THE ART SIDE OF KAWARTHA SETTLERS’ VILLAGE …25th Anniversary … The Scoop!

Ontario Visited has had the wonderful experience of visiting Kawartha Settlers’ Village in beautiful Bobcaygeon, Ontario on several occasions. Today we take you on a journey “back in time” to “bring you to the future” … You can see below, one of my favourite photographs the Festival Nomad took at the Village during one of our visits. This photo perhaps has helped lead to one of my favourite quotes I created … As I like to say … “Reflections of the Past” … “Hope for our future!”

Ontario Heritage Visited ~ Ontario Festivals Visited
"Reflections of the Past ... Hope for our Future"
by Judi "Scoop" McWilliams

Bobcaygeon – Kawartha Settlers’ Village may never have been established without the help of a local artist group, the Bobcaygeon Village Workshop Group.  In 1989, the Group operated out of the Henderson House, which was a venue for artists, sculptures, potters, and other crafts people who met and shared ideas, taught lessons, and promoted their work to the public.  Unfortunately, the group operated in a climate of uncertainty as the Bobcaygeon Village Council (who had been gifted the property on condition that the land would be turned into a park) had granted the group use of the facilities only. With pressure from neighbours who wanted to see the land turned into a greenspace, the Bobcaygeon Council began preparation for the demolition of the Henderson House.

Ontario Festivals Visited
"Henderson House"

We welcome you to check out “THE INSIDE SCOOP”, KAWARTHA SETTLERS’ VILLAGE ~ CELEBRATING LANDMARK YEAR ~ 25th article (http://judisinsidescoop.blogspot.ca/2015/06/kawartha-settlers-village-celebrating.html), where you can find many interesting facts and fun information. You will learn that it was the art groups who joined forces with a number of volunteers who wanted to establish a museum within Bobcaygeon. The newly formed group, calling themselves the Kawartha Region Arts and Heritage Council (KRAHC), made a presentation to Bobcaygeon Council requesting the long term lease of the Murphy farm property. Bert Sevink, the leader of the Arts Group, was the spokesperson. Sevink impressed Council with KRAHC’s plan to restore the barn on the property and to move the Henderson House from Front Street to the property. The resolution to approve the lease of the property for use as a cultural and heritage centre passed.

In October 1991, the Henderson House became the first building to be moved to the property and it is the only building to have been moved to the Village in one piece.  In the Village’s early days, the Bobcaygeon Village Workshop Group, who had renamed themselves the Kawartha Settlers’ Village Artists, were one of the few sources of income; fundraising through raffles, auctions, and special events. 

Aerial Photograph
Kawartha Settlers' Village
Bobcaygeon 

In 2005, the group started the Bobcaygeon. The 2015 date is July 4^th (10am-4pm) and July 5^th (10am-3pm).  In honour of Kawartha Settlers’ Village’s 25th anniversary and because of the impact the Village Artist’s had with the creation of K.S.V., the 2015 Showcase Artist is Wayne F. Moore.  Mr. Moore, who has been a member with the Settlers’ Village Artist for over 20 years, started in the litho/printing trade, press room, camera, film assembly for packaging, books, advertising etc. He retired at the age of 52 as a commercial artist in signage and billboards.  Mr. Moore is a self-taught artist whose work can be seen in many private collections. 

The Art Festival and Show, which features over 20 other artists, is unique as the artwork is displayed and for sale against a back drop of artifacts and heritage buildings. Mediums include: painting, pottery, wood turning, glass work, and more. Other highlights of the event are live entertainment and children’s art activities. We encourage you to “journey back in time”, to experience their Special Art Show and Sale … and Kawartha Settlers’ Village.

Ontario Festivals Visited ~ Tour
Kawartha Settlers' Village

You can visit Kawartha Settlers’ Village website at (http://settlersvillage.org/) to catch all the up-to-date details and many more events, activities, programs and happenings throughout the year. Enjoy!

“Get in the Game”! ~ “Practice, Practice, Practice”!

“Get in the Game”! ~ “Practice, Practice, Practice”!

