June

Annual Catfish Derby, Saturday, June 7, 2008

For more information please contact the Niagara Peninsula Children´s Centre at 905-688-3550 ext. 106.

The Art of Peace Festival, June 7, 2008

Art of Peace Festival presented by St. Catharines and Area Arts Council and Project Ploughshares Niagara. Enjoy art, music, spoken word, Youth Listening Tent and more! Event takes place in Montebello Park in Downtown St. Catharines (corner of Ontario St/Lake St.)

Exhibit-The Mail Order Catalogue in Canada, June 2-August 31, 2008 At the St. Catharines Museum. This travelling exhibit from the Canadian Museum of Civilization will evoke a bygone age, dating back to the 1880´s, when mail order shopping ushered in the era of mass consumption. Educational programs are also available for schools and youth groups. Call for Museum hours and information: 905-984-8880, 1-800-305-5134.

Niagara Grape & Wine Festival New Vintage Niagara Celebrations, June 14-22, 2008

Join more than 130 Ontario wineries at one of Canada’s premier spring events, as we present the first taste of Niagara’s award-winning wines. Enjoy tours, tastings and special events all celebrating the first taste of Ontario’s newest wines. Included is the ‘New Vintage’ Winery Passport program with special events, tours and tasting of Niagara wineries. Call 905-688-0212.

Beamsville Strawberry Festival, June 21, 2008

Join in the family fun at the Beamsville Fairgrounds - free admission, free parking and free entertainment! Contact 905-563-7274 or
905-562-5191.

Strawberry Festival, Saturday, June 21, 2008

Producers from across the region offer their fresh crops of berries, strawberry preserves and treats, and a variety of locally grown produce. Children’s games, food vendors, crafts for the kids, community displays and entertainment for all ages will be available. Market Square, City Hall, Downtown St. Catharines, 10am to 1pm Call

905-688-5601 ext.1503 for information.

Italia In Festa Friday June 20 and Saturday June 21, 2008

Join us for our 4th Annual Italia In Festa, celebrating Italian food, drink, dance and entertainment. Thorold is rich in Italian history and is the ideal location for a celebration of our culture. ADMISSION IS FREE.

July

Canada Day Family Street Party, July 1, 2008

Bring the whole family to the Market Square in downtown
St. Catharines for The Annual “Canada Day Family Street Party”. Enjoy free entertainment, children’s activities, and much, much more. 11am to 3pm. For more information please call 905-688-5601 ext. 1503.

Port Dalhousie Canada Day Celebrations, June 28-July 1, 2008

Fun for the whole family at the Lion’s Club Carnival with midway rides and one of the summer’s largest fireworks displays on the shores of Lake Ontario. Call 905-937-4783.

Canada Day Celebrations at Charles Daley Park, July 1, 2008

Come out on Sunday, July 1, 2008 from 2pm until after the fireworks at 10pm for lots of excitement for the whole family, including live entertainment. Admission-$2/person. Call: 905-563-8205.

Full Moon History & Haunts Walks - Summer 2008

Reserve your spot on one of the Full Moon History & Haunts Walking Tour and exlore the history and haunted tales of Downtown St. Catharines. Tours run each full moon at 7pm throughout the summer and fall. Tickets are $8/adults, group discounts available. Advance reservations are suggested. Call 905-685-8424 or email: ghost@stcathdowntown.com.

Ontario Sausage Festival, July 6, 2008

Three bands including: Grammy winner Walter Ostanek. Dancing in outdoor pavilion, sausage tasting, outdoor BBQ, Sausage King crowning. Refreshments and food available. 2pm to 10pm. Admission charged, children 15 and under are free. Lipa Park, Pelham near Rockway, 2850 Ollie Road, Lipa Park (St. Paul St West to 5th Street, South to Effingham Road to Ollie Road). For information call or email Tony 905-685-4149.

Concerts in Montebello Park July 6 through August 31, 2008
Performances are Sunday and Tuesday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Bring your lawn chair or blanket. Presented by City of St. Catharines Recreation and Community Services. For more information contact 905-688-5601 ext. 1927

Out to Lunch Summer Concert Series, July 3-August 28, 2008

Enjoy lunch every Tuesday and Thursday in the Market Square, Downtown St. Catharines, 12 noon to 1pm in July and August while, enjoying the light sounds of local musicians playing outdoors. Contact 905-685-8424.

Annual Summer Sidewalk Sale, July 9-12, 2008

Find that one of a kind item, at a great price while you browse through the many locations that will participate in the Downtown Summer Sale. Call 905-685-8424.

Classic Car Show, Saturday, July 12, 2008

Come downtown from 11am to 4pm and take a trip down memory lane. There are over 200 fantastic classic and custom cars parked along St. Paul Street, James and Queen Streets. Take in the low-rider hop-off competition at 3pm. Fun for the whole family! Contact 905-685-8424.

