"Fabulous Family Fun" ~ Importance of the Fair & Facilities" ~ Ancaster Fairgrounds

 



“The Fair is a great community to volunteer in.” …“The Ancaster Fair is all about “Fabulous Family Fun!”

THE INSIDE SCOOP presents Kathy Smith, Manager

Ancaster Agricultural Society and Ancaster Fairgrounds

 

 

Our interview continues … These Scoop answers can apply to everyone!

How important is the “Ancaster Agricultural Society” and how does it impact your community today? Otherwise stated … Why do you think Ancaster Agricultural Society is an important part of our society and the community today and what role do you see as its importance?

Importance of the Fair  ~ “When the Fair began in 1850 the role was to give farmers an opportunity to showcase their products and hopefully have other farmers buy their products, whether that was seed for the grain crop or livestock to increase a herd. This is no longer the role of the fair but farmers are still showcasing their products now so that the large urban population of the area can see what is involved in their food production. 

Many families used to have a member involved in farming but we have gotten farther and farther away from this and so the Fair represents an opportunity for people to see farm animals and meet the people that produce their food”. 

Importance of the Facilities ~ “The facilities are very important to the community for many reasons: we provide facilities for families to celebrate important events in their lives. Community groups use the facility to hold fund raisers for their community projects. The 4-H program uses the grounds to hold meetings and achievement days to further the development of their members in the skills they are being taught. The fairgrounds become a meeting place for families, friends, and communities to gather and celebrate”.

Stay tuned for more with Kathy Smith, Manager of the Ancaster Agricultural Society and Ancaster Fairgrounds and don’t forget to check out their website at http://www.ancasteragriculturalsociety.ca/. … Next SCOOP: Success, Demographics, Planning!

 

 

Controversy ... Or Knowledge? ... Ontario Visited finds out ...Toronto Zoo

This series of Blog articles comes from our recent “Behind the Scenes Tour of the Toronto Zoo” with Katie Gray, Public Relations Supervisor. Ontario Visited toured with Festival Nomad Correspondent’s Carol Law (Volunteeerscan.ca ~ Volunteer systems Consultant) and Ron Clifford (www.ronclifford.com ~ Professional Photographer). With extra our extra correspondent and photographer, we were able to focus on the generous amount of information being provided by the Toronto Zoo staff for this wonderful opportunity. We would like to share our insight, knowledge and experiences with you. Hope you enjoy the series!

Controversy … Or Knowledge! …

I asked, during our walk-about, if visitors might be distracted by the many “fun activities” at the Zoo and perhaps don’t realize the importance of all that the Toronto Zoo contributes. I also asked if there were visitors who were “in distain” of some of the innovations the Zoo offers to visitors. Specifically I refer to the Kids Discovery Zone (Splash Pad) and the new high tower Gorilla Climb Ropes Course.

Controversy occurs in most of our society, from the “nature lover” to the “fun time goers” to the “conservationist” to the “economical goers”. Everyone has their “own opinion” about what is right or wrong, perceived or not, and the Toronto Zoo has many visitors attend for many reasons. In today's civilized society, Katie Gray, Public Relations Supervisor, tells us, they try to provide people with excitement and fun for the whole family, and once they are here, they try to provide them with information and education about the animals, and hopefully with the ways they can help. The Toronto Zoo welcomes visitors to come out and let them (the Zoo) "show you". The Zoo is becoming more and more sophisticated and creative in the way they are sharing their knowledge.

 

Our Future …

I asked Katie about nutrition and the prospect of “endangered species” becoming extinct, and, what ramification that would have on our world. Katie tells us, they try to create a natural habitat for the animals here at the Zoo, as it is vital for the Zoo animals as well as the habitat and species that surround the premises. The best way that we can help the endangered species in the wild, is to learn as much as we can from them in a captive environment, one that is as close to their natural habitat as possible, and then use that information to help them in the wild.

