Well I must say the Canada Day events in Mitchell were outstanding this year with amazing turn outs for the 150th celebrations. The rain did dampen part of our show on the Friday eve, but the rest of the evening was great with the rain holding off for the outdoor fun festivities! The fireworks so very generously sponsored by McNains were fantastic and I think everyone was in awe! They seemed to go on forever and what a light show it was. I think the overcast skies made it look even more intense. The following day in the park was also well attending, food, the traditional parade of Canada Day decorated bike, and again, the rain for the most part held of and for certain did not dampen this 2nd day of celebrations! Unfortunately St Marys wasn’t quite so lucky and was soaked a few times by heavy downpours that sprouted up and poured down on Canada Day, but Heritage Days was definitely a make up date with blue skies and perfect temperatures! Outdoor events are always such
a hit and miss with weather, and these days it may be raining on one side of the road and not the other. Even the radar is not able to predict some of the rain storms that seemingly pop up out of nowhere, however, we all are use to the Canadian summers, fast and furious with unpredictable weather. In between weekends I had even more fun events, I found my way up to my sisters cottage, all of our children, most of whom are now all adults and with kids or dogs and significant others. Making our stay even more fun as the tribe grows. It was a real treat to spend the weekend with all of them, as it is always tricky for everyone to manage to get to the same place at the same time as schedules become busy with jobs etc. But this weekend everyone was there and it was a weekend of kayaks and boats and water and sun and fun. It was so nice to just stop and enjoy this time! And to reflect back on how it seemed not all that long ago that the ones with little ones, were the little ones! But we all know how time flies and doesn’t seem to be slowing down at all! The next part of my week consisted of some very cultured events, as Max and I went to the Stratford Festival
for several plays (a cool part of my job with the Stratford Musicians Association) and we saw three very different performances. The first day we saw Twelfth Night, it was a fun show, and of course very well done. Then we saw Guys and Dolls, well now I had heard rave reviews but they still didn’t come close to describing how absolutely amazing this show was! A musical, with dancing. I am always a bit disappointed I cannot see our world renowned orchestra as they perform all of these numbers that the actors sing and dance to, however I guess maybe it would take away from the show, but the dancing was just fantastic and couldn’t help but find ourselves completely absorbed into the story line! The Orchestra Conductor, even came out and danced the last number with the cast! Max and I talked about the show all the way home and our third show of the week we saw Treasure Island. This production was at the Avon, such a beautiful theatre, I am always so in love with all of our theatres. So lucky to have them right in our own back yard! This was what they described as a “relaxed show” maybe it was a special set aside day, but we were so impressed with the Festival and their cast of Pirates who took extra time with the audience, kept the lighting up slightly for anyone to come or go, had quiet rooms in the
lobby, and some of the cast took the time to explain the show to the audience and that no one was getting hurt and how the guns sounded when fired etc. There were audience members with special needs and were they ever met by the Festival. And child friendly! What a great way to attend the theatre and to experience the magic in such a “relaxed” way. Kudos to the person who brought this to the board and made it a reality! Anyways the play was exciting and action packed and full of great effects and acrobatics. I always know that the Festival will bring about the best theatre productions and of course musicians to our community. A good way to feel like a tourist right close to home. There are always sales for shows on FaceBook and you can be on the email list to get special offers. So now I do believe the only question of the summer will be “to be, or not to be” Entertained!!
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