Annual Thorold Arts & Crafts Show, July 19&20, 2008
Come out and stroll amongst the many crafts and homemade goodies, at the Thorold Arena in Downtown Thorold. Admission: $3/person. Contact Cathy Henderson 905-227-7248.

Solo Mobile S.C.E.N.E. Music Festival, Sunday, July 20, 2008 One of Canada´s largest, one day, all ages independent music festivals. Featuring local and National artists. Tickets available at specific retail locations as well as online.

Dragon Boat Races, July 26, 2008
The City of St. Catharines Museum presents the 8th Annual Dragon Boat Festival. Get involved or be a spectator on the waters of the Historic Henley as Dragon Boat teams from Niagara and beyond compete for a day of family fun and competition. For more information or to register your team please call 905-984-8880. Download your P.D.F Poster today.

August

Annual Rotary Ribfest, August 1-4, 2008
“Ribs, Blues Band music and family entertainment!” Specialized chefs from across North America bring their closely guarded secret sauces and styles of serving a variety of the world’s best ribs. Montebello Park, St. Catharines 11am to midnight. Free admission. For more information please call 905-684-3500 ext 34.

City of Port Colborne 30th Annual Canal Days Marine Heritage Festival, August 1-4, 2008

Port Colborne’s signature event kicks summer into high gear with the transformation of downtown into festival grounds. With ship cruises, Boat Parade of Lights, Fireworks display over the canal, car shows, concert series and kite festival, Canal Days® caters to your quest for summer adventure. Take Highway 406 South to Highway 140 South to Highway 3. For more information call 1-888-PORT FUN.

Royal Canadian Henley Regatta, August 5-10, 2008

An international regatta that draws more than 3,500 competitors in a variety of classes. Held on Martindale Pond, Port Dalhousie. For more information please contact 905-935-9771 Email for more informaion

Music in the Park - Slovenian Festival, August 10, 2008

Slovenian food, refreshments and an outdoor BBQ. Dancing in outdoor pavilion. Featured are the Walter Ostanek Band. Nutones from Welland, Button Box music by Kitchener’s Ed V. trio. Music 2pm to 10pm. Admission charged, children under 16 years are free. Located in Lipa Park 2850 Ollie Road, Pelham near Rockway. For more information call or email Tony at 905-685-4149.

Niagara Jazz Festival, August 16&17, 2008

Two great days of the very best in Jazz and Blues in one spectaclular location. For more information phone: 905-934-2106 or email: info@niagarajazzfest.com

St. Catharines Game & Fish-Fall Salmon Derby, August through October, 2008 Call the Fish and Game Association for more details. 905-937-6335.

September

St. Catharines Niagara Fall Home Show, September 5 to 7, 2008

At Seymour Hanna Sportsplex on St. Paul Street W. For information contact 1-800-465-1073 Dave Jenkins.

Oktoberfest Festival at Slovenian Lipa Park, September 7, 2008 Polka & Waltz style music 2pm to 10pm including Grammy award winner Walter Ostanek and his band and the Golden Keys band from Kitchener. Special guest performances by other groups. Food and refreshments available. Admission charged, children under 16 years free. Located in Pelham near Rockway, Lipa Park, 2850 Ollie Rd. For information call Tony 905-685-4149 or email: ahcobb@sympatico.ca

Exhibit-Niagara Through the Lens: Shots that set the Standard- Septebmer 13 - November 2, 2008 (St. Catharines Museum)The St. Catharines Standard Collection. Call for Museum hours & information: 905-984-8880

Niagara Wine Festival, September 19 to September 28, 2008

Join our ‘Wine Country’ celebration of Niagara’s internationally acclaimed grape and wine industry. More than 100 events including winery tours and tastings, concerts, Niagara cuisine, artisan shows, wine seminars, family entertainment and one of Canada’s largest parades. Selected as Ontario’s Cultural Event of the Year for three

years in a row and as one of North America’s Top 100 Events by the American Bus Association in 2005 for more information call
905-688-0212.

Port Dalhousie Fall Restaurant Walking Tours, September 23&25, 2008 A signature fall event for Port Dalhousie featuring a guided tour of Port Dalhousie restuarants paired with Naigara Region wineries. This is a great way to sample your way through great food and fine wines and learn a bit about Port Dalhousie. Call 905-937-4783 email: info@portdalhousie.com

Grape & Wine Pre-parade Pancake Breakfast, Saturday, September 27, 2008 Enjoy a pancake breakfast and live entertainment before the Grande Parade in the Downtown Farmers´ Market building with proceeds going to the St. Catharines General Hospital. Breakfast includes pancakes, back bacon, juice tea/coffee. Tickets are $5.00/person. Contact 905-688-5600 ext 1503 for more information.

October

Pioneer Day, October 4, 2008, 10am to 4pm

Spend the day with pioneers at the museum in historic Jordan Village. Demonstrations, live entertainment, displays, food and refreshments galore! Stroll the village; visit the shops, winery and art gallery.
Call 905-562-5242.

