2021 It Starts At The Beach Visitor Activities Guide

TEE TIMES 519-786-5505 Driving Range Lambton Shores Junior/Adult Rentals Highest Slope Rating Come play the best golf course in Lambton Shores 18 Hole Championship Course Par 71 Twilight Golf starts at 3pm Senior Day is every Wednesday Register Online @ www.indianhillsgolf.ca and qualify for a 2022 Membership with Cart! (Draw will be held on Friday October 8th, 2021) 6991 Lakeshore Road, Lambton Shores, ON N0N 1J2

Photo: V. Beeler TOURIST WELCOME CENTRE GET ACTIVE MUST SEE EVENTS...............48 STAY OVERNIGHT..................70 1-81 Crescent St., PO Box 248, Get On the Bus.......................4 SHOP THE UNIQUE...............78 LoGgraonVdeBresniodn, sON N0M 1T0 Beach Bums...........................6 SHOP THE PROS.....................94 Boaters...................................12 LIVE AT THE LAKE.................102 519-238-2001 • 1-888-338-2001 Adrenaline Junkies.................16 [email protected] Fairway Ninjas........................22 PLAN YOUR TRIP September to May: Healthy Hikers........................26 Monday - Friday, 9 am to 5 pm Birders....................................31 Advertisers’ Directory.........................109 June to August: Master Anglers.......................32 Bayfield Map........................................113 Monday - Saturday, 10 am to 6 pm; Exeter Map..........................................114 Sunday Noon to 5 pm CULTURE VULTURES Hensall Map........................................115 For more information and travel Zurich Map..........................................115 inHsorpiziornatatl iVoernsio,nvisit ItStartsAtTheBeach.ca Theatre Goers.........................34 Regional Map......................................116 Art Lovers................................37 Tips For Travellers...............................118 (Preferred) Music Lovers..........................41 Heritage Hounds....................42 CONNECT WITH US Our Tourism Partners SHORELINE @grandbendtourism Vertical Version SIPPING ROUTE.......52 @grand_bend 2021 COVER & PHOTOS(Optional) TASTE EXPLORERS Cover Photo: Janette Baillie Unless otherwise noted, photography provided by The Culinary Quest.................58 amateur photographers through our photo contest. Farm To Fork...........................68 PUBLISHED BY1 | Ontario’s Southwest – Graphic Standards Grand Bend & Area Chamber of Commerce Design: Track 21 Graphix Inc. Print: Commercial Print Management Inc.

Photo: iStockphotos \"Good ideas are common towns, villages and hamlets in the Photo: Huron Shores Area Transit - what's uncommon are municipalities of Lambton Shores, people who'll work Bluewater, Kettle & Stony Point Voyago, the selected bus operator, hard enough to bring First Nation, North Middlesex and is experienced and familiar with them about.\" South Huron. providing quality public transit services ~ Ashleigh Brilliant – UK Four transit routes support local to many Southwest Ontario rural areas. artist and writer residents moving within the region as The two new 26-foot, 18-passenger well as connecting the region to Sarnia buses are wheelchair accessible and Affordable public transit has always been and London. Individual bus stops based meet Accessibility for Ontarians with a good idea. It eases traffic congestion, on resident and business needs support Disabilities Act (AODA) requirements. connects people with jobs and area shopping, leisure, medical and Visit HuronShoresAreaTransit.ca for opportunities, creates jobs, revitalizes social activities. One core route runs up-to-date route, schedule and bus business districts and neighbourhoods, daily Monday to Sunday and another fare information. enables employers to tap a larger runs Monday to Friday; accessory routes workforce, saves money on infrastructure run two days per week. Bus fares are costs for taxpayers and reduces affordable and depend on a passenger’s commuting costs. starting point and destination, ranging between $5 for local routes and $10 to In 2017, a committee of volunteers $15 for long distance routes. and economic and social agency representatives formed to spearhead a DID YOU KNOW? grassroots initiative to make local public transit a reality. Working through the • The Ontario Gas Tax Fund provides up to 75% reimbursement to a municipality various stages of public consultation, for the municipality’s contribution to public transit, which is based on population, grant applications, feasibility studies ridership and donations. and multiple presentations, they were • Ontario’s Gas Tax Fund launched in 2004 to provide long-term, sustainable successful in forming a multi-municipal funding for municipalities with local public transit. Two cents per litre of Ontario’s grant application that obtained $2.4 gas tax goes to public transit. Since inception, $3.8 billion in Gas Tax funding has million to research, develop and supported 134 municipalities and 99 transit systems. implement a three-year (2020-2023) pilot transit project. On December 14, 2020, Huron Shores Area Transit (HSAT) launched, serving 4 ItStartsAtTheBeach.ca | 1-888-338-2001

It Starts At The Beach... and ends Where You Want! | MAPS & DIRECTORIES 5

With 65 kilometres of sandy beach shoreline from Bayfield to Lambton Shores' southernmost point, Lake Huron's shoreline has called to generations of families seeking the ideal beach vacation. Cottagers, vacation-seekers and residents agree — It Starts at the Beach... and ends where you want! TOP 5 BEACHES Ensure beach umbrellas are placed behind the lifeguard stands, so lifeguards BAYFIELD BEACH have a full, unblocked view of the water Located beside the marina and a short and swimmers. Dogs are restricted to seven-minute walk to picturesque Main parking lot and concreted areas only. No Street, Bayfield’s beach has Blue Flag dogs allowed on the beach from May 1 to September 30. Leashed dogs can be on status. The beach has drive- the north beach (north of the blue and up access, limited parking, white condo building) from 6am to 8am public washrooms, public and 8pm to 11pm. phone and fully equipped life-saving Covid-19 Note: In 2020, no sports station. Stroll the pier at sunset. Enjoy equipment or games were allowed on stunning lake views from the scenic the beach and no multi-person flotation lookout in Pioneer Park (top of the bluff). devices. Call the Welcome Centre (519- The shipwreck of the “Linda Hindman” 238-2001) ahead of your visit to double- steamboat is visible south of the check what rules are in place. main beach. IPPERWASH BEACH GRAND BEND BEACH There are three access points to the The largest beach in the area, this beach: off West Ipperwash Road, family-friendly spot boasts a children’s Ipperwash Road and Army Camp Road. accessible splash pad and interactive Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources accessible playground located beside & Forestry property offers free parking and seasonal washrooms. There are no The Beach House, which lifeguards or overnight camping. offers public washrooms, When water conditions permit, you can change rooms, outdoor also pay to drive and park on the beach showers, concession stand and elevator between Centre Sideroad, Kettle Point access to the observation deck. Beach and West Ipperwash Road. No vehicles volleyball courts and nets are setup are permitted on the beach between mid-June to mid-September. Enjoy a West Ipperwash Road to Ipperwash stroll along the boardwalk to the Road or East Parkway Drive. gazebo and pier. An accessible beach mat from the DID YOU KNOW? boardwalk to the shoreline gives wheelchair access to the water. Paid parking offsets the costs Lifeguards on duty mid-June to Labour of maintaining Blue Flag Day, Monday to Thursday noon to 6pm and Friday through Sundays and Holiday beach status and many of the Mondays 11am to 7pm. Grand Bend Beach amenities Food kiosks, ice cream, restaurants and stores are a short 5-minute walk including: Lifeguards, Daily from the beach. Beach Cleaning, Washrooms, Water Quality Testing and the For Your Safety Barbequing, open fires and cooking, Beach Patrol staff. glass items, alcohol, smoking and vaping and tents and canopies of any description are not allowed on the beach. 6 ItStartsAtTheBeach.ca | 1-888-338-2001

Get Active Swim hazard flags are posted on Blue Flag (BlueFlag.org) water the lifeguard chairs. No flags are quality status means your family posted when lifeguards are is assured of safe, consistent not present. swimmable water for a weekend • GREEN FLAG – Good conditions, no unusual getaway or vacation. hazards. Lifeguard on duty. • YELLOW FLAG – Caution. Moderate hazard. Rough water and strong current and/or strong offshore wind. Lifeguard on duty. • RED FLAG – Danger, high hazard. Extreme wave action and/or currents and/or E.coli count over 100/100 ml of beach water. Swimming not recommended. Lifeguard on duty. • RED & YELLOW FLAG – Limit of supervised swimming area. Swim between flags. • NO FLAG – No lifeguard on duty. It Starts At The Beach... and ends Where You Want! | GET ACTIVPEhoto: 7J. Baillie

Get Active with messes cleaned up. The park offers a picnic pavilion, washrooms, change rooms, playground equipment, BBQs PINERY PROVINCIAL PARK and picnic tables. Open daily 9am to 9pm. Pinery has nine day-use beaches, two of which are dog Covid-19 Note: South Huron closed the beach and park friendly. Enjoy day visits, camping and 10 kilometres of in 2020. Call or email ahead to ensure the park is open sandy beach and dunes. Two all-terrain wheelchairs are (Mon. to Fri., 8:30am to 4:30pm, 519-235-0310 / 877- available for loan to provide accessibility to the beach 204-0747; [email protected]). and there are accessible ramps to the beach (call Park Visitor Centre, 519-243-1521). BEACH WATER QUALITY INFOLINES: Lambton County (Grand Bend and south): 519-383-3816 PORT BLAKE BEACH & DAY PARK Huron County (Port Blake and north): At the north end of Grand Bend (Highway 21 and 1-888-221-2135, hpph.ca Dashwood Road), Port Blake offers a quieter stretch of sand with a bluff-top grassed picnic area with BBQs. Dogs are allowed on the beach and must be leashed Photo: J. Baillie 8 ItStartsAtTheBeach.ca | 1-888-338-2001

Get Active It Starts At The Beach... and ends Where You Want! | GET ACTIVPEhoto: 9J. Baillie

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Get Active DMISOCROEVAERT lambtonshores.ca L1a-8m6b6t-o9n4S3h-1or4e0s0 @LaLmabmtobntoSnhSohroesres Find@@@uLLLsaaaommmn bbbtttooonnnSSShhhooorrreeesss DyorauwcoausludnWseItN&! 1 Draw a sunset in the white box. 2 Take a picture of the drawing. 3 Post on social media with #VisitGoderich For contest informaƟon visit www.Goderich.ca/contest It Starts At The Beach... and ends Where You Want! | GET ACTIVE 11

