www.carletonplace.ca
 |
Festivals & Events
That’s right! It is the mighty Mississippi that is the thread linking so many of the community’s celebrations, and there is always something exciting happening here! Whether it’s a big event (some of which are highlighted below) or a smaller activity, consider planning your visit around one or more activities, and check the calendar of events for updates on all the latest events throughout the year!
Enjoy the Carleton Place Farmers’ Market all Summer Long!
Established in 1991, the Carleton Place Farmers’ Market opens for the season in May and runs through October at the corner of Beckwith Street and Lake Avenue. Featuring farm fresh produce and meats, home-made preserves and baking, as well as hand-made crafts and artwork, the Carleton Place Farmers' Market is the place to be! The market strives to have only local produce and craftspeople represented, giving you a taste and experience unique to Carleton Place.
When: May – Oct
What: Farmers’ Market – fresh foods and crafts
Where: Corner of Beckwith St. and Lake Ave. in downtown Carleton Place
Festivals and Events are organized below by the month in which they occur.
Wine’d Around Downtown
An afternoon to visit local restaurants to sample wines and delicious complementary appetizers. Come out and see if your palette agrees! One ticket admits you to all venues, but book early as space is limited. What: A social evening of wine and complementary appetizers
Where: Downtown Carleton Place
Info: Manda Blakeley – mblakeley@carletonplace.ca, 613-257-3822
Classic Car Show
If you love classic cars, visit Carleton Place in June for a Classic Car Show. The event, which runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., boasts more than 200 cars along the banks of the Mississippi at beautiful Riverside Park. For the fifth year, old hot rods will be featured. Admission is free and there will be a barbecue at the site. What : Classic car show
Where: Riverside Park on the Mississippi
Info: 613-257-8453 (Ken Ferguson)
Lambs Down Park Festival
Join in the fun this June for a BIA-sponsored event marking Carleton Place’s history as the distribution centre for lambs’ wool in Canada. This outdoor event, held at the Wool Growers located at 142 Franktown Road in Carleton Place, features dog and lamb demonstrations, sheep shearing, spinning, a petting zoo, knitting and displays. Unique Lanark County Flavour food vendors/restaurants participate with the creation of lamb dishes. Don’t miss it! What : Outdoor festival – sheering demos, kids activities and food
Where: Wool Growers 142 Franktown Rd.
Info: 613-257-8049 or www.downtowncarletonplace.com
Farmers’ Market Grand Opening
Join in the fun and special events and displays at the corner of Beckwith Street and Lake Avenue to mark the beginning of summer at the Carleton Place Farmers’ Market. What: Farmers’ Market – fresh foods and crafts
Where: Corner of Beckwith St. and Lake Ave. in downtown Carleton Place
 Canada DayCelebrations commence in Riverside Park and include lots of children’s activities and entertainment for all ages. The day is topped off with the best fireworks in Lanark County, if not the Valley! When: July 1st
What: Canada Day celebrations
Where: Riverside Park on the banks of the Mississippi
Carleton Place Heritage 5/10 km Run/Walk
This annual event, geared for all age groups and abilities, supports the Carleton Place & District Memorial Hospital Foundation. Held in July in conjunction with the Graham Beasley Iron 113 Olympic & Sprint Triathlon & Duathlon with an exciting downtown finish, this community race is hailed as the flattest 5km in the eastern region. Event Highlights
What : Community Run/Walk for Charity
Where: Bridge St. in downtown Carleton Place
Graham Beasley Triathlon Duathlon
Motto: Compete hard, play fair and applaud and respect fellow participants
This event offers something for everyone: from the "Try a Tri” for the beginner or recreational participant, to the "Super Sprint Triathlon” for the speed people. The Olympic Triathlon, and the Iron 113 Tri or Du include one of the most awesome bike rides you will find in Ontario. Look too, for the SwimCycle and Swim races. The SwimCycle race concept will be offered in the Sprint and Iron 113, for those whose legs don't like running, or who are preparing for a longer event and just want to test themselves. The swim will be over the Iron 113 1.932km distance. Note: The swim portion of the Graham Beasley is very popular because of the shallow clear water of the Mississippi River. If you are a bit leery about swimming in a group or in open water this one is for you - you can actually stand and rest if you need to! Event Highlights
Events & Distances
What : All abilities triathlon/duathlon events
Where: Bridge St. in downtown Carleton Place
Canoe Club Regatta
An exciting weekend at the historic Carleton Place Canoe Club featuring canoe and kayak races on the Mississippi! It involves participants in numerous age categories from all canoe clubs from the eastern Ontario division, including: Carleton Place
North Bay
Gananoque
Rideau
Sydenham and
Cascades from Quebec.
