PRIDE • A MESSAGE FROM JILL DUNLOP • THE COUCHICHING CONSERVANCY • VILLAGER VENTURES
RAIN GARDENS
Arain garden is a specially designed garden that helps manage stormwater runoff, reduces flooding, and improves water quality. These gardens are not only functional but also enhance the aesthetic appeal of a landscape. They are an eco-friendly solution to urban water management issues, promoting sustainable practices and contributing to environmental conservation. A rain garden is a shallow, planted depression that absorbs rainwater runoff from impervious surfaces such as roofs, driveways, and sidewalks. It is typically designed to capture and infiltrate the first inch or so of rainfall, which contains the most pollutants. Rain gardens can be customized with a variety of plants that are well-suited to wet conditions and can thrive with minimal maintenance.
Benefits of Rain Gardens
1. Stormwater Management: Rain gardens reduce runoff by allowing water to soak into the ground, thus mitigating the risk of flooding and erosion. This helps protect local waterways from the impacts of heavy rain and reduces the burden on stormwater infrastructure.
2. Water Quality Improvement: As rainwater percolates through the soil in a rain garden, pollutants such as oils, heavy metals, and nutrients are filtered out. This process helps to improve the quality of water that eventually reaches rivers, lakes, and groundwater.
3. Habitat Creation: Rain gardens provide habitats for a variety of wildlife, including birds, butterflies, and beneficial insects. By planting native species, rain gardens support local ecosystems and biodiversity.
4. Aesthetic and Property Value: Beyond their environmental benefits, rain gardens add beauty to residential and commercial properties. They can increase property value by enhancing curb appeal with colourful, diverse plantings.
5. Climate Resilience: Rain gardens can help mitigate the effects of climate change by managing increased rainfall and extreme weather events. They also contribute to cooling urban areas by increasing green space.
Rain gardens are a low impact development application and are a practical and attractive solution to stormwater management challenges at our homes. Low impact development include: soakaways, permeable paving, green roofs and native plants. By capturing and filtering runoff, low impact development at our homes protects water resources, reduce flooding, and contribute to the beauty and biodiversity of the landscapes. Contact Parklane Landscapes today, if you have any questions or would like to incorporate a rain garden on your property. parklanelandscapes.ca or 705 327 0064
July 2024
PUBLISHERS
Jiun Liao and Mikaila Bolzonello
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From The Publishers
Happy July!
It is officially the second half of the year and a great time for us to reflect. The first half of this year brought us challenges and successes and has truly been a rollercoaster in the truest sense of the word. Now, I feel like we are entering a new stage in life both personally and professionally. Our goal for the next two months is to enjoy our family and our beautiful area we live in. It’s easy to lose sight of the wonderful people and events that surround us and I
think it’s important to remain grounded and thankful for what we have each and every day. I sometimes think about the people who drive up to our area every weekend just to experience a moment’s worth of what we have year round. I remind myself of how lucky we are to live here and how wonderful this community is. I wouldn’t change it for the world.
Cheers to fun, family, and friends new and old.
On our cover: Barbara Schmidt
Anita’s Armallaria Mikaila
Artist Spotlight
BARBARA SCHMIDT
Barbara Schmidt was born in Minot, North Dakota to a Mennonite Minister’s family. Her childhood, which was often compared to that of a military family, consisted of multiple family moves to various cities and towns in North Dakota, Manitoba and eventually Ontario where she resides today.
Adaptability was key to her settlement into new environments and circles and her ability at a very young age to replicate what she saw in drawings and sketches assisted her in that process. Those artistic abilities eventually led her to a Bachelor of Arts degree in Visual Arts but shortly thereafter her artistic path took a detour and she embarked on a career in International Trade.
Although Barbara utilized her creativity in many landscaping and interior design projects, she did not return to the fine arts until 2016. A sequence of events led her to create a painting unlike anything that she had done in her past. This painting reflected a certain style which captured her attention and gave her the confidence to carry on. Barbara strives to capture the unique essence in each of her subjects through her representational yet abstract minimalistic approach which utilizes a small range of solid colours applied in shapes only.
