Burlington Children’s Festival goes WILD!

So, it’s been a tropically hot summer. I almost feel like I’ve moved to the rain forest and I have a feeling it will really feel like that during this year’s Children’s Festival weekend at The Waterfront at Downtown Burlington on August 18^th and 19^th.

We’ve definitely got a wild weekend starting on Saturday, August 18^th at 10am on The Beachway. The event runs until 4pm so it’s going to be a jam packed day of surf, sand and jungle themed fun!

Personally, I can’t make sand look like anything except a pile of sand but if you have a sculptor in you waiting to come out, the competition looks like tons of fun and we always have really great prizes! First prize in each of the 4 categories is a gorgeous hand crafted sandcastle trophy and some of the other prizes include an iPod dock, an iPod nano, great water toys like a body board and floating pool lounger, and Tim Hortons gift cards. Be sure to preregister for the competition if you can. Categories available are child, youth, family and adult. We do add some additional spots during set up but they do fill up quickly and they are first come first serve starting at 9am.

I love watching the professional sand sculptors carve their masterpieces. What they can do with a pile of sand is outstanding! This year, we will have four award winning sculptors to watch: Sandi Castle Stirling of Hamilton, Nick Blandin of Guelph, Sharon Nesbitt of Listowel, and Tanya Kastl of Kitchener. See what they think of the competitors’ sculptors: They are also our judges. And you can vote for your favourite creation too by filling out a ballot for The People’s Choice Award (only ballot one per person please!).

It should be a wildly fun day with reptiles from Safari Science, musical performances by The Beach Party Boys, face painting and balloon animals. I think I’ll try to walk on water with What A Ball and then see if I’m any good at Stand Up Paddle Boarding with SUP LIFE!

The fun continues jungle style on Sunday, August 19th in Spencer Smith Park. If you like jungle animals, this is the place to be! Connect with the creatures from Safari Science and the cats from Jungle Cat World! Or if you’d prefer to keep your distance from live creatures, perhaps Alex the Lion from Madagascar or Jungle Jack’s puppets and balloon animals are more your speed? We’ve booked Mystic Drumz to do a great stage show and drum circles you can join! Be sure to bring your inner California Girl (or Boy) and dance to the Katy Perry Tribute act. I know I’ll be asking for both Katy and Alex the Lion’s autographs during the meet and greets at the Gazebo!

Remember to come in your wildest costume for our Jungle Promenade Parade! Come as your favourite jungle creature, whether that’s an animal, an explorer or a character from your favourite jungle themed movie, like Madagascar or Tarzan! We’ll have prizes for best costumes, group/family costumes, most creative and most enthusiastic parade participant. Or bring your bathing suit and cool off in the Dofasco Water Jet Plaza or the awesome Waterslide Bouncer.

Since it’s summer, stay up late and watch Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa on the big screen outdoors on the West Lawn. Bring your own seating, blankets and snacks or grab something from one of our vendors or inside Discovery Landing at The Bite! The movie starts at 8:30 pm.

After all the fun is done, tell us what you thought by taking our survey available on our web page.

Check out www.burlington.ca/childrensfest, or the event invite on facebook: Day 1 and Day 2 for complete details.

Also, check out this video of last year's children's festival weekend - FUN!

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John Brant Day celebrates our history and the War of 1812

Summer festivals are always chock full of great entertainment, children’s activities, vendors and local artisans, making them a fun experience for the whole family. And if anyone knows how to make a great summer festival, it’s the Museums of Burlington. Our annual summer events draw huge local area crowds, and offer historical education mixed with family fun. Having already put on a smashing Canada Day Strawberry Social, we are excited to host JohnBrant Day.

Every year on the Civic Holiday, the Museums celebrate the history of one of the city’s founders, Joseph Brant Thayendenaga. Since this year is the 200thAnniversary of the War of 1812, they’ve taken a different approach, focusing on the achievements of John Brant. John Brant was Joseph Brant’s son and an important player in the War of 1812 at the Battle of Queenston Heights, making him the perfect focal point for this year’s festival. In fact you can expect to be able to witness a re-enactment of this battle at John Brant Day complete with War of 1812 historic soldier re-enactors. If you haven't seen something like this before you will be amazed how realistic these guys can make a battle look, smoking guns and all.