While there has been a “lot of media coverage for the Giant Panda Exhibit”, the panda staff was anxious to share some of the “Behind the Scenes” with us. They are enthusiastic about a “flagship program” where their knowledge will be shared with other organizations. Although Zoos around the world have different weather systems, the habits and behaviors of the species react different in different environments. For Our Future, the Toronto Zoo's “Facebook Page” is assisting with information overload. It is quick and can be a wonderful time saving device for sharing information, in a possible critical timeline.

Stay tuned for more exciting insight from the Toronto Zoo Behind the Scenes Tour ~ Year Round Experience!... Safety at the Zoo … In the meantime, don’t forget to check out the Toronto Zoo website where you can view ongoing amazing “in-the-moment” videos and so much more at www.torontozoo.com. Enjoy!

"On-Line Dating" ... Ice Bear Unit" ... Ontario Visited tours Toronto Zoo

This series of Blog articles comes from our recent “Behind the Scenes Tour of the Toronto Zoo” with Katie Gray, Public Relations Supervisor. Ontario Visited toured with Festival Nomad Correspondent’s Carol Law (Volunteeerscan.ca ~ Volunteer systems Consultant) and Ron Clifford (www.ronclifford.com ~ Professional Photographer). With extra our extra correspondent and photographer, we were able to focus on the generous amount of information being provided by the Toronto Zoo staff for this wonderful opportunity. We would like to share our insight, knowledge and experiences with you. Hope you enjoy the series!

On-Line Dating … In-House Research …

 

The research “Behind the Scenes” is rich in leadership. An in-house psychology department plays an intricate role in the development of such programs as “on-line dating”, the “e-harmony for animals” as it were. If we look at the Panda’s for example, it is critical to not have “in-breeding”. The oncology and fertilization process is vital to remain pure.

The Toronto Zoo prides itself on their “In-house Research Nutrition” programs. The Zoo can sell its canine diet to supplement some of the nutrition research programs, for example.

The Zoo tries to capitalize on all their exhibits seen in the public as the educational piece for all. As the Toronto Zoo has many new and creative innovations, we found out that other Zoo’s around the world are “happy to work” with them to share knowledge and experiences. The Toronto Zoo certainly has demonstrated their success and it is clear how much the Zoo contributes to society.

Ice Bear Unit …

On our walk-about at the Tundra Trek … not only are the Polar Bears amazing to watch, I was fascinated to learn the Toronto Zoo helps our environment by using the Ice Bear unit during off-peak electricity time during the middle of the night, when demand on the grid is low to make the large blocks of ice the Polar Bears require. As the ice slowly melts off it helps cool the air in their environment as well. The Ice Bear storage technology is the Zoo’s latest green technology and can be seen just outside the Caribou Café.

During our tour, the question came up, how does this Ice Bear unit save Polar Bears? The answer … "if we all continue to use more energy, the more power stations we use mean more greenhouse gases being emitted into the atmosphere. Greenhouse gases increase the global warming effect = less ice in the sea". I have to imagine it must impact the longevity of our environment and our world.

With the initiatives that the Toronto Zoo is taking, there's a lot more that you can learn on their website. There are a number of other initiatives that the Zoo is involved with to help save polar bears, and they were recently introduced to the public via YouTube. The newest sensation is a baby polar bear cub, which should be on exhibit by the spring.  Breeding programs will help the animal care staff at the Zoo learns more about polar bears so we can help them better in the wild.

Stay tuned for more exciting insight from the Toronto Zoo Behind the Scenes Tour ~ Controversy … Or Knowledge? … Our Future … In the meantime, don’t forget to check out the Toronto Zoo website where you can view ongoing amazing “in-the-moment” videos and so much more at www.torontozoo.com. Enjoy!