CONTACT INFO: EMAIL: artbybarbaraschmidt@gmail.com
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/artbybarbaraschmidt/ INSTAGRAM: #artbybarbaraschmidt
PHONE: 705-505-0105
DIGITAL ART VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=ggWnAdJlDJ4
Georgian Dental’s Annual Smiles On Us Event: A Day of Giving and Caring for the Community
On Saturday, June 8th, 2024, Georgian Dental in Orillia proudly hosted its 11th annual Smiles On Us event, a testament to the clinic’s deep commitment to serving the community. In a single day, this dedicated team of volunteers treated 80 patients, providing an estimated $50,000 worth of dental services to those in need.
Smiles On Us reflects Georgian Dental’s unwavering dedication to enhancing the well-being of individuals in the community through accessible, high-quality dental care. By breaking down barriers to oral health and delivering compassionate service, Georgian Dental strives to foster a lasting, positive influence in Orillia and beyond.
The mission of Smiles On Us is to spread hope and serve the community by offering free dental care to those who need it most. Each year, Georgian Dental’s volunteers provide essential services such as dental hygiene, x-rays, fillings, and extractions, all at no cost to the patients. The team’s commitment has not only restored countless smiles but has also created a legacy of compassion and community support.
This year’s event saw a heartwarming response from both the recipients and the volunteers. By giving back through their professional skills and resources, the team at Georgian Dental continues to exemplify the spirit of community service, ensuring that everyone has access to the dental care they deserve.”
Message from Jill Dunlop, MPP Simcoe North
As we step into the vibrant month of July, I am excited to share some significant updates and ongoing work in our riding. This summer, we have a lot to look forward to as our government continues to fulfill its commitments and enhance the quality of life for our community.
One of the most anticipated developments is the return of the Northeastern passenger rail service. I am thrilled to share that The Northlander will soon be back on track, reconnecting our region with reliable and efficient transportation options. This service is not just a symbol of progress but a vital link that will boost our local economy, provide greater access to jobs, and ensure seamless travel for residents and visitors alike. We are dedicated to making transportation more accessible, and this is a significant step forward.
In addition to enhancing our transportation network, we are also committed to improving healthcare services across the province. The government is taking decisive steps to make it faster and easier for people to access publicly funded surgeries and procedures. This
includes adding 100,000 more MRI and CT scans, ensuring that our healthcare system can meet the growing needs of our population. These enhancements will significantly reduce wait times and improve patient outcomes, ensuring that everyone receives the timely care they deserve.
Furthermore, I am pleased to announce that Ontario is investing more than $110,400 in local conservation projects through The Couchiching Conservancy to enhance the Black River and Carden Alvar area. This investment will support critical environmental initiatives, preserving our natural landscapes and promoting biodiversity. The positive impacts of these projects will be felt for generations to come, as we work to protect and sustain our precious ecosystems.
As we celebrate these advancements, I would also like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the graduating classes of 2024. Your hard work, resilience, and determination have paid off, and you are now ready to embark on exciting new journeys. Whether you are heading to post-secondary education, starting a new career, or pursuing other passions, the future is bright and full of possibilities. Your achievements are a source of pride for our entire community, and we eagerly anticipate the positive contributions you will make in your next endeavors.
I wish everyone a happy and enjoyable summer. Let’s embrace the opportunities ahead and continue working together to build a stronger, more connected, and thriving community.Top of Form
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Pride Month: A Celebration of Love and Inclusion
Written by: Jiun Liao
June brought us together in the most colorful way possible. With tons of rainbow flags and events, we saw an entire community coming together to support and uplift one another. From local businesses to organizations, everyone worked together to make this Pride Month something to remember.
Shops decorated their windows, while restaurants offered special Pride-themed treats. It was a collective effort that showcased our community’s commitment to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued.
Compared to last year, the calendar was bursting with events. I sat down with some key members from Lake Country Pride—Celeste Lalumiere, Max McKenzie, and Alyssa LaPlume. They shared with me the whole lineup they managed to pull off this year.
