June 2013 – Page 6 – Morrisburg Leader

Brynn Gilmour runs two PBs at OFSAA

June 12, 2013 Editor

B. McNairn-Leader staff

IROQUOIS – Brynn Gilmour hasn’t let her first year of high school slow her down one bit on the track or otherwise. In fact, Gilmour has continued to quicken her pace throughout the current high school track and field season, bringing it to a successful conclusion at OFSAA last week in Oshawa, where she ran two personal best times.

Gilmour who began to train seriously, five years ago as she prepared for her Grade 6 school year at Iroquois Public, competed in both the 400m sprint and 800m at the Oshawa Civic Recreation Complex.

Although she failed to advance out of her heats, she put together personal best times in both events, gaining a good feel for the caliber of the athletes and for the intense excitement of competing at the provincial level.

“Brynn had an excellent year of competition culminating in her qualifying for the All-Ontario Championships,” says her Seaway High School coach Mark Lewis. “She worked hard all year and committed herself to achieving her goals.”

“She wanted to run under 60 seconds in the 400m dash, and was close to attaining this goal. She ended up running at 61.56 which was still a personal best (PB) by more than three seconds.”

In the 800m, the goal was 2:20 and she achieved it running in 2:20.92, which was a PB, a full nine seconds better than her time when she started the season.

“She barely missed qualifying for the final at OFSAA in the 800 and ended up with the ninth fastest time, actually running faster than one of the athletes who made the final,” says Lewis.

“She had a great year and was a joy to coach. She always worked hard and did everything we asked her to do, even if she didn’t feel confident doing it. Lindsay Waddell and Robyn Carriere and I were extremely proud of her accomplishments.”

For Brynn, her many races have been rewarding since her first season in grade 6. She credits her grandfather, Wayne Barkley, for peaking her interest.

“My grandfather took me everywhere. He got me started running around the neighbourhood.”

Throughout her elementary school career, she set numerous track records and consistently scored the honour of top girl at the annual Tournament of Champions.

In addition to her two days per week of high school training, Brynn trains three days a week in Brockville under coach Bob Tucker, who is with the Brockville Legion program. She runs one day per week on the weekend and takes one day off …the day off dependent upon her homework.

Lewis and Tucker coordinated her program at the start of the high school season, and according to Brynn it has “worked out fine. I work on distance with Bob and speed with Mr. Lewis. I am actually the luckiest athlete out there, as I have two really great coaches who are always there.”

A typical training session for Brynn runs 1.5 hours and includes arm and leg strengthening exercises. Training is year round, and, “yes” she says to everyone, “I run in the winter.”

For her mom and dad, Dale and Carrie Gilmour, it has been an interesting and, at times, nerve wracking experience. “When she was little she was always quick and always had endurance, so that’s why we began to think maybe she could look at it more seriously,” says Carrie. “It’s a huge commitment. She runs year round through snow and sleet. We didn’t realize there was so much science behind it all.”

Brynn began her first high school season with firsts in both of her events at the SD&G, despite the fact she was battling a flu bug. She ran the 400m in 1:05 which she says, “was not good” and the 800 in 2:33.

At a very windy EOSSAA she won the 400m with a time of 62 seconds and placed second in the 800 with a time of 2:27.

Then it was off to the East Regions meet where a personal best time of 2:22 gave her a second place finish in the 800 and a personal best time of 61 seconds put her in third spot in the 400.

The finishes allowed her to qualify for the All-Ontario.

Interviewed last Thursday before she left for OFSAA with her mom and coach Lewis, Brynn says she wasn’t nervous “yet”.

“I’ve had a pretty good season. I would like to be under 60 seconds in the 400, and I would like to run the 800 in 2:20 or under. Judging from my current times, they both seem attainable.”

Having now entered the high school level of competition, Brynn notes that “it’s a huge difference. The talent pool has opened up quite a bit. A lot of people who ran before drop it at the high school level.”

While you may not cross the finish line ahead of your competitors every time, every time you meet or surpass your personal goals at the finish line is a time to celebrate.