Grand Bend, Port Franks and Bayfield marinas boast Blue Flag status. Blue Flag marinas adhere to a code of conduct concerning environmental responsibility, clean water and established and well-practiced marina management. Port Franks Marina, Grand Bend Harbour and Bayfield Marina are open Victoria Day Weekend to Thanksgiving Weekend. Boaters can take the 'Safe Boater Get Certified Test' at either the Grand Bend or Port Franks marina offices. Visit smartboater.ca and boaterexam.com. MUNICIPAL MARINAS / HARBOURS Grand Bend Canoes, hydro bikes, paddleboats and R&R Marina & Port Franks Fees single or double kayaks available for rent 9346 Lake Rd., Kettle Point • One-day launch pass: $15.80 and use within Pinery Provincial Park 519-786-5604 • Seasonal launch pass: $238.75 Victoria Day Weekend to Thanksgiving Seven Winds Marina • Transient Dock (Serviced): Weekend (519-243-2220). Canoes, 10009 Superior St., Port Franks tandem kayaks, standup paddleboards 519-243-2900 $2.30 per foot/day or kayaks and dinghy available for rent South Shore Marina • Transient Dock (Unserviced): from River Adventures Grand Bend (519- 1 Lakeshore Lane, 519-565-2110 868-RAGB) for use on the river or lake. $1.90 per foot/day YACHT CLUBS PRIVATE MARINAS Bayfield Yacht Club RENTALS Bayfield River Cottage Colony & Marina bayfieldyachtclub.com Several private outfitters offer boat 19 Fisherman’s Rd. Wharf 647-667-9056 cruises out on the lake including Xtreme 519-565-2632 Grand Bend Yacht Club Water Sports (519-238-5816 or 519-319- Harbour Lights Marina gbyc.ca, 519-238-6676 4864), Blue Line Fishing (519-318-1102) 27 Chart House Hill, Bayfield Port Franks Yacht Club and Grand Bend Fishing Charters (519- 519-565-5150 portfranksyachtclub.ca 852-3410). Pricing varies by the amount 519-333-8673 of time you would cruise. 12 ItStartsAtTheBeach.ca | 1-888-338-2001

Get Active Retired steamboat tug, the Linda Hindman, was Located 11 kilometres northwest of Grand Bend scuttled in 1973 to create a breakwall in an effort (GPS: 43° 24’ 3.6” N, 81° 53’ 17.9988” W) the to protect the shoreline against high water and 250-foot steam freighter was bound for the Port erosion. Since that time, the stern was visible of Goderich in November 1913. The Wexford was sitting in about 11 feet of water just offshore near one of eight ships lost with all hands in the worst Pioneer Park, Bayfield. With the return of high storm in the Great Lakes recorded history, dubbed water beginning around 2018, the stern is no longer the “White Hurricane”. In 2013, a copper wreath visible. The site has become an artificial habitat for created by Goderich blacksmith James Wallace marine life. was affixed permanently to the shipwreck’s bow to commemorate 100 years since the tragedy. Port Franks Photo: J. Baillie It Starts At The Beach... and ends Where You Want! | GET ACTIVE 13

Get Active Photo: J. Baillie BAYFIELD MARINA, bayfield 14 ItStartsAtTheBeach.ca | 1-888-338-2001

Get Active Picture Perfect Moments In Sarnia-Lambton From the thrill and excitement of local festivals to the natural beauty along Ontario’s Blue Coast, you can always find picture perfect moments for you, your friends and your family in Sarnia-Lambton. Tourism Sarnia-Lambton is happy to help you find your next adventure close to home, discover something new in your own backyard and make memories that will last a lifetime. Discover more at: ONTBLUECOAST.COM It Starts At The Beach... and ends Where You Want! | GET ACTIVE 15

GRAND BEND MOTORPLEX, grand bend Photo: B. Farnan GET A BIRD'S-EYE VIEW with two instructors assisting until the Photo: J. Baillie Great Lakes Helicopter parachute is activated, which is when Enjoy spectacular views of the Lake the beginner steers the parachute with tubing, wake boarding, water skiing or Huron shoreline and marvel at the instructions via radio. skydivegrandbend. kneeboarding to your cruise for extra fun. pattern created by the area’s agricultural com, 1-800-363-5867. xtremewatersports.ca, 519-319-4864 crops. Combine a scenic return trip from Grand Bend Parasail Splash Water Sports Grand Bend’s launch pad with dinner at View the beach from 1000 feet up. Offers seadoo, jet-ski and pontoon Cowbell Brewing Co. in Blyth, Eddington’s Several qualified instructors and operators boat rentals, as well as flyboard, jetpack of Exeter or Langdon Hall in Cambridge. provide instruction to all participants, and jetovator rides with experienced Call ahead to book your sightseeing flight. no matter their experience level. Deals instructors to help you out. Or take a greatlakeshelicopter.ca, 519-650-4542 can be had! Take advantage of early bowrider boat charter for a simple cruise bird flights from 9am to 11am daily, on the lake and add tubing, wakeboarding Papple Aviation sunset loads where you can enjoy one of and waterskiing action. splashseadoos. Take a daylight scenic flight from Goderich Canada’s best sunset destinations from com, 519-671-4865. or Centralia (Exeter) year round. Seeing a bird’s-eye view above the beach, and Windmill Lake Wake & Eco Park countryside from the air is a great way group rates and specials for groups of This eco-friendly outdoor recreation to experience the area’s beauty. Also eight or more people. grandbendparasail. park offers beginner, intermediate, and on offer, return flights to Tobermory, com, 519-525-3596. advanced cable wakeboarding as well Pelee Island, Niagara Falls, Killarney and as stand-up paddleboarding, canoeing, Toronto. pappleaviation.ca, 519-318-4224 FUN ON WATER kayaking and paddle boating. Windmill or 226-378-9268 Xtreme Watersports Lake is the only straight-line cable park Why not whip around on the waves in a in Huron County and the first bi-level Grand Bend Sport Parachuting Center seadoo, launch into the lake off a 20-foot wakeboarding park in Canada. There Since 1982, the centre has operated as water trampoline, try out a tube or water are adventures for the whole family with the only skydiving facility in Southwest ski? Experience the latest adrenaline- Ontario. Qualified professional instructors rousing water thrill called flyboarding, assist beginners to advanced skydivers which lets you ride water pressure to dive with freefalling. Whether you’re a and jump out of the water. Or relax with freefalling expert or this is your first jump, their exclusive jet boat charter service, there’s something for everyone at the so you and up to eight friends can parachuting centre. Instructors recognize sit back and enjoy a lake cruise. Add a first jump can be frightening, so they offer new skydivers a freefall skydive 16 ItStartsAtTheBeach.ca | 1-888-338-2001

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Get Active track racing and motorcross competition. It’s the location of the largest drag-racing event in Eastern Canada, the MOPAR programming like PaddleFit, Stand-Up Paddleboarding, SUP Yoga Canadian Nationals, and now also the MOPAR Canadian and guided nature tours that wind through 200 acres of forest. Superbike Championship, which is televised on TSN. Of course windmill-lake.ca, 519-524-0636. crowd favourites like the Ontario Nostalgia Drag Racers Weekend, Stratford Spectacular, Windsor Race Weekend and Thunder by HORSE RIDING the Beach are all back for another year. grandbendmotorplex.ca, A great family activity or just a way to relax, horse riding can 519-238-7223. include trail rides, horse-drawn wagon rides and more structured GTA Exotic Cars skill development. Ever wanted to take a Ferrari or Lamborghini or other exotic car All About Horses for a drive? The GTA Exotic Cars track experience program lets Located in Thedford, All About Horses is not just a friendly drivers select their dream car and take it for a spin. Choose boarding facility or place to learn to ride, they offer team building from more than 10 exotic and super cars. Hopeful drivers must events, birthday parties and trail rides. allabouthorsesthedford. be at least 17 years old with a valid driving licence. Instruction info, 226-678-1471. Home on the Range Frontier Town Located in Londesborough, Home on the Range offers 100 acres of trails throughout some of the area’s most spectacular scenery. frontiertown.ca, 519-523-9478 MOTOR SPORT Grand Bend Motorplex Each year, more than 60,000 racing fans attend heart-pumping action at the Motorplex, one of Canada’s largest motorsport facilities. The Motorplex offers drag racing, road racing, oval- INTRODUCTION TO SAILING COURSE Enjoy a casual sail while learning the terms and www.grandbendsailingschool.com techniques of sailing aboard 519-854-5478 • [email protected] a 36 foot sailboat in beautiful Grand Bend on Lake Huron. 18 GB SailingSchool Ad 10.75x2.25.indd 1 | 1-888-338-2001 • 3 hours for up to 4 people ItStartsAtTheBeach.ca • Anchor and swim (weather permitted) 9/16/20 9:35 AM

Get Active picture? Grand Bend Sport Parachuting Center Inc., grand bend Photo: Grand Bend Sport Parachuting Center Inc. GRAND BEND 25 YEARS EXPERIENCE It Starts At The Beach... and ends Where You Want! | GET ACTIVE 19

Get Active CYCLING Sports & Skatepark (519-236-7203, Pinery Provincial Park allinactionsports.com), a 40,000-square is provided, all cars are automatic and Rent mountain bikes, coaster bikes, feet indoor skatepark facility, is not paddle-shift and instructors accompany tandems and classic bikes, including just for the Tony Hawks of this world, it drivers. Motorplex hosts two track days kids bikes, trailers and strollers, by the provides opportunity and inspiration for (July 10 & 11, 2021), which normally sell hour, day or week. The bike rental is open kids and adults. Riding rookies benefit out. So plan your visit and book early. daily 9am to 9pm and is located beside from training on courses with foam pits gtaexotics.ca, 905-815-1300. the park store. ontarioparks.com/park/ and padded ramps. Whether biking, Racer 5 Motorcycle Training School pinery, 519-243-2220. skateboarding or testing your scooter This motorcycle training program is skills, safety equipment and appropriate offered weekends and with their level 360 Bikes ’N Boards course levels ensure injury free fun. 1-3 stages running seamlessly, they can Located in Goderich, 360 Bikes ’N Packed with wall-to-wall incredible enhance a rider’s skills from one day to Boards rent bikes by the hour, day or courses and features, All In hosts the next. Whether you’re looking to build longer. Available styles include hybrid professional competitions, including your street skills or interested in more bikes suitable for road or trail riding, the World Championships. Kids summer advanced racing abilities, Racer 5 can tandem and fat bikes. They also provide camps give young riders a chance get you there. In 2021, the Introductory complete bike care and repairs. No to work with some of the pros that Program runs May 21-23, June 4-6 and need to call ahead, just leave your bike compete in advanced competitions. June 25-27 and the Endurance Race with their Certified Professional Bicycle Equipment rentals available - bring Series runs July 3-4 and September Mechanic on staff and they will call you your own helmet, guards or pads. 18-19. racer5.ca, 416-225-5000. when it’s ready, usually within a day. It’s Not The Destination, Standup paddleboards are also available BOWLING It’s The Journey for rent from an hour to a full week! Looking to take it easy after an action- The Greater Grand Bend Area is nestled Winter rentals include snowshoes for packed day or seeking rainy-day between two regions that publish children and adults. 360bikesnboards. activities? Hit the lanes at Town & motorcycling route guides - Cruise the com, 519-524-7171. Country Bowling Lanes in Zurich. Family- Coast and Ride Perth County. Tour friendly 5-pin bowling can include glow- maps are available at the Welcome BOARDING in-the-dark fun! townandcountrybowling. Centre. Handy motorcycling websites: Ramp it up! Zurich is home to Ontario’s com, 519-236-4923. cruisethecoast.ca, ridegreybruce.com. largest indoor skatepark. All In Action 20 ItStartsAtTheBeach.ca | 1-888-338-2001