Karaoke nights filled with laughter, brain-teasing trivia games, nature walks, yoga sessions, queer cabaret that lit up the stage, and a ton more. And of course, the main event being the Pride March on June 22nd.
I grabbed my walking shoes and joined the Pride in Nature walk at Grants Woods. Max McKenzie from Lake Country Pride teamed up with Sheena Tolland from The Couchiching Conservancy to host this amazing event.
A perfectly sunny day, not too warm and not too mosquito-y, where I was able to meet new friends, be submerged in the beauty of nature, and learn more about plants, mushrooms, and the diversity of identities and expressions in nature.
Photo credit: Natalie Baker
Later in the month, Mikaila and I managed to snag tickets before they sold out for Queer Cabaret hosted by the Mariposa Arts Theatre—a showcase of local 2SLGBTQ+ talent. There was poetry, singing, dancing, drag queens, and dazzling performances throughout.
Due to the overwhelming support Lake Country Pride got from the first pride march in Orillia last year, many businesses and organizations came forth this year to lend their support and make this pride month an even more inclusive one.
“We were able to say yes to a lot more opportunities this year which was amazing,” said Alyssa, “so many businesses came to us asking to host an event or help out in some way.”
“The City of Orillia and Mariposa Arts Theatre played massive roles too. They helped us secure a grant that allowed us to have the police presence needed to do the march,” mentioned Celeste as well.
As we come to the end of celebrating Pride Month, it’s important to remember that our efforts don’t end in June. The spirit of inclusivity and acceptance is something to follow year-round. By continuing to learn and support one another, we can ensure that our community remains strong and united.
Pride Month is more than just a series of events; it’s a reflection of our values and our commitment to creating a better world for everyone. So, whether you’re a long-time resident or a visitor during the summer, together we can make a difference and show that Orillia is a city where love and acceptance thrive.
To all a Good Night
By Courtney Baker
With a spring of solar flares carrying the northern lights further south than usual, more of us have been making an effort to enjoy the night sky. Of course when we go out into the dark we aren’t alone, we are accompanied by bats, birds, moths and more of the wonderful species that call Simcoe home.
Sadly, despite waiting all day for the sun to go down, these species aren’t getting the dark they need. For example, artificial lighting can cause bats to miss dusk – they think the sun is still shining. Dusk is critical to the life of a bat because it is when the maximum number of insects are available to hunt. Artificial light can stop bats from leaving their roost in time for their best chance for food and populations must become more competitive.
The insects themselves are also affected by light pollution. The obvious example is moths flying toward light, it may seem harmless, but it affects their potential to pollinate plants. Research has found that 70% of moths are drawn up toward artificial light, as opposed to being drawn to the plants they have evolved to pollinate. This means the night shift is only doing 30% of its job pollinating, this in turn affects the plants themselves.
As it turns out, plants don’t produce as much pollen when the demand is low if they aren’t being pollinated at night. It means when the day shift
wakes up they don’t have as much to feed on and the whole system is weakened.
Plants themselves are further depleted by constant light and their photoreceptors (biological light sensors that inform when to open their buds or drop their leaves) are confused. This disruption brings buds out earlier in the spring and holds leaves later in the fall. The tree is now working much harder – it’s awake longer.
Nights in spring and fall are a pressing time for migratory birds. 80% of migratory birds fly at night, which is why they suddenly appear at your feeder without you seeing thousands of birds overhead each day. Birds, like ancient people, navigate by the night sky. Unfortunately as these creatures are drawn to bright lights up to 5km away, they can become hopelessly lost, unable to escape once they’ve become entrapped. Birds can even circle the lights, flying around them until they die of exhaustion.
But, don’t despair! The good news is that solving this problem for many of us is as easy as flicking a switch! The beauty of the light pollution issue is that it’s so easy to solve.
Please, take the opportunity to get curious and audit your own light use, does the porch light need to be on all night? Could you use a motion sensor? If you need new front lights, could you purchase a set that are properly capped? The bats, birds, moths, and plants will thank you.
Courtney Baker is the Office and Acquisition Coordinator at The Couchiching Conservancy, protecting nature for future generations.
