Hot Times! Summer in the country

Summer's here, school's out and it is time for the fun to begin! So pull out your calendar for the next four months - there's a lot going on!

Just when you thought you recovered from Dunnville's Mudcat Festival, the First of July in Port Dover and Caledonia - along comes July's Friday the 13th Biker Day in Port Dover.

July 14th launches Fisherville FunDay. It's great for kids, no big crowds with a fantastic little parade - I'll be there with my W-4! The Fisherville Lions have live music in the pavilion and a car, truck and tractor show. As with so many country festivals, there's horseshoes, fastball, a fish fry and a BBQ.

July 20th will see the start of Cayugafest, with its big move to the river and a boat parade. And also don't miss the downtown parade; Firefighter's Breakfast and soapbox derby.

The first Monday in August is Simcoe Day (please sign my petition) marking the Civic Holiday weekend. The Simcoe Rotary Friendship Festival runs all weekend with one of our area's bigger parades on Saturday. Also Caledonia is home to the Golden Horseshoe Agricultural Antique and Steam Show at the fairgrounds - each afternoon features a tractor parade. And don't forget Turkey Point's Summerfest from August 8 to August 12th.

Head down to Selkirk on August 11th for the Lions Club Gasfest celebrating the natural gas heritage of the area. The Dunnville Lions are also hosting their annual carnival that weekend. Meanwhile in Cayuga, visit the Antique Show, Farm and Yesteryears Equipment Weekend.

Jarvis will play host to this year's Cornfest starting August 16 featuring some great bands. Don't forget to head to Dunnville for the 13th Annual Dunnville Agricultural Fair the same weekend. Tillsonburg Fair starts August 16th. Port Dover will be hosting the 35th Annual Summer Festival at Powell Park - start your Christmas shopping early.

That brings us to September with the Labour Day weekend, and Port Rowan's Bayfest - always a great parade and a great weekend down by the bay.

Delhi's Annual Harvestfest and parade happens September 12-16th. Catch the demolition derby at the Donnybrook fair and follow up by taking your kids to the Langton Fair on September 26th and the Houghton Fair on September 28th. These small town fairs are a great way to spend time together as a family.

Who can resist the smell of cotton candy and corndogs at the 135th Caledonia Fair from September 27th until September 30th, followed by the Norfolk County Fair running from October 2nd to 8th. As well the Burford Fair runs over Thanksgiving weekend. These are great experiences for all the senses - look at the farm animals, smell and taste the great food and catch the fabulous concerts and demolition derbies.

As the summer season draws to a close, take the family to Waterford Pumpkinfest October 19-21st - the gigantic parade is on the Saturday.
After that bundle up, as our area starts a new season of Remembrance Day ceremonies, as well as Christmas Parades in Burford, Port Dover, Caledonia, Cayuga and Tillsonburg.

All the festivals and events listed are current as of June 28th.
However, as there is so much to do all summer, keep updated as new events and dates are being added to municipal county websites.