The Next Generation Leahy ~The Parents:

Our interview continues with ~ The Next Generation Leahy

The Next Generation Leahy
Ontario Festivals Visited ~ Interview

Doug Leahy is one of eleven children who grew up playing the fiddle and dancing. Living on the farm in Lakefield makes his studies from the University of Guelph in Agriculture come to great use. He enjoys offering his Belgian horses, during the winter months on the farm, for logging and sleigh rides. I would imagine “Carol Singing” leading up to Christmas is a great joy on the farm. Sports still play a large part of Doug’s life, as he continues to play in a men’s hockey league.

Jennifer is used to a large family also, especially being the youngest of thirteen children. She, herself, is fabulous at playing the piano and singing. Her Bachelor or Arts degree from University of Guelph and a teaching degree at Brock University has gone a long way in her endeavors to home school the children. She too loves to play sports, joining in with the Peterborough Women’s soccer league.

Together, this great team, operates a cow/calf beef farm at the Leahy Homestead Farm in Lakefield.

Leahy Family Practices"Having Fun"
Ontario Festivals Visited made video for boys to watch their swing!

“Get in the Game”! ~ “Practice, Practice, Practice”!

Regarding the children, Doug and Jennifer believe to some degree, they should just “let them be and see what evolves”. Both parents share with us that all kids and families, need to “Get in the Game”! That “Practice ~ Practice ~ Practice and the Reward will be there in the end”.

As a family “Balance” and having a “Schedule” is very important. Jennifer says the children practice before each meal and gathers in the evenings for fun!

Stay tuned for great insights and more “INSIDE SCOOP” with The Next Generation Leahy ~ LIFESTYLE ~ SECOND NATURE ~ TRAVELLING WITH A LARGE FAMILY.  In the meantime, we welcome you to follow Doug Leahy and The Next Generation Leahy at http://www.dougleahy.com/home.html. Their 2015 Tour Schedule is available as they journey across North America.

“Planning” & How to Choose an Event to Participate In …

“Planning” & How to Choose an Event to Participate In …

Our “THE INSIDE SCOOP” interview with Cyndee Barrette, Sole Proprietor Crazy Bitch BBQ Sauce continues. We hope you enjoy this series of “THE INSIDE SCOOP”.

Cyndee Barrette, Sole Proprietor Crazy Bitch BBQ Sauce

“Planning”& How to Choose an Event to Participate In …

PLANNING ~ “In January I have my entire year planned and many events are still filled despite that effort I put in when you are a first timer trying to get in. I already have a 2016 folder in my computer started and it contains a couple of events that I am trying to break into that are filled from last year’s vendors. 

Basically, if you want a good event you need good vendors and to get a good vendor you need to be VERY prompt and thorough with EARLY application processes and communication.  Closer to the date of the event, send another reminder out with directions or last minute notations.  Many vendors operate like me well in advance and it is only those types of events that I wish to be associated with. 

I want to be at events with good, solid business people because it attracts good clientele to shop.  Being competitive of another vendor doesn’t serve anyone well.  You WANT a good vendor present at your events. It gives more credibility to you and your business”.

How to Choose an Event to Participate In …

We continue our interview with Cyndee Barrette, Sole Proprietor Crazy Bitch BBQ Sauce with some great advice for organizers …

Cyndee tells us that … she “chooses an event that is well advertised and appreciates applications that are out in the beginning of the year with prompt communication (provide email and telephone numbers for questions) and be prompt with your responses. I also usually never do a first time event in order to get feedback from the vendors present. 

I speak to businesses that I admire in their method of doing business, reputation and longevity in the field – always learn ‘whose brain to pick’ and those are the events you want to attend. 

Check the websites of businesses that you respect and see where they attend.  At every Market or event, I always try to cultivate time to speak to other vendors who fit the above criteria and find out what events are worth going to – word of mouth is very reliable and damaging if an organizer has done poorly!  Beware of how you do business!”

Stay tuned for more “SCOOP” … “Importance of Engaging Youth”& “Team Players”. If in the meantime you would like to check our Ms Barrette’s website, I’m sure she’d love your visit … www.crazybitch.ca.