Photo: Pink skies all night next to Point Pelee National Park, a major North American migration route
To Rear or Not to Rear.. A Monarch.
By Matt Thomson
It’s one of North America’s iconic insect species and holds the record for the world’s largest insect migrationthe Monarch butterfly, or scientifically known as Danaus plexippus. What is now a popular activity at home and in the school classroom is now a hobby that should be avoided according to the latest scientific evidence. It’s no secret. Their numbers are in decline and have reached another record low population since 2012. They’re in dire need of help. Many people, across multiple age generations, have responded to this news by gathering the Monarch’s eggs or caterpillars from Common Milkweed plants around their backyard or throughout the neighbourhood and then bringing them indoors to marvel at one of the most fascinating natural wonders. It can be an exciting moment when one catches a glimpse of tiny football shaped eggs or the white, yellow & black striped caterpillars on those soft, slightly fuzzy Milkweed leaves.
Unfortunately this hobby is not a sustainable conservation strategy as it was once believed to be. There’s a problem when these caterpillars are kept in an indoor, climate controlled environment. The butterflies are emerging from their chrysalis with smaller wings compared to the butterflies that are developed outdoors in their natural environment. Sometimes their wings are deformed, either shriveled or wrinkled from which they cannot fly. This is also an indicator that the butterfly is infected with a highly contagious parasitic infection known as Ophryocystis elektroscirrha, though most of us just say OE for short. This means that the butterfly will not be able to migrate to Mexico and should be kept separate from the wild ones that are fit for migration (even nature needs social distancing). In general, the indoor captive-bred butterflies are weak and their “magnetic compass” is dysfunctional. We don’t want those genetic traits to pass on to future generations of butterflies. There are traditionally four generations of butterflies during an “annual cycle”. The Monarch butterflies that are gracefully fluttering our countryside during June are basically the great
grandchildren of the butterflies that arrived here last year. The first generation is overwintering in an Oyamel Fir forest in the mountains of central Mexico. In late January or early February they will have a mating period as the weather warms up. Their lifecycle comes to an abrupt end about a week following a successful mating. Those eggs, larvae & then caterpillars will develop into adult butterflies several weeks later. By the end of March, this new generation is departing on their journey northbound. Upon arriving in the southern United States, the state of Texas is a popular area for the next mating period. When the next generation of butterflies emerge, they carry on northward to our area and much of the U.S. Midwest & Great Lakes region with some heading to the east coast. However with the effects of climate change creating a shorter winter season, these breeding cycles are beginning earlier which means we are seeing Monarchs arriving in Ontario sooner, in the month of May. This also means the butterflies are susceptible to extreme weather events such as floods & snowstorms (in the Mexican mountains). Since the Monarchs are arriving earlier, it also means we may see a “bonus” second (or fifth) generation emerging by early August. It is only this final generation of butterfly that is capable of fluttering the entire distance to central Mexico (approximately 4,000 km). Their dependency on Common Milkweed plays into why this happens. The toxic white “milky” sap they consume during the caterpillar stage helps build stronger and larger wings in the adult stage, in short. The sap is made of a substance called cardenolides which other animals, including us, cannot consume and therefore predations are lower. As a matter of fact, there’s an infamous online video of a Bluejay barfing up a Monarch butterfly.
So if you see Common Milkweed around your yard or along the roadside, don’t think of it as a nuisance but rather a valuable plant that Monarchs are in desperate need of. Leave the eggs and caterpillars where they are and appreciate the sighting. Monarchs are a resilient insect and there’s hope they will recover in numbers- they have before.
Matt Thomson is a local conservationist based in Severn and enjoys engaging the community through citizen science events & activities. You can find him on Instagram or Facebook, @ardtreanature.
Villager Ventures: The Elmvale Jungle Zoo
By Hillary Handy
If you are new to the area and find yourself driving along Simcoe County Rd 27 towards Elmvale, it is pretty hilarious and shocking to see cows roaming the farm fields…and then the long necks of the giraffes next door. The Elmvale Jungle Zoo is a somewhat unexpected sighting, if you did not know about it! But it’s a magical place! And while Elmvale is technically on the outer periphery of our Orillia/Severn/OroMedonte reader radius, this is still a fantastic destination you need to visit this summer and only a stone’s throw away. Parents, Grandparents and Babysitters unite! This is a wonderful outing for children of virtually all ages, but especially younger ones.
