Summer in Fenelon Falls looks to be exciting in 2019

What’s going on in Fenelon Falls this summer? What’s not going might be a better question.

June 8 sees the Kawartha Yarn and Fibre Festival return to the village after a wildly successful inaugural year that saw more than 1,000 attendees at the one day show. Moving to bigger digs at the Fenelon Falls Community Centre, the Festival provides a showcase for small businesses and farms to connect directly with artisans and makers who are passionate about their work. For 2019, they offer an expanded selection of 80 vendors and 20 classes.

As part of Wool Day in Fenelon Falls, Kawartha Heritage has sponsored a bus looping around town from the community centre to Between 2 Lakes, Maryboro Lodge, and the Colborne Gallery / downtown so attendees can park once and explore. The Colborne Gallery is also hosting an exhibit by Canadian textile artist Liz Pead and an evening with the artist on June 8 as part of the celebrations.

Midnight Madness, a tradition for more than 25 years, happens on Saturday June 29. People can expect live music from three bands — North Country Express, The Blackfly Band, and the Harry Peterson Band — scattered through town. The shops will be open late and there’s a chance to reconnect with permanent and seasonal friends also out enjoying the night. Food vendors will be on hand.

Canada Day, one of the most attended events in Fenelon Falls falls, is just two days after this. Fireworks at dark are the highpoint of the day, which will also include birthday cake, live music, and the unofficial start of summer.

July 6 will see the start of a new, on-going event, the Mystery Adventure, which lasts all summer long. Not quite a scavenger hunt, and not quite an escape room, participants will solve clues on an adventure that takes you on a tour of the town.

Sunday Aug. 4 will see the staging of the inaugural Vintage Cycling Invitational with L’eroica Canada. Both a vintage bicycle show with bikes dating from 1900 to 1985, and a 75 km ride, organizers hope to attract participants from around the globe.

On the August long weekend ‘Simcoe Days’ will once again take over the island at the Trent Severn Waterway locks with three battle re-enactments from the War of 1812 on Saturday as marquee events. The encampment will be open to visitors on Friday night, who can also enjoy exhibits from Kawartha Settlers Village, Minden Fur Harvesters, Trent Severn Waterway Youth Group, and the Lindsay Legion. A shuttle bus will be running from parking areas.

The Fenelon Falls Farmers Market returns this year, expanding to Friday and Saturday. Between 11 am and 5 pm, visitors can stop by the Bond and John Street corner and sample offerings ranging from fresh produce and baked goods, to meat products, honey, maple syrup, and the work of a variety of artisans.

‘Reach Into History,’ another Fenelon Falls Live undertaking, will also be on display this weekend. The project asks people to upload personal and family memories that emphasize Fenelon Falls’ rich cottage history to their Facebook page, “Simcoe Days 2019, Reach Into History,” The collected stories will be displayed on a large screen during Simcoe Days.

As if watching a cannon get fired while the Peterborough Concert Band plays Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture wasn’t enough, children’s activities at Maryboro Lodge (the Fenelon Museum) coinciding with the re-enactment promise to make it an event for the whole family.

The Fenelon Fair happens July 19-21 this year and will have all the rides, shows, competitions and entertainment that has made it an annual highlight for so many.

Maryboro Lodge may actually be the busiest place in town this summer. In addition to their popular Saturday and Sunday Socials (teas) boasting local food, the museum hosts different activities daily involving everything from print making to Tinker Toys to chocolate sampling. Of note to parents, a feature event will run every Saturday in July and August for children, culminating in the second annual Kids Fest on Labour Day weekend at Maryboro Lodge. With Juno-nominated entertainers, a corn roast, boat building, a campfire, ice cream, huge bubbles, and crafts, it makes for the perfect summer season-ender.

And, on the Labour Day weekend, a Fenelon Falls institution turns 30. The venerable Kawartha Arts Festival attracts thousands of visitors and highlights artists who — among other things — paint, sketch, weave, sew, carve, and make jewelry. Although free parking is available, shuttle buses will take care of the driving on what is always a busy weekend, running from downtown to the site of the Festival at the fairgrounds. Again this year, admission is free but a donation at the gate will get your name into a door prize draw. It’s guaranteed to astound with the sheer number and variety of artists present.