of Relish Elgin have contributed to local life by stepping outside of their own comfort zones. Rob Quai considers challenges to be necessary to maintaining his motivation as the owner at Quai du Vin Estate Winery. Generations of one family at Moosberger Farms have innovated, as all farmers must, to make good food and a sustainable livelihood. Artist Robin Grindley discovered in his early thirties that painting can be a daily adventure and hasn’t looked back. Musician Guy Miskelly has shaped a career from his willingness to always be open to learning. Babies and young children are often fearless about reaching each new stage of their development, although still maintaining a confident reliance on those who care for them. A recent chance to observe a group of forty- and fifty- something women try a zip-lining course together demonstrated how one experience can represent variable challenge levels depending upon the person. It also revealed the value of a support group. This summer, may you and your family have adventures filled with just the right mix of easy relaxation and perhaps pushing your boundaries a little with the support of your own “tribe”.

Debra “Do one thing every day that scares you.” ~ Eleanor Roosevelt

RELISH ELGIN SUMMER 2015

By Chef Cindy Bircham

14 Playing it by Ear: The Music of Guy Miskelly 16 Elgin Map & What's in Season 19 Buy Local Buy Fresh 20 The Art of Robin Grindley: Expressing Joy 25 Summer Events in Elgin OUR COVER IMAGE

Dancing Flowers (acrylic on canvas, 24x24"), by Robin Grindley. Find out more about Robin in our story on page 20. Editor • Debra Bagshaw • editor@relishelgin.ca Design • Joanne Rowles • jo@relishelgin.ca Advertising Info • ads@relishelgin.ca TO SUBSCRIBE Send a cheque for $10 (to cover mailing) to the following address. Includes 5 issues. Relish Elgin Magazine P.O. Box 20058 St. Thomas, ON, N5P 4H4 519-633-1992

www.relishelgin.ca Copyright 2015, Relish Marketing & Promotions Inc. All rights reserved. Relish Elgin is published by Relish Marketing & Promotions Inc. Reproduction of any material published in Relish Elgin is strictly prohibited without the written permission of the Publisher.

Food & Drink

A Grape Celebration 25 YEARS AT QUAI DU VIN ESTATE WINERY

Like a nice wine, Quai du Vin Estate Winery has lovely layers. You arrive there via a picturesque drive along Fruit Ridge Line which runs through Elgin County’s highest elevations. The large retail wine shop is set into a slope complete with wine barrel waterfall. Inside, a staff member (often one of the Quai family) will invite you to taste and happily answer your questions. Next you can head out back to relax with a glass of your favourite in the shade of the Wine Press Terrace. From the terrace you will see an “ultimate” outdoor event area, home to the annual “Summer Sounds Delicious” music series, private functions and weddings. There’s a stage landscaped with massive rocks, a huge tent, shiny dance floor, and great (really) outdoor washrooms. Beyond that are the gently rolling slopes of the vineyards. You might get the sense that everything you see before you has come about, like a nice wine, in a natural way with liberal inputs of passion and hard work. And it has…

Rob Quai reflected recently on what has gone into the twenty five years since he and wife Lisa opened the winery that has become a pictureperfect place for quality, affordable wines and memorable events. He says, “I approach everything as a challenge but I don’t get too stressed about things. There are so many different directions we could be going in but we have tried to allow the business to grow naturally.” Over the long-term, Quai du Vin’s goal has been to expand the vineyards in order to become selfsufficient, produce wines in the European style and market them directly from the winery. Five acres of new vines planted two years ago were to provide that self-sufficiency, although two bad winters running have set them back a bit. Dealing with the LCBO has recently become more streamlined, but Rob says, “From the beginning our philosophy has been that we would have to be producing a much larger volume in order to compensate for the reduced margins of selling through the LCBO and

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Food & Drink we just didn’t see that that’s where we wanted to be.” Dedication to the traditional style of winemaking which was part of the winery’s beginnings continues on in the hands of a new generation winemaker, son Jamie. He has taken on that role with passion and creative spirit. Quai du Vin whites tend to be crisp, fragrant, and suitable on their own or with food. While many of today’s popular red wines are meant for sipping rather than food pairing, wines in the European style are meant to be paired with foods. They can be just as lovable as the big Chilean and Argentinian sipping reds, but they require a little more romancing and the accompaniment of some good food. Winemaker’s Dinners are held in the Quai du Vin wine cellar, a few times each year. That experience quickly reveals the rewards to be discovered in lining up a few tasting glasses with a nice meal and experimenting a little to discover the pairings which appeal to you. In turn, the Winemaker’s Dinners have given Jamie a chance to appreciate the diversity of people’s palates. He has also experimented extensively with blending to create wines which layer the flavours of a certain vintage, as well as pleasing a broader range of taste preferences.

Many factors have gone into Quai du Vin’s success: seizing opportunities as they have arisen, great organization, looking for efficiencies, developing the facility slowly and surely over-time… and a lot of hard work and a sense of fun. Last year they were eager to try out a new retail avenue introduced in Ontario: farmer’s markets. That proved to be interesting—the logistics of staffing seven locations was sometimes difficult and they were surprised to find the smaller markets generated greater sales. As a result, this summer they will scale back a bit to concentrate their efforts on the locations which were most successful. Rob is always on the lookout for ways to increase efficiency. He says, “The joke around here is that I put everything on wheels—bars, all the displays that we built for the farmers markets, the list goes on…” Development of the event venue has been a good way to diversify and a nice fit with the other parts of the business. Organization of the nineteenyear running “Summer Sounds Delicious” music afternoons has been perfected. Cars pile in, in an orderly procession; chairs and picnic baskets cover the lawn and music fills the air. Attendees sip from

Above: Jamie and Rob Quai in the vineyard (photo by Philip J Bell, Shutter Studios), Bishop Soul as Michael Jackson on stage at Quai du Vin (photo by Mark Girdauskas, Photos by MG); previous page: Quai du Vin maple ice wine (photo by Philip J Bell, Shutter Studios)

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Food & Drink Quai supplied wine glasses (a deposit is collected and refunded upon return of the glasses), savour their picnics, respectfully use the strategically placed garbage receptacles, dance or sit back to live music, and clear out promptly when the last band finishes playing. Although the staff (and often recruited family members) make it all look easy, it still must be a lot of work. But Rob smiles, “I love doing them—I need that element of stress to drive me. If it’s not there I don’t have any motivation.” Over the years, Rob has also dreamed up innovative ways to market the winery, along with other local businesses. He developed a “Trillium Tour” (a passport of businesses and trillium viewing stops) which ran in May for several years. He also initiated

a joint effort by Elgin County businesses to appear together in a themed area at the London Wine and Food Show in order to create an impressive presence for the area. When we chat early in June, Rob admits there have been a few set-backs going into the summer season. They were looking forward to finally finishing off some of the non-public basement areas of the winery, but recently there had been some unexpected tent repairs and equipment breakdowns which have eaten into the renovation budget. Also, they are still waiting to determine the losses from a second year running of bad winters. Challenges will be met, as always, but still it’s got to be disappointing.

QUAI DU VIN TIMELINE 1955 • Rob’s parents, Redi and Luisa moved to St. Thomas from Northern Italy. 1972 • The first 10 acres of vineyards that would become Quai du Vin were planted. At the time, it was the only vineyard in the area. 1976 • Inniskillin Winery was licensed, the first new winery in Ontario in 50 years. They were customers for Quai grapes. 1981 • Rob graduated from university and decided to farm with the idea of someday opening a winery. 1984 • Rob opened a wine and beer-making store for amateurs in St. Thomas. 1986 • The impending Free Trade Agreement signing was expected to cause a decreased demand for grapes. 1988 • Rob sold the wine & beer-making business to concentrate on obtaining a winery licence; preliminary approval was granted. 1989 • 5,000 litres of Vidal (a white French hybrid, the most prolific white in Ontario) was produced.