GYMS & YOGA LOCATIONS Jolt Fitness (Centralia): Offers personal Get Active Maintain your fitness routine away from training services, fitness classes, yoga home at one of the area’s gyms. and open gym hours in renovated YMCA Fitness Centre (Goderich): Birch Bark Trailer Park (Grand Bend): 2,000-sq-ft facility. Joltfitness.ca, Inside the Maitland Recreation Centre. passes and memberships available to 519-614-4594. ymcaswo.ca, 519-524-2125, 190 non-park visitors. birchbarkcamping. My Fit Room (Forest): From low level and Suncoast Dr. E. com, 519-238-8256. circuit training to Sweat & Sculpt and YMCA Fitness Centre (Parkhill): Inside Boot Camp. myfitroomstudio.com the North Middlesex Arena & Fitness Grand Bend Gym (Grand Bend): 4am to Oakwood Resort (Grand Bend): Drop-in, Centre. ymcaswo.ca, 519-524-2125, 10pm daily, secure carded entry, passes monthly and seasonal gym, pool and 225 McLeod St. and memberships, 6,200 square foot fitness class passes. oakwoodresort.ca/ gym facility. grandbendgym.com, pool-fitness-oakwood, 519-238-2324. DID YOU KNOW? 519-238-6093. South Huron Fitness (Exeter): 24-hour, 4,000 square foot gym facility; passes You need to be over the age of Infinity Beach Yoga Studio (Grand Bend): and memberships, southhuronfitness. 16 and pass an exam before Located near TDBank, studio offers com, 519-235-4555. beginner to advanced Bikram, Hot & YMCA Fitness Centre (Forest): Inside you head out on the water Reduced Heat Hatha, Modo-inspired the Shores Recreation Centre. Adult and to operate a water craft? Be and gentle yoga classes. student priced day passes available. sure to get your Pleasure Craft infinitybeachyoga.ca, 519-671-5186. ymcaswo.ca, 519-786-9622. Operator Card. You can take the boater education course, pass the exam and print off your temporary card - all online at boaterexam.com/canada. SEA DOO RENTAL, GRAND BEND Photo: J. Baillie It Starts At The Beach... and ends Where You Want! | GET ACTIVE 21

Get your 10,000 steps by walking 9 holes of golf! Walk 18 holes and you could walk between five to seven kilometres. Do that three times a week and you’ve got a heart-healthy, all ages, all abilities, fun, outdoor, stress-reducing, social pastime or competitive activity. WHITE SQUIRREL GOLF CLUB, st. joseph Photo: J. Baillie WIDDER STATION GOLF COURSE GRILL & TAP HOUSE By Joey Burnley Indian Hills Golf Club* Photo: L. Marcoux 6991 Lakeshore Rd., Lambton Shores The Huron coastline corridor offers 519-786-5505, indianhillsgolf.ca engaging golf challenge too. Beyond the incredible golf courses, each one just Heading northwest, you’ll discover Indian beauty and stimulation of the course, minutes away from the next. It’s the Hills. If your inner fairway ninja is up you’ll be delighted by the excellent perfect destination for anyone wanting for a challenge, this is it! This course is hospitality and selection of craft beer, to pack a lot of golf into a trip. interesting, naturally stunning and well including Widder Station’s own craft kept. With lots of elevation changes, beer, “Train Wreck”. The course offers Sawmill Creek walking this course sends you on an challenges off the back tees, but is also Golf Resort & Spa adventure that will keep your heart rate up. family friendly. If you love cardio, Widder 3790 Lakeshore Rd., Camlachie is a walker’s wonder. 519-899-4653, sawmill-creek.com Sandhills Golf Club On the south end of the golf trail, 9767 Port Franks Rd., Thedord Arkona Fairways Sawmill Creek will allow you to loosen up, 519-243-1800, golfnorth.ca/sandhills Golf Club* sharpen up, and eat up, before hitting Only minutes away, neighbouring some 8562 Townsend Line, Arkona the links. Sawmill has driving range massively impressive sand dunes, is 519-333-6446, arkonafairways.com and target greens. This well maintained Sandhills Golf Club. This course is modest Barely a tee shot away is Arkona course offers plenty of rolling terrain, in length, offering the ideal layout to Fairways. The maturity of this course well-placed hazards, and fast greens. sharpen your short game. It includes the provides irresistible natural beauty. Lush, Don’t forget to refuel with a chef- challenges and hazards of a championship mature tree-lined fairways and fast, prepared meal. course, yet is perfect for a novice golfer. well-manicured greens are just a taste Bring the family, hit the beach, climb the of what golfers can expect. Don’t miss Forest Golf Club & Inn* dunes and enjoy some golf! out on Mulligans Bar & Grill, this eat-in 102 Main St. S., Forest or take-out on-site restaurant will have 1-800-265-0214, golfnorth.ca/forest Widder Station Golf, you returning to Arkona for more than Bearing north you’ll find Forest Golf Club Grill & Taphouse* just golf! where you can get a workout at this 8395 Decker Rd., Thedford 27-hole course. It’s walkable with many 519-296-4653, widderstation.com par 3 holes complemented by some Just around the corner, you’ll find Widder longer holes to keep your driver from Station, an all-around beautiful course getting rusty. This resort-style course that’s visually enchanting and offers an offers a place to stay, an indoor pool and a restaurant. 22 ItStartsAtTheBeach.ca | 1-888-338-2001

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Get Active Exeter Golf Club for course that calls to a golfer up for 40374 Kirkton Rd., Centralia a challenge! It offers interesting and Oakwood Resort 519-235-1517, golfnorth.ca/Exeter different holes, with lots of opportunities 70671 Bluewater Hwy., Grand Bend Only moments away, Exeter Golf Club’s for different shot making. The details of 519-238-2324, oakwoodresort.ca clubhouse, called The Barn, is literally this course make it special — each hole Much more than a golf course, Oakwood a converted barn oozing character and comes with a name and a story. Seaforth boasts beach access, suites and charm with spectacular views of the golf is ranked 18th on the Golf Advisors list of cottages, a main dining room and Dave’s course. The 9-hole course offers a gently top 20 courses in Canada. Pub & Grill, kids’ area, spa and indoor rolling landscape with wide, forgiving pool. The course offers a unique layout fairways. The challenge lies in their Goderich Sunset that means you’re never far from the strategically placed bunkers, but not to Golf Club* resort and is a perfect balance for avid worry because you can always prepare 33937 Golf Course Rd., Goderich golfers, families or conference attendees. yourself at the driving range and practice 519-524-8047, sunsetgolfclub.com Mature coniferous and oak trees facility the course includes. Back along Lake Huron’s shoreline provide enchanting scenery, yet also is Sunset Golf Club with two courses. come into play narrowing the fairways Bluewater Golf Course Their Baby Boomer par 3 course is 9 and approaches to the greens, offering and Campground* holes of fun for everyone. It’s designed enough challenge to keep your golf skills 77416 Bluewater Hwy., Bayfield to accommodate families, youngsters, teed up. Golf professional available for 519-482-7197 parties, seniors, beginners and more. coaching and lessons for all ages. Beyond the fairy-tale-like village of It’s also a low-pressure place to try out Bayfield is another collection of unique any and all of your clubs. Sunset’s main White Squirrel Golf Club* and exciting courses. Just north of 18-hole course is full of challenge and 72538 Bluewater Hwy., St. Joseph Bayfield’s marina is this manicured excitement. Water, bunkers and narrow 519-236-4030, whitesquirrelgolfclub.com 9-hole course dating back to the 1920s. tree-lined fairways create an exhilarating A short drive just north of Grand Bend Its quality reflects a century’s worth of golf experience. This course provides is the White Squirrel. Enjoy a newly perfecting. The delight in this course is lessons, camps and programs provided constructed pro shop with outdoor patio doubled by its attached family friendly by CPGA golf professional Ashley Gravett. or the extensively renovated year-round campground. restaurant before or after your game for MINI PUTT LOCATIONS drinks, snacks or full gourmet meals. Woodlands Links White Squirrel offers quality greens, a Golf Course Gold Coast mini putt pleasing mix of distances between holes 37858 Huron Rd. (Hwy. 8), Clinton 75526 Bluewater Hwy., Bayfield and lots of exciting water hazards. 519-482-7144, woodlandslinks.com 519-565-9154 Nearby is scenic Woodlands, perfect for Ironwood Golf Club the average golfer who not only has a Grand Bend Mini Golf 70969 Morrison Line, Exeter love for the game, but also for nature. 72 Main Street West, Grand Bend 519-235-1521, golfnorth.ca/ironwood It’s known to be an interesting course 519-317-2781, grandbendminigolf.com Just a jaunt to the east you’ll find with a blend of forgiving holes and fun Explore Grand Bend’s historic past while Ironwood, a pretty course with a challenges. taking your shot at a hole-in-one. This pleasing layout. If your golf game needs course highlights Grand Bend’s historic a challenge, Ironwood will oblige. Fast Seaforth Golf Club buildings. greens and a variety of well-placed 42990 Front Rd., 1-A Doig Dr., Seaforth hazards will test your technique, all while 519-522-0985, seaforthgolf.com *indicates a Tee-On Network course (tee-on.com) delighting you with the appeal of a well- Just east of Woodlands is Seaforth. maintained space. Here you’ll find a mature and well-cared- 24 ItStartsAtTheBeach.ca | 1-888-338-2001