New Traditions ~ Westben Arts Festival Theatre ~ The Scoop

While Ontario Festivals Visited has had the wonderful opportunity to experience Westben Arts Festival Theatre, we have also had the chance to chat with Donna Bennett in the past. We welcome you to check out our previous interview in “THE INSIDE SCOOP” at these Link’s: Inside Scoop Series Blog #75-#79, April & May, 2012, Westben Arts Festival Theatre - Donna Bennett - soprano, pianist/composer.

 Westben Arts Festival Theatre

Judi "Scoop" McWilliams ~ Ontario Visited
Donna Bennett ~  Westben Arts Festival Theatre

The Next Generation Leahy
Ontario Visited enjoys
Westben Arts Festival Theatre

You can check out another great adventure with our current interview Series with The Next Generation Leahy. We met the family at the Westben Arts Festival Theatre last summer and experienced a fabulous witnessed a magical evening of live performances, filled with the high-energy and infectious smiles of the children. The family performed the Celtic-based music usually associated with the Leahy heritage; fiddle, cello, French accordion, singing, piano, and French-Canadian step-dancing. Over three generations of Leahy musicianship, Doug Leahy, together with his wife Jennifer and their children, are keeping those traditions alive through music, song, and dance.

The "Leahy's" left the audiences in awe with several “standing ovations”! This Blog Series is a fun Series about with the Leahy family. Stay tuned for the entire Series, features stories about ~ “The Importance of Giving Back”; “Travelling with a Large Family”; “Balance in Life”; “Diversity in Education & Life”; “Music affects our Culture” and more!
You can view our visits to Westben at ~ Ontario Attractions Visited ~ Westben Arts Festival Theatre ~ LINK Ontario Festivals Visited ~ Carmen ~ LINK

Cobourg Concert Band joins
Westben Arts Festival Theatre

Fast forward, Westben’s Season of Celebration New Traditions recently opened with Fiddler on the Roof. The cast and crew of 100 people performed to five sold out audiences. Part of the production team and cast were Cobourg and Port Hope area’s Samantha Clarke and Coltrane Faragher. Samantha now studying drama at Queen’s, was a voice student of Westben’s Co-Founder Donna Bennett while studying at Trinity College School. She joined the stage management team for Westben’s Fiddler of the Roof. Coltrane Faragher of Hamilton Township studies at McGill University and has been hired for the summer by Westben as a Production Assistant. Coltrane also stepped in at the last minute as the Priest in Fiddler on the Roof.

Westben has traditionally had strong support from the Cobourg and Port Hope community as volunteers, members, patrons and Board Members. Westben’s current Chair of the Board is Alison Lester, Barrister and Solicitor in Cobourg. Katie Emery and Leslie Orpana are new Board Members. Performances continue this weekend with song writer Ken Tizzard and Friends performing songs from Ken’s new album No Dark, No Light on Friday, June 19 with Frank Moore opening.
On Saturday June 20, the Cobourg Concert Band join Westben’s Wind Ensembles in a program called A Lot of Hot Airs! “Westben is very excited to welcome Cobourg’s Concert Band to The Barn and I am sure will be very inspiring to the Westben Wind Ensembles, states Donna Bennett.” 

Brian Finley
Artistic & Managing Director
Westben Arts Festival Theatre, Inc.

Judi "Scoop" McWilliams enjoys gardens
Ontario Festivals Visited

As you can see, there is a lot happening at Westben Arts Festival Theatre, in Campbellford. The Importance of Community, Sharing, Music, and collaborations across Ontario, Nation and world wide, enhance the experience for the visitors and participants alike. For further information about Westben Arts Festival Theatre, we encourage you to check out their website at http://www.westben.ca/ for all the up-to-date details. Enjoy!