"Coolest Technology" ~ Toronto Zoo ~ Ontario Visited checks it out

Toronto Zoo ~ Behind the Scenes Tour
Welcome to Ontario Visited Behind The Scenes Tour …

This series of Blog articles comes from our recent “Behind the Scenes Tour of the Toronto Zoo” with Katie Gray, Public Relations Supervisor. Ontario Visited toured with Festival Nomad Correspondent’s Carol Law (volunteeerscan.ca ~ Volunteer systems Consultant) and Ron Clifford (www.ronclifford.com ~ Professional Photographer). With extra our extra correspondent and photographer, we were able to focus on the generous amount of information being provided by the Toronto Zoo staff for this wonderful opportunity. We would like to share our insight, knowledge and experiences with you. Hope you enjoy the series!

Although the Toronto Zoo Health Centre is not open to the public, a lot goes on “Behind the Scenes” that are critical to our World! Yes, our World! Although the Health Centre is not “for entertainment”, it does provide a critical component to the Toronto Zoo, the Rouge Valley and the World.

Ontario Visited had the distinct pleasure of a “Behind the Scenes” tour arranged by Katie Gray, Public Relations Supervisor. The Toronto Zoo coordinates with international agencies to share their experiences, insight and knowledge. The Zoo has over 710 acres of “green space”. The encroachment of development can be seen all around. However, fortunately these lands are now protected and named in both Provincial and National Parks. There is integration of walking trails and access through to the Rouge Valley Park and York Region Transit connects visitors to both. Many staff and volunteers offer amazing programs and educational tools to the community and to visitors from around the world.
Our Journey Begins …
The Toronto Zoo has a mandate to address environment, polices, produces and makes recommendations that will lessen our ecological footprint in the Rouge Valley and the Earth! What does that mean to you?
With our ever changing environment, habitat and ecology, it seems fit that a world renowned facility such as the Toronto Zoo takes great pride and steps to conserve, preserve, protect, educate and enhance many aspects of these topics.
While walking through the Toronto Zoo we stopped by their “Zootique” gift shop located near the front entrance. ZooPoo paper products were for sale. I wondered what they meant by ZooPoo. While being a creative unique “gift item”, ZooPoo is the “Coolest Green Technology”.
Green Roofs …

If you are walking by the Australasia Pavilion, you might take the time to “look up” at the Green Roofs. Green roofs, also known as 'living roofs' or 'eco-roofs', are the wave of the future in sustainable design, and the Toronto Zoo is “surfin' right along with them!” While the term “green roof” could mean many things, it refers here to a roof with one or more extra membranes, including a waterproof and root-proof section that is covered by various types of vegetation. The green roofs on these buildings filter particles from the air and converts carbon dioxide (CO2) into oxygen. The cool air around the building reduces urban heat saving energy costs. The insulation sound benefits the animals and visitors alike.

Stay tuned for more exciting insight from the Toronto Zoo Behind the Scenes Tour ~ On-Line Dating … In-House Research … Ice Bear Unit …  In the meantime, don’t forget to check out the Toronto Zoo website where you can view ongoing amazing “in-the-moment” videos and so much more at www.torontozoo.com. Enjoy!

“Fabulous Family Fun!” ~ Ancaster Fairgrounds Scoop

Kathy Smith, Manager
Ancaster Agricultural Society ~ Ancaster Fairgrounds
with Ontario Visited Judi McWilliams

The Fair – “The Fair is a great community to volunteer in.” …“The Ancaster Fair is all about “Fabulous Family Fun!”

THE INSIDE SCOOP presents Kathy Smith, Manager

Ancaster Agricultural Society and Ancaster Fairgrounds

For many of our INSIDE SCOOP articles, I like have a discussion with a leader, organizer, expert in the field of presenting fairs, festivals, events and shows across the Province. This time, however, Kathy Smith, Manager of the Ancaster Agricultural Society and Ancaster Fairgrounds was very clear, concise and informative when responding to my initial questions. I found that Kathy’s responses to our INSIDE SCOOP questions reads best as is. I hope you enjoy this SCOOP article as much as I have learned and gained valuable knowledge by reading Kathy’s responses.