The first day features kids in the Atom and Peewee categories. Bantam and up compete on the Sunday. War canoes make an impressive finale for this annual tradition that draws throngs of athletes, supporters and spectators along the banks of the Mississippi. The club is an excellent training ground for athletes – three paddlers are currently on the Canadian national team (Victoria Tuttle, Andrew Willows and Ryan Cuthbert), with Andrew and Ryan participating in the 2008 Olympic Games at Beijing! What : Canoe Club Regatta
Where: CP Canoe Club at Riverside Park on the Mississippi
Info: 613-257-1838 or www.cpcanoeclub.com
Riverside Jam
Carleton Place is where you want to be for this popular country music extravaganza! Located in beautiful Riverside Park on the Mississippi River, this event is the biggest little Country Music Jam this side of Nashville! The Diamond Foundation is pleased to present some of the best entertainment country music has to offer! Camping on site. Also enjoy the Pontoon Boat Shuttle from the town docks at Bridge St. to the Riverside Jam, sponsored by the Carleton Place BIA. Highlights:
When: August civic holiday weekend
What : Riverside Jam – annual country music festival
Where: Riverside Park on the banks of the Mississippi
Info: 613-282-9262 or www.riversidejam.ca
Bridge Street Bazaar
Sponsored by the BIA, this unique shopping experience in downtown Carleton Place features children’s entertainment, music, local artisans, local merchants, Kids’ Zone and lots of fun! When: August civic holiday weekend
What : Bridge Street Bazaar – annual street festival
Where: Bridge Street in downtown Carleton Place
Info: 613-257-8049 or http://www.downtowncarletonplace.com/
Dragon Boat Festival (Fall 400)
Not to be missed, this festival provides a close-up view of the dragon boats. The entire race is in full view from the banks of the Mississippi. Includes plenty of entertainment in Riverside Park over the lunch hour and face painting for the kids. Food and clean washrooms. Come cheer for your favourite dragon boat.
What: Dragon Boat Festival – a colourful day at Riverside Park Where: Riverside Park on the banks of the Mississippi
Info: http://www.fall400.com/
Sounds of Downtown
What: Sounds of Downtown – an evening of music and dancing
Where: Downtown Carleton Place
Carleton Place Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament
A day of golf and fun in support of the Juvenile Diabetes Association at the Mississippi Golf Club. What : Golf Tournament
Where: Mississippi Golf Club
Heritage Ball
"Pirates of the Caribbean” is the theme of this black-tie event hosted by local realtor Ralf Shaw. Entertainment by Mumbo Jumbo Voodoo Combo – and that’s how you may feel dancing to their rhythmic tunes. Fundraiser supports the Sister Cities projects in Carleton Place. When: September 26, 2009
What: Annual black-tie gala
Where: Carleton Place Town Hall
Info: Manda Blakeley – mblakeley@carletonplace.ca, 613-257-3822
Twilight Gala
An evening in honour of the 25th Anniversary of Carleton Place Child Care Services featuring a multi-course meal served by prominent local restaurants, a silent auction and local musical talent. Tickets can be purchased at The Carleton Place Day Care. Cocktails and silent auction begin at 5:00 p.m., then dinner at 6:00 p.m. with dancing to follow When: September 26, 2009
What : Dinner dance in support of the Carleton Place Day Care
Where: Carleton Place Arena
Info: 613-253-0597
Maskeraid Parade
Sponsored by the BIA in support of the Lanark County Food Bank. Business people and the community come in costume to celebrate Halloween. The community participates by walking, entering a float or by being a spectator. Parade begins at 7 p.m.
When: Oct. 24, 2009
What: Community Halloween parade in support of the Food Bank
Where: Bridge St. in downtown Carleton Place
Info: Cathie McOrmond 613-257-8049, cmcormond@downtowncarletonplace.com, http://www.downtowncarletonplace.com/
Mississippi Mudds Performances
The Secret War of Mother Goose or How Laura Secord Goosed the Yanks Family entertainment – another in the genre of the recent Hercules and Sleeping Beauty. You’ll cheer for Laura and her family. You’ll laugh at the clowns. You’ll boo Uncle Dan and the other villains. You’ll want to sing along and join in the fun. Bring the whole family. A must see! When: Fri. Nov. 27 – Sun. Nov. 29 and Fri. Dec. 4 – Sun. Dec. 6
What: A family-rated musical comedy
Where: Carleton Place Town Hall
Info: 613-253-2007, http://mississippimudds.ca/
Santa Claus Parade "A Christmas Melody” Businesses and citizens participate in the largest Santa Parade in the Ottawa Valley with 100 floats. Thousands of spectators come out to kick off the Christmas season in Carleton Place. The Parade is sponsored by the BIA. When: Sat. Nov. 28, 2009 @ 5 p.m.
What: Holiday parade
Where: Bridge St. in downtown Carleton Place, begins at Carambeck School
Info: Cathie McOrmond 613-257-8049, cmcormond@downtowncarletonplace.com, http://www.downtowncarletonplace.com/
|
Evening of music by talented local musicians in restaurants and some retail businesses throughout the evening with a headliner at the Town Hall. Co-sponsored by Arts Carleton Place and the Carleton Place BIA. Tickets on sale at the Carleton Place Information Centre, Gift Shop and Gallery at 132 Coleman Street.
mblakeley@carletonplace.ca
www.carletonplace.ca