1990 • Quai du Vin officially opened, one of 19 wineries in Ontario at the time. 5,000 litres of DeChaunac (red) was produced. Demand was mostly for whites. 1994 • A major addition was made to the buildings. Wine tastes were shifting to an increased demand for reds and dryer whites. 2005 • Jamie made his first vintage, a 2004 Baco Noir. 2006 • Jamie graduated from Brock’s fledging winemaking program. 2007 • Winemaker’s Dinners were introduced. 2013 • A new landscaped stage and permanent dance floor were built. 2014 • Production averages 90,000 bottles per year • Wines were sold for the first time at farmers’ markets in Ontario. 2015 • Quai du Vin celebrates 25 years as a winery.

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Food & Drink

On a lighter note, Rob has a quick smile and answer to the question of what has been most rewarding? “Most satisfying for me is having my family come into the business—initially, Jamie as the winemaker and now Lena has joined us as well in an administrative role, and we’re looking forward to what she’ll be able to bring to the business. And also having Lisa by my side the whole time has been a tremendous asset. So that and the event end of the business—the weddings, corporate functions and the music events have been very successful for us.” Finally, I wonder if Rob has found any drawbacks to working with his children. He thinks a minute and says, “Well, they do tend to squash my ideas”. He elaborates a little and it is obvious that he has plenty of ideas percolating for bringing together food, wine and fun.

So… Kids, keep up the good work! It’s a delight to see the next generation bringing their youth and creativity to the family business. But please remember—Dad still wants to have fun! Editor’s Note: A few weeks after we talked with Rob, Jamie was happy to report, “The vines have actually come through the past winter so much better than expected, with almost no mortality and quite a bit of fruit (which suggests the critical buds were not injured). We have gone from being optimistic several weeks ago to being confident in a really good crop this year.” Wonderful news! Find out more about Quai du Vin wines, vineyard and Summer Sounds Delicious events at www.quaiduvin.com. Visit them at 45811 Fruit Ridge Line, St. Thomas or call 519-775-2216.

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RELISH ELGIN SUMMER 2015

Agriculture © fotolia.com/stevecuk

POTATO PRIDE AT

Moosberger Farms

Moosberger Farms, located on Nova Scotia Line just west of Port Burwell on Lake Erie’s north shore, has long been a landmark and popular stop for fresh potatoes. A large distinctive sign marks the farm which has been dedicated, for four generations, to a way of life and to growing really good potatoes.

Marlene and Annette Moosberger, the women of the middle two generations, chatted recently about their farm. Back in 1957 Howard and Marjorie Burwell share-cropped tobacco in Springfield and, wanting to diversify, planted ten acres of potatoes. Annette laughs, “Their daughter Marlene went for the help—Henry Moosberger was the Burwell’s hired hand.” The extended family moved the potato farm to its present location in 1959. Marlene and Henry’s son Dennis decided to continue the tradition and was later joined by wife Annette and now by their children Craig and Stacy. Today Annette and Dennis are the only ones living on the original farm, but the three generations all continue to work together. “Who’s the boss?” I wonder. Annette and Marlene answer in unison, “Everybody!” Annette continues, “You just know

what you have to do—Henry operates the digger, Craig drives the truck along-side and we all work in the barn filling storage. Marlene says emphatically, “And I am trying to retire.” She and Henry built a house just down the road because, although she would have been happy to move a bit further afield, “The farm is still all Henry thinks about.” The Moosberger’s 130 acres of potatoes go to fresh market (stores, restaurants, farm gate and through a re-packer). In contrast, a nearby neighbour grows three or four hundred acres which are processed into potato chips. Although many large chains no longer allow direct delivery, the bulk of Moosberger Farms potatoes appear widely across Ontario in stores like Metro and Sobeys, though without their brand on the label. They are distributed via a company in Burlington which receives their shipments of twenty-two 2,000-pound bags and packs them into 10s. Early in June, the final two bulk shipments for the year had just been sent. They reserve a supply of their larger potatoes in order to ensure year-round deliveries to their local chip wagon and restaurant customers.

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Agriculture Annette describes what happens through the seasons. “Each year, spring is busy with planting and usually lots of irrigating. We start digging new potatoes the middle of July and harvest mid- to end- September depending on the weather. The nights have to be cooler for harvest so that the barn and potatoes are cool. It’s usually done by the end of October (before the ground freezes)—if the fall is wet it has sometimes been the first week of November. Then we pack all winter.” Potatoes are graded, washed and weighed into 10-, 20- and 50-pound bags and into trailer loads for bulk shipment. A grader, washer, automatic bagger, and a bobcat for filling the trucks aid in the work. Seed is usually purchased from New Brunswick, cut with the automatic cutter and planted with a fourrow planter. The types of potatoes have changed somewhat over the years—this year the early variety will be Envols, then Russets, Chieftains, and Yellow Flesh. Marlene recalls many changes since her family planted their first ten acres of potatoes. “You wouldn’t believe the difference—in Springfield and even here for the first couple of years, we had a little one-row digger that would throw the

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potatoes back out on the ground and then people would go along with half bushel type baskets with a handle; you picked them up by hand and then put them into a burlap bag. Now we dig two rows at a time and they go up an elevator right into the truck; you drive it to the barn and back it up to the grader. My son and daughter-in-law and grandchildren are all good workers, but I think if they had to do it the way we did when we first started out, they probably wouldn’t have—I don’t think anyone would now.” Regardless of the variety, it’s the taste Moosberger’s potatoes have become known for. Says Annette, “It’s all in the dirt—our potatoes aren’t bitter, they just have a nice flavour.” Potatoes don’t have a particularly distinctive taste, but that sandy loam soil of the Nova Scotia Line farm gives theirs a pleasant “potato-ishness” that has long been appreciated by their customers including many who buy direct from the farm. They have had complimentary calls, and even a letter from Austria from a lady who had visited relatives nearby and wrote to say she had never tasted such good potatoes. Potatoes are a staple on many tables, and most people likely give little thought to the work that

Agriculture goes into growing them. Annette says, “Potatoes are very demanding—they take about 1 ½ inches of water a week, you have to be on the watch for diseases all the time and once you kill the tops and start digging you have to finish or the potatoes get tougher. It’s hard work and there are huge costs to growing potatoes that people don’t realize.” In spite of the demands, the extended family seems to have developed a workable routine and both women agree they enjoy the farming lifestyle. Annette says, “It’s an awesome way of life. You were here for your kids growing up. You eat and spend all your time together as a family. The car seat went in the tractor for digging potatoes; you had the playpen in the barn. You played while you worked.” Both women speak of their blended home and work lives with a tone of enthusiasm and humour. Until two years ago, both Marlene’s and Annette’s

families lived in the same home on the farm. They laugh about their initiative several years ago to make Christmas money by growing and selling an acre of vegetables like cabbage, carrots and onions. Annette says, “But then Dennis saw how well we were doing and it went from an acre to 25 acres and we didn’t get any of the money—so we quit doing it!” As with most farming, so much depends on the weather and the whims of mother- nature. Marlene notes that cooler is better—if it’s a really hot summer, potatoes will shut down and stop growing. In the last few years, the challenge that they have found more frustrating than the weather is the demand for cheap food, one that they feel is driven mostly by big chain grocery store policies. “The guy in head office says I want better product at No Frills than at Walmart—I want people to open that bag

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Agriculture and say ‘Oh that’s better quality than what you are getting at Walmart” and Walmart saying, ‘I want better quality and a cheaper price’. A lot of food gets wasted. And when they sell a 10 pound bag of potatoes as a loss leader for 97 cents—less than it costs us to produce them—covering the loss is now on the back of the farmer.” In spite of some frustrations, Annette is quick to point out, “We’ve had fun. It not nine to five— sometimes you work long hours and then you get rain days and get caught up on housework and laundry and groceries. Hopefully, there’s something for the kids to take over—you need to be big to survive. If you’re too small you’re not going to make enough money.” She mentions a side business her husband Dennis is starting with their son Craig, Lakeshore Lining, a coating system which can be used in truck beds,

garage floors and around pools. She sees it as a way to add a back-up to the family income. “Everything is getting harder, so it’s good to have something to help you out.” Marlene says “I think the best thing is that the kids have shown such interest in farming.” Both women speak with pride about the next generation. “They are awesome kids and they work hard.” What shines through in talking with Annette and Marlene is pride in their potatoes, their family and their farm. Hopefully their tradition of good tasting potatoes rooted in the soils of Nova Scotia Line will continue for generations to come. Moosberger Farms is located at 52274 Nova Scotia Line, Port Burwell. You can reach them by calling 519-874-4382.