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The area is blessed with many gems of nature, being located on the northern fringes of the Carolinian Life Zone. This zone represents less than one percent of Canada's landmass, and is home to the largest diversity of fauna and flora species in the country, as well as the highest number of species at risk. The landscape features miles of sandy AUSABLE RIVER CUT FOREST TRAIL SYSTEM, Forest beaches along the shores of Lake CONSERVATION AREA, Northville Access from Rotary Civic Square. Huron, bare and forested dune lands, Developed hiking trail through 32 Asphalted 2.8-kilometre walkway leads fresh-water coastal wetlands, rare Oak kilometres of forested acres in the south to Esli Dodge Conservation Area. Savanna, steep and forested ravines in Carolinian Zone. Access at 9984 The trails along the Old Railway Track and river and creek valleys, remnant prairies Northville Crescent, off Highway 21 around lagoons west of Forest offer a of tall grass and wildflowers, spherical by the Ausable Cut Bridge. Offers a 4.5-kilometre return trip over flat lands. concretions or Kettles in black shale challenging two-kilometre looped trail beds, and brachiopod and trilobite fossils over a high sand dune. Easy short cuts GRAND BEND ROTARY from the Devonian Period. available. Trailhead sign. NATURE TRAIL, Grand Bend Asphalted 9-kilometre walking and LAMBTON SHORES TRAILS ESLI DODGE cycling trail alongside Highway 21 from The pullout map in this guide features CONSERVATION AREA, Forest Grand Bend to the Pinery Provincial hiking route maps and trail features. Twenty-acre conservation area (part Park entrance. Lambton Shores Nature Trails/ of the St. Clair Region Conservation LSNT (lsntblazers.com) is a volunteer Authority) with an artificial lake (no JOANY’S WOODS TRAIL, Sylvan organization dedicated to the swimming). Access at 88 Main Street. 367 acres in the Ausable River Valley development, upgrade and maintenance Portable washrooms May to October. offers a challenging 4.8-kilometre of trails in Lambton Shores in partnership Playground, picnic area, tennis courts, trail and an easy 3.2-kilometre trail with landowners, residents, the paved walking/cycling paths, gazebo. through mixed Carolinian and Great municipality, sponsors and donors. Other The island in the lake acts as a stage Lakes Hardwood swamp forest, and a than Pinery Park (pinerypark.on.ca/trails), for theatrical and musical performances 2.2-kilometre trail along the river. Two Rock Glen Conversation Area (abca. during the summer and the hillside access points: (1) Drive east on Elginfield on.ca) and Esli Dodge Conservation area opposite seats 6,000 people. Home Road from Sylvan, turn right onto Vernon (scra.on.ca), the following information is to Forest’s Canada Day Celebrations. Road; (2) Drive north from Sylvan on courtesy of LSNT. Sylvan Road, turn left onto Elliot Road and right onto Boot Hill Road, watch for Photo: J. Baillie Photo: R. Atkinson Photo: R. Atkinson 26 ItStartsAtTheBeach.ca | 1-888-338-2001

Get Active • Stay on trails and follow “blazes” (marks show turns and endpoints) • Don’t litter • Keep dogs on leash • Follow trail uses and activities • Take only photographs, leave only footprints. Photo: R. Atkinson Photo: R. Atkinson Photo: R. Atkinson It Starts At The Beach... and ends Where You Want! | GET ACTIVPEhoto: B. Sit2ter7

Get Active signage. Trailhead and On-trail signs; and bridge allow visitors to explore the HERITAGE TRAIL, Bayfield trail guide available. glen’s steep sides and 10.7-metre-high Follow Pioneer footsteps through Bayfield waterfall. Scenic lookouts, picnic area, on an easy 2-kilometre stroll along tree- LAMBTON COUNTY BBQs, pavilions, museum, washrooms lined streets, passing heritage buildings. HERITAGE FOREST, Port Franks and two playgrounds. Drive north of MAVIS TRAIL, Varna Hiking and mountain-biking trails in Arkona on Arkona Road (County Rd. 79); Four-season 2.5-kilometre challenging 570-acre Oak Savannah and Carolinian turn right on Rock Glen Road, and look looped trail to Bayfield River and back. forest. Access from Port Franks Community for signage. Access from Stanley Recreation Complex, Centre, 9997 Port Franks Road. Offers 38572 Mill Rd., Varna. three trails: 3.1-kilometre, 5.2-kilometre WOODLAND HERITAGE RIVER FLATS TRAIL, Bayfield and 6.6-kilometre. Trailhead and TRAIL, Grand Bend 4.75-acre riverside property purchased On-Trail signs. 1-kilometre looped trail through Oak with donations from the community, Savanna. Point Of Interest panels now owned and protected by the Huron L-LAKE MANAGEMENT explain the area’s natural history Tract Land Trust Conservancy on behalf AREA, Port Franks and a Storybook Trail completes the of Bayfield. Woodland setting. Ruins of 69-acre area offers gentle 1.5-kilometre experience. Access from Lambton gristmill visible near bridge. trail through cedar wetlands and mixed Heritage Museum on Highway 21. SAWMILL TRAIL, Bayfield Carolinian forest. Access at 7101 Outer Access the 1.67-kilometre woodland Drive. Trailhead sign. BLUEWATER TRAILS and riverside trail from Highway 21, turn The following information is courtesy of east onto Old River Road, then right onto PINERY PROVINCIAL PARK, Grand Bend the Bayfield River Valley Trails Association Sawmill Road, watch for signage. Varied 6,300 acres of Oak Savanna, Carolinian (bayfieldtrails.com), the Ausable Bayfield terrain changes from flood plain woodlands and Freshwater Coastal Conservation Authority (abca.on.ca) and to coniferous forest and hillsides. Dune ecosystem. Home to endangered Friends of Hullet Marsh (hullettmarsh. TAYLOR TRAIL, Varna plants, animals and insects. Extensive com). This 1-kilometre looped trail features nature trails and 13-kilometre asphalted, a variety of landscapes. Joggers, close-loop bike path. Bike and helmet BANNOCKBURN fitness enthusiasts and pet owners will rentals (mountain, coaster, tandem, kids, CONSERVATION AREA, Brucefield appreciate the flat terrain and the scents child trailers and helmets). Wheelchair Year-round, 62-acre conservation area of pine and colourful meadow grasses. A accessible trails and two beach-friendly with wet meadows, eastern white cedar peaceful and tranquil stroll. Access from wheelchairs available for use. forest, deciduous forest, old-field and Stanley Recreation Complex, 38572 Mill mixed scrub and marsh. Main trail leads Rd., Varna. ROCK GLEN CONSERVATION from the parking. The first 500 metres AREA, Arkona consists of accessible boardwalks over Home of Lambton County’s ONLY river and creek; balance of trails feature WATERFALL. Plunge your hand in the hilly terrain with few stairs or boardwalks. water and grab some pebbles – it’s Access at 76249 Bannockburn Line, likely you’ll find a brachiopod, crinoid between Brucefield and Bayfield. or gastropod fossil! Stairs, boardwalks HerHiteargiteagTreaTilr,aBial,yBfiaeyldfield Woodland Trail, Bayfield BLUEWATER HIGHWAY 28 ItStartsAtTheBeach.ca | 1-888-338-2001

WOODLAND TRAIL, Bayfield Get Active Medium difficulty, 5-kilometre trail meanders along village roads, MaMvisavTirsaTilr,aVial,rnVa rna dips into woods and follows old gravel pit and lumber roads and deer paths. Closed for hunting during designated hunting seasons. RiveWroFoladtlsanTdraTilr,aBila,yBfiaeyldfield Access at David Street and Hill Terrace. HULLETT PROVINCIAL WILDLIFE AREA, Clinton 5,420 acres along the South Maitland River and located on the paths of two major waterfowl flyways (Atlantic & Mississippi). Seven trails from 0.4 kilometres to 4.6 kilometres, featuring grassland, wetland and wooded terrain. Activities include hiking, horseback riding, seasonal hunting, canoeing, snowmobiling, and geocaching. Multiple parking lots and access points. Refer to hullettmarsh.com for hiking map and information. SOUTH HURON TRAILS MORRISON DAM, MACNAUGHTON PARK & SOUTH HURON TRAIL, Exeter 10-kilometre round-trip hiking trail from the Morrison Dam westwards along the Ausable River to Exeter’s MacNaughton Park. Hiking, cross-country skiing, birding and wildlife watching and fishing. Picnic areas and washrooms. Access from Exeter’s Main Street by the river or drive east of Exeter on County Road 83, turn south on Morrison Line, and watch for signage. abca.on.ca SAVANNA STROLLERS WALKING CLUB Every Wednesday at 9:15am, walkers meet at the south side of Lambton Heritage Museum, where participants are led in a short warm up and stretching routine before carpooling to the trailhead. Fast walkers are welcome to do the trail two or three times to get their steps in. pinerypark.on.ca/walking-club/ BAYFIELD POLE-WALKING Men’s, women’s and all-comers' pole-walking sessions occur four times per week year round. Participants meet at 13 Main Street, Bayfield. Group leaders can provide lessons in use of regular or activator poles. @bayfield.pole.walking, bayfieldactivities.info Sawmill Trail, Bayfield BLUEWATER HIGHWAY It Starts At The Beach... and ends Where You Want! | GET ACTIVE 29

Get Active the artwork of Kettle & Stony Point indigenous artists Garrett Nahdee and Jeff George on the trails of Lambton Shores. Nahdee’s carved wooden sculptures representing the teachings of the Seven Grandfathers – Love, Respect, Courage, Wisdom, Truth, Humility and Honesty – surround the Circle of Life at the Port Franks Community Centre. Meanwhile, trailhead structures proudly display large-scale reproductions of George’s beautiful paintings that reflect the teachings and traditions of the Anishinaabe people. 30 ItStartsAtTheBeach.ca | 1-888-338-2001

The area boasts habitats ranging from Carolinian Forest to sand dunes and shorelines, Photo: R. Atkinson offering opportunities to engage in bird watching throughout the year. Popular spots include Pinery Provincial Park, Grand Bend Rotary Trail, Hullett Provincial Wildlife Area, Old Ausable River Bed, Karner Blue Sanctuary, Lake Smith, Lambton County Heritage Forest, Kettle Point, Ipperwash and the Grand Bend Lagoon Area. RETURN OF THE SWANS that extends from Georgia and the Photo: B. Lasenby In March, upwards of 15,000 Tundra Carolinas west to the Mississippi River. Swans return to their favourite resting The climatic conditions support large Ausable Bayfield Conservation grounds – the Thedford Bog – located colonies of waterbirds in mild winters and Authority abca.on.ca east of Lambton Heritage Museum just numerous nesting landbirds in summer. Lambton Wildlife Blog south of Grand Bend. The Museum The county is part of the Mississippi lambtonwildlife.com offers a pop-up exhibit about the swans Flyway over which migrating northern Lambton Shores Nature Trailblazers throughout March. Exact dates when nesting birds pass in Spring and Fall. lsntblazers.com the swans return is entirely up to This offers sightings of species usually Ontario Field Ornithologists ofo.ca Mother Nature. found elsewhere in North America the Pinery Park Tundra Swans winter in Chesapeake Bay, rest of the year. Fall or Spring bring pinerypark.on.ca/what-lives-in-pinery Maryland returning via a 3,000-kilometre migratory bird populations which include St. Clair Region Conservation Authority flight to their summer breeding grounds Common and Red-throated Loons, scrca.on.ca in Canada’s Arctic every spring. They numerous Raptors, Snowy Owls and stop to rest and feed on remnants of last the Tundra Swans. Summer provides year’s crops. Much honking, squawking, opportunity to observe Scarlet Tanagers, and small-group v-formation flying can be Baltimore Orioles, Cerulean Warblers, witnessed on the still-flooded farmland. Pine Grosbeaks, Bohemian Waxwings, Bring binoculars to view the swans from Great Blue Herons and over 200 other Greenway Road. The best viewing time species of birds. In the winter, Horned is in the morning. Swan updates and Larks, Downy Woodpeckers, Blue Jays, news: ReturnOfTheSwans.com or Chickadees, Tufted Titmouse, White- call 519-243-2600 to check on breasted Nuthatch, American Goldfinch, the swans’ arrival status. Red and White-winged Crossbills and Red-tailed Hawks are common. 350+ SPECIES OF BIRDS Bald Eagles can be spotted along the Lambton County is located on the shoreline from Port Franks to Grand Bend northwestern edge of the Carolinian Life and water areas provide observation Zone (Eastern Deciduous Forest biome) of a great diversity of waterfowl in all seasons. It Starts At The Beach... and ends Where You Want! | GET ACTIVE 31