Those personal wins, and the experience of competing at a level that many just dream of, is what Brynn brought home with her from Oshawa.

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Brad Fritsch named honourary chair of Waterway Classic

June 12, 2013 Editor

PGA Tour Canada announced Tuesday, at the Upper Canada Golf Course, that PGA Tour professional Brad Fritsch is the Honourary Chairman of the Great Waterway Classic tournament to be played at the Upper Canada course this coming, August 19-25.

An Ottawa area native, Fritsch said via teleconference that, “I am pleased to throw my support behind the Great Water Classic. The launch of PGA Tour Canada is great for golf and players alike. The time I spent on the Tour was instrumental to my development as a professional. I am confident the Tour and the Great Waterway Classic will showcase the talents of the players to the many golf enthusiasts across the country and especially in the Great Waterway Region.”

“We are delighted to have Brad throw his support behind the event,” said Brad Parkins, Chief Operations Officer at Canadian Junior Golf Association and Tournament Director for the Great Waterway Classic.

“This is an exciting day for me,” said Fritsch. “It has been a long time since I have been able to be involved in a professional tournament in the Ottawa area. I am excited to support the Great Waterway Classic.”

Also excited to join the game is the Cornwall Hospital Foundation which was named Tuesday as the official Charity of the Great Waterway Project. As the official charity, the Foundation will receive proceeds from supplementary events, a portion of the gate proceeds and proceeds from additional fundraising initiatives.

“We want to thank you for coming to our community,” said Connie Vardy, Executive director of the Cornwall Hospital Foundation. Vardy explained that when she first came to the area she learned that there are two things people really care about. “The first thing people really care about is their hospital. The second thing they care about is their golf. So this is a terrific marriage. We really feel honoured. We appreciate the dollars and we will use them wisely.”

Scott Pritchard, Director, Tournament Business Affairs at PGA Tour Canada said PGA Tour Canada is excited to come back to the Waterway Classic area.

He remarked on the success of the PGA Tour Canada’s inaugural event, the Times Colonist Savings Open played June 3-June 9 in Victoria, British Columbia and won by Marysville, Ohio’s Stephen Gangluff.

The Great Waterways Classic scheduled for August 19-25 at the Upper Canada Golf Course is the seventh tournament on the 2013 PGA Tour Canada Schedule. The schedule began with the Qualifying tournament in Beaumont, California April 7-12.

Next up from June 17-23 is the ATB Financial Classic in Calgary, Alberta.

PGA Tour Canada is a men’s professional golf tour headquartered in Oakville. It formally started in 1970, and became the Canadian Profession Golf Tour in 1986.

The U.S. PGA Tour took over the operation of the tour last November, 2012, at which time it was renamed PGA Tour Canada.

Over the years, this tour has had many players go on to PGA Tour success including 2003 Master champion Mike Weir and 2005 U.S. Open winner Michael Campbell.

Under the new system, the top five players on PGA Tour Canada Order of Merit will earn Web.com Tour cards and the next five are exempt through to the finals of Qualifying school.

“Our first event in Victoria , B.C. this past weekend was very well received,” said Pritchard. “The players were all happy and we had record crowds and record ticket sales.”

The Tour has raised millions of dollars for charities since its inception.

Pritchard said that fans can expect to see top notch professionals at the Waterway Classic at Upper Canada and both fans and players will appreciate the all new signage and leader boards.

Under the PGA Tour Canada stamp, players and fans alike can expect a bigger field (than last year’s first Waterway Classic event played at Smuggler’s Glen at Gananoque). Roped and staked tees and greens will provide a more big league feel.

“We have invested a lot into our infrastructure and the level of competition will be unmatched this year,” said Pritchard.

Also speaking at the news conference were Christa Doyle on behalf of the Great Waterway Classic, Allen McNairn on behalf of the Upper Canada Golf Course, and Susan Leclair on behalf of the St. Lawrence Parks Commission which operates the Upper Canada Golf Course.

McNairn and Upper Canada Golf Course superintendant Randy Leclair were commended on the work being completed on the course.

“We are very much looking forward to hosting this event,” said McNairn. “There is a lot of work that has gone into this, and we are continuing with the work.”