The event will have plenty of draw for those with a passion for history. In addition to the battle re-enactments, there will be the chance to experience the life of a soldier with military drills and exercises, a chance to go through a historical militia encampment, Zig Misiak’s Wampum Workshop & 1812 storytelling, the portrayal of Laura Secord and the reenactment of Sir Isaac Brock & John Brant’s meeting (as part of Brock’s Walk that retraces Brock’s historic journey from Fort York to Port Dover in helping save our country). You can check out more about that here

Let’s just say the Museum’s of Burlington know how to satisfy your thirst for knowledge. Thanks to significant funding from Canadian Heritage, the Museums have been able to expand their historic militia and War of 1812 encampment to the largest ever; making this War of 1812 spectacle something you won’t want to miss. 

It doesn’t stop there, though - the Museums' team have worked to create a fun filled day with children’s games, inflatables, live parades and entertainment such as The Teen Tour Band, the musical talents of Hoys Totsy, the Sophisticated Swing Big band Orchestra and Blue Stone Cloud Hoop dancing. If that doesn’t seem like enough, there will also be crafts, artisans and vendors, a silent auction, roaming entertainers, face painting, boat rides, balloon twisting, drum circles and so much more. How we’ve managed to fit so much fun into a single day is beyond me, but you should definitely head down and see for yourself. The best part? Admission is FREE!

Remember, John Brant Day is on the Civic Holiday Monday, August 6th, 2012 from 10:00am to 5:00pm at LaSalle Park. Hope to see you there! Oh, and you can take a shuttle from Aldershot High school if the parking lot is full at LaSalle Park – the shuttle will run regularly all day from 10:00 am until 5:30pm!

For more information contact Sylvia, Special Events Programmer, 905-332-9888 -  hentzs@burlington.ca www.museumsofburlington.com

La Salle Park is located at 50 North Shore Blvd. East (at Waterdown Road)

Guest Blogger

Sylvia Hentz

More Family Fun Events in Burlington, ON

Well we are already half-way through the summer which means you are probably looking for some new activities to keep everyone entertained.  The good news is that there are lots of great options for family fun including enjoying feature films in the great outdoors.  Both the City of Burlington and Kelso Conservation Area are running a series of outdoor movie nights.  Just pack your chair or blanket, some snacks and drinks and get ready for a fun-filled evening.

City of Burlington – Movies under the Stars

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You know, I have to say that I absolutely love summer...the hot sunny days, the warm balmy nights; it’s great! But for those of you that may be trying to entertain kids on a budget, sometimes it can be challenging to fend off another course of the “I’m BOOOORRRREEED” blues!

Well, get ready for some relief! Every Thursday night from July 12 through August 16, Tim Hortons presents Movies Under the Stars. This outdoor movie series is open to everyone and the best part? It’s free!

Thursday, July 12 – Puss in Boots at Nelson Park

If you love Antonio Banderas’ interpretation of Puss in Boots in the 4 Shrek movies, you will love his starring role in Puss in Boots. In the same style of Shrek, traditional fairy tales and characters are given a unique spin for an adventure the whole family will love. And to prove you’re never too old for cartoons or fairy tales, this is one of my husband’s favourite movies.

Thursday, July 19 – Big Miracle at Kiwanis Park

While I haven’t seen this movie myself, I am looking forward to taking my family to see Big Miracle. Based on a true story from 1988, a reporter (played by John Krasinski, who you may know from The Office) and an environmental volunteer (played by Drew Barrymore), band together to free 3 whales trapped beneath the ice in the Arctic Circle. This has been touted to be a feel good movie, that’s great family entertainment, especially for older kids.

Thursday, July 26 – The Muppets at Optimist Park

The Muppets are back on the big screen after a 12 year hiatus. A star studded cast (Jason Segel, who you may know from How I Met Your Mother), Amy Adams, and Jack Black, try to help Kermit the Frog reunite with his Muppets friends. They must raise $10 million to save their old theatre from Tex Richman (played by Chris Cooper) who wants to demolish the theatre to drill for oil. A great family movie, this is one to see if you loved the Muppets as a child or are a newer Muppet fan. True to the tradition of the Muppets, be sure to watch for tons of cameos with stars playing themselves!