Don't miss "The Wind Ensembles",  part of Westben’s Education program and directed by retired music teacher Nancy Elmhirst. There are over 50 children and adults involved. “It started out as a program for Youth but then parents and grandparents asked if they could play in the bands and this mixing of generations in music making is a wonderful thing, “says Bennett. There are a few tickets left for Westben’s Garden Gala which takes place at the home of Neil Graham and Wayne Sabados near Warkworth on Sunday June 21. See www.westben.ca for tickets. The UBC (University of British Columbia) Opera Ensemble returns to the Barn July 2 to 5 for a fully staged production of Verdi’s masterpiece La traviata. This top 10 opera kicks off the summer season of performances at The Barn which include over 35 performances of classical, broadway, jazz, folk and fiddle music. Improv All-Stars makes a debut this season with Linda Kash, Matt Baram, Sandy Jobin-Bevans and Patrick McKenna July 9. Shauna Rolston, Mary Lou Fallis, Marie-Josee Lord, Stewart Goodyear, Le studio de musique anxienne de Montreal, Jane Bunnett & Maqueque and others including Cobourg’s The Good Lovelies also perform at The Barn. The season wraps up with the new Jazz Fringe Festival taking place at area eateries in Trent Hills, the Clock Tower and The Westben Barn on the August long weekend. 

Sharing Insight and Talent! ~ The Next Generation Leahy

Our interview continues with ~The Children ~ Sharing Insight and Talent! ~ The Next Generation Leahy

For this “INSIDE SCOOP” with Doug Leahy and his family at their homestead farm in Lakefield for a “family interview”, we thought we would profile the children.

The Next Generation Leahy
At Home with
Ontario Festivals Visited

~ 12 year old Adele enjoys the classical piano and from that she has learned to be extremely disciplined. She shares with us that the “magic happens” during the creative collaboration. Adele learns by “ear training” and enjoys composing. She tells us that she likes to tell her own story, with uniqueness emphasized; she says she “just knows”. She is extremely talented playing the cello, piano, step dancing, vocals, enjoys baking, like the Toronto Maple Leafs; and in school, embraces math.

We asked Adele, being the oldest child, if she felt a responsibility to inspire the younger kids. She does feel the need to protective them and tells us that it isn’t easy ~ you just can not stand there on the side-lines. She likes to “engage” with the other kids. She is excited to show, embrace the nature of fun and likes to join in with the younger siblings! Adele started playing the cello at a very young age, as Mom tells us, Adele used to use steak knives to practice.

~ 11 year old Gregory loves to build and fix just about anything with his hands. He enjoys playing the fiddle, accordion, piano, step dancing and vocals. Gregory shares with us that he learned to play on the “internet”, through “Skype”. Playing the French Accordion takes a great deal of concentration, but, Gregory practices a lot and is very talented. He now is teaching other children and sharing in what he has learned, through “Skype” and on-line internet. Gregory likes the farm work, ride horses, cattle and looking after them.

The Next Generation Leahy
Westben Arts Festival Theatre
Ontario Festivals Visited ~ Interview

~ 9 year old Angus loves to play any sports and playing the fiddle, piano, step dancing, and vocals.

~ 7 year old Cecilia is quite the card shark! I would have to think that entertaining an audience might be the catalyst for this skill. She too loves playing the fiddle, piano, step dancing, and vocals.

~ 6 year old Joseph is found farming with his Dad (24/7), except when he too is playing the fiddle, piano, step dancing, and singing. Joseph also enjoys soccer and sports in general. They were keen to show off their “golf swings” in the front yard just before we left.

Evelyn "hamming it up" with the boys
The Next Generation Leahy
Ontario Festivals Visited ~ Interview

~ 4 year old Evelyn loves to create new dance steps and “tunes” on the piano. At the Westben Arts Festival Theatre she “stole the show” with her sweet smile, great charm and humor! The young entertainer did not “miss a beat”!

Stay tuned for great insights and more “INSIDE SCOOP” with The Next Generation Leahy ~ “Get in the Game”! ~ “Practice, Practice, Practice”! In the meantime, we welcome you to follow Doug Leahy and The Next Generation Leahy at http://www.dougleahy.com/home.html. Their 2015 Tour Schedule is available as they journey across North America.

“What’s in a Name?” ~ “Vendors Talk!”