On behalf of the St. Lawrence Parks Commission, Susan Leclair, Corporate Marketing and Development officer, said “We are thrilled that our golf course is going to be hosting the Great Waterway Classic.”

Leclair also issued a warm invite to Brad Fritsch, that if he has the opportunity, to come and play the Upper Canada Golf Course, which he admitted earlier he has not had the pleasure of playing.

[…]

Jack Palmer

June 5, 2013 Editor

A resident of the Iroquois area for the past 23 years, Jack Palmer passed away at Winchester District Memorial Hospital on Wednesday, May 22, 2013. He was 87.

Jack is survived by his son John of R.R.# 2 Iroquois. He was predeceased by his wife Doreen Palmer (nee Humphries).

Friends called at the Marsden and McLaughlin Funeral Home, Iroquois, on Sunday from noon until 2 p.m.

A graveside funeral service was held at Resthaven Memorial Gardens in Scarborough on Monday, May 27th at 1 p.m., with Rev. Jeff Brown officiating.

Pallbearers were John Palmer, Nicholas Squire, Lance Squire, Preston Squire, Scott Lepore and Randy Kalpin.

Donations to Winchester District Memorial Hospital would be gratefully acknowledged by the family. Online condolences may be made at marsdenmclaughlin.com.

[…]

Perspectives with Rev. James Tripp

June 5, 2013 Editor

Welcome Home

If you’ve ever been away somewhere for a long time and come home, you will know what it’s like to have that “Ahh… I’m finally home!” feeling.

I really enjoy getting away with Sarah, and it’s always nice to visit somewhere different. We have taken different holidays over the years and visited a number of places. Sometimes places that actually aren’t far away at all, but it always feels good to get home.

It was about eight years ago now that we were talking about getting a pet, and a short time later we came home with a little puppy named “Molly”. That puppy grew into a full sized dog. Who would have guessed that was going to happen?

The joys of that dog besides the walks, picking up the left behinds and finding piles of golden retriever fur everywhere, is that we have a great family friend.

It didn’t take us long to discover that Molly loved to have us home, and hated to see us leave. When we would leave the house she would sit by the door and wait for our return.

Naturally, over the years she got used to the idea that if we left, we would soon return. The assurance Molly felt allowed her to live out her day, and do whatever dogs do while everyone is away.

When we would return from either a day away at work, or even a vacation over a number of days, the response from Molly was always, and has always been the same. She would rush from whatever part of the house she was in, and greet us at the door with her tail wagging her whole body. You don’t think twice about that greeting, until it doesn’t happen.

There is something wonderful about being greeted when you arrive at a place and are made feel welcome.

Sarah and I are thrilled to make our new home in Iroquois. It didn’t take long for our neighbors to come and give us a warm welcome to our new community.

Sarah and I have also been blessed by the kindness and love shared by our new church family at Morrisburg Pentecostal Tabernacle (M.P.T.).

I’d like to extend a warm welcome to you to come and visit us on a Sunday morning. When you arrive, I’m sure you’ll be made feel right at home.

Rev. James Tripp

Morrisburg Pentecostal

Tabernacle

[…]

Perspectives with Rev. Schiebout

June 5, 2013 Editor

Growing Time

The time in church after celebration of Pentecost and the coming of the Holy Spirit is called growing time. We use green as a worship colour.

Growing is what we do every day, bit by bit. Some of us grow up and some of us grow old. But all of us grow in some way or another. We also talk about growing in faith.

We have stories in the Bible of how people grew in their faith in God. Abraham and Sarah grew in faith and trust when they became part of a covenant with God. They moved with family, flocks and herds to new land. They were tested in their faith as they wondered over time if God was going to keep the part of the covenant about descendants. Sarah laughed.

Then there are the stories of Moses leading the people out of the land of Egypt to the promised land. If one looks on a map of the area of the wilderness and the wandering route the Israelites took, one asks why it took them 40 years to get to their destination. Well, they had to learn to trust God. They were growing in their faith, generation by generation.