Thursday, August 2 – Toy Story 3 at Emerson Park

In my opinion, Toy Story 3 is definitely an example of 3 times’s a charm. Don’t get me wrong, I love all the Toy Story movies (and can probably quote more lines from each one than a grown up should be able to...) but Toy Story 3 is one of my favourites. In fact, it’s a favourite with everyone at our house! All your favourite characters, Woody, Buzz, and the gang are back for another adventure. This time, Andy is all grown up and getting ready to go to college. His toys are supposed to be stored in the attic, but instead end up at Sunnyside Daycare for an adventure they’ll never forget. This is a great movie for all ages with adventure, excitement and the voice talents of Michael Keaton and Timothy Dalton joining Tim Allen and another favourite of mine, Tom Hanks.

Thursday, August 9 – The Lorax at Lowville Park

I plan to make the drive up to Lowville Park to catch The Lorax, again. I took my kids to see this over the winter holidays when it was in theatres and absolutely loved it. True to Dr. Seuss, it has fun, original characters, and a lesson to be learned. Even though the movie is based on the 1972 book, the environmental message still rings true today. Great voice talent (Zac Efron, Taylor Swift, Danny Devito, and Betty White to name only a few) make this a fun movie for all!

Thursday, August 16 – We Bought A Zoo at Burloak Park

We Bought A Zoo is the holiday smash brought to life by director/writer/producer Cameron Crowe (Jerry McGuire). Inspired by a true story, Matt Damon plays a recently widowed dad, Benjamin Mee, who buys a rundown zoo in an attempt to make a fresh start with his family. Scarlett Johansson and Thomas Haden Church round out the cast as the head zoo keeper and Mee’s brother respectively. This is a great story that both adults and older children will love. Some say that the animal ‘actors’ outshine the human talent in this comedy-drama file. Because this movie deals with grief, and how it affects Mee’s children as well (aged 7 & 14), it is best suited to children aged 7 and up.

Be sure to grab a chair and a blanket and check the web site or call the Burlington Events hotline at 905-335-7766 for information before heading out to any of these movies. They are weather dependant so will be cancelled in case of rain. A rain date is planned for August 23^rd at Mohawk Park to show the movie that got rained out.

See you at the Movies Under the Stars!

Kelso Conservation – Family Outdoor Movie Nights*

Family Outdoor Movie Nights at Kelso Conservation Area are back starting Friday August 10th.  Join friends and family under the stars to watch an all-time favourite. Bring lawn chairs and blankets, relax and enjoy. Movies start at dusk.   With all there is to do at Kelso consider spending the day enjoying the biking, trails, beach (you can rent canoes, kayaks and paddleboats), and picnic areas

*regular park admission rates apply

Friday August 10 - The Muppets

When an evil oil man discovers black gold beneath Muppet Theater, Kermit recruits a Muppet super-fan and his two best friends to help gather up the gang for a telethon that will save the venue from being razed and replaced with a giant oil pump.

Friday August 17 -  Rio

Join these rare birds as they embark on an adventure of a lifetime, where they learn about friendship, love, courage, and being open to life's many wonders. Rio brings together a menagerie of vivid characters, a heart-warming story, colorful backdrops, energizing Latin and contemporary music, and family-friendly song and dance.

Friday August 24 – Big Miracle

In small town Alaska, a news reporter recruits his ex-girlfriend - a Greenpeace volunteer - on a campaign to save a family of gray whales trapped by rapidly forming ice in the Arctic Circle.

Friday August 31 – The Lorax

A 12-year-old boy searches for the one thing that will enable him to win the affection of the girl of his dreams. To find it he must discover the story of the Lorax, the grumpy yet charming creature who fights to protect his world.

Some other great evening events to consider are:

City of Burlington Concerts in the Park – Wednesday & Sunday at Central Park Bandshell plus selected Sundays at Spencer Smith Park – FREE

Bronte Creek Provincial Park Ghost Walks – Sunday nights in August.  Regular Park admission rates apply.

Royal Botanical Gardens Tranquil Tuesdays (to July 31) and Red Hot Jazz and Cool Blues Wednesdays (to Sept. 5).  Regular admission fees apply.

We hope you enjoy the rest of your summer and if you are looking for more ideas on what to see and do in Burlington please drop by our Visitor Centre at 414 Locust (open 8a-6p daily), visit our website or give us a call at 905-634-5594.  We can also be found on Twitter and Facebook 

Fun, fantastic (and mostly free) events in Burlington!

