Now That’s a Fish

Upper Canada Village’s new fall event Pumpkinferno continued its winning ways in Ottawa April 24,  when Ottawa Tourism named it New Company of the Year.  

The award category recognizes an event or company two years or less in operation that through its success has stimulated the economy.  

Pumpkinferno which was launched in 2012 has certainly done that.  

In just two years of operation, not only has Pumpkinferno taken the region by storm hosting almost 75,000 people but it has contributed an estimated $8 million in economic impacts to the region’s economy. 

“Over the past three years we have taken a close look at our business operations and have encouraged our staff to be innovative in their approach to developing new visitor experiences.  Pumpkinferno is a great example of that type of thinking. Not only does it showcase amazing artistic and creative talents that go into making this such an amazing event, but our business strategy is really solid and surpassing our projections” commented Darren Dalgleish, General Manager & CEO, St. Lawrence Parks Commission. 

Festival and Events Ontario recognized Pumpkinferno as Ontario’s Best New Event in 2012 and in November 2013 the Tourism Association of Ontario honoured it with the award for Ontario’s Tourism Event of the Year.

“The Pumpkinferno team exceeded expectations to deliver an event that attracted over 35,000 guests in our first year and then topped that number last fall with over 38,000 visits.  We believe we have something special here and it is so gratifying to see this acknowledgement from the tourism community.  It was an honour just to be named a finalist in the Ottawa Tourism awards.  Our hats are off to the other excellent nominees.” said Geoff Waycik, Manager of Upper Canada Village.

Upper Canada Village gets an early start to the 2014 season opening on Wednesday, May 7. 

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Pieces from the War of 1812 are now featured at the Morrisburg Visitor Information Centre located on the main floor of the South Dundas Municipal Centre. 

The display was created with the assistance of local history enthusiast and Carman House Museum Chair Murray Richer.

The War of 1812 is a significant part of local history. The Battle of Crysler’s Farm was fought east of Morrisburg and ended the American campaign east, ensuring British control of the vital St. Lawrence River waterway. The War of 1812 ended in 1815, with 2015 marking the 200th anniversary of the end of the battle.

Some of the featured pieces include:

• A Cannon Ball: Found at Iroquois Point during the construction of the Seaway Locks

• End of a Polearm: Found on Toussaint Island

• A Medical Kit

The addition of this display case compliments an initiative already underway to display local art on the walls of the lobbies in the South Dundas Municipal Centre. Currently, works showcase everything from abstract art to local scenes such as ships passing through the former Canal system. 

“Our community has a strong connection to its local history” said Mayor Evonne Delegarde. “We are fortunate to display pieces that connect to our past, and showcase the work of current local artists at the South Dundas Municipal Centre.”

Art, currently on display, include works of Terrie Chedore, Elsie Gallinger, Colonel Montgomery, Sharon Montgomery and Kharla Ward.

The Municipality is now accepting submissions from artists wishing to participate in the June to December 2015 cycle of the SDMC art hanging program.

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