The Elmvale Jungle Zoo is run by the Persi Family, who purchased the property in 1972. The zoo was originally established in 1967 and is celebrating 57 years this year! I used to frequent the zoo weekly with my season’s pass when I had a toddler and a newborn. This is one of the only zoos I know of that have food for purchase so you can feed the animals. It’s quite remarkable to be able to feed a giraffe a banana…with their super long tongue coming right for you! This was always one of our favourite morning outings, providing educational stimulation outdoors in the fresh air, while walking (or toddling) and then you could head home for nap time. We also met up with other families allowing us to enjoy a playdate and an outing.Those were the good old days! I had the perfect zoo route and knew where everything was. But I recently realized, I had not been to the zoo since probably 2020 when the world went wild. So it was time to return and we have gone twice so far this summer!
Deaf family and always love to see members of the Deaf community and support their endeavors. I developed a connection with some of the staff over the years, who would offer me their wealth of knowledge of the various animals and the species.
During the pandemic, the zoo was required to make some facility updates such as one-way trails, but this has prompted the expansion and further development of the space. There are new animals and enclosures, with more coming soon, like hyenas! One of the biggest changes to date was the loss of Maria Persi, who passed away in April 2023. Maria was the heart of the zoo and her legacy lives on through her children Mike and Michel who run the day-to-day operations and her grandchildren who also work at the zoo and have a love for wildlife. It truly is a family affair. While there are changes and upgrades being done constantly, the family and staff remain loyal to their vision and mission, caring deeply for the animal residents at their zoo, educating audiences about the species and the importance of protecting endangered species and conservation.
Now I am aware there are always differing opinions on zoos or facilities that house wildlife, but this Villager is a firm believer in education, celebrating wildlife and can report that she LOVES the Elmvale Jungle Zoo. The property is wheelchair and stroller accessible, with wide clear paths and lots of natural tree coverage and shade. There are clean bathrooms and picnic tables for snacking. Little legs are able to walk the zoo as it is a manageable distance between each animal enclosure. Honestly, the Elmvale Jungle Zoo is the best. There’s nowhere else like it in our area and dare I say, anywhere else!
Add the Elmvale Jungle Zoo to your Summer Bucket List and help celebrate 57 years in the community!
I feel a sense of loyalty and affinity for this zoo as some members of the staff are Deaf and use ASL to communicate. I have
July
A HIGHLIGHT OF COMMUNITY EVENTS AND HAPPENINGS
ANNUAL CANADA DAY PARADE
July 1, 2024
THE LONG WEEKEND
July 3 @ 2:00 pm
Orillia Opera House – Studio Theatre
It’s 1994, and two couples get together for a weekend getaway that goes hilariously awry. Max and Wynn Trueman and Roger and Abby Nash have been friends for years, but when they come together at Max and Wynn’s new vacation home, grievances, desires and secrets spill out, sparking nonstop laughs. Canada’s most popular playwright, Norm Foster, skewers marriage and friendship over a long weekend that goes anything but smoothly.
MARIPOSA FOLK FESTIVAL
July 5 - July 7
Mariposa Folk Festival is an exciting, vibrant and storied musical happening! Mariposa has presented its incredible performances and programming for over 60 glorious years.
Come join us! Enjoy and share in the rich tapestry of festival experiences that animate the wonderful spirit of Mariposa!
The festival is a celebration of song, story, dance and craft, and so much more. Taking place in a beautiful lakeside setting, Mariposa features some of the most renowned artists on the North American and international scenes, as well as emerging artists for you to discover. It is a 3-day getaway with 100+ performances on 11 stages. For those camping at Mariposa, the
fun starts the day before the festival opens and finishes the day after it closes.