It’s hard to believe that we are only days away from the start of festival season here in Burlington, Ontario.   Over the next few months our city will be alive with lots of free festivals with many of them in the idyllic Spencer Smith Park on the waterfront.   Burlington is home to three of the Top 100 Ontario Festivals including the Sound of Music Festival, Canada Day Festival and Children’s Festival.  Our events cover everything from culture and heritage, the arts, culinary and so much more!  As a mom to two children under five years, I am always looking for great family events and hoping that I remember everything from sunscreen to snacks.  When visiting festivals with children (and without) remember to bring sunscreen, snacks, water and if your children are like mine, a change of clothes. Remember all events are subject to change, so it’s a good idea to check the event website before heading out.

 

Are you an avid cyclist or a casual peddler?  Either way be sure to head to Spencer Smith Park on June 2^nd from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the free Mountain Equipment Co-op Bikefest & Pastry Ride.  You don’t need your own bike to take part in MEC Bikefest – there will be lots of demo bikes available.  Even kids will find bikes to ride at the Kids’ Bike Station. However, for some of the clinics and all of the rides you will need to have your own bike and helmet to participate.  Some of the activities happening in the park include: bike decorating, kids races, face painting, bicycle polo, cycling vendors and more.  Plus great clinics at only $1.00/person.  There will be a family bike ride and the pastry bike ride.  Now if you are like me you are wondering is it a bike ride with actual pastry (that I can support) or a fancy bike term that I am not aware of?  Rejoice it’s an actual pastry ride.  Head out from the MEC store on Brant and cycle to Lowville (approx. 53km) on a guided and marked ride that will end with a picnic in the park complete with pastries and coffee!  There is a safety car travelling the route with the group in case of breakdowns or emergencies.  To register for this free ride call the store directly at 905-333-8559.  For more details on this event visit their website.

Everyone is welcome at the 13^th annual Halton Pride event on Saturday June 2^nd from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Central Park.  This yearly event features all day entertainment, a BBQ with the Halton Police, children’s storytimes and activities and a vendor marketplace

On the evening of June 2^nd runners, walkers and kids can participate in the Moon in June Road Race.  This year they are featuring a new course that is a flat fast one loop certified 5k and 2 loop certified 10km of downtown Burlington. The route highlights the fabulous Burlington Waterfront at sunset (in the darkness of night). The finish line is lit by the search lights and you will want to stay for the party in Civic Square at City Hall.  For the kids there is the 2nd Annual Meredith's Kids 1km fun run plus the Kidsfest (on James St. between Brant St and John Street) is a great way to spend a family evening.  Kidsfest activities run from 6-8 p.m.and include everything from firetrucks to bouncy castles, characture artists, face painting, chalk drawing, mascots and tons of activities to keep everyone active and busy.  Pre-registration is required for the race ($). 

On Sunday June 3^rd embrace your inner child at Burlington’s Kite Festival.  From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. you can build, decorate, and fly a kite, enjoy free entertainment and visit the community displays.  This free event is held at the Brant Hills Community Centre. For more detailed information on this event read the blog by BurlEventGurl

The weekend of June 9^th and 10^th is a busy one.   Doors Open Ontario is recognized as a Top 100 event in Ontario and we are thrilled to participate in this great initiative. If you are interested in heritage, culture or architecture you will want to get out and visit one or more of the twenty-three sites on the 3^rd annual Doors Open Burlington.  This weekend long event gives residents and visitors to the City a remarkable opportunity to learn about places and spaces normally not open to the general public or for which an admission fee is usually charged. Highlights include guided heritage walking tours, the Fine Art and Craft Festival/Kaleidoscope of the Arts, mini performances by our student theatre and an antique/classic car display. Be sure to leave time for a visit to Aldershot where you can visit the Royal Botanical Gardens Centre and buy a famous foot-long hotdog at the historic Easterbrook's hotdog stand.

The Burlington Art Centre is not only a Doors Open Burlington participating site they are also hosting the Fine Art & Craft Festival & Kaleidoscope of the Arts over the weekend of June 9^th and 10^th.  More than 100 artists and artisans will be selling their remarkable handcrafted, Canadian, juried fine art and craft creations.  It doesn’t matter if you are a shopper or a browser you won’t be disappointed with all there is to see and do.  Be sure to visit their website for a sneak peak at some of the works that will be available during the event. This year, Kaleidoscope of the Arts will take place during the Festival with guilds at the BAC offering demonstrations, hands-on activities and a show and sale.  Admission to the Burlington Art Centre is always free and is a great way to spend a few hours or the day.