Ball’s Falls Thanksgiving Festival, October 10-13, 2008 (Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority) - Visitors will enjoy a great day at the 34th annual festival. Partake in a variety of family activities and entertainment in the majestic setting of Ball´s Falls. Open 10am. to 5pm. daily. Admission $6.00 for adults, children under 14 free. Weekend pass available for $12.00 and is good for the entire weekend. NO PETS AT SPECIAL EVENTS. Sixth Ave., Jordan, ON 905-788-3135

Pumpkinville, October 11, 2008
A free family event held at Happy Rolph’s Bird Sanctuary. The day includes professional children’s games, bouncers, face painting, costume characters, pumpkin carving and scarecrow building contests. Call 905-688-5601 extension 1570 or e-mail jgreen@stcatharines.ca

James Street Night of Art, October 17, 2008
Come out and enjoy the 3rd annual event from 7-10pm. Held on James St. between King and St Paul Streets. The street will fill with visual art, media art, dance, music and theatre in participating stores, store windows, sidewalks and the street. For more information call 905-988-1888.

Doors Open, October 18 to 19, 2008

An annual heritage festival that spans both sides of the border in the Niagara Region and Western New York. For more information call 905-354-5100 Toll Free: 1-877-354-9420

Historical Ghost Walking Tours, October 16 to 30, 2008

Downtown St. Catharines has some of the best historical buildings in Niagara, but it just so happens that many of them are haunted! Join our tour guides as they take you on an easy paced stroll through our Downtown while listening to and exchanging stories of the different haunting and ghosts that have made their presence known. Call for a tour today 905-685-8424.

Canal Bank Fall Shuffle Oct. 23rd, 24th, and 25th.

Over 2 dozen great acts…all within walking distance of the Keefer Mansion Inn. www.canalbankshuffle.com

Movie´s in Market Square, Mid October to November, 2008
Come out, bring your family, friends, your lawn chairs, and enjoy some of your old favourites on the big screen in Market Square in Downtown St. Catharines. Hosted by the Downtwon Association. Movie details and dates will be found online or call 905-685-8424.

Pumpkin Festival, October 25, 2008

Pumpkin carving contest, costume contest and parade. Children’s rides and entertainment. Market Square, City Hall, Church Street, and Downtown St. Catharines. 10am to 1pm Call 905-688-5601 ext.1503 for information.

November/December

Hernder Annual Craft Show, 1st weekend in November, 2008
Two floors of quality crafters, wine tasting and food all combined into one. Open Friday, November 2-4 from 10am-5pm. Second location at Woodland School, on 7th Street Louth off the QEW open Saturday and Sunday ONLY from 10am to 5pm. Vendors with quality crafts can contact Angel at 905-684-3300 ext 22. In lieu of an admission, a donation or non-perishable food will be accepted by Community Care of St. Catharines and Thorold. Hernder Wines (1607 8th Avenue off 5th Street Louth), Contact: 905-684-3300 extension 22 www.hernder.com

St. Catharines Art Association Art Exhibition, November 6-8, 2008 Hosted by the Pen Centre Shopping Mall. For more information contact the Pen Centre at 905-687-6622.

Exhibit-Portraits of the North: Sketches of Native & Inuit Elders, November 15, 2008 - January 5, 2009. At the St. Catharines Museum, enjoy these pencil drawings of First Nations, Metis & Inuit Elders of Northern Canada by Gerald Kuehl. "These people grew up during a time when survival depended exclusively on their skills as hunters." That unique way of life which existed for millennia, surviving entirely off the land and sea, is now virtually extinct. These people and their stories are what remain. Call 905-984-8880 for Museum hours and information.

Thorold Annual Christmas Arts & Crafts Show, November 15 & 16, 2008 Held at Thorold Secondary School from 9am-4pm. Admission is $2/person. Contact Cathy for more information 905-227-7248.

St. Catharines Santa Claus Parade, Sunday, November 30, 2008

The Santa Claus Parade starts at 2:30pm Parade route: William St. to St. Paul St. to James St. to King St. to the Market Square. Come on over to the Market Square after the parade, have a chance to visit with Santa as he strolls around, enjoy some hot apple cider and activities for the whole family. In partnership with Community Care, please bring a food donation. For information call 905-688-5601 ext.1503 or email: dgarrington@stcatharines.ca

Victorian Christmas, Saturday´s in December 2008 Each Saturday in December, enjoy complimentary horse drawn carriage rides through historic Downtown. A pleasure for all ages. Happening each Saturday in December (6,13,20) before Christmas from 11am to 3pm. Call 905-685-8424 for information.

Downtown Festive Window Displays, December 1 to December 31, 2008 To make your Downtown experience even more enjoyable, the merchants of Downtown compete in a festive window display competition. Stroll the Downtown during the holiday season and take in the wonderful displays the merchants have created. Businesses are decorated to award winning magnitude, look for the trophies displayed in the shops from the competition. Contact 905-685-8424 for information.