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September 2017


Events
 
Ocala Orchards Winery, Port Perry.
UPDATE:  please see below for an update to our Fall Apple Harvest Driving Tour article.

The lazy, hazy days of summer are winding down, and fall is in the air. That means it's time  for apples, fall fairs and fabulous fall fun! Whether you're looking for a leisurely drive or a rockin' concert, a history lesson or a day at the racetrack, Durham Region is yours to discover!
 
Here's our top three ways to experience Durham this month:
For more fun fall ideas, and to learn more about what's happening during the month of September, visit Durham Tourism's events calendar at  www.durhamtourism.ca .
What's on this month?
DURHAM REGION
Fall fairsFallFairs

Midways, funnel cake and tractor pulls- --- who doesn't love fall fairs? Come on out and celebrate agriculture at Durham Region's fine fall fairs. Sample delicious farm fresh and classic fair foods, or take in one of the 4-H or livestock shows. From musical entertainment and demolition derbies, to local vendors and agricultural displays, there is no shortage of fun!
 
September 2 to 4: Port Perry Fair
September 7 to 10: Orono Fair
September 8 to 10: Uxbridge Fall Fair
September 12 to 13: Sunderland Fall Fair
September 15 to 17: Beaverton Fall Fair

On September 9, join Chef Charlotte Langley, in partnership with the Orono Agricultural Society, for a Farm-to-table dinner. Chef Langley will showcase fresh, local and seasonal ingredients in a three-course meal, served in a heritage barn in the heart of Clarington's farmland. Tickets are available to purchase through the Eventbrite website at  www.eventbrite.ca. Ticket price includes a full weekend pass to the Orono Agricultural Fair (Thursday through Sunday).
DURHAM REGION
Putting Durham's Waterfront Trail "on the map" Waterfront

Two exciting events are putting Durham's stretch of the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail on the map this year.

In late August, a team of dedicated and enthusiastic volunteers mapped a significant portion of the off-road sections of Durham's Waterfront Trail using the Google Trekker ---the same device used for mapping and photographing streetscapes since 2007.

This futuristic-looking 40-pound device, connected to GPS, is equipped with 15 cameras and captures a 360-degree panoramic view of the trail. Thanks to the volunteers who trekked the off-road sections of the trail through Clarington, Oshawa, Whitby and Pickering.  Mapping of the Ajax portion of the trail is happening this fall. You'll soon be able to virtually "walk" the trail from the comfort of your own home. Visit the  Google Maps Treks at google.ca/maps/treks for more information.

The trail also received official designation this summer as an Ontario Trail of Distinction, from Ontario's Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport. The Waterfront Regeneration Trust, which works with stakeholders across the province, announced the news that the St. Lawrence River and Great Lakes Waterfront Trail received this first-ever honour, which marks it as one of the best trails the province has to offer.

The Great Lakes Waterfront Trail protects, connects, and celebrates the world's largest group of freshwater lakes. More than 1,900 kilometres long, it connects more than 116 communities and First Nations from the eastern border of Ontario to Lake Huron.

In Durham Region, the trail travels through five municipalities and is approximately 84 kilometres long.

Visit the Durham Trails website at durhamtrails.ca, or call 1-800-413-0017 for more information. Our website has an interactive map to help you plan your route. You can also order the Durham Trails Guide through the website.
OSHAWA
I love the 90s tourIlove90s

Feeling nostalgic for an old summer jam? The top-selling I Love the 90s Tour stops at the Tribute Communities Centre in Oshawa on September 9. Fans will enjoy an unbelievable live experience, with a lineup of the 90s' most iconic acts, including Vanilla Ice, Salt-N-Pepa, Rob Base, Young MC and C+C Music Factory. Tickets range from $39 to $89, and are available through the Tribute Communities Centre website at  tributecommunitiescentre.com.
DURHAM REGION
Culture Days 2017CultureDays

Get ready to create, participate and share at Culture Days 2017. From September 29 to October 1, more than 7,500 free activities are taking place in hundreds of communities from coast to coast. Join local arts and heritage organizations across Durham Region as they come together to share their cultural spirit and passion. This annual celebration of culture showcases free, hands-on, interactive activities that invite the public to the behind-the-scenes world of artists, creators, historians, architects, curators and designers in their home communities. Visit durhamtourism.ca and culturedays.ca for a full listing of events.
UXBRIDGE
Uxbridge Studio TourStudioTour

Discover the beauty of north Durham through the Uxbridge Studio Tour on September 16 and 17. Enjoy a self-guided tour of 25 unique artists' studios and chat with award-winning artists as you explore their artwork. Now in its 32nd year, the tour celebrates the work of 64 remarkable artists, and the spaces where art happens, from studios nestled into historic downtown Uxbridge, to workspaces tucked into lush green forests, or surrounded by rolling farmland. Mixed media and textile artists, painters, jewelers, sculptors, potters, photographers and woodworkers are all on display. Collect five Passport to Art stamps as you visit the studios and sponsor locations for a chance to win a fabulous grand prize.
DURHAM REGION
Catch the DRIFFDRIFF

The 2017 Durham Region International Film Festival (DRIFF) is back for its third year, running from September 18 to 24. Experience seven days of carefully selected films, industry workshops and a one-of-a-kind movie-making experience at Docville's Wild West movie set.
 