Jesus’ disciples followed him as their teaching rabbi, learning and growing in their faith. They learned that true discipleship was always about growing in their relationship with God. They learned disciplines like praying and searching out folk in the margins of society in need of healing. They learned that a simple lifestyle and hospitality are part of growing and sharing their faith.

Where do you grow in your faith? Does your faith provide the good soil for growth? Do you use your faith as the foundation for making life decisions? Does your faith inform how you act every day of your life or is it reserved for Sunday only? Do your practice mercy and justice? Are you growing up in faith or are you just growing old in faith? There is a difference.

Faith needs to be used and nurtured. It needs to be able to vision as Abraham and Sarah, Moses, Paul, Priscilla, and Mary came to understand. Faith needs to move you to a new place, a new reflection of where God is active in your life today. Faith opens your eyes to the opportunities that God places in front of you.

I was watching a baby bird at the base of one of the maple trees in the front of the house. Its mother was close by. I began to mow the lawn, keeping watch on the base of the tree as I rolled by. I did not want to frighten the little fledgling. I didn’t see the little bird after finishing the lawn. I didn’t know what became of it until I saw it again today. The mother was close by to the fledgling on the ground.

I think God is like that when we start out in faith, close by and keeping us safe. We slowly take a few flights, gather strength, and learn to fly.

We pray that our minds are fresh and open to growth; we pray that we can use each new day to explore new ways to grow in faith; we pray that we are able to nurture hope and humility to trust that God is always doing a new thing. Let’s pray for eyes to see it and lives to live it. We are not alone, God is with us, thanks be to God!

A prayer shared, credit to its writer

God of new beginnings,

we are walking into mystery.

We face the future, not knowing what the days and months will bring us

or how we will respond.

Be love in us as we journey.

May we welcome all who come our way.

Deepen our faith to see all life through your eyes.

Fill us with hope and an abiding trust that You dwell in us amidst all our joys and sorrows.

Thank You for the treasure of our faith life.

Thank You for the gift of being able to rise each day with the assurance of

Your walking through the day with us.

God of our past and future,

we praise you.

AMEN

Thank you for your holy hospitality, comments and conversations generated over the nearly four years that I have served at Lakeshore Drive United Church, Morrisburg.

As of July 1st, I will be growing by serving an interim ministry at Ashton-Munster Pastoral Charge. I have grown in my faith through service here and through the generous collegiality of the South Dundas Ministerial.

Peace and Blessings,

Rev. Arlyce Schiebout,

Lakeshore Drive United,

Morrisburg.

[…]

Home Hardware on side for local soccer

June 5, 2013 Editor

The South Dundas Soccer Association is pleased to announce that Morrisburg Home Hardware has signed as season sponsor for the 2013 Saturday Soccer Program.

Morrisburg Home Hardware’s sponsorship covers the U11 Intermediate, U13 Senior, U15 Bantam and U19 Midget soccer divisions.

“We’re pleased to be sponsoring South Dundas Soccer this year,” said Dwayne and Lloya Sprague, owners of Morrisburg Home Hardware. “With so many kids involved, this is a great way for us to give back to the community and make a real difference.”

The 2013 Season has over 450 youth, ages 5-18, registered for a total of 34 teams and six divisions.

“Corporate support like this is extremely important to programs like the one offered by the South Dundas Soccer Association,” said Phillip Blancher, association vice-president and communications director.

[…]

Increasing local control in renewable energy development

June 5, 2013 Editor

May 30, the Ontario Minister of Energy, Bob Chiarelli announced that the province is increasing local control over future renewable energy projects.

This announcement means little to the South Dundas residents who are opposed the pending 10 megawatt wind energy project that will see EDP Renewables erect 10 industrial wind turbines in the Brinston area.

This project already has an agreement in place, with construction expected to start this summer.

“Working with the Ontario Power Authority and municipalities, the province will develop a competitive procurement process for renewable projects over 500 kilowatts. The new process will increase the existing large project stream of the Feed-In Tariff program and better meet the needs of communities,” reads the Ontario news release.

“It will require energy planners and developers to work directly with municipalities to identify appropriate locations and site requirements for any future renewable energy project.”