CRANKWORX
SUMMER SERIES AT HORSESHOE RESORT
July 5 - July 7
The Crankworx Summer Series Canada is bringing high-caliber racing, with a grassroots vibe, to Horseshoe Resort! This Summer Series festival will bring together pinned locals, top amateurs and up-andcoming youngsters, while attracting top riders keen to mix, mingle, and drop in.
THE 12TH ANNUAL RAMARA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CLASSIC CAR SHOW
July 13
The 12th Annual Ramara Classic Car Show celebrates the love of Classic Cars on this one day annual event located on the beautiful Lagoon City canals at Lagoon City Marina – 150 Laguna Parkway, Brechin, ON. The Ramara Chamber Classic Car Show has something for everyone.
Trophies, Prizes, Vendors Market, D.J. Wild Willy, 50/50 draws, Raffle table, Food & Ice Cream vendors, The Ramara Historical Society Historical displays, and so much more!
THE SEVERN BUTTERFLY COUNT
July 13, 2024
“Participants needed to help spot & identify butterflies”
Register at ardtreanature.ca/count-form or email info@ardtreanature.ca for more information
ORILLIA
SCOTTISH FESTIVAL
July 19 - July 21
Welcome to the 46th annual Orillia Scottish Festival! The Orillia Scottish Festival was founded by Duncan Fleming of the Orillia Branch 34 Pipes and Drums in 1978, the Orillia Scottish Festival is the longest continuously running festival in Orillia…
except for during COVID-19 of course! Stay tuned for fundraising events that celebrate Scottish culture and Festival 2024 details.
July 19, 20, 21, 2024
The 2024 festival returns to Couchiching Beach Park!
GRASSLAND FLORA WALK
July 20 @ 9:30 am - 12:00 pm
Events Navigation
Join this walk on one of our newest nature reserves led by botanist and ecologist Dale Leadbeater who will share the history, geography, and geology of the area, its landforms and habitats and how those influenced the flora that is here today. Dale has worked in the field of environmental assessment since 1978. Her areas of expertise include landscape ecology, vegetation analysis, wildlife assessment, and wetland evaluation, mitigation and restoration. Dale is on the Board of The Couchiching Conservancy. With Anne Barbour, Dale co-authored the book The Flora of the Kawarthas.
FISH & CHIP NIGHT
Ramona Hall Saturday July 20th. 4 to 7 PM 2212 Fairgrounds Road Washago Cash bar
EVERY BRILLIANT THING
July 24 @ 2:00 pm
by Duncan Macmillan
In order to help his mother, a young boy creates a list of everything that brings joy to their lives. A list that grows every passing year as he moves through his own life. Join us on a wonderful journey that focuses on finding the joy in everyday moments and appreciating the simple pleasures around us. Often hilarious and always uplifting, Every Brilliant Thing is a rare event: a comedy about loss that will captivate your imagination.
Written
with Jonny Donahue and Directed by Fiona Sauder.
ORILLIA Local Canada Day Events
WASHAGO
Canada Day 2024 in Washago at the Washago Lions Club Hall on Hamilton Street. You won’t want to miss it As we’ve been hosting a great party celebration for over 14 years. We’ve been putting on a great party and celebration of our wonderful country in style. Come be a part of the fun. July 1st.
Pancake breakfast starts at 8:00 AM with all the fixings, plus your morning coffee! Start the day right.
Lunch starts at 11:00 Beer tent starts at 12:00 as well as the first of 8 live bands and musicians.
Here is our musical lineup for the day:
• Cam Galloway
• Swindover/Fossil Tones
• Wendy Whelan
• Wild Blue North
• Terry Savage
• Under the Influence
• Madchester
• Rebound
There will be a raffle draw prizes and a 50/50 draw as well. See you at the Washago Lions Hall, July 1st, 2024!
Pancake Breakfast
8:00am - 10:00am
Join us for pancakes, sausage, juice and Tim Hortons coffee in the park.
$10 for Adults and $5 for Kids. Breakfast is served until 10am or until we run out of food.
Location: Pavillion inside the Terry Fox Circle
Vendor Village
9:00am - 5:00pm
Bring the family and do some shopping down at the park. Most vendors will be here from 9am - 5pm. Some vendors may stay open until the Fireworks.
