Lots going on this weekend as summer events kick in

Jeff Green | Jul 13, 2022

Three of the events coming up this weekend not only mark that summer is in full gear, without restrictions for the first time in three, but they also show a variety of interests in our rural region.

Lakes and Trails

The Lakes and Trails Festival has become a celebration of both the history and the outdoor spirit of the village of Sydenham, put on with the support and sponsorship of many local groups and businesses.

This year's historic walk, a self guided exploration of the history of Sydenham, has an added element.

There is a missing body to be found! It is one any time from 9 until noon.

At the same time, 25 groups are participating in a Natural Heritage Expo at the Point Park. Along with informative booths about local plants and animals and their habitat, there will also be an obstacle course (organized by Elements Fitness) a Pickleball demonstration (Frontenac Pickleball Club) and a “Collect and Protect” contest put on by the Wolfe Lake Association as part of their “Get the Lead Out” campaign. Fishers are invited to bring along as much lead sinkers, jigs, tackle and even lead shot, bagged up for weighing, in order to win prizes for the most lead by weight.

The “Get the Lead Out” campaign is devoted to lessening the death rate of lead tackle on wildlife.

Cycling has always been at the core of Lakes and Trails, which was exclusively a cycling event before expanding its scope in 2017. There are two organised cycles at Lakes and Trails, an 8km family cycle starting at 9am, and an “Around the Lake” cycle starting at 9:30. A bicycle tune up clinic, put on by Kingston Cycles, runs from 9am-noon.

Swimming at the Point, other cycling and hiking activities, using the Cat, K&P and Rideau Trails, are open to the public all day.

Children's events this year include a concert with Gaelen Strathdee at 11am, and a storybook walked, presented by the EarlyOn program, starting at 10am.

The South Frontenac Museum will be on hand, as will the Kingston Frontenac Public Library and the township.

And there is ice cream. A free scoop for participants in any activity, $1 for a second scoop, courtesy of Trousdales General Store.

Registration starts at 8:45 am at the Point. Lakes and Trails is a free event.

Fantasy in the Forest

Its been 25 years since Jamie Brick had the crazy idea to start an art show at his home on Draper Lake, which is off the beaten track as far as the art and craft show circuit as it gets. Over that time, Fantasy in the Forest has become as much an event to celebrate a whimsical approach to fantasy for loyal fans and artists alike.

Dozens of artists and thousands of people show up each year, some in costume, to enjoy the summer, wonder through the lakeside property, and maybe buy some whimsical or practical items.

Fantasy in the Forest runs from 10-5pm on Saturday and Sunday, July 16 and 17. For info, go to fantasyintheforest.com

Star Gazing Party

On Saturday evening, at the dark sky preserve in North Frontenac on Hwy 506, the July Star Gaxing Party is called “Hercules, the Great Globular cluster and more” - While the Dark Sky Preserve is open all the time, access to equipment, expertise, and information makes the star parties popular events. And the chance to enjoy a warm summer evening at the same time is important as well. The early forecast calls for clear weather on the weekend, perfect for night sky viewing.

Coming up

The Sharbot Lake Country Inn has been bringing some of the top roots and east coast performers back after a two plus year COVID related hiatus. The Once were there in June, and Susy Ungerleider last week. On July 30, Sean McCann (the Shantyman) a founder of Great Big Sea, will make his first appearance at the Country Inn since 2015. Tickets are $45. Got to Sharbotlakeinn.com/eents for details.

The extensively renovated hotel is also for sale by owners Frank and Sandra While, so you can go for the show, and stay for the business opportunity. That same weekend, the Blue Skies Music Festival returns after a 2 year hiatus for its 49th annual festival on the Clarendon Road off Road 509 at the Ardch Road (10km north of Hwy,7). Tickets are $35 per day, and the festival runs on July 30 and 31st – info blueskiesmusicfestival.ca

Later in August, the Verona Car Show returns (see article on page ??) and the resurgant Parham Fair is set for August 19 and 20. A new event at Sharbot Lake Beach,, the Beach Bash, a country music event put on by Seeds and Associates and the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame. It runs all day as a free event, followed by a ticketed concert in the early evening featuring Kelly Prescott and others.

And the Maberly Fair, Silver Lake Pow Wow, and Verona Garlic Festival will round out the summer in late August, early September.