Also, as part of strengthening municipal participation and supporting communities, the province announced that they are revising the Small FIT program rules, they will work with municipalities to determine a property tax rate increase for wind turbine towers and through funding will help small and medium-size municipalities develop municipal energy plans.

“From what I have gathered from the announcement, South Dundas and other municipalities will have more say, but the devil is in the details,” said South Dundas mayor Steven Byvelds. He plans to learn more about the issue, this announcement and its implications.

It is the mayor’s understanding that this announcement will have no affect on the South Branch Project.

Leslie Disheau, of the South Branch Wind Opposition Group agrees that this announcement will not apply to the South Branch project.

“Even if these new rules did apply to the South Branch wind project, it is quite apparent that the current South Dundas council is not willing to be proactive, but prefer to sit with their hands tied,” said Disheau.

Commenting on the announcement by Chiarelli, Disheau said, “The central planning still remains firmly in the hands of the Energy Ministry, not municipalities. What the announcement didn’t do was to provide municipalities the power to simply say, ‘we are not willing hosts’, which is what 36 of approximately 90 municipalities have said so far, by passing bylaws proclaiming that phrase.”

“As far as I can read, Mr. Chiarelli still has yet to divulge the real details of just how this ‘revised’ Feed In Tariff program will appease the taxpayers of Ontario and municipal governments,” said Disheau.

Of the portion of the announcement outlining the province working with municipalities to determine a property tax rate increase for wind turbine towers, Disheau says, “This is interesting as the former Minister of Finance instructed the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation to assess industrial wind turbines at $40,000 per MW, despite the fact that the capital costs per MW were in the $1 million to $1.2 million range. Wind developers have a great financial relationship with the Liberal Government of Ontario and thanks to us, the taxpayers, they will continue to ‘roll in the dough.’”

[…]

Message of Love being delivered throughout South Dundas

June 5, 2013 Editor

Churches everywhere, including those within South Dundas, are struggling but the churches in South Dundas do something special every year to demonstrate to the community that churches are still relevant and still have an important message to share, a message of love.

“Love South Dundas is our way of presenting it,” says Rev. Clarence Witten of the Community Christian Reform Church in Dixon’s Corners.

Together, every church in South Dundas is behind the Love South Dundas initiative.

This is the fifth year for Love South Dundas.

This year it starts June 9, and runs through June 23, when it culminates in a large children’s fair.

Throughout the two weeks, through the Love South Dundas movement, volunteers from all of the churches will be out in the community engaging in service activities and random acts of kindness.

A car wash June 15 at the Iroquois Fire Station, a hymn sing at the Morrisburg Pentecostal Church, a food drive where donations can be dropped off at any church and delivery of baskets of baked blessings, are taking place. Witten says that they too are offering to do chores for seniors and those in need.

New this year, Love South Dundas will be sharing the love with those attending the Bluegrass Festival in Iroquois on Sunday, June 16.

“We are offering those at the Bluegrass Festival a free breakfast from 8 a.m. to about 10 a.m. It should be lots of fun,” said Witten.

“The whole point is to show love to the community. Love is what God is about. We are giving freely for free,” said Witten.

“We do hope that you’ll come out and take advantage of our service projects, be blessed by some random acts of kindness and will join us at our closing event of June 23.”

The June 23 event, in Morrisburg’s Earl Baker Park, which starts at 2 p.m. will feature bouncy castles and clowns and new this year, a petting zoo and free pony rides. Supper is at 4:30 p.m. with burgers and hotdogs being served.

It all ends with a huge outdoor worship at 7 p.m. with guest speaker Ken MacLaren.

This is the third year that the closing event is a children’s fair, and a tradition that Love South Dundas hopes to continue. Two years ago it attracted a crowd of about 400 people. Last year it was rained out.