On Sunday June 10^th the City of Burlington will be hosting the first of two Car Free Sundays.  Head to Southeast Burlington (Appleby Line/New St. to Fairview) and spend the afternoon enjoying …the event runs from 2 pm until 7 pm and is free!

Carly Rae Jepson

You can’t mention Father’s Day weekend (June 14-17) without thinking about the Sound of Music Festival in Spencer Smith Park.  We are lucky to have Canada’s largest FREE music festival right in our own backyard.  It’s always a great weekend and this year is no exception.  The Thursday night kicks off with opening ceremonies and Hamilton natives the Arkells on the main stage.  Fans of Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi and Pearl Jam can hit the OLG Stage to keep the party rocking with three tribute bands.  Friday starts early with the first performance starting at 1:00 pm through to the final acts  Big Sugar (on the main stage) and Canadian folk singer-songwriter Basia Bulat on the Cogeco Stage. Saturday young and old anticipate the Sound of Music Parade working its way through the streets of downtown starting at 11 a.m. featuring as always Burlington's own Teen Tour Band and Junior Redcoats.  Post parade head to the park where international recording superstar Carly Rae Jepson performs on the main stage at 3:45pm. If you are not part of the teen/tween crowd head over to the OLG stage and enjoy Canadian musical legends Spirit of the West (I have to admit I have a soft spot for this band) performing hits spanning their 25 year career. Saturday night is headlined by Juno award winning Wintersleep on the main stage and pop/rock sweetheart Sarah Slean on the Cogeco stage.  Both Saturday and Sunday afternoon kids (and their parents) will want to visit the Family Zone for fun-filled activities and entertainment.  Sunday wraps up the festival with a bang!  Peformances start at 1:00pm and then amp up as the afternoon progresses with Canadian alt rockers Treble Charger and Canadian indie rockers Mother Mother hitting the main stage.  On the OLG stage hometown favourites Saint Alvia and YouTube sensation Walk Off The Earth perform.  I wonder how many of the 35 million people that have watched the Walk Off The Earth video will make it to the park?  I wish we could post all of the amazing acts appearing over the duration of the festival but we just don’t have room.  For a complete schedule visit the Sound of Music website.  Remember to give yourself plenty of time to visit the festival.  In addition to all the great musical acts there is a carnival, food, merchandise and craft marketplace.  Festival hours are: Thursday June 14 - 6pm to 11pm Park only; Friday June 15 -  1 pm to 11pm Park and Downtown (Carnival begins at 4pm); Saturday June 16 - Noon to 11pm Park and Downtown plus Parade 11am to 1pm with prelude at 10am; Sunday June 17 Noon to 7pm Park and Downtown. Voted one of the Top 100 Festivals in Ontario for the 12th year in a row, mark your calendar and be sure to visit Burlington for this event.  We should also mention all the great green initiatives of this festival including waste diversion, water re-fill stations and shuttle services. If you are planning on staying overnight we recommend booking early as hotels tend to fill up quickly.  For more information on accommodations visit our where to stay page.

From June 15^th -17^th Burlington Downtown in conjunction with the Sound of Music presents Downtown Streetfest.  Starting Friday night and running through to Sunday afternoon the downtown will come alive with four on-street performance pods, a beach party on John Street, sidewalk sales and lots of great patios to stop and enjoy a beverage and bite to eat while enjoying all the action.  For a complete listing of activities and entertainment schedule visit their website.

Wednesday and Sunday Evenings  from June 17-August 22 the City of Burlington presents “Concerts in the Park”.  Free concerts are held at 7:30 p.m. (with some additional 2:00 pm dates) and feature various musical artists.  For a complete listing of performers and locations, visit the website.