Our “THE INSIDE SCOOP” interview with Cyndee Barrette, Sole Proprietor Crazy Bitch BBQ Sauce continues. We hope you enjoy this series of “THE INSIDE SCOOP”.

Ginger & Finnegan
Inspiration for "Crazy Bitch BBQ Sauce"
Cyndee Barrette, Sole Proprietor

“What’s in a Name?”

While I spoke with Cyndee, we talked about her choice of name. Ontario Visited has written about “It’s all in the Name”; “The Name can Make or Break an Event” and so on. Being competitive in the industry is a challenge and so is “Being Seen”! Cyndee points out to me that with her choice of name for her business allows her to be and “Being Seen” and “Being Remembered”. We will talk later in this interview with Cyndee about this process.

“Vendors Talk!”

Over the years, Ontario Visited has written a few articles about Vendor Experiences when participating in our great community events. We have titled some of them “Vendors Talk”.

While speaking with Cyndee Barrette, Sole Proprietor Crazy Bitch BBQ Sauce we asked her if she could share with us some of the experiences you have had with attending an event/festival/show? (Both positive and negative).

Cyndee shares with us … “Some of the positives include the attendance of events that perhaps I wouldn’t be part of, if not being there as a participant.  I have met some wonderful people along the way, many of which have turned into friends whom I see outside of such venues.

Having moved to Barrie in 2000 and working in Toronto, I really didn’t feel a part of my community until I began this business and now it is like I was born and raised here.  I get to be outside in wonderful weather (and some not so wonderful L0L) and I truly feel I experience our great weather because I am outdoors at Farmers’ Markets and Festivals alike. 

By being in various venues, it helps drive the attention to my website AND the awesome online shopping that is available there for customers within all Canadian borders. 

The negative would probably be poorly organized and advertised events.  I generally have a rule that I don’t attend a first-year event until I have a track record to check via other vendors etc.  Many times organizers don’t feel they have an obligation to advertise their events and they clearly do not care – leaving the advertising up to the participants because they have been paid their rental space.  I don’t go back to one of those and neither do others of my caliber.  We really do interact and critique where we have been”. 

 "Crazy Bitch BBQ Sauce"
Cyndee Barrette, Sole Proprietor

“Take Your Role Seriously”! ~ “Keeping it Fresh”!

While speaking of the positive and negative situations around Events, we were fortunate that Ms. Barrette shared with us some ideas that she might recommend to organizers that could assist with improving the overall experience for Vendors.

Cyndee Barrette, Sole Proprietor Crazy Bitch BBQ Sauce… “Organizers need to take THEIR role seriously as well….there is a commitment they have to we Vendors and when they fulfill that, they get waiting lists to get into their events and not the opposite where they are scrambling two weeks ahead to fill tables.  Organizers need to get their applications out early in the year. 

Organizers also need to rotate their vendors allowing getting in some ‘new blood’ each year to keep the shoppers happy with new and innovative products.  Too often the ‘same old same old’ vendors are at shows and eventually, the shoppers tire and stop attending the ones that only have the same businesses year after year. Keep it fresh by getting in new vendors – rotate what you offer”. 

Stay tuned for more “SCOOP” … “Planning”& “How to Choose an Event to Participate In”. If in the meantime you would like to check our Ms Barrette’s website, I’m sure she’d love your visit … www.crazybitch.ca.

KAWARTHA SETTLERS’ VILLAGE ~ CELEBRATING LANDMARK YEAR ~ 25th

KAWARTHA SETTLERS’ VILLAGE ~ CELEBRATING LANDMARK YEAR ~ 25^th Anniversary

Kawartha Settlers’ Village "Reflections of the Past"

Kawartha Settlers’ Village "Hope for our Future"

Ontario Visited has had the wonderful experience of visiting Kawartha Settlers’ Village in beautiful Bobcaygeon, Ontario on several occasions. One event that we enjoyed immensely was their Annual Settlers' Day. One of their earliest fundraising initiatives was Settlers’ Days, a multi-day event that shows visitors the different trades, crafts, and way of life that our early ancestors lived.