Area communities are home to a range of fish species and the most diverse fish communities in the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority’s watershed. A fishing & paddling guide for Huron County is available from the Welcome Centre in Grand Bend. Old Ausable Channel Photo: J. Baillie FISH A GREAT LAKE BANNOCKBURN CONSERVATION PARKHILL RESERVOIR, Parkhill Head out onto Lake Huron with Blue Line AREA, Brucefield Located in the Parkhill Conservation Fishing Charters (bluelinefishingcharters. Runs of Blue Gill, Brook Trout, Brown Area. Populations of White Crappie and com) or Grand Bend Fishing Charters Trout, Chub, Dace, Darter, Rainbow Trout, Largemouth Bass. Take Country Road (grandbendfishingcharters.com), both Salmon, Smallmouth Bass and Sunfish. 81 to Highway 7, turn onto Centre Road. run out of Grand Bend from April to Access at 76249 Bannockburn Line, Brochure available on abca.on.ca. October. You’ll have the opportunity northeast of Varna between Brucefield to catch King Salmon, Coho Salmon, and Bayfield. MOTORIZED BOATS Rainbow Trout, Lake Trout and Walleye & CATCH-AND-RELEASE on fully-equipped vessels with top- OLD AUSABLE CHANNEL, Pinery Park Motorized boats are not allowed notch fishing tackle and electronics. Supports a warm-water fish community. on the Old Ausable Channel or the According to local fisherman, trolling with It is home to nearly 50 common species, Parkhill Reservoir. Catch-and-release is downriggers and dipsy divers will yield including many kinds of Minnows, encouraged and anglers should always the best catch in the lake. Sunfish, Catfish, Perch and some top return any species at risk to the waters predators like Northern Pike and Bass. of any watercourse. FISH A QUIET RIVER The Channel is also home to three Fly Fitters (flyfitters.ca) located near the species at risk - Pugnose Shiner, Lake FISHING LICENCE (Card & Tag) town of Goderich offers guided fly fishing, Chubsucker and Grass Pickerel - please CANADIAN TIRE: spey fishing and sport fishing adventures help protect them and do not remove 100 Thames Rd. E., Exeter - 519-235-0160 on the Maitland River, Bayfield River and them from the river. Boat motors are not 84 Union St., Forest - 519-786-2121 Saugeen River and along the shore of allowed on the Channel at any time and Lake Huron. there is a ban on baitfish use. RONA HARDWARE: AUSABLE RIVER CUT, Port Franks 57 Ontario St. S., Grand Bend Offers a diverse warm-water fish habitat, MORRISON DAM CONSERVATION 519-238-5500 including Channel Catfish, Walleye AREA, Exeter and Smallmouth Bass. There are also Area boasts a 30-acre lake, which is a SERVICE ONTARIO (ontario.ca): migratory runs of Rainbow Trout and popular spot for family fishing. Access at 388 Main St. S., Exeter - 519-235-4578; Chinook Salmon. 71108 Morrison Line, Exeter. 93 Main St. S., Forest - 519-786-2929 PARKHILL CREEK, Grand Bend Has a similar fish habitat to the Ausable Cut, with lake-resident Yellow Perch present at the pier at times. 32 ItStartsAtTheBeach.ca | 1-888-338-2001

Get Active Source: Photo: B. Holden healthfitnessrevolution.com Photo: J. Baillie 1 Ausable Bayfield Conservation Full Body Strength Authority abca.on.ca Maitland Valley Conservation Battling even a small fish engages shoulders, back, arms, core and legs. Authority mvca.on.ca Ontario Family Fishing 2 ontariofamilyfishing.com Family bonding Family time promotes feelings of security and well-being. 3 Boosts Immune system Sunshine is the best source of vitamin D. 4 Promotes Relaxation Time in nature with a focused task is akin to meditation. 5 Improves Cardiovascular Health Fishing can burn an average of 200 calories an hour. 6 teaches self-reliance If you can fix a rod with just ingenuity, what else can you do? 7 bestows patience Fishing puts patience into practice. 8 encourages travel Fishers are among the most travelled. 9 enjoy the great outdoors Fishing inspires a closer connection with nature. 10 improves balance Reeling in a fish in a canoe takes balance, core strength and flexibility. It Starts At The Beach... and ends Where You Want! | GET ACTIVE 33

/ THEATRE GOERS HURON COUNTRY PLAYHOUSE & DARK HORSE estate WINERY, grand bend Photo: J. Baillie \"Truly Electric\" by PAT MORDEN There are many opportunities to experience the jolt of live theatre Some have a vision that going to the and CEO of Drayton Entertainment, puts VICTORIA PLAYHOUSE theatre can be a rather starchy affair – it this way: “What you see on the stage is high-priced tickets, fancy clothes, velvet the icing on the cake. Going to the theatre Photo: D. O'Dell curtains, and ornate chandeliers. But not in Grand Bend is a whole experience - here at the lake! the beach, the shopping, the dining, the giddy comedies and classic dramas. sunsets, and some of the best theatre in A key focus for Mustakas is keeping ticket ALEX MUSTAKAS North America!” prices accessible. “We pride ourselves not Although the pandemic has been tough on only on the artistic experience,” he says, Photo: Drayton Entertainment local theatres, the passion for producing “but also on value for money. When I see world-class productions still burns brightly. empty seats, I never think ‘lost revenue’— At Huron Country Playhouse (Grand Bend) And that’s good news for visitors. I think ‘lost experience.’” In common with and other local theatres, theatre-going is Huron Country Playhouse (HCP), operated theatres everywhere, HCP was shuttered as relaxed, comfortable, and accessible as by Drayton Entertainment, has been part of in 2020 due to Covid-19. The theatre is a day at the beach (and the ideal way to the Grand Bend community for an amazing poised to offer the 2020 playbill this end one!). Alex Mustakas, Artistic Director 50 years. Starting in a converted barn year, with some sets and costumes surrounded by farmers’ fields, the theatre already in waiting. was renovated ten years ago to create a Less than an hour south of HCP is the modern lobby and an additional, smaller Victoria Playhouse in Petrolia, the town venue, while keeping the classic barn where Ontario’s short-lived oil boom feel. The lush grounds are well positioned to enjoy the shoreline’s famous sunsets during intermission. HCP is well known for its Broadway musicals featuring top performers from across Canada. Mustakas notes the recent production of Come From Away in Toronto featured several actors who performed at HCP in 2019. The theatre also produces 34 ItStartsAtTheBeach.ca | 1-888-338-2001

started. The theatre is housed in Victoria Dendias, “Welcoming patrons back is our Arts & Culture Hall, a flamboyant late nineteenth century focus- we want to get back to sharing that building that burned down in 1989 and wonderful energy between the artists and in the same moment. Live theatre is was faithfully rebuilt. The Playhouse the audience.” truly electric.” features a summer season of concerts, Forty-five minutes northeast from Grand LIVE THEATRES musical reviews, and plays. Artistic Bend, there is yet another unique theatrical Blyth Festival, Blyth Directors David Hogan and David Rogers experience on offer. The Blyth Festival 1-877-862-5984, blythfestival.com attract world-class artists to the quaint produces new Canadian plays at historic Goderich Little Theatre / little town. Blyth Memorial Community Hall, originally The Livery, Goderich Development Coordinator Callandra built to honour the fallen of World War 519-524-6262, thelivery.ca Dendias says it’s the focus on customer One. Says Artistic Director Gil Garrett, “Our Huron Country Playhouse experience that sets Victoria Playhouse mission is to give voice to the region and (Main Stage & Playhouse II), Grand Bend apart. “We really roll out the red carpet for the country. We are constantly working with 1-855-372-9866 our patrons in every possible way,” she playwrights and directors and actors to tell draytonentertainment.com says. “We build personal relationships with stories of the moment we are living.” Stratford Festival, Stratford our audiences. David Hogan has been One of Blyth’s most innovative productions, 1-800-567-1600, stratfordfestival.ca known to walk people to their cars after The Outdoor Donnellys, was a retelling Victoria Playhouse, Petrolia a show!” of a nineteenth century blood feud that 1-800-717-7694, thevpp.ca When COVID hit, that focus didn’t waver. included live horses and a carriage Ticket holders received personal phone performed at the Blyth fairgrounds. This The Last year, the company is hoping to return to Donnelly Standing Blyth Festival Complex the fairgrounds to present productions safely in the age of COVID. Photo: T. Manzo Photo: Blyth Festival Blyth, Petrolia, and HCP are welcoming spaces that anyone with a taste for calls to find out how they were coping entertainment and social commentary during the lockdown. The theatre also can enjoy. Says Garrett, “You don’t go to ran a series on YouTube called “Stay Blyth in your three-piece suit with your Inspired” that featured archival footage pocket square. If you show up in jeans of past performances introduced by the shorts and a T-shirt, you won’t stick out. artists involved in them. The only thing we want audiences to The Playhouse has been exploring different bring is an open heart.” scenarios for making the theatre as safe All three say the experience of live theatre as possible for patrons this year. Says will enrich your vacation immeasurably. Says Dendias, “Depending on the show, it’s a time to let your imagination run wild, it’s an escape, it brings back memories, it’s cathartic.” Garrett agrees, adding, “There’s something remarkable about being all together and imagining the same thing victoria playhouse Photo: D. O’Dell It Starts At The Beach... and ends Where You Want! | ARTS & CULTURE 35