The Growth and Journey of the Ancaster Agricultural Society:

“History - In 1850 the present Ancaster Agricultural Society was organized.  At this time the fair was located behind the township hall in the Town of Ancaster.  In 1876 a drill hall was built and this was used for the annual fair.  In 1885 the fairgrounds were relocated to the east of the old Academy Street School with the drill hall still used for the inside exhibits.  In 1902 “Lady Directors” were appointed for the first time.  In 1937 the Medical Health Office ordered that the fair be canceled because a case of Infantile Paralysis had been discovered in the township, this is the only year since 1850 that the fair was not held.  In 1949 the 625 Garner Rd. site of the fairgrounds was purchased.  The first fair took place here in 1950.  Some of the buildings from the old location were moved to this fairground. 

In the early 2000’s a group of dedicated volunteers realized that the fairgrounds was surrounded by development and that we should start looking at a possible relocation site.  This group, with the cooperation of the membership, purchased and planned the new 100 acre Ancaster Fairgrounds. In 2009 the Ancaster Fair moved to its fourth location at 630 Trinity Rd. Many changes have taken place since the first fair took place 157 years ago however; the mandate of the fair continues to be “to encourage an awareness of agriculture”.  

Stay tuned for more with Kathy Smith, Manager of the Ancaster Agricultural Society and Ancaster Fairgrounds and don’t forget to check out their website at http://www.ancasteragriculturalsociety.ca/. … Next SCOOP: the Importance of the Fair and Facilities.



WORLD-FAMOUS SHAKESPEARE’S GLOBE THEATRE ~ PRESCOTT

Artistic Director Ian Farthing shares some exciting "SCOOP"!

Media Release

WORLD-FAMOUS SHAKESPEARE’S GLOBE THEATRE

PICKS PRESCOTT, ONTARIO FOR ONLY CANADIAN SHOWS

The world’s most renowned Shakespeare troupe is making its first-ever visit to Canada this summer for an exclusive engagement in Prescott, Ontario, in what is being hailed as a cultural coup for the small town.

Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre from London, England, will present two performances of Hamlet on Saturday, August 2nd at the St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival – the only Canadian stop on their 2014 international tour.

“Globe to Globe: Hamlet” celebrates the 450^th anniversary of the birth of Shakespeare, who founded the London company and created its famous theatre in the round. The troupe aims to tour their production through 205 countries over the next two years.

“The Globe is looking for unique and atmospheric venues to stage its world production, from village squares to palaces. The unique waterfront amphitheatre of the St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival fits the bill and we are thrilled to be able to host such a prestigious event,” said the Festival’s Artistic Director, Ian Farthing.

Farthing noted that being asked to participate in Globe to Globe is a huge feather in the cap of the award-winning Festival that’s been professionally producing Shakespeare’s plays to great reviews every summer since 2003:

“It’s magical that our Festival would attract such a high-calibre international company. To be the sole Canadian venue for this tour is a real honour. For many Canadian Shakespeare lovers, it’ll be the theatrical opportunity of a lifetime.”

Globe to Globe tickets for the Prescott performances will go on sale April 23^rd - Shakespeare’s birthday. The Festival is anticipating both shows will sell out very quickly.  Festival Season Pass holders will be given a priority advance booking period.

Famed theatre director Peter Brook has stated that Hamlet was chosen for the “bold and dynamic” project because it’s the most all-encompassing of Shakespeare’s plays: “Everyone, young or old, can today find an immediate identification with its characters, their pains and their interrogations. It can bring a rich journey of discovery to new audiences everywhere.”

The touring cast of eight actors will perform more than two dozen parts in a fresh version of the classic tragedy emphasizing its gallows humour and celebrating the “exuberance and invention” of its language.

Hosting Globe to Globe does come with additional costs for the Festival.  Advanced commitments from donors, such as the Ontario Arts Council, are making this unique opportunity possible, but the Eastern-Ontario based Festival is still seeking support from potential partners – including a title sponsor. Interested donors should contact Ian Farthing for more information. 