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Food & Drink

The The

Humble

Potato By Chef Cindy Bircham

There aren't too many vegetables that grow on five continents, can be prepared using just about every cooking method, and grace the plates of both the most refined and simplest of dining tables. But the potato does. It took centuries for the ancient tuber to be accepted from South America to the New World in the 1600s but once it did it became as important as the other world staples at the time, wheat and rice. Its acceptance in the Old World was slow due to religious views, unsuitable varieties cultivated for the climate, and improper culinary preparations. Legend has it a Frenchman by the name of Palmentier was responsible for planting the first potato fields in France. Palmentier planted the tubers in an armed garden and instructed the guards to accept bribes. Just as he suspected, that which is deemed worthy of guarding must be valuable and the potatoes were stolen from the garden and replanted elsewhere, spreading their acceptance. A tuber is classified as the tip of an underground stem that swells with stored starch and water. There are hundreds of varieties of potatoes, even more if wild varieties are considered. Cookery-wise we generally classify potatoes into two types: waxy and mealy. Both terms refer to the texture of the tuber after cooking. Waxy potatoes (Norland, Atlantic, Viking, some fingerlings) have a high moisture

content but low starch content so they are denser and hold their shape when cooked. Waxy potatoes are great for boiling, gratins or potato salads. Mealy potatoes (Russets, Superior, Warba, some fingerlings) have a lower moisture content but high starch content. When cooking, the starch cells break down in mealy potatoes making for a fluffy or dry texture which will not hold its shape. Mealy potatoes are great for baking, mashing, andÂ frying. Somewhere in between the two categories falls the all-purpose type of potato; it is somewhat starchy but still holds its shape after cooking. An all-purpose potato, like the Yukon Gold, makes for good mashed or fried potatoes. Those new potatoes with the thin, papery skins, earthy, sweet flavour, and creamy texture available at markets in early summer? Generally they are waxy types, perfect for roasting on the barbecue or boiling for potatoÂ salad. How does a chef/gardener make a potato taste more potato-y once it's out of the ground? Combine it with multiple potato products. Inspired by Modernist Cuisine techniques, the following recipe ramps up plain ol' mashed potatoes into rugged yet refined crispy potato cakes loaded with potato flavour. A simple mash of Yukon Gold potatoes is prepared and enriched with butter, sour cream, and fresh herbs. The mash is cooled, cut, and then

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Food & Drink breaded—drenched in potato starch, dipped in egg, and then in mashed potato flakes (the French term for this breading technique is pané). The idea is to incorporate as much potato as you can into the cakes, but wheat flour and bread crumbs are a suitable substitute. The cakes are chilled uncovered to facilitate a contrasting crispy exterior against the creamy soft interior once fried. Serve the cakes for dinner with grilled beef and chicken or for breakfast as the base for Eggs Benedict instead of an English muffin. Like the potato gardens planted by Palmentier, you may want to guard these cakes—they will disappear fast.

Crispy Potato Cakes Serves 6 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes (about 3 large) 2 tsp kosher salt 6 Tbsp butter, melted 1/2 cup sour cream 2 Tbsp chopped herbs salt & pepper, to taste 2 eggs 1 cup potato starch 1 1/2 cup instant potato flakes 1/2-1 cup sunflower oil 1. Peel and cut potatoes into 1-inch cubes and place in a medium-sized pot. Cover with cold water and a lid then bring to a boil. Reduce heat slightly, add 2 tsp salt to the water, and adjust lid to allow steam to escape. Boil potatoes until tender, about 20 minutes. Remove from heat and drain well. 2. Mash potatoes (or push through a ricer) and stir in melted butter. Add sour cream, chopped herbs, and stir to combine. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, if necessary. 3. Spread mashed potato mixture into a 9 x 9-inch parchment paper-lined pan (alternatively use plastic wrap), then press and smooth to make

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an even surface. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. 4. In three medium-sized bowls prepare the breading ingredients: in one bowl place potato starch, in the second combine the eggs with 2 Tbsp water, and place the potato flakes in the third. 5. With a sharp knife or round cookie cutter, cut the cold potato mixture into 2-inch squares, rounds, or your preferred shape. Take the cut potato mash and place in the first bowl, dusting with the starch and shaking off the excess. Next, dip floured potato cake into egg mixture. Thirdly, place egg drenched potato cake into potato flakes ensuring all sides are covered with breading. Place on paper towel lined tray. Repeat with remaining potato cakes and allow to rest in the refrigerator at least 30 minutes, uncovered. Alternatively, wrap breaded cakes and place in the freezer for up to a month. 6. Heat a few tablespoons of oil in a saucepan. Gently place a few breaded potato cakes into the hot oil and fry for a few minutes until golden brown, flipping halfway through, until hot. Remove from pan and drain on paper towels. Sprinkle with salt and serve hot. Cindy Bircham is a professional chef and recipe developer cooking her way across Elgin County with a passion for quality, local and made from scratch. Follow her latest food finds and adventures at www.facebook.com/ElginHarvest. You can also sign up there for her newsletter and receive notification of “bake days” on which you can pick up pre-ordered sour dough bread and other delectable goodies baked in a wood fired oven. Photos by Cindy Bircham

Entertainment

Playing It By Ear THE MUSIC OF GUY MISKELLY

At age nine Guy Miskelly told his parents he would like to learn guitar. They approached a friend who played and lived on the same street in Aylmer and though he was not an instructor he agreed to give Guy some lessons. It was the start of his life-long passion for music and led to a career in which he has shared his talents with countless students and at hundreds of events as a versatile freelance musician. The neighbour also introduced Guy to playing by ear. He says, “I didn’t really know at the time you can do that, and I certainly didn’t think I could.” He went on to develop his guitar skills on his own and learned more about music through the band program at East Elgin Secondary School and by playing with friends in a rock band. He was also inspired by musicians like Eddie Van Halen and Stevie Ray Vaughn and knew he wanted to learn more. He enrolled in the applied music program at Mohawk College where the teachers included some great jazz musicians. Upon graduating in 1995, Guy set out to make his passion for music the basis of his career. From the beginning he knew he wanted to teach. His knack for tailoring the lesson to the learner has made him a popular teacher with students of all ages and stages including children, teenagers, middle-aged, and retired adults. He says, “It’s all over the map.

Everybody wants to learn different things—some younger kids haven’t discovered what they want; teenagers get to pick what they want to learn and some adults are interested in fingerstyle blues.” He believes reading music and playing by ear are both important and combines them in his teaching. “When I teach, I try to get my students to figure out by ear, and give them pointers on what to listen for and how to correct where they might be going wrong.” He enjoys the differences in students, seeing them get better and trying different things when they are finding something particularly challenging. He adds, “I’m still learning myself, even in my lessons. Sometimes I make up exercises to get students to learn and it makes me more aware of the music myself.” In recent years Guy has been very successful at networking, getting his name out there and picking up regular requests to freelance. He says, “In the past I used to do a lot of tribute stuff, but that required more travelling. I could see that being a permanent part of a band can often be difficult.” However, in order to diversify his career, and be able to play more, freelancing has worked out well. Guy has played frequently with rocker Sarah Smith and country singer Genevieve Fisher. He has been

