Jul5-8

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Messing about in boats . . in Frenchman’s Bay

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Even for a landlubber  “someone unfamiliar with the sea or seamanship” this is enticing.  Silverstone Paddle Company is located in Frenchman’s Bay Nautical Village at the foot of Liverpool Road in Pickering.   Frenchman’s Bay is a well-sheltered bay, protected from overly choppy waters, meaning this area is a great place for a beginner like me to try paddling.  Luke Peterkin, the owner has been canoeing since age 11 and kayaking since the age of 12, he offers canoe and kayake lessons, guided tours and equipment sales and rentals that begin at about $20 for a couple of hours.

Photo by Wayne Rankine. Download My Durham Desktop to have other intriguing images of Durham Region delivered to your desktop. My Durham Desktop is a computer desktop calendar that serves up the beauty of Durham Region visual art and photography every week.  Each new wallpaper is accompanied by a pop-up window that informs you of local events and happenings.

Jun28-30

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Music by the Bay Festival on Canada Day

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Want to be really cool this Canada Day?  The 5th Annual Music By The Bay Festival is Canada’s only festival spotlighting musicians under 21. The annual waterfront event takes place from noon to dusk at Millennium Square in Pickering.  And don’t miss a chance to experience World Class Blues in an intimate venue from September-June at the Music By The Bay Live Concert Series.

If you’re curious to find out what else is happening on Canada Day in Durham Region,  check out Durham Tourism’s Events Calendar.

Photo by Mark Gommer.  Download My Durham Desktop to have other intriguing images of Durham Region delivered to your desktop. My Durham Desktop is a computer desktop calendar that serves up the beauty of Durham Region visual art and photography every week.  Each new wallpaper is accompanied by a pop-up window that informs you of local events and happenings.

May24-26

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Artfest on the Esplanade – May 26

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The Studio Tour season has been running in high gear since early May and now Artfest on the Esplanade comes along as a change of pace.  An event with over 90 artists in the same location in Pickering.  No navigation required!  Artfest, now in its 16th year, will features  artisans and crafters selling original works and live performances by local artists and groups.

“Hummingbird” by Margaret Brackley.  Download My Durham Desktop to have other intriguing images of Durham Region delivered to your desktop. My Durham Desktop is a computer desktop calendar that serves up the beauty of Durham Region visual art and photography every week.  Each new wallpaper is accompanied by a pop-up window that informs you of local events and happenings.

Jan8-11

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The Silverstone Gallery

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The last vestiges of Christmas stuff have disappeared from stores, only to be replaced by hearts and cherubs! The Silverstone Gallery with its array of hand-made treasures offers up the opportunity to give a truly unique gift for your valentine.

Valentine’s Day started in the time of the Roman Empire. In ancient Rome, February 14th was a holiday to honour Juno. Juno was the Queen of the Roman Gods and Goddesses. The Romans also knew her as the Goddess of women and marriage. The following day, February 15th, began the Feast of Lupercalia.
The lives of young boys and girls were strictly separate. However, one of the customs of the young people was name drawing. On the eve of the festival of Lupercalia the names of Roman girls were written on slips of paper and placed into jars. Each young man would draw a girl’s name from the jar and would then be partners for the duration of the festival with the girl whom he chose. Sometimes the pairing of the children lasted an entire year, and often, they would fall in love and would later marry.

“Duffins Creek” by Bob Hinves.  Download My Durham Desktop to have other intriguing images of Durham Region delivered to your desktop. My Durham Desktop is a computer desktop calendar that serves up the beauty of Durham Region visual art and photography every week.  Each new wallpaper is accompanied by a pop-up window that informs you of local events and happenings.

may23-24

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Steam-Up! May 28 & 29

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This year the City of Pickering is celebrating its Bicentennial with a number of special events.  Coming up this weekend Pickering Museum & Village is staging two days of its annual “Steam Up” event with a Bicentennial Ball and a Beard & Moustache competition as added highlights.

This photo is courtesy of the City of Pickering.  Download My Durham Desktop to have other intriguing images of Durham Region delivered to your desktop.

jan30-feb2

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Seedy Saturday in Pickering

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This event is timed perfectly to get your seeds started and your mind off shovelling!  Seedy Saturday Garden Tradeshow, hosted by the heritage gardeners of the Pickering Museum Village, will be held February 5 from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm at the Pickering Recreation Complex.

The event includes displays and seminars with more than 30 garden associations and local vendors, who will be selling everything from seeds to nifty garden gadgets, as well as a seed swap.

This photo is by Peter KealeyDownload My Durham Desktop to have other intriguing images of Durham Region delivered to your desktop.

jan10-13

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SilverStone Gallery – Pickering

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“Tangles” by Sharon Steinhaus.  Sharon is one of the Durham artists whose work you’ll find at this new gallery close to the lake on Liverpool Road.  The creative force behind this space is the PineRidge Arts Council; their aim is to showcase Durham visual artists active in painting, photography, sculpture, pottery & carving.

Download My Durham Desktop to have other intriguing images of Durham Region delivered to your desktop.

county-durham_006

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A toast to the Durham Brewing Company

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Look what I found in The Beer Store earlier this week. Who knew there was a brewery in Pickering? Turns out, County Durham Brewing Company is just a short hop from Lake Ontario in Pickering, at 1885 Clements Road. Apparently, you can call (905) 686-3022 to arrange a visit.

According to Ontario Craft Brewers, County Durham’s Hop Head Cask Ale took the Golden Tap Award for the best beer brewed in Ontario in 2009. But that choice wasn’t available so I settled for a six-pack of their Signature Ale instead. With a nice hop-malt balance it tasted just as attractive as it looked. County Durham also makes a Hemp Ale—not available where I was shopping—but described as having a nutty flavour.

As a dedicated locovore, I’d love to know anyone is familiar with a local pub that serves County Durham. Any suggestions?

Alex Robertson Park by Paul James

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Alex Robertson Park

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Alex Robertson Park Pickering is home to an amazing sculptural installation “Homeplace” created by Dorsey James.  Interpretive signage provides context to the artwork, subtitled by the artist as “Enchantment in the Making”.

This photograph is courtesy of  Durham photographer, Paul James.   Download My Durham Desktop to have other gorgeous images of Durham Region delivered to your desktop.

lex Robertson Park - this 48 acre park is home to the very popular sculptural installation “Homeplace”, created by Dorsey James. Interpretive signage provides context to the artwork, subtitled by the artist as “Enchantment in the Making”.

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Free yoga in the Park starts next week

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Now that it’s June you can do your sun salutations under the real sun, with a view of the flower gardens in Pickering’s Esplanade Park where experienced instructors will be leading three free yoga classes each Thursday. Organizers promise the class will be suitable for anyone 15 years or older, regardless of experience. Mats will be provided but you should bring water and possibly a towel. Times vary (June 10 @ 9:30 am, June 17 @ 1:10 pm, June 24 @ 6:30 pm). Esplanade Park is south of Highway 2 off Valley Farm Rd. Meet at the Gazebo behind Pickering City Hall. For more information call 905-683-6582.