posted April 14, 2010 10:39 AM
passing on some info :-)
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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This is from "yourOttowaRegion.com "
* Melissa Di Costanzo
* Apr 13, 2010 - 2:54 PM
Sweet news for Canal Railway and Chocolate Festival
SMITHS FALLS - Planning for the 2010 Canal Railway and Chocolate Festival is already underway and off to a good start: during a press conference last Friday afternoon, festival organizers announced they had received a $15,000 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation.
“We started out 10 years ago … with a budget for three days of $7,000,” said Smiths Falls councillor and co-chair of the festival, Dawn Quinn. “We were told it wasn’t a go, but we’re pretty strong people.”
This is the first time the festival organizers have received this grant.
The funding will be used to purchase two fire-proof tents with panoramic sides, 450 metres of security fencing and two portable public address systems. When not in use, the equipment will be used for other community events.
Jim MacPherson, co-chair of the festival, said the family-themed festival, which runs from July 16 to 18, will feature a plethora of entertainment and events this year.
“It’s a family-oriented festival, for all of the family to enjoy,” he said.
Gordon Munroe, local representative for the foundation, said the grant is geared towards community-building events.
“The more there are, the more people they pull together in communities,” he said. “We’re sure you’ll make good use of (the grant).”
Quinn added her thanks for the town’s support.
“The town has supported and believed in us and stayed with us,” she said. “They’ve been there all the way along.”
Admission to the festival is $5 for adults, $2 for children and $20 packages for a family of five (two adults and three children). There will also be advance tickets available.
If any local business is interested in getting involved with the festival, contact Jim MacPherson at jim.macpherson@explorenet.com.
Here’s a rundown of what entertainment acts festival-goers can expect:
Friday, July 16
* Johnny Rock Star.
* Roger Plant and Friends.
* Marla Hawkins Band.
* A fire performance group.
Saturday, July 17
* Vine Rhymes.
* River City Junction.
* Doherty Brothers.
* Cadillac Crew.
* Elvis and Band, featuring Shawn Barry.
* Stand-up comic Larry Smith.
* Freddie Vette and the Flames.
Sunday, July 18
· Dan Hedderson.
· Tanya and Jim.
· The Roadies.
· Meredith Luce and band.
In addition to music, the festival will also incorporate children’s entertainers and family workshops. Performances will be held in the park in the rental village pavilion (which is located on Turtle Island), in the lobby of the Rideau Canal Museum, and at the Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario.
Workshops will be held on Turtle Island, and there will be an additional charge for materials.
Here’s a list of entertainers and workshops which will be running on Saturday, July 17:
* Cap’n Matt’s Treasure Hunt: a fast-paced interactive puppet show. Captain Matt and crew set sail to find the treasure of the pirate Stinky Beard.
* Marcus: Star of YTV, winner of the American Music Award for top children’s entertainer and Juno award nominee.
* Toopy and Binoo Puppet show: this show, which is based on the YTV series, is making its debut in Smiths Falls and tells the tale of the adventures of a cat and mouse. The show features Frank Meschkuleit, who has been featured on Sesame Street and numerous films. He will also be giving a workshop on “How to give that character a personality.”
* Deputy Doodle and his sidekick, Billy Kidder: this live show of song and interaction will be returning this year. Watch how fast Deputy Doodle is on the draw with his marker pens.
* Purple Dragon Puppet Theatre: this group will be performing a unique show that will be geared towards the theme of the festival. The troupe will also be conducting a workshop on Saturday morning which will teach children how to build a puppet that will march in the parade. Keep reading This Week to find out where to sign up, as space is limited.
* Lil’ John variety and magic show: John will be returning from last year and is one of the top balloon twisters in North America. He will also be bringing his scooter with him, so keep an eye out for him in the parade and zooming around town on the 10-meter stainless steel electric circus train. John will also be conducting a workshop on balloon twisting.
* Eric Leclerc: Eric will be conducting a workshop on elementary magic.
* Dottie the clown: Dottie will entrain with song and magic, assisted by her companion Kentucky Fried Fred. Dottie’s workshop is called “Face painting with a difference.”
* Kobbler Jay: known as the eccentric juggler, Jay is conducting a workshop on juggling for beginners.
* The Renfrews: imagine what the RCMP Musical Ride looks like with budget cuts that reduce it to two officers and no horses.
* Shriners clowns and face painters.
Other events include:
* The Great Rideau cardboard box boat race: get the family together and craft a vessel. No Styrofoam is allowed, but duct tape is. All participants must wear life jackets.
* Great Rideau tug-of-war: get your buddies together and pull across the water. This event is open to all, but a special invitation is going out to all service clubs to take on the Royal Canadian Legion, who were last year’s winners.
* Battle of the Knights: come out and watch the knights fight it out. Kids are invited to come out and cheer for their favourite warrior.
* There will also be a midway, fondue in the park, Creations in Chocolate, Adventures in Chocolate, Rideau Roundtable Canoes, Light up the Night, Saturday noon-hour parade with will run down Beckwith Street, horse and wagon rides, a soap box derby, vendors and food booths. Keep reading This Week for further updates.
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" Freddie Vette and the Flames. "
neat name for a band 
Lindaland
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posted April 14, 2010 10:39 AM
posted April 14, 2010 02:34 PM
posted April 14, 2010 04:14 PM