Arts & Culture Movie Theatres KINETO THEATRE Kineto Theatre, Forest STARLITE DRIVE-IN 24 King Street West, 519-786-2303, kineto.ca In operation since 1917, Kineto is open four days a week, year round! It’s one of the world’s oldest movie theatres. Some movies shown in 3D. Call or go online to find out what’s playing. Starlite Drive-In, Grand Bend 36752 Crediton Road, 519-238-8344, starlitedriveintheatre.com What could be more fun than enjoying the remaining heat of a summer day while bundling the kids up in their pajamas to watch a movie under the stars? Call or go online to find out what is playing. The 2021 season opens May 7 with Ray and the Last Dragon and Black Widow. The Park Theatre, Goderich 30 The Square, 1-800-265-3438 movielinks.ca/park-theatre-goderich Two screens playing current movies. The Livery Film Fest, Goderich The Livery runs a film series between September and April of national and international films in partnership with the Toronto Film Festival and Film Circuit Board. Screenings at The Park Theatre, 7pm (rush seats available at 6:45pm). Visit thelivery.ca/film-series. Huron Country Playhouse 36 ItStartsAtTheBeach.ca | 1-888-338-2001

/ ART LOVERS \"red sunset\" Photo: J. Baillie Southwestern Ontario's beauty entices many artists to make this area their home, place of work and inspiration. More than a dozen small galleries and working studios can be found in the area, including Ontario's foremost juried art competition, show and sale of original representational art - Paint ontario. Enjoy opportunities to browse and buy original art and photography from local artists, as well as the chance to meet and chat with them. What follows is the profile of one of the area's local artists. PAINTING WITH PIXELS by judy Johnson Janette Baillie BEHIND THE LENS OF PHOTOGRAPHER JANETTE BAILLIE bring new creative dimensions to post- editing work. Janette Baillie’s landscape photographs members of the Group of Seven Sharing a common passion with her celebrate the beauty and diversity of influenced Janette’s artistic inclination. husband Glen led to a new appreciation nature. Her desire is to engage the viewer Artistic creation is a family affair: of a wide range of art genres. From their in the interior life of her photographs. Janette’s mother painted, quilted and excursions to galleries and museums, “I would be very pleased if they saw what expressed her creativity in a number of to vacations savouring art from I saw – at a moment in time and hope ways; Janette’s brother sketches. vibrant artist colonies in Mexico and they can step back with me into that Although Janette used her Instamatic masterpieces in the Louvre, Janette’s moment to see the light, that scene. camera on family trips, it wasn’t until exposure to classic and contemporary I want to share the mood and what she got her first DSLR (digital single-lens works, whether by local or internationally- compelled me to click the shutter at that reflex) camera about a decade ago that famous artists, broadened her artistic particular moment...what drew me to she came into her own as an artist/ viewpoint and expanded her creative take that particular photo.” photographer who paints with pixels. boundaries. Janette Baillie grew up in the Owen Today her trusty Sony digital camera is Although childhood friends and family Sound area, home to artists like Tom her workhorse with its ability to capture labelled Janette as “the photographer”, it Thomson who showcased Canadian many more photographic opportunities was not until 2011 that Janette began to landscapes – quickly capturing familiar through its technical capabilities like accept that label for herself. In July 2011, scenes with oil paint and brushes on long exposure and shallow depth of Janette’s photo of two ladies walking location. Thomson’s colourful, strong field and to operate in extreme low light paintings and those of the founding conditions. The camera’s capabilities It Starts At The Beach... and ends Where You Want! | ARTS & CULTURE 37

Arts & Culture portfolio are her sunset photographs, photographers, a concert series initiated especially the ones taken at Grand six years ago and still organized and out into the lake at Sauble Beach was Bend. In every season and in all types implemented by Glen. the Editor’s Pick for the Globe & Mail’s of weather, with moods created from Her latest endeavour was sparked photo contest of Togetherness. “They indigo to sunny displayed in all the when she created her website, forcing were about the same older age, wore the colours of the spectrum, Janette is the curation of which photos to include same bathing suits and straw hats. It was inspired to jump in the car and head and which to put aside. Wanting to share a pivotal moment for me. People I had to the beach to capture the essence her photos with people, she published known over the years contacted me and of the scene. her first book Grand Bend – Through remarked that they didn’t know I was a Janette’s innate modesty prevents her the Lens. It showcases the diversity of photographer.” That was the beginning from any self-promotion; it’s apparent waterscapes and landscapes throughout of Janette thinking of herself as a her temperament is to give more the seasons and the wide range of photographer — not a photo-taker — than she gets. In using her talents to Janette’s photographic talents and and the rest is history. capture the area’s incredible beauty interests. If a lifetime of taking photographs and encouraging visitors and residents Janette muses she “would have loved to is experience, then the next step in alike to recognize and appreciate the have been a painter. I admire painters’ the photographer’s development is surrounding splendor, she is also inspirations – because they are all about apprenticeship. Janette honed her helping local businesses thrive. the light. Maybe someday”. photographic skills and artist’s eye Janette and husband Glen are Reality Check, Ms. Baillie! You already through workshops with Canadian extensively involved in the community. are a painter – your tools are not photographers whose work she At times their particular interests and brushes, oils and easel but camera, admired, among them André Gallant involvement differ and at other times lenses and tripod. You paint with and Freeman Patterson, both award- they converge, as they did with the pixels and invite us into your world winning photographers and authors. She establishment of the Grand Bend & Area through them. also credits her continuing association Studio Tour 10 years ago. The annual with the Port Franks & Area Camera Club, studio tour highlights local artists along janettebailliephotography.com including volunteering on their Executive, the shoreline while also supporting sunsetarts.info for her continued growth and learning and engaging local restaurants and bailliespictureframing.ca from this “collaborative, great group accommodations. She is an organizing grandbendstudiotour.com of people”. committee member of the Grand Bend galleryinthegrove.com (juried exhibition) Janette’s experience at Sunset Arts & Area Holiday Home Tour, Board Gallery (sunsetarts.info), a co-operative Member for the Grand Bend Community retail gallery in Grand Bend, is also a Foundation and member of its Grants source of artistic inspiration for her – Committee. Her photographic work is “it’s a privilege to have my work hanging used extensively in the area’s activities there with all of these folks' works – guide – It Starts At The Beach. She everybody is so talented in so many is one of Summer Sunset Sounds different ways”. The most popular images in Janette’s \"pebbles\" 3P8hoto: J. BaillieItStartsAtTheBeach.ca | 1-888-338-2001

Arts & Culture \"paint the sunset\" It Starts At The Beach... and ends Where You Want! | ARTS & CULTURE 39 Photo: J. Baillie

Arts & Culture \"sunset splash\" Photo: J. Baillie GALLERIES / WORKING Marten Arts Gallery Grand Bend Art Centre, Grand Bend STUDIOS 17A Main St. N., Bayfield, gbartcentre.com, 519-238-1155 facebook.com/MartenArtsGallery, Offers scheduled and drop-in art classes, Art By 3 519-565-2222 seminars and workshops for all ages 7710 Clayton St., Port Franks Patina Studios including summer camps for kids. artby3.com, 519-243-3321 12B Main St. N., Bayfield Barry Richman patinastudios.ca, 519-955-6517 Treehaus Canada Studio, Grand Bend 30 Alberta St., Grand Bend Red Dog Art Studio treehauscanada.ca, 226-678-5118 519-238-6213 @Red-Dog-Art- A working glass art studio that offers Bill Nieuwland Studio-497450820607568/ fused glass workshops to everyone theartistbill.com, 519-238-6447 226-349-3216 10-years and up. David Hudgel Woodturnings & Design Sunset Arts The following locations host group davidhudgelwoodturninganddesign. 63 River Rd., Grand Bend creative and art events. Check websites weebly.com, 519-982-3399 sunsetarts.info, 519-238-6914 for details, dates and times. D. Culbard Fine Arts Studio Treehaus Canada Studio • Oakwood Resort,Grand Bend 30 Ontario St. S., Grand Bend Grand Bend, treehauscanada.ca oakwoodresort.ca, 519-238-2324 519-238-0021 226-678-5118 • Pinedale Motor Inn, Grand Bend Janette Baillie Photography pinedale.on.ca, 519-238-2231 janettebailliephotography.com EXPLORE YOUR INNER ARTIST • White Squirrel Golf Club, St. Joseph Josy Britton Check websites for details, dates and whitesquirrelgolfclub.com, By Appointment, josybritton.com times of drop-in and scheduled art 519-236-4030 Judy M. Roth classes for all ages and levels. 22 Keith Cres., Bayfield \"love grand bend\" @theJMRcollections, 519-535-1369 Art By 3 Studio, Port Franks Main Street Gallery artby3.com, 519-243-3321 Photo: J. Baillie 4 Main St. N., Bayfield, Variety of one-day art workshops, facebook.com/ including encaustic hot wax, photo MainStreetGalleryBayfield encaustic, glass jewellery, stained glass 519-565-2048 drip, fused glass and garden art. 40 ItStartsAtTheBeach.ca | 1-888-338-2001

/ MUSIC LOVERS Since 1919, Grand Bend’s Main Beach has been a popular venue for live music. First with the Lakeview Casino, which operated for five decades until 1969, and now with Summer Sunset Sounds. Michael Vanhevel at Dennys Photo: J. Baillie SUMMER SUNSET SOUNDS, Grand Bend BAYFIELD Popular series features original Canadian music in a variety of Bayfield’s charming town hall (bayfieldtownhall.com) is the venue genres, including rock, folk, celtic, jazz and blues. Performers for many a concert and performance. Concert organizers will take the stage at 7pm Sundays or holiday Mondays. Opening announce concert dates on Facebook (@BayfieldTownHall) act followed by headliner performance. FREE event - donations and on their website thebayfieldconcertseries.com welcome. summersunsetsounds.ca, (@bayfieldconcertseries). Tickets through ticketscene.ca. @grandbendsunsetconcertseries, 519-238-1472. Exeter FAMILIAR FAVOURITES CONCERTS, Grand Bend One of the area’s finest restaurants now combines food with Concerts feature well-loved cover songs performed by area music on the patio during summer months and has an outdoor musicians every other Wednesday evening in July and August. dog-run for patrons’ pooches. Check Eddington’s (eddingtons.ca; facebook.com/wed.familiarfavourites @Eddingtonsofexeter) website for events and dates. CAnada day celebrations, Grand Bend This year Huron Waves Music Festival will showcase the best of The largest Canada Day celebrations along Lake Huron’s Canadian and visiting international musical artists at the annual shoreline is organized by volunteers and funded by sponsorships springtime (May) music festival in our region. Check the website and donations. Enjoy live music from the Rotary Stage on Grand and Facebook page for concert and performer announcements. Bend’s Main Beach, followed by fireworks at 10pm. Free event @HuronWavesMusicFestival1, huronwavesmusicfestival.ca. with donations solicited. Always held July 1 (rain date July 2). canadadaygrandbend.ca JAM SESSIONS, OPEN MICS & OTHER MUSICAL OFFERINGS Patio dining while enjoying live musical performances is a popular summertime activity. Local venues make great use of Facebook to announce events, follow FB @grandbendtourism. Grand Bend The Lake Hound thelakehound.ca (@thelakehound) Midori Sushi midorigrandbend.squarespace.com (@midorisushigrandbend) Oakwood Resort oakwoodresort.ca (@OakwoodResort) Pinery Market pinerymarket.com (@pinerymarketgrandbend) The White Squirrel Golf Club whitesquirrelgolfclub.com (@whitesquirrelgolfclub) It Starts At The Beach... and ends Where You Want! | ARTS & CULTURE 41