For further information, to suggest someone in need of a hand, or to find a way to get more involved with Love South Dundas contact Nancy Blockland at communitycrc@ripnet.com

[…]

Dog Looking for Forever Homes

June 5, 2013 Editor

South Dundas Animal Shelter Name: Roxy. Hi everyone! My name is Roxy and I am a beautiful Husky Shepherd mixed female. I am no more than two years old, if that, a puppy really. I am a very happy dog, very friendly and I do need some manners training. I am not a big sized girl and I probably won’t be cause I am kinda short and sweet and dainty. I like to play and romp and cuddle, and I can hardly for a new best friend to come and claim me so we can play and romp and cuddle together. There are no adoption fees but all the guy and gal dogs here at the Shelter sure do appreciate a donation of food, based on my size and my length of stay.

South Dundas Animal Shelter Name: Blackie. Hi guys. My name is Blackie. Blackie is a female Lab mix, not spayed, as she has some curly hair going on, plerhaps some Newfie mix. She is still a young gal, estimated at maybe a year to a year and a half. Suspected to be a smart little gal, but again will need manners training Blackie appears to be a very gently loving girl. It is suspected that Blackie has some abuse in her background probably at the hand of a male. She retreats when approached by a male, but once she determines no harm is coming her way she is immediately her warm and loving self. The fact that she has managed to hang onto her wonderful, loving personality inspite of what we suspect has happened to her, speaks for the type of dog is and wonderful pet she will make. We are hoping the right family/best friend comes along soon to claim Blackie and return some of her love that she so freely gives.

South Dundas Animal Shelter Name: Cookie. 3-4 year old, Black Lab/Border Collie Mix. Not neutered. Hi, my name is Cookie and I am a beautiful, friendly young man, looking for a forever, loving home…..I have some mixed background going on which really shows in my colouring….nice white chest with some nice white boots, fairly long hair…which I think flows beautifully. They are thinking a Border Collie mix perhaps with some Black Lab. I am estimated to be three to four years old and am now probably at my full size….so a fairly large, mid-sized new best friend for someone. Could possibly work out as an agility dog or herding type dog. Oh and if you do come to see me, don’t forget to bring along a collar and leash so we can leave the shelter stuff here, for the next dog that need them. I’m waiting….and I’m listening….please call.

South Dundas Animal Shelter Name: Bubba/Zeus. Three to four year old Great Pyrenees. Not neutered. Great Personality. Gentle giant. Hi folks. Although the shelter originally gave me the name Bubba, it has been suggested my birth name is Zeus. Thanks to the generosity of an area groomer, I have been washed and blown dry from head to toe and am now ready to find myself a forever loving home. I like to cuddle and romp…just a bit. I am really an adorable big guy. If you are interested in meeting Bubba please call Kevin at the South Dundas Animal Shelter located east of Morrisburg, off the Church Road, at 613-913-1476. There are no adoption charges, however the Shelter gratefully accepts food donations based on the size of the dog and its length of stay.. This helps The Shelter to feed the next dogs to come along…a pay it forward type of set up.

We do also expect that new families use the money that it would have cost for your new best friend, to have him/her neutered or spayed.

Bubba/Zeus as you can see from the photos is patiently (LOL) waiting for a new loving home and a new loving family…where he can offer up some wonderful snuggle time….Zeus came to the shelter badly in need of some grooming…the volunteers were well on their way to getting him fixed up when no less than four area groomers volunteered to provide some assistance. Bubba/Zeus is a big guy and it was a big job. Thank you to everyone who offered to help.

If you are heading to the shelter to meet and adopt Bubba/Zeus or any of our dogs, be sure to bring along a collar and leash to safely get him/her home….oh, and if it is Zeus make it a really big collar.

For information on the dogs, or to make an appointment to meet one of our beauties, call Kevin at the South Dundas Animal Shelter at 613-913-1476. There are no adoption charges but donations of food based on the dog's length of stay and size are gratefully accepted. We strongly suggest that adopting families take the money saved from the cost of regular adoptions and put it towards having your new pet spayed/neutered.

Other dogs patiently waiting at the Shelter for new best friends include: Coco-female Chocolate Lab; Angel mixed breed 8 month old puppy; Buddy 2.5 year old neutered Yellow Lab; Missy 2.5 year old Border Collie Mixed female, spayed.

This is a public service column. The Leader accepts no responsibility for the dogs or the adoption process.

