Relish Elgin Event News

Mardi Gras In Elgin Weekend

Relish Elgin — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 06:00:00 +0100

Click here to download a PDF version of the map (Acrobat Reader Required)

Elgin Tourism Visitor's Guide 2010

Relish Elgin — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 06:00:00 +0100

Elgin County Railway Museum Strategic Planning Presentation Sun Oct 25

Relish Elgin — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Over seventy-five people gathered at the CASO Station at 2pm on Sunday October 25^th to hear about strategic planning being undertaken by the Elgin County Railway Museum.

The Michigan Central Railway shop, constructed in 1913 as a maintenance repair facility, is a large piece of St. Thomas's remaining built railway heritage.

It is the home of the Elgin County Railway Museum.
Members have diligently restored its collection of large rolling stock as well as acquiring many other interesting smaller railway artifacts.
Open only in the summer, the Museum hosts guided tours, railway events and model railway shows
The Museum also brings to St. Thomas the ever-popular Day Out with Thomas the Tank Engine.

In 2005, a part of the roof of the Elgin County Railway Museum was ruled unsafe. Water could get into the building, it was unheated, and its many broken windows gave an impression of abandonment. The Corporation did not own the building but was leasing it from CN. A study of the feasibility of purchasing it, of raising enough funding for roof replacement and restoration, or finding a different site, became paramount. The resources to complete this analysis were mustered and it was undertaken over the past two years.

On Sunday, a Public Support Analysis report was presented by consultant Susan Fortin-Smith and an Architectural review and proposals were presented by Tim Castle of SJMA Inc. Several architectural drawings illustrated a suggested plan for restoration to meet current safety standards, retain areas for train restoration work, and provide public space for visitors to visit and learn about St. Thomas and Elgin County's railway heritage.

For more information about the museum, visit http://www.ecrm5700.org

Above: View of Elgin County Railway Museum from CASO Station (Top); CASO Station restoration work on south platform (Bottom).

Elgin/Middlesex Artists's Fall Colour and Studio Tour 2009

Relish Elgin — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 05:00:00 +0100

The tour of artists studios took place on October 17th and 18th under sunny skies. The sixteen stops included several studios with artists on hand to talk about their art, plus several other interesting places along the countryside route. Pics below are from just some of the stops.

Rose Klein, fibre bead and embroidery artist (www.rkbeads.com).

George Mulcahy, carver.

Catherine Craig, sculptor and weaver (www.catherinecraigart.blogspot.com).

Robin Baratta, mixed media with environmental and other themes (www.theartofrobinbaratta.blogspot.com).

Belmont Corn Maze

3rd Annual John Kenneth Galbraith Literary Award Gala, Sat Oct 17

Relish Elgin — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Friends of Dutton Dunwich hosted the 3^rd Annual John Kenneth Galbraith Literary Award Gala on Saturday October 17^th. The award was created to honour John Kenneth Galbraith who was born near Dutton and went on to become an internationally acclaimed economist and author. It was also designed to encourage and reward a Canadian author.

This year's winner was Judith Millar, for her story "The Insomniac". Although she was not able to attend, one of the judges accepted the award on her behalf and words of acceptance from her home in British Columbia were read.

Entries are accepted each year for Canadian fictional short stories and the winner is awarded a prize of $2,000. This year there were entries from almost every province.

For more information about the awards, this year's semi-finalists and past winners visit www.johnkennethgalbraithliteraryaward.ca.

Semi-finalists in attendance at the awards, from left to right: Alina Lariviere from Etobicoke ON; Jean Ray Baxter from Hamilton ON; Chuck Lovatt from Carroll Manitoba and Ruth Zavitz from London ON.

Port Glasgow Annual Annual Fish Fry, Sun Aug 2nd.

Relish Elgin — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Port Glasgow's Annual Fish Fry & Waterfront Festival on Sun Aug 2nd saw a crowd of approximately 800 people out to enjoy sunny skies, fish fry dinner, entertainment from The Repetoire, and fireworks. The event is a cooperative venture each year, by the Knights of Columbus, Rodney Fair Board, Yacht Club and the West Elgin Fire Department.