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Entertainment involved with the country music scene for quite a while. He says, “There’s a lot of new country. I often get gigs filling in when a group’s guitarist is on holidays.” Recently he got called at the last minute and had to learn twelve new songs in one week—that’s where his ability to learn quickly comes in handy. Guy can also be found playing at events like a recent Children’s Hospital Benefit with Genevieve Fisher, on the Mother’s Day Brunch Train on the Port Stanley Terminal Rail or at the St. Thomas airport for a touring group of pilots and their passengers. In the past few years, Guy has branched out further as “The Wedding Guitarist”, offering his acoustic guitar talents in styles from popular to folk, classical and jazz for weddings, parties and events. He says, “I realize that as I get older people might not want to hire the ‘old guy’ to play rock guitar gigs.” I think he still has quite a few years in which he will be in demand as the “Rock Guitar Guy”, but this diversification is just another example of the smart outlook he has had in shaping his career. As a complement to his solo acoustic services Guy started his own band a couple of years ago, “Dr. Groovinator,” which plays mainly at wedding receptions. He is looking forward to a busy summer. As the student lessons slow down for the next couple months other bookings pick up. With weddings and freelance bookings (on a tour with Sarah Smith out west, at a 3-day event with Genevieve Fisher on Manitoulin Island and at the Boots and Hearts Festival in Oro-Medonte), every weekend is booked.

playing; every show I give 100% because it’s what I love to do.” Does he have any advice for aspiring musicians? “Learn as many styles as you can even if you don’t like the style. If you had told me when I was eighteen I would be playing country music I wouldn’t have believed you. Now, I do appreciate it. You have to be able to play convincingly, so you get hired. It’s rewarding and it makes it more fun to be playing different styles. It also helps in teaching because people want to learn all sorts of styles.” Guy and his wife Dawn, who is Manager at the Elgin County Railway Museum, were raised in Aylmer and now live with their children in St. Thomas where they enjoy the smaller city atmosphere. He says, “We’re not big city people.” Guy has managed, through networking and versatility, to shape a career based in St. Thomas. It is nice when accomplished artists and musicians are able to make a smaller centre “home base”—nice for them and for us. Find out more about Guy Miskelly online at www.guymiskelly.ca and on Facebook (Pro Guitar Instruction in St. Thomas; Guy Miskelly Guitar; Wedding Guitarist). Photos by Mark Girdauskas of Photos by MG

If you have seen Guy perform at a few of his gigs, it’s easy to see why he is in demand. He has a charming air of happy professionalism, a high degree of musical skill and style and the ability to be a musical chameleon. Whether adding to the ambience with acoustic background music, or being part of the back-up band for rock or country singers he is able to contribute just the right complementary vibe to whatever is happening. He says, “I enjoy

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Apples (storage) • Apricots • Artichokes Asian Vegetables • Beans • Beets • Blueberries Bok Choy • Broccoli • Cabbage • Carrots Cauliflower • Celery • Cherries • Corn Cucumber • Currants • Eggplant Garlic • Gooseberries Grapes • Leeks Lettuce

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DISCOVER • INDULGE • ESCAPE

Our gift boutique offers unique handcrafted gifts & gourmet foods created from our harvested lavender. Open Wed-Sat 10-5 & Sun 12-4 • Mother’s Day until Christmas

growers & creators of fine lavender products

LAVENDER FAIRY FESTIVAL

Saturday August 8th, 12-4pm • Bring Your Wings!

47589 Sparta Ln, Sparta • 519-494-5525 • buds@steedandcompany.com • www.steedandcompany.com

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Step out of the ordinary... and into the extraordinary! Daily Tastings • Custom Wine Tours Licensed Picnic Area • Gift Boutique Shipping Available

New owner Bonnie Preece and winemaker Ron Barr invite you to come in and enjoy your old favourites as well as our new blends. Enjoy a wine smoothie!

Corporate Events Weddings | Gift Cards ST. THOMAS, ONTARIO

226-448-8466

cateringbyjamesmeadows.com

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one of three flavours featured on the patio or inside cafe each week - Raspberry Rush, Peach Smoothie or Strawberry Kiss

(519) 773-5432 • Open 7 days a week

10am-5pm Tues-Sat • 11am-4:30pm Sun (to Dec 20) & Mon (to Aug 31)

Just 20 mins from the 401! Exit onto Hwy 73 and go south through Aylmer, then turn right onto Jamestown Line (we’re #48995).

www.rushcreekwines.com

Eco-Conscious Seasonal Cut Flowers Sunflowers • Special Events & Weddings

Meet Me at the Market Saturdays 8am-12pm May to October Special Christmas Market Day in November

www.hortonfarmersarket.ca

ROSS

BALACLAVA

ALMA

FLORA HORTON

MANITOBA

KAINS

HORTON FARMERS' MARKET Saturdays from Mother’s Day to Thanksgiving COVENT GARDEN MARKET Outdoor Farmers' Market, London (in season)

Janis & Mark Harris and children Cameron, Nathan & Megan janisandmarkharris@hotmail.com

519-668-9537

www.harrisflowerfarmpasturedpork.weebly.com

TALBOT

Member of the Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers

HORTON MARKET

Make our garden your garden! raspberries peaches sweet corn and much more seasonally available

48937 Glencolin Ln, Aylmer Open Mon-Sat 8am-6pm 519-765-1752 www.berryhillfruitfarm.com

Visit us at the Horton Farmers’ Market in St. Thomas, Saturdays 8am-noon

WINERY TOURS

SATURDAYS - PLEASE CALL AHEAD Tour our vineyards, processing area, fermentation and barrel rooms, then enjoy a tasting, all in the good company of our resident winemaker.

519-775-2216 • www.QuaiduVin.com 2km north of Sparta, Ontario

Agriculture

BUY LOCAL BUY FRESH Elgin County’s guide to bringing home unbeatable flavours from local producers evolved over the years from a line drawing to a full-colour map/ guide. Then, last summer, the Buy Local Buy Fresh network launched a brand new interactive website version of the map, linked to individual farm pages, Facebook and Twitter.

consumers. There are also endless possibilities for tourists, both local and from afar, to use the Map and Trail resources separately or in combination. You can search for specific items, like "strawberries", and save favourite destinations using the My Trail feature to create a food and culture tourism adventure.

The project also included integration with East Elgin’s Settlement Stories Quilt Trail. Each quilt block sign on the trail is symbolic of the business where it is located. The website outlines for each the associated story, importance of its history to the settlement area and the reason for that quilt block.

And coming soon … Buy Local Buy Fresh will be your source for recipes featuring local food and guiding you to the farms where you can pick up the fresh ingredients. Look for new ones every two weeks. Also in the works, a Buy Local, By Artisans Trail will add some new artisan “flavours” for rural trekkers to visit on their own or on a trip integrating the other two trails.

Farmers and businesses now have a unique and dynamic tool for connecting directly and easily with

Discover the Local Food of Elgin County!

Fruits and Vegetables and Herbs Meats • Honey and Syrups Wineries • Markets Nurseries

Plan your visit, enjoy all our trails at:

buylocalbuyfresh.ca RELISH ELGIN SUMMER 2015

Arts

THE ART OF ROBIN GRINDLEY

Expressing Joy When Robin Grindley talks about his art it quickly becomes apparent that he sees each day as a new chance to paint, to throw open a door to creative adventure and discovery. “Just a little bit of form, lots of colour, lots of play, always exciting, sometimes frustrating, but because I paint with acrylics there are no mistakes. I learn how to paint every time I paint.” The door to painting adventure is one that Robin discovered when he was in his early thirties, after many others had slammed shut. Robin’s family moved from Scotland to Canada when he was three. Raised in Downsview, Ontario, he quickly encountered problems in school – he later learned he had dyslexia which, in the 50s was often not recognized. For Robin growing up, it led to insurmountable obstacles to traditional ways of learning. He says, “Finally, at sixteen I was told to go out into the world. And I floundered.”