/ HERITAGE HOUNDS Photo: J. Baillie Kettle & Stony Point PowWow by Judy Johnson The second weekend in July is an Booths beckon with goods for sale – Photo: J. Baillie opportunity to share in something art, jewellery, clothing, crafts, beadwork truly outstanding - a celebration of and more. There are food and beverage heavy regalia on a hot summer day. The native cultural heritage at the Kettle stands – some featuring fresh Lake Men’s Grass dance movements imitate & Stony Point powwow. The Annual Huron fish, native flatbread strawberry grass moving in the wind. The Jingle Competition Powwow takes place July shortcake. Known as the heart berry for Dress dance, a healing dance is an 10 and 11, 2021 at 9226 Lake Road the wild berry’s shape, the strawberry is Ojibwe tradition, and other traditional (kettlepoint.org/powwow/). a sacred food in Ojibwe culture. dances each have their own meanings The powwow is a combination of many On both the Saturday and Sunday of the and movements, passed down through things: a social event for all ages and powwow, people come early to be in time generations. Regalia is highly individual tribes, a spiritual and sacred occasion, for the impressive grand entry which is and holds deep meaning for a dancer. a celebration of heritage and culture, the official opening. You might get a seat, The beat of the sacred drum and the and pride in one’s roots. but best to bring a lawn chair or blanket. sound of the singers accompany the Organizers work hard throughout Every time veterans, flag bearers and dancers as they perform. the entire year to make the powwow dancers enter the grassy arena from the At the end of the day, everyone knows happen. They bring together dancers East, walking in the direction of the sun they have been a part of something from Canada and the U.S., vendors, for the grand entry, attendees are moved very special. We say Miigwech! Thank drummers, singers, volunteers and at the sight. you for giving all the opportunity to sponsors, and manage the countless Throughout the afternoon, about 200 learn and share in this wonderful, details that make a successful powwow. dancers in full regalia compete in unforgettable celebration. More than 2,500 people attend traditional native dances. Among the every year. women’s dances is the Fancy Shawl From the moment you park opposite dance, a whirl of colours and creative the powwow grounds, you will be caught designs suggesting butterfly wings, up in the excitement and anticipation. danced by young women moving into Elaborate, often bright regalia of the womanhood. Elaborate regalia with an dancers moves in the lake breeze and eagle feather circle bustle is a feature sparkles in the summer sunshine. of the men’s Traditional Dance. The Natives and non-natives of all ages from eagle is the messenger to the Creator, babes-in-arms to elders move into the flying highest of all birds and carrying grounds, smiling and chatting. prayers up into the sky. The men’s Fancy There is always a bustle of activity. Dress dance is very athletic and requires endurance by the young men who wear 42 ItStartsAtTheBeach.ca | 1-888-338-2001

Arts & Culture Photo: J. Baillie Photo: J. Baillie It Starts At The Beach... and ends Where You Want! | ARTS & CULTURE 43

Arts & Culture Photo: G. Pratt Jingle Dress Dancer, Cindy Henry by Judy Johnson People who have experienced the Kettle dance. “Can you imagine how difficult it Banaise-Kwe & CINDY Henry & Stony Point Powwow will probably was as a dancer, not to be able to dance, have seen Cindy Henry dancing in Jingle not even to move to the beat of the Photo: M.L. Fluter Dress. Honouring the Ojibwe cultural drum? When I was able to dance again, traditions is in the family: Cindy’s Mom I valued it even more”, Cindy shares. All the powwow dances are spiritual is a Traditional Dancer; Cindy is a Jingle Later she became a Fancy Shawl Dancer but the Jingle Dress Dance is the only Dress Dancer, as is her daughter. and now, as she explains, ”with more healing dance. Before the event, people Cindy started dancing about the age of life experience, age and knowledge”, bring gifts of tobacco wrapped in cloth five. As a student in non-native schools, she embraces Jingle Dress Dancing, with a tie of yarn or twine to a Jingle she was a target of bullying, surrounded competing in powwows in Canada and Dress Dancer which she carries during by kids with hands clapping over their the United States. the dance; they request that she dance mouths imitating stereotypical war cries Jingle Dress regalia has 365 metal jingle to bring physical or mental healing to a they heard in the movies and TV. Cindy cones, one for each day of the year. family member, friend or themselves. fought back, constructively - by bringing During the dance one foot must always The Jingle Dress Dancer also dances her dancing regalia to school, educating be in contact with the ground, keeping for general healing of those who might other students about her people’s the dancer connected to Mother Earth. not have asked, but also are in need. cultural tradition of dancing and showing The Jingle Dance is native Ojibwe. Powwow regalia is made with much care; them traditional dances. Originally cones were rolled from it has a great deal of spiritual meaning Cindy’s passion for her culture and the lids of snuff boxes; now they are to the dancer. Other regalia, such as that the dance is obvious as she describes usually purchased along with beads worn by Cindy for ceremonial occasions, when, according to tradition, she was and other regalia items from stores like is sacred, not to be viewed by non- in her Berry Fast of puberty, when a girl Thunderbird Crafts in Kettle Point. The participants in the ceremonies. moves from childhood into womanhood, Jingle Dress makes the sound of icicles learning skills and knowledge from an in winter during the graceful dance, older woman. During the year, the young harking to the healing qualities of woman may choose not to eat berries, Mother Nature during the dormant showing self-discipline, nor can she months of winter. 44 ItStartsAtTheBeach.ca | 1-888-338-2001

Arts & Culture • Arrive early to get a seat. Bringing your own lawn chair is a good idea. • Check the Grand Entry start time on Saturday and Sunday and come early. • Follow announcements about when to stand, when to be silent, when to remove your hat, etc. • Clap and cheer the dancers – follow native folks’ leads. • Be courteous. Ask a dancer if you have permission to take their photo. • There are dances for everyone to join in, native and non-native, in regalia or not. When the announcer offers an invitation to dance, accept the opportunity to share in a time-honoured ritual. • No alcohol or drugs allowed. • Consider donating to honour and support the costs of these non-profit events. Go to the organizing desk to the left of the grounds entrance or find out if there’s a donation box. • Do not refer to dancers’ attire as a costume. It is regalia, imbued with great spiritual and personal significance. It Starts At The Beach... and ends Where You Want! | ARTS & CULTUREPhoto: G.4Pra5tt

Photo: J. Baillie All Aboard Clinton's CNR School on Wheels Museum! by Lauren Ihrig Clinton’s School on Wheels Museum covered 237 kilometres of northern skills to help in writing letters, taking offers more than just a glimpse into Ontario rail from Capreol near Sudbury correspondence courses or ordering windows past. And there’s good reason to Foleyet. The Slomans spent the school from Eaton’s catalogue. for its inclusion in Ron Brown’s Top 150 year on the rail line and summered in Highlights of school car life included Unusual Things to See in Ontario! Clinton. The program expanded to seven enjoying film reels of diverse hometowns Restored working railcar-turned-museum routes and lasted until 1967. played on Fred’s movie projector, encourages visitors of all ages to The museum celebrates the participating in Christmas concerts, experience the magic of an educational demographic diversity of those who enjoying the company of the family’s experiment turned unique family attended the school on wheels, including pets, birthdays of students and experience, firsthand and hands on! children of loggers, trappers, First celebrities, and hands-on learning, Located in Sloman Memorial Park Nations families, railway and hydro- including playing with farm models and (76 Victoria Terrace), CNR school car electric workers. Impressively, students observing railway life. The school car #15089 is equal parts mid-century would often travel long distances to was a social and educational centre. classroom, Canadian railway gem, ’tiny attend the school car, sometimes by skis, The museum also showcases the home’ and treasured family chronicle. dogsled, snowshoes or canoe, depending Slomans’ clever use of the small living Passionate museum guides share the on the season! At various stops along quarters in the railcar’s rear by using story of Fred and Cela Sloman and their the way, students would enjoy a week of multifunctional furniture and basic five children, who helped realize Dr. classroom learning before heading home amenities. The abundance of artifacts J.B. MacDougall’s dream of delivering with a month of homework to tie them and original records is but one of the education to families in Northern Ontario over until the school car returned in perks of visiting the museum! through a mobile school on wheels. five weeks time. Fred and Cela’s legacy has included During Fred’s WWI service overseas, he Ahead of his time, Fred taught a royal visit in 1939, the receipt of the was inspired to pursue a teaching career academic subjects and citizenship while Order of Canada and induction into the as a way of empowering people through maintaining an experiential approach Canadian Railway Hall of Fame. Current literacy. Fred and Cela took the helm to learning. This is something museum highlights include a popular Children’s of one of two railway routes servicing staff have creatively adapted to make Festival with Thomas the Tank Engine Ontario in 1926. Their school car route the visitor experience extra special. held the second week of August. Adult learners gained English language 46 ItStartsAtTheBeach.ca | 1-888-338-200Ph1oto: J. Baillie Photo: J. Baillie

Photo: Lambton Heritage Museum Arts & Culture MUSEUMS AND ARCHIVES Arkona Lions Museum & Information Centre 8680 Rock Glen Rd., Arkona April-October: 519-828-3071; November-March: 519-235-2610 Forest Lambton Museum 8 Main St. N., Forest forestlambtonmuseum.ca, 519-786-3239 Huron County Museum 110 North Street, Goderich huroncountymuseum.ca, 519-524-2686 Lambton Heritage Museum 10035 Museum Rd., Grand Bend lambtonmuseums.ca, 519-243-2600 Lucan Area Heritage & Donnelly Museum 171 Main St., Lucan donnellymuseum.com, 519-227-0756 School on Wheels Museum 76 Victoria Terrace, Clinton centralhuron.com/schoolcar, 519-482-3997 St. Joseph Museum & Archives 72981 Bluewater Highway stjosephmuseum.ca, 519-236-7707 Photo: Lambton Heritage Museum LAMBTON HERITAGE MUSEUM THERE’S MORE TO EXPLORE www.heritagemuseum.ca 519-243-2600 10035 Museum Road Grand Bend • Fantastic 2021 exhibits including: » Capturing the Moment: Photography in Lambton County (Jan-Apr) » Paint Ontario Art Show & Sale (May) • Trek the Woodland Heritage Trail • Explore five historic buildings including the schoolhouse and blacksmith shop (seasonal) • Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy our pavilion • Visit our website for special programming It Starts At The Beach... and ends Where You Want! | ARTS & CULTURE 47