Location: Terry Fox Circle and surrounding areas
Wheelie Great Parade registration opens 10:00am
Get your entry registered for the Wheelie Great Parade begining at 10am
Location: Information Tent at the entrance to the Terry Fox Circle
Wheelie Great Parade
10:30am
Decorate your bikes, trikes, wagons, skateboards, wheelchairs, scooters and more and be part of the Wheelie Great Parade through the Terry Fox Circle! Children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is at 10:00am at the Information Tent.
Location: Terry Fox Circle
11:00am - 11:00pm
Oro-Medonte Farmers’ Market Canada Day Celebration
July 1 @ 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Oro-Medonte Farmers Market opens Canada Day!
Ribbon Cutting 10a.m. with 45-plus vendors of local produce and baking and the best Poutine this side on Montreal
Chappell Farms will be open to visitors
The Midway is returning for 2024! Gable Brothers has partnered with us to bring a selection of rides, inflatables, food and games. Be prepared for lots of family fun. Prices: 1 coupon = $2.50, a sheet of 20 for $45.00 or 40 coupons for $80.00. Rides cost 2 or 3 coupons.
NOTE: The inflatable attractions are only FREE from 11am-4pm on July 1st.
Children’s Village
11:00am - 4:00pm
All children’s activities are free! There will be inflatables, arts & crafts, demonstrations, super heroes (and villains!) and much more. At 4pm, head over to the Rotary Aqua Theatre for a magical performance.
NOTE: The inflatable attractions are only FREE from 11am - 4pm on July 1st.
Location: Green space at Couchiching Beach Park
Beer Garden
11:00am - 11:00pm
If you would like to enjoy an alcoholic beverage, join us at our Beer Garden near the Aqua Theatre. The Beer Garden is a family friendly spot, but those under 19 will only be admitted if they are with someone 19+. Don’t forget to buy a button - it gets you in for a refreshing brew. Last call at 10:30pm.
Location: Near the Aqua Theatre with a view to the entertainment stage throughout the day and evening fireworks
Entertainment at the rotary aqua theatre
11:00am - 12:30pm
Signature 11 performing LIVE at the Rotary Aqua Theatre
Food Vendors
11:00am
Our food vendors will be open by 11am July 1st. Come and enjoy some great food!
Location: Terry Fox Circle
Parade
12:00pm
Marshalling takes place at the City Hall
Parking lot off Andrew street at 11am. The parade starts promptly at 12pm and goes down Andrew St. turns on to Mississauga Street onto Centennial Drive and disperses at the north park entrance on Jarvis Street.
Opening Ceremonies
1:00pm
Welcoming everyone to Orillia Canada Day with the raising of the flag, singing of our National Anthem and speeches from our Mayor, MP & MPP, and the Orillia Canada Day Committee.
Location: Rotary Aqua Theatre
Canada Day Cake Cutting
2:00pm
An annual tradition - come enjoy a piece of one of the many Canada Day themed cakes Mariposa Market has baked, decorated and donated. It is first come, first served until we run out.
Location: Pavillion by the Government Dock
Entertainment at the rotary aqua theatre 2:30pm - 3:45pm
Daniel Bazinet performing LIVE at the Rotary Aqua Theatre
Family Magic Show
4:00pm
Join us at the Rotary Aqua Theatre for a performance by The Amazing Frank Clarkson Location: Rotary Aqua Theatre
Entertainment at the rotary aqua theatre 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Boomer Babies performing LIVE at the Rotary Aqua Theatre
Entertainment at the rotary aqua theatre 8:00pm - 9:30pm
Jakob Pearce performing LIVE at the Rotary Aqua Theatre
Fireworks
9:45pm
The Fireworks take place at dusk, approximately 9:45pm.
Come stake out your spot and enjoy something to eat and shop in the vendors village. Be sure to buy your Canada Day button and some glow sticks to support our annual fireworks spectacular
Take-out Sandwiches
Freshly prepared • Ask for panini press Also PIZZA & SALADS! •