Taking full advantage of Durham's cultural landscape, films will screen at Landmark Theatre in Whitby, the Regent Theatre in Oshawa, Docville's Wild West movie set in Clarington, and Ajax's historical St. Francis Centre for Community, Arts & Culture, with industry seminars at The Robert McLaughlin Gallery. Tickets are available for purchase through the Regent Theatre's Box Office .
 
DRIFF is a local non-profit festival dedicated to promoting arts, culture and community in the region. The festival not only showcases great films, but puts an emphasis on community involvement. 
 
For more information on the festival, visit driff.ca, or follow the festival on Facebook at facebook.com/CatchTheDRIFF/ or through Twitter at @CatchTheDRIFF. 
CLARINGTON
Chevrolet Silverado 250Chevy
 
The NASCAR Camping World Truck Series returns to Canadian Tire Motorsport Park for the Chevrolet Silverado 250, its only Canadian appearance! This year, the event takes place on its traditional Labour Day Weekend date, from September 1 to 3. Joining the trucks will be the NASCAR Pinty's Series, Canadian Touring Car Championship and much more! Tickets are available through the Canadian Tire Motorsport Park website at https://canadiantiremotorsportpark.com
CLARINGTON
Fall Apple Harvest Driving Tour Apple

A Country Path is hosting their annual Fall Apple Harvest Driving Tour on September 23 and 24. Take a lovely day trip through the country and savour the sights, sounds and smells of apple season with lots of activities (and treats)! Enjoy apple picking, fresh local cider, cider donuts, and apple preserve tastings. Peruse nature-inspired pottery and see a beehive. Just follow the "A Country Path" road signs leading to tour stops at:
  • Archibald's Orchard and Winery: start your harvest memories here with apple picking, cider pressing, freshly baked pies, and a children's play area. Check out the 19 wine and cider selections, as well as sparkling non-alcoholic ciders.
  • Tyrone Mills: one of the last water-powered mills in Ontario, this picturesque mill produces flour, fresh baked goods, jams, preserves, baking mixes and other local products.
  • Geissberger Farmhouse Cider: try apple cider made from apples grown in Durham Region, and pressed at Ontario's first (and still only) mobile apple cider mill.
  • Rosemary Jenkins Pottery: meet an artist who is truly passionate about pottery and discover individually handcrafted and decorated pieces.
  • Timeless Essentials: discover handmade all-natural soaps, bath and body products, homemade jams, jellies, marmalades, preserves and gourmet mixes.
  • 3Beez.buzz: visit this small local producer and learn about different methods of taking care of bees; shop for pure natural raw honey, pure Ontario beeswax candles and beautifully turned local Enniskillen wooden products.
Later in the fall, come back and visit more of  A Country Path's partners*, including:
  • Gallery on the Farm: this fifth generation family owned business raises certified organic beef. The farm store offers local artisanal products, ranging from maple syrup to handcrafted cards and Thornloe cheese. Stop by the shop gallery to see the work of in-house artist, Eric Bowman.
  • Knox Pumpkin Farm: this fourth-generation farm, nestled into the countryside, offers lots of fun for the whole family. Stop by and visit the barnyard pals and enjoy fun fall activities.
  • Model A Acres B & B: experience old world charm in a quiet, country setting. See replicas of five of the most famous planes of WW1 and WW2, the Sherman Tank, jeeps, Model A Fords and a U-Boat (in the pond!).
* our initial email mistakenly noted that these businesses would be a part of the Fall Apple Harvest Driving Tour. They'll be open this fall, just not part of the driving tour.
WHITBY
Whitby Heritage DayHeritage

On September 30, experience a taste of Whitby's past, present and future at Heritage Day in the heart of downtown Whitby! Discover some of the town's architectural treasures and watch local history and culture come to life through historical re-enactments and the new Historical Talking Plaques booth. Try your hand at some of the free Culture Day activities, including old-fashioned dinner triangle making, corn husk doll making, ice cream making, spinning demonstrations and interactive hand drumming. This annual event is free to attend. Event goers are encouraged to walk, bike or use other forms of transportation to access Whitby Heritage Day.
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For unique trip ideas or to plan your perfect day,
visit www.durhamtourism.ca, or call 1-800-413-0017.
For more information, contact tourism@durham.ca. 

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