[…]

Knights, fair maidens coming to Upper Canada Village, June 8-10

June 5, 2013 Editor

It’s an entire weekend, June 8-10, filled with continuous shows and entertainment, artisans and merchants – all in true Medieval style!

And this year a giant 12 foot, smoke breathing dragon will be on the loose in the Medieval Fairgrounds, adjacent to Upper Canada Village, on Sunday, June 9 and Monday, June 10.

Always a crowd favourite, this year’s festival line-up is guaranteed to amuse and entertain visitors of all ages with its ever-popular shows of Jousting Knights on horseback, camels, falconers, belly dancers, swordsmen, Vikings, comedy acts, artisans, vendors and more!

All performances, including the jousts, are included in the price of admission. Details on performance times are at www.MedievalFestival.ca.

Renowned for their exciting shows of horsemanship, bravery and chivalry, the Knights of Valour have been entertaining audiences for over a decade.

The Knights will perform two action-packed shows per day at 11:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. (one heavy armour joust and one light) in a style worthy of Kings!

Stick around after the shows as the friendly Knights will meet with the public to talk about the history and chivalry of Knights. Their magnificent horses will be on view throughout the festival and you can even ride one of the mighty steeds for a small fee!

New this year is the Darc Viking Artisan Encampment where the medieval history buff, will learn more about the history and material culture of Northern Europe during the Viking Age.

Marvel at colourful glass beads being made right before your eyes using an historic clay furnace; see blacksmithing, wood carving and weaving on a Norse warp weighted loom … all at a Viking encampment!

These demonstrations will be ongoing each day of the festival, authentically presented by members of DARC, (Dark Ages Re-creation Company), who will engage visitors with their museum experience, academic credentials and artistic ability.

A core group of DARC members were the only Canadian group selected to take part in “Norstead”, the special historic event that marked the 1000 year anniversary of the Norse landing at L’Anse aux Meadows in Newfoundland.

The festival offers continuous entertainment in addition to the Jousting Tournaments and colourful medieval performers will present a variety of interactive shows each day.

Visitors are invited to meet King Henry II and Queen Eleanor as they bestow knighting to boys and girls who have been deemed worthy of this honour.

Chivalric Productions, which specializes in Medieval Hunting, will put on various demonstrations and visitors will be given the opportunity to meet a falcon, owl, hawk and a wolfhound. Medieval Weapons and hunting artifacts will also be on display.

Viking, Kievan Rus and Medieval Europe Encampment will featured swordfighting and combat demonstrations and interactive ancient games along with the opportunity to try on some armour.

The nearby Dark Ages Recreation Company’s Viking Encampment will feature historic glass beadmaking, wood carving, blacksmithing and the warp-weighed loom.

Ottawa School of Medieval Armed Combat will demonstrate spontaneous light armour fight demonstrations and the South Tower Armouring Guild will feature ongoing armour and sword demonstrations.

At the Weapons of War demonstrations, visitors will see a life-size trebuchet, ballista and catapult in action, and the 14th Century English Archers will perform daily demonstrations.

Demonstrations will also be ongoing at a variety of locations, including archery, maille, candle making and more and a tour of the medieval marketplace’s “Vendor’s Lane” is sure to provide the opportunity to purchase a souvenir or two.

Follow the aromas and savour the flavours of Medieval fare to discover a variety of food and snack booths, including the Bow & Arrow Eatery and the Medieval “Chip Shoppe”.

A kid-friendly ballista and battering ram will be found along the games alley, together with the miniature trebuchets, Frog Jump, Jacob’s Ladder, Jail and Stockade and a number of Medieval performers will be wandering the grounds with impromptu acts and musical entertainment.

New this year on Sunday only, visitors will be able to watch for the giant dragon that has found its way onto the festival grounds.

To speed your entry into Upper Canada Village advance ticket purchase is recommended. They can be purchased online at www.UpperCanadaVillage.com.

Admission for the day includes access to Upper Canada Village, the Discovery Centre and the Medieval Festival!! (Adult $20; Youth/Senior $17; Children 5 years and under are free).

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