You can almost hear the crash of doors banging shut before him as Robin describes the problems he encountered in his early adulthood, and it’s not really what he wants to talk about. But it does help explain the wonder he conveys when he talks about the one door that opened up in the form of art. “Dyslexia is why I am a painter and not something else because the doors weren’t open for other things when you’re growing up in the 50s.” He went on to thrive, living and working in downtown Toronto, combining painting with other work, and making many friends along the way. Over the years many of those friends grew to appreciate the joy he conveys both in his painting and his attitude toward life. For several years, Robin was a business partner with Frances Wood at Southern Accent Restaurant which opened in Mirvish Village in 1984. The unique New

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Arts Orleans styled restaurant became a Toronto landmark and was a hot spot for celebrities and events including film festival parties. Robin shone in his role as host, but left in 1996 when he tired of the daily grind of operating a busy restaurant. Several years ago Frances suggested that he hold an art show at Southern Accent and he has continued the annual June tradition ever since. He went on to other jobs, one of them as a cleaner at 401 Richmond, a restored, heritage-designated,

industrial building in downtown Toronto that is home to over 140 artists, cultural producers, microenterprises and galleries. It was just the place to meet many interesting people, hold some art shows and make more friends along the way. Eight years ago, Robin and partner Neil Hubert decided to move from downtown Toronto, partly to be near Neilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s family in St. Thomas. Robin was ready to semi-retire and spend more time painting. Though the move to a smaller city was an adjustment,

Above: Dancing Flowers #2, acrylic on canvas, 24x24"; Robin at home in his studio Opposite Page: Landscape, acrylic on canvas, 16x16"

Presented by Portside Gallery Artists FOR THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER OPENING RECEPTION

Brambles by Pat Curtis

Friday September 4th, 7-9pm 187Â˝ Main St, Port Stanley

http://portside.cuttingpromotions.com

Paradise Lost by Betty Burrell

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Arts the Satyagan Foundation which supports Indian women through empowerment and skills training. However, Robin doesn’t try to express any profound societal messages through his art – that is reserved for pure fun. He says, “Painting is like gardening for me – it’s always on the move; it changes daily.”

he says, “I like it here. We have space – we have a house we wouldn’t be able to afford in Toronto. When I go back there now I wouldn’t want to live there.” He adds, “And we have friends … we made a lot of friends quickly here.” Many of those new friends have become enthusiastic supporters of his artwork (and several of them now trek to Southern Accent to his annual art show). Robin takes a thoughtful approach to lifelong learning, and his own personal impact on society and the environment. He has long supported a local organic CSA, has become a vegetarian, walks and bikes all over the city, reads extensively, has travelled widely, and supports local charities. After travelling to India with Neil and Mamta Mishra who was the Executive Director at the time of World Literacy Canada, he has taken a special interest in

About Robin, fellow artist Josepha van den Anker says: “Robin is a painter of nearabstract landscapes and figurative subjects, who has had the good fortune of being selftaught. Any classical training might well have interfered with a very important component of his work and that is: a purity of spirit and expression, whereby he allows – invites the viewer into his world ... a private world filled with tenderness, compassion, wonder and the operative word: joy!” Robin is one of a growing number of people who have moved from larger centres to happily make a home in St. Thomas and surrounding area. He is excited about his upcoming 65th birthday and continuing to paint and enjoy life and friends here. He and is art are a delightful contribution to the energy of our community. Find out more about Robin’s artwork at www.robingrindley.com. He can be reached at robinmgrindley@gmail.com. Your Elgin-St. Thomas Landscaping Specialists LAWN MAINTENANCE • PRUNING • PLANTING DESIGN-BUILD & RENOVATION PROJECTS ENCHANTING WATER FEATURES RETAINING WALLS, PAVERS & PATIOS

Proud Member of Landscape Ontario

519.633.9176 • beamishlandscape@rogers.com • www.beamishlandscape.com

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Arts

Above, clockwise from top left: A few of Robin's pieces in his studio; Rural, acrylic on board, 18x18"; Brilliant Homes, acrylic on canvas, 18x24"; Close to Shore, acrylic on board, 24x24" Opposite Page: Robin (right) and Neil Hubert with Maya Angelou at Southern Accent in 1996

Summer Blooms Here! 60th Anniversary!

Find us on Facebook

www.canadale.com

269 Sunset Dr, St. Thomas â&#x20AC;˘ 519-631-7264 Summer Hours: Mon-Fri 8-5:30, Sat 8-5 & Sun 11-5

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Sparta

Discover the Timeless Village of

Discover Us Again...

Peter Robson Studios

HERITAGE LINE

HERBS

We’ve relocated!

You can now find our Dried Herbs & Blends, Herb Teas and more at

Celebrating 33 YEARS in Sparta with a 33% DISCOUNT

MAIN STREET, SPARTA

Potted herbs available through the summer

on absolutely everything shown framed in the gallery & on all custom framing.

SPARTA • 519-775-2522 OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

www.peterrobsonstudios.com

519-619-2153

www.heritagelineherbs.com

THE SPARTA HOUSE Tea Room & Restaurant

“Sunday Afternoon” by Peter Robson

Licensed to Serve Beer & Wine

Traditional English fare such as Scouse, Cornish Pasties, Ploughman’s Lunch, Cream Teas and many more exciting dishes, as well as Traditional High Tea

Open at 11am 7 Days a Week • Reservations Preferred

MAIN STREET, SPARTA • 519.775.2312 • WWW.SPARTAHOUSE.COM

Events

Summer Fun

EVENTS ACROSS ELGIN • MORE AT WWW.RELISHELGIN.CA This is a condensed version of the events listings that can be found online at www.relishelgin.ca. Please visit the website for a more extensive list, and more details on the events appearing here.

CURRENT EXHIBITIONS Fri May 1 TO Mon Oct 12 ExhibitION: Beds, Baths & Beyond

Backus-Page House Museum, 29424 Lakeview Ln, Wallacetown | 519-762-3072 | www.backuspagehouse.ca

Mon May 11 TO Sat Aug 29 Exhibition: Waist Management— A History of Unmentionables

Elgin County Museum, 450 Sunset Dr, St. Thomas 519-631-1460 ext.160 | www.elgincounty.ca/museum

Mon Jun 1 TO Fri Aug 28 Exhibition: It's a Small World

Kids' fashions, furniture, toys, games, traditions & photos Aylmer Malahide Museum & Archives, 14 East St, Aylmer 519-773-9723 | www.amtelecom.net/~aylmermuseum

Sat Jun 13 TO Sat Jul 25 ExhibitION: Gerald Pedros—Taking a Line for a Walk

St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre, 301 Talbot St, St. Thomas | 519-631-4040 | www.stepac.ca

ONGOING EVENTS Daily UNTIL Sept 13 Tours of HMCS Ojibwa

SATURDAYS Until OCT 31 Horton Farmers' Market

8am-noon | Manitoba, just north of Talbot www.hortonfarmersmarket.ca

Sun to Thurs from June to late August Canada Southern Railway Station Tours

10am-4pm, Sun to Thurs; by donation 750 Talbot St, St. Thomas | 519-633-2535 | www.narhf.org

SunDAYS UNTIL Aug 30 Music in the Park Concert Series

6-8pm | Bandshell, Pinafore Park, 95 Elm St, St. Thomas www.stthomas.ca/content/pinafore-park

SunDAYS IN JULY & AUGUST Sunday Summer Teas

1-4pm; $10/person; seatings of 8; please RSVP Backus-Page House Museum, 29424 Lakeview Ln, Wallacetown | 519-762-3072 | www.backuspagehouse.ca

Mon tO Sat in July & AugUST Summer Days with the Beekeeper

11am-2pm (open 9am-5:30pm); $12/person (under 2 free) Clovermead Bees & Honey, 11302 Imperial Rd, Aylmer 519-773-5503 | www.clovermead.com

Mon TO FRI IN JULY & AUG CHILDREN'S SUmmer Workshops & Classes

10am-5pm | HMCS Ojibwa, 3 Pitt St, Port Burwell 519-633-7641 | www.projectojibwa.ca

Ages 5-9 & 10-14; check the website or call for schedule St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre, 301 Talbot St, St. Thomas | 519-631-4040 | www.stepac.ca

SATURDAYS Galaxy Cinema Family Favourites

MonDAYS until Sept 21 Cruise Nights at the CASO Station

11am; $2.99/person; proceeds to Free The Children Galaxy Cinema, 417 Wellington St, St. Thomas 519-631-5777 | www.cineplex.com