LAMBTON FALL COLOUR & CRAFT FESTIVAL Photo: J. Baillie Here are our picks for local events you've SUMMER SUNSET SOUNDS MOPAR CANADIAN NATIONALS got to see. For full event listings visit July & August Sundays July 30 - August 1, 2021 ItStartsAtTheBeach.ca and follow our or holiday Mondays grandbendmotorplex.ca facebook page @grandbendtourism. summersunsetsounds.ca Canada’s biggest drag race! The MOPAR Covid-19 Note: information was accurate Free concerts at the Rotary Community Nationals host 350 racing teams at time of printing. Local events are Stage on Grand Bend’s main beach competing in multiple vehicle classes. organized by volunteers and may or feature opening and headliner Don’t miss Top Fuel Dragsters, Nitro may not be held depending on various performances of Canadian musicians. Funnies, Nitro Harleys, Pro Mods, the Jet factors. Be sure to check online for the Previous years’ performers have included Truck and more. @grandbendmotorplex event’s status. The Mud Men, Rant Maggie Rant, Emm EXETER RAM RODEO Gryner and Stacey Kay. Donations August 7 & 8, 2021 PAINT ONTARIO welcome. Bring your own chairs. exeterrodeo.ca May 7-30, 2021 @grandbendsunsetconcertseries Witness the challenges and thrills paintontario.com experienced by competitors participating Ontario’s foremost juried competition, CANADA DAY in bareback and saddle bronc riding, bull show and sale of original representational July 1, 2021 riding, barrel racing and pole bending. art from artists province-wide. Artwork canadadaygrandbend.ca The grounds are open all weekend so you depicts the diversity of Ontario’s Grand Bend’s Main Beach hosts one can chat with competitors, see behind landscape, architecture, flora and of the largest Canada Day celebrations the scenes and grab autographs. fauna, waterscapes and urbanscapes. on Lake Huron’s shoreline. Live music @RAMRodeoTour Celebrating 25th anniversary in 2021! at 8pm; fireworks at 10pm. FREE event, ZURICH BEAN FESTIVAL Check the website for scheduled artist donations welcome. @grandbendfireworks August 27-29, 2021 talks and demonstrations. @PaintOntario beanfest.ca KETTLE & STONY Wrenchbenders Cruise Night takes place HURON WAVES MUSIC FESTIVAL POINT POWWOW on Friday with live entertainment on May 2021 July 10 & 11, 2021 stage starting at 7pm and fireworks at huronwavesmusicfestival.ca kettlepoint.org/powwow dusk. Saturday sees Zurich’s downtown Annual music festival showcases the The Chippewas of Kettle & Stony Point morph into festival ground-zero with best of professional Canadian and First Nation invite EVERYONE to enjoy vendors, midway rides, entertainers and visiting international artists from a a North American cultural gem – the musicians. This festival features one of variety of genres. Venues are throughout PowWow. Enjoy traditional dance the largest car show and shine events the region (i.e. Grand Bend, Exeter and competitions (jingle dress, fancy shawl, in Ontario. Dig into home-cooked, locally other communities). traditional, grass and more), drumming, produced baked beans and pork-chops. @HuronWavesMusicFestival1 traditional foods and crafts, and ceremonial and traditional clothing. 48 ItStartsAtTheBeach.ca | 1-888-338-2001

ARTS, EATS & BEATS STUDIO TOUR FESTIVALS & EVENTS September 11 & 12, 2021 grandbendstudiotour.com HOLIDAY HOME TOUR A smorgasbord for the senses. Event features art, food and music November 12-14, 2021 at multiple studios and restaurants throughout the area. grandbendholidayhometour.ca @grandbendstudiotour Visit five private homes all decked out for the holidays and LAMBTON FALL COLOUR & CRAFT FESTIVAL explore twenty-four destinations providing holiday inspiration. October 16 & 17, 2021 This ticketed event raises money for several local organizations lambtonmuseums.ca (The Jingle Bell Group, West Coast Lions, Our Lady of Mount Artisan show and sale of Canadian-made, non-manufactured Carmel School and Huron Shores United Church). Entrance ticket products ranging from food items to home and garden décor, is good throughout the weekend. Local homeowners, florists, jewellery, clothing and gift items, 100+ vendors! decorators, sponsors and volunteers create this wonderful experience. @grandbendholidayhometour DID YOU KNOW? The area is known as the White Bean Capital of Canada – growing, processing and shipping tons of food-grade, non-GMO beans worldwide. The Hensall Co-op is Canada’s top white bean exporter! summer sunset sounds Photo: J. Baillie Photo: J. Baillie grand bend motorplex Photo: B.Farnan It Starts At The Beach... and ends Where You Want! | FESTIVALS & EVENTS 49

FESTIVALS & EVENTS Covid-19 Note: Annually, this area experiences Rubber Duck Race mopar canadian superbike almost 200 events, most organized by volunteers. May 23, 2021, 1:00pm championship With guidelines in place to prevent in-person South Pier, Bayfield June 11-13, 2021 meetings, many committees are unable to plan and bayfieldoptimist.ca Grand Bend Motorplex, Grand Bend fundraise. Consequently, we have listed only those grandbendmotorplex.ca • csbk.ca events most likely to proceed and for which we have Bayfield Lions Breakfast 519-238-7223 heard back from the organizers. Be sure to check May 23, 2021, 8am to Noon itstartsatthebeach.ca for more complete listings Bayfield Arena, Bayfield SOAR Motorcycle Road Race closer to your visit and follow our Facebook page @ bayfieldlions.ca • villageofbayfield.com June 18-20, 2021 grandbendtourism for shared event announcements. 519-565-5170 Grand Bend Raceway, Grand Bend soaracing.ca • 519-238-7223 • [email protected] ongoing activities Lambton Shores Farmers’ Market Grand Bend July Savanna Strollers pinery Wednesdays, May 26 - October 6, 2021, 8am-1pm, Walking Club Lambton Heritage Museum, Grand Bend Canada Day Celebrations & Fireworks Wednesdays Year-Round, 9:15am Lambtonshoresmarkets.com • 226-520-0144 July 1, 2021, 8-10:30pm Lambton Heritage Museum Main Beach, Grand Bend pinerypark.on.ca/walking-club grand bend village farmers' market canadadaygrandbend.ca 519-243-1713 Year round, Lower parking lot, Oakwood Resort [email protected] Covid-19 Note: Order and pay online Saturday to Bayfield urban Pole Walkers Monday. Confirmation email sent Tuesday. Curbside Family Fishing Week Change ordinary walking into fitness walking pickup Wednesday. using specially designed poles. Meet at Hive Grandbendvillagefm.com July 3 - 11, 2021 in Bayfield Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays [email protected] Pinery Provincial Park, Grand Bend & Sundays, 9am-10am ontarioparks.com/park/pinery/events Facebook.com/bayfield.pole.walking Exeter Farmers’ Market 519-243-1521 Thursdays, May 27 - October 7, 2021, 3pm-7pm, March MacNaughton Park, Exeter Bayfield Town Hall Concert Series facebook.com/exeterfarmersmarket – “She Wolves” Return of the Tundra Swans [email protected] July 3, 2021, 7pm March 2021, Thedford Bog (behind Lambton Bayfield Town Hall Heritage Museum), Grand Bend Lambton Shores Farmers’ bayfieldtownhall.com • 519-565-5788 returnoftheswans.com • 519-243-2600 Market, FOREST [email protected] Fridays, May 28 - October 8, 2021, 8am-1pm, Summer Sunset Sounds Concerts Jefferson St. & Main St., Forest July 4, 2021, 7pm April Lambtonshoresmarkets.com • 226-520-0144 Main Beach, Grand Bend summersunsetsounds.ca • 519-238-1472 Bayfield Lions Home & Garden Show SOAR Motorcycle Road Race [email protected] April 23-25, 2021, Bayfield Arena May 15 & 16, 2021 & Community Centre, Bayfield Grand Bend Raceway, Grand Bend Familiar Favourites bayfieldlions.ca • 519-565-2894 soaracing.ca • 519-238-7223 • [email protected] Concerts – michael vanhevel [email protected] July 7, 2021, 7-9pm SOAR Motorcycle Road Race Main Beach, Grand Bend May 28-30, 2021 Grand Bend Raceway, Grand Bend BaconFest – Everything Bacon & Bikes soaracing.ca • 519-238-7223 • [email protected] July 10, 2021, 10am-7pm, Lucan lucanbaconfest.ca • [email protected] May June Kettle & Stony Point Morrison Dam Fishing Derby Alice Munro Festival of Competition PowWow May 1, 2021, 8am-Noon the short story July 10 & 11, 2021 Morrison Dam Reservoir, Exeter Early June, 2021 Kettle Point Park, 9226 Lake Rd., Kettle Point • abca.on.ca • 1-888-286-2610 Wingham, Blyth, Goderich & Bayfield kettlepoint.org • 519-786-2125 alicemunrofestival.ca • 877-862-5984 [email protected] paint ontario May 7-30, 2021, Clinton Spring Fair GTA Exotic Car Lapping Weekend Lambton Heritage Museum, Grand Bend June 4 & 5, 2021, REACH July 10 & 11, 2021 paintontario.com • 519-243-2600 168 Beech St., Clinton Grand Bend Motorplex, Grand Bend clintonspringfair.com • 519-482-7925 grandbendmotorplex.ca • gtaexotics.ca Beer & Food Festival [email protected] 519-238-7223 May 15, 2021, 2-9pm Bayfield Arena Community Centre, Bayfield Bayfield Lions Walk for Dog Guides Summer Sunset Sounds Concerts facebook.com/bayfieldbeerandfood June 6, 2021, 9:30am-1pm July 11, 2021, 7pm Clan Gregor Square, Bayfield Main Beach, Grand Bend Bayfield Farmers’ Market summersunsetsounds.ca • 519-238-1472 Fridays, May 21 - October 15, 2021 Bayfield Optimists' Golf Tournament [email protected] 3pm-7pm, Clan Gregor Square, Bayfield June 12, 2021, Golf Course TBA Covid-19 Note: In 2020 market went online. bayfieldoptimist.ca Stratford Spectacular Weekend Customers order online by Wednesday; curbside July 4-6, 2021 pickup Friday. bayfieldfarmersmarket.com Grand Bend Motorplex, Grand Bend 519-275-0781 • [email protected] grandbendmotorplex.ca • 519-238-7223 50 ItStartsAtTheBeach.ca | 1-888-338-2001