Our favourite picks for Spring 2014

Must read

This year’s One Book One County selection is Triggers, by award-winning Canadian author Robert J. Sawyer. Chosen by the chief librarians of the Grand Valley, Shelburne and Orangeville libraries in conjunction with the staff of BookLore, Sawyer’s compelling sci-fi mystery thriller is the focus of the annual event that encourages Dufferin County residents to read one book together and join activities related to the book’s theme. Catch up on the latest on Facebook/One-Book-One-County-Dufferin.

The big read winds up with a grand finale that starts at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 13. Guests can meet the author and mingle with fellow readers at Centre Fellowship Church in Orangeville. Tickets are $10, available at the Grand Valley, Shelburne and Orangeville libraries and at BookLore in Orangeville.

Must celebrate The Rock

“The land as old as time” takes centre stage from March 27 to April 13 as Theatre Orangeville presents Elvis and Mavis, playwright Jeff Pitcher’s tragi-comic portrayal of an unemployed Newfoundland fish plant worker and his desperate, off-the-wall scheme to fix things – to the dismay of his wife Mavis and her friend Rose. For information, go to theatreorangeville.com.

Then, on May 4, local friends of Newfoundland’s English Harbour Arts Centre present an auction, both silent and live, to raise funds for the centre, located in the village’s beautifully restored All Saints Anglican Church. On offer will be about 100 works by Canadian artists, as well as a stay at the five-star Fishers’ Loft Inn and a canvas that local artist Lucille Weber will paint as the event unfolds.

The festivities, featuring a live band, drinks and food, take place from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Ugolini farm, 2163 Highpoint Sideroad, west of Melville and east of Porterfield Road in Caledon. Admission is $10. For information, go to englishharbourartsassociation.com or watch for updates on Facebook/English-Harbour-Arts-Centre.

Must bargain hunt

Whether it’s bargains you’re after, or special treasures, you’ll find plenty of both at Bethell Hospice’s Big Garage Sale and Bazaar on Saturday, April 26. This family event will also feature a silent auction, a barbeque, crafts and yummy homemade baked goods, as well as balloon making and face painting to keep kids of any age amused.

Note that the event does not take place at the hospice site in Inglewood. Rather, it runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 19659 Shaws Creek Road, north of Beechgrove Sideroad in Caledon. Admission is $5 per vehicle, and all proceeds go to support the ten-bed residential hospice and its community programs.

Donations to the sale are welcomed and can be dropped off at the sale site between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. every day from April 21 to 25. Volunteers to help with sorting and selling are also welcome. For information, see www.bethell hospice.org or contact [email protected].

This silver tea set and full eight-service setting of Franciscan Desert Rose china, with accessory items, were donated to the silent auction portion of the Bethell garage sale by Ralph Van Dusen in memory of his wife Mary.

Must feel wonder

Just as Mendelson Joe does – through his vibrant paintings of the northern Ontario landscape. From March 26 to April 20, the Bartlett Gallery at the Alton Mill Arts Centre presents Joe’s particular take on the wonder, hope and healing power of Mother Nature. Titled “Out of the Cage,” the exhibition highlights a softer side of the acerbic social critic who has been called “the quintessential outsider artist.”

The gallery will host a reception from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 30. True to the artist’s reputation as a recluse, Joe won’t leave his beloved Almaguin Highlands to greet guests in person, but at 3 p.m. he will call in to share his insights via Skype. For information, go to www.thebartlettgallery.com or call 519-943-3800.519-943-3800

Must cruise – Cancelled

From classic cars to vintage motorcycles to antique furniture and collectibles, the brand new Hockley Antiques and Automotive Fair promises loads of good old-fashioned fun – with a contemporary twist. There will be how-to presentations and entertainment, and local restaurants will be on hand for a battle of the food trucks.

Entry is $10 per adult (children under 18 are free), but check out haafevents.com to find out about special entry deals and much more. The event kicks off at 9 a.m. on Friday, June 20, and continues to 6 p.m. each day through Sunday, June 22 at the Orangeville Agricultural Society Event Centre, aka the Orangeville Fairgrounds, on 5 Sideroad in Mono. Then go back for more this fall by attending an encore presentation of the event from Friday, September 12 to Sunday, September 14. Please note: both dates have been cancelled for this event.