 

Farthing believes the venture will expand the St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival audience, with many Shakespeare fans discovering the unique Prescott venue for the first time, returning for its own productions of The Tempest and The Two Gentlemen of Verona, which run from July 12th to August 16th.

DETAILS:

The St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival presents

Shakespeare’s Globe to Globe production of Hamlet

Saturday August 2^nd at 1pm and 7pm

Sandra S. Lawn Harbour, Prescott, ON

Tickets $40

Tickets go on sale Wednesday April 23^rd at 10am

Festival Season Pass Holders Priority Booking begins Monday March 3^rd at 10am
Box Office: 613 925 5788
Online sales at www.stlawrenceshakespeare.ca

For more information or to arrange an interview, contact
IAN FARTHING, Artistic Director

ad@stlawrenceshakespeare.ca

 

A Country Christmas Remembered ... the Scoop

Your Passport is your ticket to all events* and unlimited Horse Drawn Wagon rides for a full weekend of fun (*Turkey Dinner excepted)
A Country Christmas Remembered − December 6 to 8, 2013

The heritage village of Spencerville invites you back for the 9th annual family festival A Country Christmas Remembered, December 6 to 8.

Travel back in time ~ Favourite activities include the Starlight Parade, Breakfast with Santa, the Children’s Shopping Emporium and Santa's Workshop with its model railway display, crafts and face painting. A Horse Drawn Wagon to get you around. The Christmas Country Market is better than ever and fireworks are back following the Friday night parade. Family Weekend Passport $15; single $5. For details, visit www.acountrychristmas.ca

"Living History" is embraced in Spencerville during A Country Christmas Remembered festivities. As a small community, folks come together to reflect on the values of the past and appreciate the coming together in the present. In the 1930's folks depended on one another to survive the harsh winter months. People had to help on another especially when times were tough. This special event takes people back to simpler times.

I talked with Sandra Ketchum from the committee who told me about the importance of this special event! Without the economic base, small villages have difficulty surviving. This event encourages and helps keep the community together with a great volunteer base, community contributions; and creates excitement of a great achievement as A Country Christmas Remembered as it runs strong into this 9^th year.

The committee encourages the young kids and teens to take part by contributing with volunteering. There is a lot they can contribute, from assisting decorating, to social media (like Skype, Facebook, tweeting) and much more. By volunteering kids today can gain insight about festivals and events, learn about the importance of volunteering, learn to work as a team, gain experience; add to their high school volunteer community hours and add to their live experiences. They don’t necessarily have to just “help”; Sandra tells me they can take their ideas and make them happen as a team.

A community such as Spencerville has many business support from such folks at the Hands Fireworks down the way in Prescott ~ Canada's original fireworks company. We are Canada's oldest manufacturer of family and display fireworks, with a legacy dating back to 1873. This will be their 3^rd year in a row donating the fireworks for this special event! The Hubbard & Co. is a highly skilled team of construction and restoration specialists serving clients throughout eastern Ontario since 1981. They provide the space and ambiance in the upstairs building to host the volunteer appreciation night.

As a key component to successful event, Sandra Ketchum tells me they provide a Volunteer Appreciation Evening to just prior to the event taking place. They show a slide presentation letting the volunteers see a glimpse of all the activities taking place and what to expect. The volunteers are also provided with free passports, which encourage everyone to attend and participate.  A Country Christmas Remembered knows the importance of volunteers and the true contribution from all community supports. Whether sponsors, in-kind donations or the volunteers and committee members themselves.

Looking back to the 1930’s A Country Christmas Remembered festivities offers country food and a community sense of fun and time to reflect on the values of days gone by. This Christmas celebration is not commercial and offers all kinds of old fashioned values.

Your Passport is your ticket to all events* and unlimited Horse Drawn Wagon rides for a full weekend of fun (*Turkey Dinner excepted)

Family Passport $15

2 adults and 3 children under 16

Single Passport $5

A Country Christmas Remembered − December 6 to 8, 2013

Check out their website for all the fun details, times and activities.

Hope to see you there! Happy Holidays! Happy Season!