Celebrate our Nations birthday on July 1at Spencer Smith Park with the City of Burlington’s Canada Day Festival from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m..  The morning kicks off with the Canada Day 5k walk/run  and free yoga in the park .  Be part of citizenship court welcoming new Canadians followed by Queen’s medal presentations.  At 1:00 p.m. the opening ceremonies signal the start of a day of entertainment on the Canada and Waterfront stages.  You can also enjoy children's activities throughout the day, the Aldershot Lion's Club Beer and Wine Garden, Water Ski Shows, plus the Scholars in Collars dog training show.  Cap the night off with a performance by the always entertaining and sometimes outrageous Cape Breton fiddling icon Ashley MacIsaac and a fireworks display presented by Lockwood Chrysler Fiat.  For a complete schedule of events visit the website.

On July 1^st right across the street from Spencer Smith Park from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. you can enjoy the Strawberry Social by the Lake at the Joseph Brant Museum.  Head over to sample everyone's favourite treat - fresh strawberries and delicious vanilla ice cream.  Other treats are in store for visitors including perusing the trifles & treasures market, participating in games, festive crafts, activities, museum tours and so much more. Plus there will be special performances and live entertainment all day long.  A great addition to your Canada Day plans and it’s all FREE!

Starting July 12^th, the City of Burlington hosts “Movies Under the Stars” Thursdays at 9 p.m.  Come with your blanket and chairs to enjoy a free movie on a giant outdoor screen at a neighbourhood park.  For a complete list of movies and locations visit their website.

Yee-haw!  Put on your cowboy boots and Stetson and boot scoot boogie down to Spencer Smith Park for the 2^nd annual Burlington Country & Blues BBQ from July 13th-15^th.  This newcomer to the festival scene is sure to please with a combinations of country and blues performances, the “Longest Line on the Boardwalk” country line dance, hillbilly games, a marketplace and of course succulent BBQ.  Friday kicks off with a whole lotta blues including a Steve Ray Tribute, Canadian blues group the Lincolns and The Das Blooze Brothers Tribute. Saturday “Get your drink on” with the Steel Country Band as they combine old and new country with a splash of Southern rock.  Join in the celebration to Gordie Tapp (who turns 90 this year – can you believe it?) then be prepared for a real treat. With Roy Clark having to cancel all his performances due to a back operation and not being able to perform for at least 3-4 months, get ready for his replacement Steel Magnolia to hit the stage and perform for the first time in Canada. This new country group won CMT's Can You Duet? and has not looked back since.  You do not want to miss this performance!  Sunday will definitely have a nostalgic feel with several tribute bands performing including Jay Zanier’s Elvis Tribute. The day wraps up with an all stars blues project featuring a great line up of artists including Nashville native Johnny Keys. The festival runs Friday and Saturday from noon to 11 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 8 p.m. For a complete schedule and artist listing, visit their website.

On Sunday July 15 the City of Burlington will be hosting the second of two Car Free Sunday events.  This free event will be held in Downtown Burlington from 2 pm to 7pm and is a great accompaniment to the festival down at Spencer Smith park that weekend.

For those that enjoy the best that Burlington has to offer in dining will want to make plans to attend these three great culinary events.  On July 8^th Downtown Dining ($) gives you the opportunity to enjoy a walking tour of 5 restaurants in downtown Burlington. The proceeds from this year’s Downtown Dining will be donated to the Young Artists Fund, through the Halton Learning Foundation.  Advance tickets are required and tours sell out quickly so be sure to get yours early.  From July 22-August 6 enjoy a new culinary experience with a Taste of Burlington ($).  Join Burlington’s finest restaurants for this prix fixe dining event, offering a three course menu (appetizer, entrée, dessert) at a great value.  For a listing of menus and restaurants visit the website (summer updates coming June 1).  The final culinary event of the season is Lakeside a la Carte ($) on August 12 at Spencer Smith Park. This event brings together the area's superb chefs and vintners with their very best tastes to support the Rotary Club of Burlington. Guests stroll from tent to tent, sampling wines and tasting delicious dishes...throw in a silent auction, the chance to win Air Canada or Via Rail tickets, and you have the makings of Burlington's Ultimate Summer Party. Advance tickets required, see the website for participating vendors and ticket information.

On August 6^th plan to visit LaSalle Park for the Joseph (John) Brant Day Festival.  This year to tie into the commemoration of the War of 1812 and Burlington’s role in this the Museums of Burlington will be celebrating John Brant and the important role he played in this war.  The day will include various re-enactments, a military skirmish, encampments and other historically interpreted activities.  There will also be the annual favourites including, a summer BBQ, splash park for kids, fair-style games, crafts and hands-on activities, a treasure hunt adventure, and so much more.  For a more information on this event please visit their website.