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6-9pm; no event May 18, Jun 22, Aug 3, Sept 7 CASO Railway Station, 750 Talbot St, St. Thomas 519-633-2535 | Facebook: Cruise Nights @ CASO

Events Tues TO Sat until late August Free Tours of Old St. Thomas Church

9am-5pm | Old St. Thomas Church, 55 Walnut St, St. Thomas 519-633-2610 | www.oldstthomaschurch.com

Tues to Fri in July & AugUST Homestead Days at Backus-Page House

10am-4:30pm; $5/adult, $2/child or student Backus-Page House Museum, 29424 Lakeview Ln, Wallacetown | 519-762-3072 | www.backuspagehouse.ca

TuesDAYS IN JULY & AUGUST Night Hikes & Night Legends

7-9pm | Longwoods Road C.A., 8348 Longwoods Rd, Mt Brydges | 519-264-2420 | www.ltvca.ca

Wed to Sun in Jul & Aug, Mon Aug 3 SAT & SUN IN SEPT & OCT, MON SEPT 7 & OCT 12 Scenic Train Rides on the PSTR

11am, 1pm & 2:30pm; adults $15, children (2-12) $9 Port Stanley Terminal Rail, 309 Bridge St, Port Stanley 519-782-3730 | www.pstr.on.ca

WeDNESDAYS UNTIL mid-SeptEMBER 8TH Annual Aylmer Shrine Cruise Nights

5pm to dusk | ICS Courier Parking Lot, Downtown, Aylmer

ThurSDAYS IN July & WEDNESDAYS IN AugUST History CampS for Kids

Backus-Page House Museum, 29424 Lakeview Ln, Wallacetown | 519-762-3072 | www.backuspagehouse.ca

Various Dates Classes at Little Red Mitten

Little Red Mitten, 86 Talbot St, St. Thomas 519-207-2880 | www.littleredmitten.ca

VARIOUS DATES Tim Hortons Free Swims

Visit website for dates/times in St. Thomas & Aylmer timhortons.com/ca/en/difference/free-swimming.html

JULY EVENTS Thur Jul 2 TO Tues Jul 14 Canadale Customer Appreciation Sale

Canadale Nurseries, 269 Sunset Dr, St. Thomas 519-631-7264 | www.canadale.com

Fri Jul 3 TO Sun Jul 5 Balls CHARITY Bike Rally

Springwater Conservation Area, 8079 Springwater Rd, Aylmer | 519-773-9037 | www.catfishcreek.ca

Sat Jul 4 & Sun Jul 5 Annual Perch Derby

Weigh-in 'til 3pm Sat, 2pm Sun, followed by prizes Port Bruce Pavilion | Contact Wayne, 519-773-5118

Sat Jul 4 to Sun Jul 12 Ontario Free Family Fishing Week

An opportunity to fish in Ontario without an outdoors card www.ontariofamilyfishing.com

Sun Jul 5 Aylmer Hort. Society Garden Tour

Noon-5pm; $10/person (under 12 free); incl. five gardens Aylmer | Contact Roberta Wilson, 519-773-3270 www.facebook.com/pages/Aylmer-DistrictHorticultural-Society/181133121934633?fref=ts

FRI JUL 5 TO SAT AUG 22 Horseshoe J Dude Ranch Camps

Week camps start Jul 5, 12, 19 & 26, Aug 1, 9 & 16; 3-night mini-camp Thur-Sun Aug 6-9; ages 5-18 Horseshoe J Dude Ranch, 32553 Erin Ln, Fingal 519-762-5402 | www.duderanchontario.com

Mon Jul 6 TO Fri Jul 10 OnT Amateur Women's Golf Championship

Public welcome (no charge); practice Mon Jul 6 St. Thomas Golf & C.C., 42325 Spart Ln, Union www.stthomasgolf.com | Tee times at www.gao.ca MAJOR ATTRACTIONS • Edison Museum of Vienna, 6215 Plank Rd New Location Grand Opening July 4th, 11am

• Marine Museum & Historic 1840 Lighthouse, 20 Pitt St & 17 Robinson St, Port Burwell

• Wind Turbine Info Kiosk, 5361 Brown Rd Call 519-874-1461 for tours and information

• HMCS Ojibwa Submarine, Port Burwell • Port Burwell Provincial Park • Port Burwell Municipal Beach, free parking

www.bayham.on.ca • 519-866-5521

• CANADA DAY IN PORT BURWELL • JULY 1 11:30am parade; Lighthouse 175th celebration • DOORS OPEN EAST ELGIN • JULY 11, 10AM-4PM • BAYHAM BEACHFEST • JUL 31-AUG 2 Family fun weekend; fireworks Sunday at dark • TALBOT TRAIL OF YARD SALES • AUGUST 22 • STRAFFORDVILLE WATERMELON FEST • AUG 29 10am parade; entertainment, vendors, family fun

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Events MON-FRI Jul 6-10, JUL 13-17 & JUL 20-24 Fridge Door Live Theatre Summer CAMP

For Grades 3-9 | Faith Church, 345 Fairview Rd, St. Thomas Contact Len, 519-495-7305 | www.FridgeDoorLive.com

Tues Jul 7, Wed Jul 22 & Thurs Aug 13 Reviving the Lost Arts Demonstrations

$25/session; Jul 7, 1:30pm: Marshmallows; Jul 22, 6:30pm: Biscuits & Buns; Aug 13, 6:30pm: Fermentation The Arts & Cookery Bank, 242 Graham Rd, West Lorne 519-768-9986 | www.theartsandcookerybank.com

Wed Jul 8 Seniors Picnic in the Park

9:30am-3:30pm; entertainment, food, vendors and fun; free paratransit (call 519-631-0001) or city bus Pinafore Park, 95 Elm St, St. Thomas 519-637-6408 or 1-800-201-0909

Wed Jul 8, Jul 15, Jul 22 & Aug 5 Summer Concert Series

7pm; by freewill offering for new roof; Jul 8: Shout Sisters Choir, Jul 15: Ukes of Hazzard, Jul 22: St. Thomas Central United Junior Choir, Aug 5: St. Hilda's & St. Luke's Choir The Old St. Thomas Church, 55 Walnut St, St. Thomas 519-633-2610 | www.oldstthomaschurch.com

Wed Jul 8 TO Sat Aug 1 Port Stanley Theatre: Old Wives' Tales

Tues/Wed/Thurs/Sat matinees at 2pm, $30.50; Wed/ Thurs/Fri/Sat evenings at 8pm (except first Wed), $33.50 Port Stanley Festival Theatre, 302 Bridge St, Port Stanley 519-782-4353 | www.portstanleytheatre.ca

Sat Jul 11 Nostalgia Nights

2-9pm; free train rides, art show, live music, car show & more Talbot St (John to Hiawatha), St. Thomas www.downtownstthomas.com

Sat Jul 11 Cactus, Cattle & Cowboys Western Festival

Food, vendors, horse parade at noon, live entertainment, displays & demos, wagon rides; new: mutton busting Rodney Fairgrounds, 135 Queens Ln, Rodney www.cactuscattleandcowboys.com

Sat Jul 11 & Sun Jul 12 Living History Weekend

Sat 10am-4pm, Sun 9am-4pm; $6/person, 12 & under free; re-enactments, displays, vendors, food & more Backus-Page House Museum, 29424 Lakeview Ln, Wallacetown | 519-762-3072 | www.backuspagehouse.ca

Sat Jul 11 & Sun Jul 12 Dog Lovers Days St. Thomas

10am-5pm; $10/vehicle; an interactive dog festival Dan Patterson C.A., 44014 Mapleton Ln, St. Thomas www.stdoa.ca, facebook.com/StThomasDogLoversDays

WEST ELGIN WEST LORNE • RODNEY • PORT GLASGOW

Wed Jul 8, Thurs Aug 6 & Tue Sep 1 Fest-a-Month Cultural Dinners

$35/person; Jul: Canada, Aug: Portugal, Sept: Caribbean The Arts & Cookery Bank, 242 Graham Rd, West Lorne 519-768-9986 | www.theartsandcookerybank.com