Family Fun Day at Old St. Thomas Church – Sat Aug 1st

Relish Elgin — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Volunteers and students at the Old St. Thomas Church offered an opportunity on Sat Aug 1^st for individuals and famililes to have fun and learn about the church, plus free hot dogs and beverages.

Displays and tours inside the church showed the on-going restoration work preserving the beautiful building. Children were intrigued by several imaginative hands-on activities based on themes related to the church and area history.

Jeff Booth captured the imaginations of adults and children alike with the surprising stories of some the people who are interred in the historic and newer parts of the cemetery.

The Old St. Thomas Church is located at 55 Walnut St. in St. Thomas. It is open Monday to Saturay 9am – 5 pm from May to late August. Summer Staff are on duty for tours. For more information, call 519.633.2610 or visit www.oldstthomaschurch.com.

Shown below are Jeff Booth giving a cemetery tour, plus scenes from the cemetery and inside the church.

Backus Page House Pioneer and Nature Adventure Day Camp--July 30th

Relish Elgin — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 05:00:00 +0100

On Thursday July 30^th, children learned rug hooking in the Backus Page House with Stacie Littlejohn.

The activity was one of many during the museums Pioneer & Nature Adventure Day Camp for children ages 6 to 12. Each day centers around themes that relate to pioneer life, local history and the environment. The second week of day camp runs August 10^th to 14^th. A highlight of these camps is always the opportunity for the children to interact and learn with local history experts.

During her presentation, Stacie explained that rug hooking is a craft which was brought to the area 200 years ago. It started in the eastern seaboard in Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and the thirteen colonies and settlers brought the craft with them when they came to the Talbot settlement in 1809. Rug hooking used fabric strips from worn garments and burlap bags. It was a "chore of poverty" seen more in rural areas. People in cities and towns tended to be more wealthy and could afford rugs.

Pictured below are Stacie demonstrating, Sarah Nagy from the Day Camp assisting and several camp participants trying their hand at hooking.

Juke Box Memories at Quai du Vin Sun July 26

Relish Elgin — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 05:00:00 +0100

The crowd came to Quai du Vin on Sunday prepared for rain and an afternoon of hits from the fifties and sixties. Among the entertainers were Joe Fishcher Band, The Essentials, Vintage, and Bomb Squad.

Rain clouds threaten.

The Essentials.

Vintage.

The rain gear came out partway through the afternoon.

The Essentials continued to play (as the Blues Brothers) behind a rain curtain.

The Bomb Squad closed off the afternoon's entertainment.

Heritage of the Rails - Sunday July 12

Relish Elgin — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 05:00:00 +0100

The Heritage of the Rails event brought characters from the past to life at the CASO station in St. Thomas on Sunday. Just some of the vignettes are represented by the pictures below: Shane Harder as Mr. Ellis Sifton; Jeffrey Booth as a Medicine Showman with Grig Riman, as a man on the way to the telegraph office; the newly formed Michigan Central Employees Band as the MCR Band of 1920; Quentin Mount as Mr. Shaw, MCR Civil Engineer; Erich Otten as Conductor Smith; Scott Scheussler as Mr. J K McKee as Superintendient of the Canadian Division.

Abbamania At Quai du Vin--July 12th

Relish Elgin — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Abbamania at Quai du Vin on Sunday July 12th was sold out well in advance of the event. Cars parked as far as the eye could see in the vineyard. Each act was a crowd-pleaser and the dance floor was packed throughout the show. The event was a fund-raiser by Easter Seals. The afternoon included tributes to Tina Turner, Tom Jones (with enthusiastic audience participation), the Bee Gees, Abba and more.

Quai du Vin events have a growing list of fans, so get your tickets for the remaining events before they are sold out. For more info visit www.quaiduvin.com.