During our Ontario Visited journey, as “we traveled to the past”, we experienced the essence of the magnificent property of Kawartha Settlers’ Village, the heritage Village and Settlers’ Day. The antique cars and truck shone brightly with pride, period vintage re-enactor strolled throughout the Village, young children ran and played, seniors and families strolled along the laneways together, and the gardens, blooms and fresh fragrance filled the air along with the occasional waffle smell of campfire.

Sunday, June 14^th, 2015 marks the 23^rd year of Settlers’ Day. Highlights of this year’s event include: re-enactments from the 12^th York Battalion of Infantry, rope making, fur trappers, carvers, needlework, weaving, spinning, rug hooking, tatting and lace work, a honey display, vintage wedding dress display, Quinte Time Keepers, antique radios, historical post card display, children’s activities and more!  For vehicle lovers, the show attracts more than 50 antique and classic cars and trucks. From our experience, this is also a great show for the photograph buffs! The gardens themselves throughout the Village are spectacular!

In honour of their 25th anniversary, they are inviting guests to bring an 8″ x 8″ cake in an aluminium pan (that one doesn’t mind parting with) with their family name iced onto it.  The cake square will be added together to make a giant quilt cake.  This activity was done at one of the first Settlers’ Day and they wanted to relive apart of our 25 year history.  The cakes will be raffled off with proceeds being put towards the 25th anniversary celebrations being held on August 23rd.

Kawartha Settlers’ Village "Quilt Cake"

We wanted to share this additional “SCOOP” with you, to share some of the “history” about the Village! …

“Bobcaygeon – Some might say the creation of Kawartha Settlers’ Village was meant to be as it took a number of different situations, occurring at the same time to bring together the essential players that formed the organization now called Kawartha Region Arts and Heritage Society.

During the 1980’s, Neil Oliver, a lifetime farmer and long-time Reeve of Verulam township, spoke often about the need to preserve the early heritage of the area as he worried that the history and the story of how it had been developed through the hard work of its ancestors would be lost.  With the help of his neighbor, Byron Edney, both men started collecting items from the area with the hopes that they would one day have a place to display them.  Fortunately, it wasn’t long until Bobcaygeon Reeve, Frank Poole, advised the two men that a farm property on the edge of the village was being ceded to Bobcaygeon because of tax arrears.

At the same time, the Bobcaygeon Village Workshop Group operated out of the Henderson House, which was located on Front St.  Though the Bobcaygeon Council recognized the value of the artists, they began preparation for the demolition of the Henderson House as the land the House was on was being turned into a green space.

Reeve Oliver had little trouble convincing the Arts Group to join his cause and on May 29, 1990, a committee was formed to develop a permanent heritage site and a cultural village in Bobcaygeon.  The newly formed group, calling themselves the Kawartha Region Arts and Heritage Council (KRAHC), made a presentation to Bobcaygeon Council requesting the long term lease of the Murphy farm property.  Bert Sevink, the leader of the Arts Group, was the spokesperson. Sevink impressed Council with KRAHC’s plan to restore the barn on the property and to move the Henderson House from Front Street to the property.  The resolution to approve the lease of the property for use as a cultural and heritage centre passed.

In October 1991, the Henderson House became the first building to be moved to the property.  In January, 1991, a “Name the Village” contest was posted in local papers and the property became known as Kawartha Settlers’ Village.  In July of that year the first Official Board of Directors was chosen and the ongoing work of managing the Village and its interests got underway”.

Kawartha Settlers’ Village "Settlers' Day"
Ontario Visited explores

We encourage you to “journey back in time”, to experience Settlers’ Day and Kawartha Settlers’ Village. You can see our Ontario Festivals Visited article from our previous visit at http://ontariofestivalsvisited.ca/all-regions-festivals-visited-lists/139-festivals-visited/festivals-visited-kawarthas-northumberland-ontario-regions/722-settlers-day.html.

You can visit Kawartha Settlers’ Village website at (http://settlersvillage.org/) to catch all the up-to-date details and many more events, activities, programs and happenings throughout the year. Enjoy!