Fri Jul 10 to Sun Jul 12 Heimattag 2015

See website for weekend event details Saxonia Hall/German Cdn Club, 522 Talbot St W, Aylmer 519-773-5271 | www.saxoniahall.com

Sat Jul 11 Doors Open East Elgin

10am-4pm; sites across Bayham, Malahide & Aylmer www.doorsopenontario.on.ca

Sat Jul 11 High Tea & HISTORICAL Fashion Show

2-4pm; $20/adults, $15/child 6-12; museum fundraiser Sparta Church Museum, 6073 Quaker Rd, Sparta www.villageofsparta.com

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Cowboys, kids, country... UPCOMING EVENTS

West Lorne Canada Day • Wed Jul 1st 1pm - Kids Country Carnival; 5pm - Fish Fry 6:15pm - Opening Ceremonies; 9:30pm - Fireworks

Cactus, Cattle & Cowboys • Sat Jul 11th Kids’ Port Glasgow Fishing Derby • Sun Jul 12th Port Glasgow Fish Fry & Fireworks • Sun Aug 2nd Featuring live bands & fireworks, at the Port Glasgow Marina

Talbot Trail of Yard Sales • Sat Aug 22nd

We’re just down the road and off the beaten path.

519-785-0560

www.westelgin.net

Events Sun Jul 12 Rodney Kiwanis Kids Fishing Derby

10am-2pm (9:30am registration); free, fun event for kids Port Glasgow Yacht Club & Marina, 8536 Haven's Lake Rd, RR #3 Rodney | 519-785-0163

Mon-Fri Jul 13-17 & Jul 20-24 Youth Theatre Camps

Ages 8-11; 9am-3pm; $125/student/week Port Stanley Festival Theatre, 302 Bridge St, Port Stanley 519-782-4353 | www.portstanleytheatre.ca

Mon-Fri Jul 13-17 & JUL 20-24 Elgin Theatre Camp

9:30am-3:30pm; $250/student; ages 8-12 Princess Ave Playhouse, 40 Princess Ave, St. Thomas 519-633-8530 | www.elgintheatreguild.ca

Wed Jul 15 Straffordville Teddy Bear Picnic

10am-1pm; bring your teddy and a picnic Straffordville Community Centre, 56169 Heritage Ln 519-631-9496 | Facebook: Elgin Teddy Bear Picnics

Thur July 16 to Sun July 26 Periscope Playhouse: Two & Two Make Sex

$17/person; 8pm Jul 16-18, 24 & 25, 2pm Jul 23 & 26 519-874-4026 | www.periscopeplayhouse.ca

Sat Jul 18 Annual Dutton Street Dance

9pm-1am; DJ Terry Tech, Snakebite; age of majority event Co-Trac Parking Lot, corner of Currie Rd & Mary St

Sat Jul 18 Food Fight Extravaganza

3-8pm; free admission; music, treats, local wines & craft beers; with guest judges Stephanie Brewster, Emily Richards, Marc Forrat, Jill Wilcox and MC Andrew Campbell The Arts & Cookery Bank, 242 Graham Rd, West Lorne 519-768-9986 | www.theartsandcookerybank.com

Sat Jul 18 The Snake Lady AT MOORE WATER GARDENS

11am-3pm | 4683 Sunset Rd, Port Stanley 519-782-4052 | www.moorewatergardens.com

SAT & SUN Jul 18 & 19, Fri-SUN Jul 24-26 Day Out With Thomas: Celebration Tour

Ride with Thomas, meet Sir Topham Hatt, and much more! Memorial Centre, 80 Wilson Ave, St. Thomas 1-888-222-6608 | www.ecrm5700.org

Sat Jul 18 & Aug 15 Summer Buskerfest

BYO instrument; first come first play; PA equipment supplied Princess Ave Playhouse, 40 Princess Ave, St. Thomas 519-633-8530 | www.elgintheatreguild.ca

Sat Jul 18 & Aug 22 Movies in the Park

Free; check the St. Thomas event calendar for movie title Morris F. Jones Memorial Bandshell, Pinafore Park 95 Elm Street, St. Thomas | www.stthomas.ca

Sun Jul 19 Off the Wall & Off the Vine Show & Sale

11am-7pm; presented by the Association of Port Stanley Artists; art, live music, local food, wine & craft beer Quai du Vin Estate Winery, 45811 Fruit Ridge Ln, St. Thomas 519-775-2216 | www.offthewallartshow.com

Sun Jul 19 Artifact Day

1-4pm; bring your treasures for identification Longwoods Road C.A., 8348 Longwoods Road, Mt Brydges 519-264-2420 | www.lowerthames-conservation.on.ca

Fri Jul 24 Arts & Cookery Bank: Guys' Night Out

6:30pm; $75/person; Thrill of the Grill The Arts & Cookery Bank, 242 Graham Rd, West Lorne 519-768-9986 | www.theartsandcookerybank.com

Where in Elgin? Wednesdays facebook.com/elgincounty

Like us on Facebook and guess where we are each Wednesday of the summer for your chance to win an Elgin County prize!

www.elgintourist.com

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Events Fri Jul 24 to Sun Jul 26 St. Thomas Ribfest

Fri 4-11pm, Sat 11am-11pm, Sun 11am-7pm; free admission; ribbers, entertainment, beer garden Pinafore Park, 95 Elm St, St. Thomas 519-636-4037 | www.stthomasribfest.com

Sat Jul 25 Kids, Cops & Canadian Tire Fishing Derby

9am-4pm | Springwater C.A., 8079 Springwater Rd, Aylmer 519-773-9037 | www.catfishcreek.ca

Sat Jul 25 Living Local Arts & Crafts Sale

10am-3pm; arts, crafts & vendors; see reptiles 11am-1pm Dutton Dunwich Community Centre, 1 Scotland St, Dutton www.facebook.com/events/880779105312416/

Sun Jul 26 SUMMER SOUNDS DELICIOUS: Motown Memories

2-7pm; $25 advance/$30 at gate Quai du Vin, 45811 Fruit Ridge Ln, St. Thomas 519-775-2216 | www.quaiduvin.com

Sun Aug 2 Annual Fish Fry & Waterfront Festival

4:30-10pm; $15/person; live band, fireworks at dusk Port Glasgow Yacht Club & Marina, 8536 Haven's Lake Rd, Rodney | www.portglasgowyachtclubandmarina.ca

Wed Aug 5 to Sat Aug 22 Port Stanley Theatre: The Drawer Boy

Fri Aug 7 Reach the Beach Road Race

Starts 6:40-7:05pm; 5k, 2.5k & new Little Starfish Scurry; funds to Eat 2 Learn, Elgin's student nutrition program GT's Beach Bar & Grill, 350 Edith Cavell Blvd, Port Stanley www.reachthebeach.ca

Fri Aug 7 to Sun Aug 9 Aylmer Fair

Fri Jul 31 & Fri Sept 4 GT's Beach Bar & Grill Lobster Night

Fri & Sat 10am-10pm, Sun 10am-7pm; $7/adult, $3/ages 7-12, under 7 free, parking $2; petting zoo, demo derbies, agricultural shows & exhibits, vendors, midway & more Aylmer Fairgrounds, 139 Pine St E, Aylmer 519-773-3445 | www.aylmerfair.ca

Fri Jul 31 to SUN Aug 2 Bayham Beachfest (formerly Tub Daze)

FRI Aug 7 TO Sun Aug 9 Port Stanley Harbourfest

GT's Beach Bar & Grill, 350 Edith Cavell Blvd, Port Stanley 519-782-4555 | www.gtsportstanley.ca Fri 10am to Sun 10pm; fIreworks Sun at dark East Beach, Port Burwell | www.outandaboutbayham.com

Tall Ship, live music, street performers, vendor fair & more; Great Lake Swimmers with Katy Carswell Fri Aug 7, 8pm Village of Port Stanley | www.portstanleyharbourfest.ca

AUGUST EVENTS

Sat Aug 8 Lavender Fairy Festival

Sat Aug 1 to Sat Sept 12 Exhibition: Permanent Collection

St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre, 301 Talbot St, St. Thomas | 519-631-4040 | www.stepac.ca