The weekend of August 18 & 19 pack up the kids and head to the waterfront as Burlington holds its 21^st annual free Children’s Day Festival Weekend.  On Saturday, the Sandcastle competition is held at beautiful Burlington beach.  Try your hand at creating a masterpiece in the sand or watch the master sculptors at work creating amazing pieces.   But it’s not all about sandcastles, you can also enjoy live music, entertainment, activities, games, food and marketplace on while catching some sun on Burlington beach.  On Sunday, embrace your inner Tarzan or Jane and head to Spencer Smith Park for some jungle fun!  The children’s festival runs from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and has so much to do including themed entertainment, playzones, character meet & greets, shows, a marketplace and more. In case you’ve never attended the festival before you should know that there is a parade along the promenade with all the children attending the festival.  This year be sure to come as your favourite jungle character and join in the promenade parade at 12:30 p.m.  I bring my girls to this every year and they always have a great time.  For a complete listing of events and times visit the website. If you are planning an overnight visit be sure to check out Burlington Hotel Deals.

Grab some napkins and a bib and head on down to Spencer Smith Park for Canada’s Largest Ribfest from August 31-September 3.  This ribfest organized by the Rotary Club of Burlington Lakeshore brings together 18 ribbers and draws over 100,000 hungry visitors to the park to taste the mouth-watering fare.  Once your tummy is full you can enjoy a fantastic line up of live bands, daily kids’ activities, and a crafters’ Artisan Fair.  This is a festival with great green initiatives that has an 88% waste diversion rate.  For more information on ribbers, entertainment and vendors visit their website.

Tourism Burlington is proud to support our events and festivals and you will find us on site at many of the events to assist with Burlington information inquiries.  Of course, you can always visit us at our information centre located at 414 Locust St. just off the Lakeshore.  We are open daily 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to mid-June and then 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. to Labour day. 

Have a wonderful summer exploring all that Burlington has to offer including these fabulous festivals!

Let fun take flight at Burlington’s Kite Festival

I don’t know about you but I think that flying a kite is one of those signals that beautiful weather has arrived and summer must be just around the corner. It reminds me of outdoor fun spent as a child, even though I’ve never been a great kite flyer! Luckily it skips a generation and my son is a great kite flyer. Whether you are a child, have children or are a child at heart, Burlington’s Kite Festival is a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon testing your kite flying skills (or just enjoying watching those who have them).

This year’s free festival will be held on Sunday, June 3^rd from 11am – 4pm at Brant Hills Community Centre. If the weather cooperates, the event will be held on the fields behind the Community Centre and offer tons of entertainment. In addition to being able to build and fly your own kite, you’ll be able to interact with reptiles courtesy of Safari Science, and watch amazing bubble art with a Bubbleologist. Who knew there was such a thing, but there is and she creates amazing larger than life bubbles! You too can get in on the bubble fun and try your hand at making bubble art. And of course, what day is complete without the chance to have your face painted?

Be sure to have some cash on hand so you can buy Girl Guide Cookies (who can resist!?), a drink, ice cream or other snacks. There will also be kites for sale in case your kite creation turns out to be a work of art but doesn’t seem to take flight.

Past years have brought out kite clubs with members that are kite flying aficionados. Apparently it’s a popular day for kite festivals but if a kite master or two shows up, be sure to watch their amazing kites and flying abilities.

The event goes rain or shine so in case of inclement weather, kite making and other activities will be moved inside to the Single Gym.

Some other info to help you plan your day:

• -          Parking is limited so you may want to consider other transportation options. If you live in the area, bike or walk. Or consider hoping on Burlington Transit or car pooling.
• -          There are water fountains inside Brant Hills or Burlington Events will offer a water refill station outdoors so Try the Tap and bring a refillable water bottle.
• -          Between the kite flying, bubble making, and reptiles, it’s best to leave fido or your other furry friends and pets at home. They’ll be safer and happier there.
• -          Event sponsors, vendors and media partners help keep Burlington Events free so be sure to look for them, support them and thank them.

Mark your calendar for Sunday, June 3^rd and bring the whole family out to Burlington’s Kite Festival. It’s sure to be a great time where fun takes flight!

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