They Made It! Great Air Show Includes Snowbirds

Relish Elgin — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 05:00:00 +0100

The Wings n' Wheels Air Show flew Sunday with good weather, a full show and huge crowds. The Snowbirds, whose participation had been in question up to the last minute appeared, to everyone's delight. Shown below are a few pics of the Snowbirds, one of Bill Carter performing in his Pitt Special and one of Harvards flying over a local farm field.

Railway City Amber Ale A Winner at Queen's Park

Relish Elgin — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 05:00:00 +0100

On Monday, May 11th, Ontario MPPs voted in the most popular representatives of Ontario's Craft Brewing industry during a popular tasting event hosted by Hon. Steve Peters, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario.

The competition consisted of 59 beers from 17 Ontario Craft Breweries. Tasters cast ballots to choose their favourite varieties in six categories, and a seventh category, the "Speaker's Selection was chosen by the Speaker himself.

Railway City Brewing's Amber Ale was picked the favourite in the "Malty Dark Lager or Ale" category. The seven winners will become the 'official beers" of Ontario's Legislative Assembly. Kudos to our local brewery!

Railway City Brewing is located at 168 Curtis Street in St. Thomas. They're open 7 days a week for the summer. Call 519-631-1881 or visit www.railwaycitybrewing.com.

Presentation of Queen's Park award for Amber Ale by MPP Steve Peters
to Paul Corriveau and Al Goulding on Friday May 15.

Sustainable Living Ideas Blog

Relish Elgin — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 05:00:00 +0100

This Blogspot by St. Thomas resident Neil Hubert has some great entries to get you thinking about various aspects of sustainable living. The blog is conversational in tone but well-researched and packed with lots of information, gleaned from Neil and partner Robin's quest to find 'a better way.'

You will find entries on: the process they have gone through to make their home more energy efficient; sorting through the confusion about biofuels; investigating the controversy over BPA leaching from plastic bottles; participating in a local CSA (community supported agriculture) farm; and on recycling, reusing, conserving, and more.

Check out http://neilhubert.blogspot.com for this interesting local perspective.

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS: Sites, Blogs & An Online Map

Relish Elgin — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 06:00:00 +0100

The internet is used increasingly as a community-building tool. Here are some examples of Elgin websites that can help you stay connected with your neighbourhood.

County of Elgin Portal

The ElginConnects Portal is a central source for information on Elgin County—communities, recreation, culture, economy, organizations and government. Non-profit groups can now be considered for access to a site within the portal. Directory and Events listing features are included, as well as museum and tourism information.

Backroading Elgin Map

The Backroading Elgin map was developed by artist Shelley McVittie. It includes many "hidden treasures"--interesting businesses to visit on the eastern side of Elgin County.

Dutton Dunwich Chamber of Commerce

The Dutton Dunwich chamber has a long history of community building initiative. On their recently developed website you will find a business directory, an events calendar, some tips for day-tripping in Dutton Dunwich and a great Earth Week page.

Port Burwell Business Development Association

The Port Burwell Business Development Association was formed in the spring of 2006 to meet the changing needs of the community and its blossoming recognition as a secret jewel on Erie's North Shore.

Port Stanley Business Improvement Association

The website includes visitor information and events in the popular Port.

St. Thomas Downtown Development Board

The website offers a directory of businesses, newsletter, information about downtown (read about the story behind the murals) and an events listing. The listing is a free community service designed to be a central source for St. Thomas groups and organizations to let residents know what St. Thomas has to offer.

Wardsville Blog

The Wardsville Blog is a forum for brainstroming in the tiny community situated at the corners of four counties—Elgin, Middlesex, Lambton and Kent. Two volunteers have taken on the task of facilitating the community dialogue arising from the question, "What assets and gifts does Wardsville have to work with?" as a basis for planning the future.

West Elgin Chamber of Commerce

The West Elgin Chamber's tagline is "Central to Everything, Second to None." Their website covers mainly economic and background information. They have partnered with Dutton Dunwich and the EmPoWER (Marketing Partners of Western Elgin Region) group for some unique initiatives and events promoting tourism in western Elgin County.