12-4pm; for fairies (and pirates!) of all ages; crafts, fairy delicacies and activities; donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget to bring your wings! Steed & Co Lavender, 47589 Sparta Ln, Sparta 519-494-5525 | www.steedandcompany.com

The City of St. Thomas & Elgin St. Thomas Public Health invite you to

Movies in the Park E

FRE

Enjoy an evening under the stars with family and friends and enjoy a movie on a 25-foot Jumbo HD Screen at the

Smoke-Free Movies in the Park Series

Saturday July 18 (Animation) & August 22 (Action) at Dusk Pinafore Park Bandshell, 95 Elm Street, St. Thomas Admission is free with a non-perishable food item

RELISH ELGIN SUMMER 2015

Events Sat Aug 15 MainStreet Aylmer Sweet Corn Fest

Sidewalk sales, kids activities, splash pad (10am-2pm, Balmoral Park), BBQ, wagon rides (11am-2pm with Farmtown Canada), Derrick Drover Band (11am-1pm) Town of Aylmer | 519-773-5655 | www.aylmer.ca

Sat Aug 15 3 Port Cycle Tour

160km, 100km & 50km routes with lunch in Port Bruce Routes start & end at East Elgin Community Complex, 531 Talbot St W, Aylmer | www.threeporttour.ca

Fred Eaglesmith at Springwater Conservation Area Sat Aug 8 St. Thomas Kinsmen Amazing Adventure

10am-noon registration, beer tent and food noon-7pm, live music 1-7pm; $20 min/team; 10 location rally for CF Pinafore Park, 95 Elm St, St. Thomas www.stthomaskinsmen.com

Sat Aug 8 & Sun Aug 9 Elgin Historical Show

Sun Aug 16 1850s DINNER WITH Colonel TALBOT

5-9pm; $100/person; served by costumed interpreters Backus-Page House, 29424 Lakeview Ln, Wallacetown 519-762-3072 | www.backuspagehouse.ca

Sun Aug 16 Summerfest Dance and Dinner

2-6pm; $25/person; the Blue Waves; pulled pork & salads Saxonia Hall, 522 Talbot St W, Aylmer 519-773-5271 | www.saxoniahall.com

Wed Aug 19 Elgin Cattlemen's Annual Beef BBQ

9am-5pm; antique show by Kettle Valley Pioneers Dan Patterson C.A., 44014 Mapleton Ln, St. Thomas Highbury Ave, just north of St. Thomas

Pinafore Park, Dance Pavilion, 95 Elm Street, St. Thomas

Sun Aug 9 Summer Sounds Delicious: Vino Latino

Thur Aug 20 to Sun Aug 23 Iron Horse Festival

2-7pm; $25 advance/$30 at gate Quai du Vin, 45811 Fruit Ridge Ln, St. Thomas 519-775-2216 | www.quaiduvin.com

Entertainment, midway, vendors & more Railway Park, 225 Wellington St, St. Thomas www.ironhorsefestival.com

Fri Aug 14 to Sun Aug 16 21st Annual Fred Eaglesmith Charity Picnic & Music Festival

Sat Aug 22 4th Annual Ribs & Rubies

Springwater C. A., 8079 Springwater Rd, Aylmer 519-773-9037 | www.catfishcreek.ca

$150/person; The Bank's Signature Annual Fundraiser The Arts & Cookery Bank, 242 Graham Rd, West Lorne 519-768-9986 | www.theartsandcookerybank.com Talbot Line/Hwy 3

Open Early June to November

Strawberries, watermelon, cantaloupe, squash, pumpkins, garden vegetables and much more!

John Wise Line 11-5pm Mon-Sat 9-6pm & Sun

48556 John Wise Line, Aylmer

519-773-3779

www.howefamilyfarms.ca

RELISH ELGIN SUMMER 2015

A Rogers Road

Line John WiseSouthdale Line

Springwater Road

Southdale Line To St. Thomas

Imperial Road

Rogers Road

Springwater Road

AYLMER ď&#x201A;? To St. Talbot Thomas Line/Hwy 3

Events Sat Aug 22 Talbot Trail of Yard Sales Sun Aug 23 Summer Sounds Delicious: Reds, Whites & the Blues

2-7pm; $25 advance/$30 at gate Quai du Vin, 45811 Fruit Ridge Ln, St. Thomas 519-775-2216 | www.quaiduvin.com

Wed Aug 26 to Sat Sept 19 Port Stanley Theatre: Real Estate

Sat Aug 29 Straffordville Watermelon Fest

10am parade, pancake breakfast, midway, vendors, childrens activities, family movie at dusk Straffordville Community Centre, 56169 Heritage Ln 519-866-5573 | www.bayham.on.ca

Saturdays in September Clovermead Honey Harvest

9am-5:30pm; $12/person; Bee Beard demo at 2:30pm Clovermead Bees & Honey, 11302 Imperial Rd, Aylmer 519-773-5503 | www.clovermead.com

Sat Sept 5 Friends of Springwater Fireworks

8-10pm; campers and day visitors welcome Springwater C. A., 8079 Springwater Rd, Aylmer 519-773-9037 | www.catfishcreek.ca

Sat Sept 5 & Sun Sept 6 33rd Annual St. Thomas Fire Muster Days

9am-6pm; competitions, demos, entertainment, food, vendors, car show, parade, dog show, beer tent, and more! Pinafore Park, 95 Elm St, St. Thomas 519-631-0210 | www.facebook.com/FireMusterDays

Sat Sept 5 & Sun Sept 6 Horseshoe J Dude Ranch Family Camp

SEPTEMBER EVENTS

$85/person; starts Sat 1pm; horseback riding, hayride, swimming, campfire, and lots of fun and games; 2 meals Horseshoe J Dude Ranch, 32553 Erin Ln, Fingal 519-762-5402 | www.duderanchontario.com

Month of September Portside Goes Big

Tues Sept 8 TO Thur Dec 24 Exhibition: Trail of Monarch Butterfly

Show & sale; opening reception Fri Sept 4, 7-9pm Portside Gallery, 187 1/2 A Main St, Port Stanley 519-782-7066 | portside.cuttingpromotions.com

From the Canadian Aviation and Space Museum. Elgin County Museum, 450 Sunset Dr, St. Thomas 519-631-1460 ext.160 | www.elgincounty.ca/museum

WE STRIVE FOR ACCURACY IN THESE LISTINGS, BUT DETAILS SOMETIMES CHANGE SO PLEASE CALL AHEAD.

FIND MORE AT WWW.RELISHELGIN.CA

More events, details and past event photos can be found on our website.

BRIDGEVIEW MOTORS Quality Used Cars & Trucks • Sales, Service & Leasing BUY • SELL • TRADE • LEASE 1207 Talbot St, St. Thomas • 519-633-0240

Find our featured cars and trucks online at www.bridgeviewstthomas.ca

RELISH ELGIN SUMMER 2015

CHANGING EXHIBITS LECTURES • GIFT SHOP ON MAY 11TH TO AUGUST 29TH, 2015:

WAIST MANAGEMENT: A HISTORY OF UNMENTIONABLES

NEXT EXHIBITION OPENS SEPT 8TH: ON THE TRAIL OF THE MONARCH BUTTERFLY Elgin County Administration Building, 4th Floor, 450 Sunset Drive (Hwy 4), St. Thomas, Ontario Open year round - Call for seasonal hours

519.631.1460 ext. 160

WWW.ELGINCOUNTY.CA

GAY LEA

DAIRY HERITAGE MUSEUM

Dairy Memorabilia • Delivery Wagons Picnic Area • Walking Trails

May 1-Aug 31: Tues-Sun 9am-5pm; Closed Mon • Sept: Sat Only Check our website for Summer Saturday Special Events Adults $5, Children 12 & under $3

www.dairyheritagemuseum.ca Located in Copenhagen, south of Aylmer 48075 Jamestown Ln, RR2 Aylmer

519-773-2955