If a June night could talk…

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Summer has this unique way of elevating everyone’s mood. In Niagara-on-the-Lake, June invites you outside. Some suddenly find themselves going for unexpected walks to the ice cream shop around the corner, others bring a good bottle of wine and some munchies to the park and just lay there under the golden rays, watching yet another magnificent sunset on the lake…As Sir Bernard Williams, a well known British moral philosopher once said, ” If a June night could talk, it would probably boast it invented romance. ”  I find that quote to definitely be true in our little Niagara garden of eden.

June also bring a myriad of activities, special events and festivals that, as well, invite you to enjoy the outside. Here’s an overview of a few of these events you might be interested in.

Garden re sized

What better way to welcome Summer than with the annual Shaw Guild Garden Tour.  A spectacular garden tour that takes you inside normally private gardens around town. This year’s tour features a formal knot garden with beautifully shaped boxwoods, a Japanese inspired garden in a private courtyard with a pond surrounded by wisteria and clematis, and others featuring ponds, pools with waterfalls and many varieties of perennials and trees. The tour takes place on Saturday June 4th from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Niagara-Integrated-Film-Festival

Starting on Friday June 10th until the 19th, You will have the chance to pair wine and film during this fairly new festival! The Third Annual Niagara Integrated Film Festival is the most recent brainchild of Bill Marshall, founder of the Toronto International Film Festival. It pairs with gorgeous regional wineries to pull out all the stops: heavenly wines, sumptuous food, and magnificent films, all under the summer sky in the stunning Niagara region.

Strawberry-600x398

Then, on Saturday June 18th, the Strawberry Festival. Need I say more? Strawberry shortcakes, crepes, pies, ice cream, barbeque and corn on the cob, strawberry jam and of course fresh strawberries for sale. Organized by St. Andrews Church, this is truly a must stop for all strawberry lovers ( who isn’t really… ).

Canada-Day

There is obviously much more happening in June but I though I would cheat a little and give you a preview of what’s coming to town in early July as well. On July 1st, one of Niagara-on-the-Lake’s favorite holiday: Canada Day! Join us as we celebrate with special events planned throughout the day. Festivities begin with a pancake breakfast in Simcoe Park. Watch as the 41st Regiment Fife and Drum Corps leads a giant birthday cake down Queen Street to Simcoe Park. Admission at Fort George is free on Canada Day! Join us for music, muskets and artillery demonstrations throughout the afternoon and then, enjoy a BBQ dinner, music and fireworks in the evening!

gazebo

Also on Canada Day weekend, from July 1st to 3rd, come see a variety of artists showcasing paintings, fibre arts, jewellery, sculptures, photography, pottery, glass, wood and more during Artistry by the Lake. This event is set in picturesque Queen’s Royal Park, overlooking the mouth of the Niagara River and Lake Ontario.

cherry fest

The last but not least, the unavoidable Cherry Festival at St. Marks church on July 2nd. Cheery pies, juice and other goodies, antiques and treasures sale, silent auction, used book and much more! From 9:00am to 3:00pm.

For more information about these events and more, visit our Upcoming Event Calendar!

And off we go. After being so busy all month, we will surely need to rest a little…But I am convinced July will bring its share of amazing events and activities too!