Welcome to the last long weekend of the summer, people. I remember my mother sobbing as she cleaned the cottage floors each year, on Labour Day. I find the end of summer hard, too, although maybe not as depressing as my mother did. But, Orillians know how to say goodbye to summer with a bang, and a big party: a pirate party!
Yes, folks, the Port of Orillia Pirate Party is this Saturday and Sunday, at the Port of Orillia. The fabulous Mudmen, an awesome Celtic rock group, are headlining the party, and they are going to be rocking out the Orillia Waterfront Centre from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Sunday. For the rest of the weekend? Expect other live music and entertainment, a treasure hunt through downtown Orillia, prizes for best pirate boat and best pirate crew, and lots more. Even landlubbers are expected to dress up, and don’t miss the walk-the-plank event Saturday at 2 p.m. at the port. For more information and a schedule, go here. Put on your best Johnny Depp and we will see you out there!
Don’t forget, if you are in recovery mode on Sunday evening, to grab a ticket for the annual Sunset Cruise and Concert with Craig Cardiff on the Island Princess, here. The perfect wind-down to the whirlwind port party.
This Friday, you can enjoy a tour of the Sir Sam Steele building, home of the Orillia Museum of Art and History, at 1:30 p.m. This free tour with price of admission will be led by Ron Sillick and, yes, it will even include the jail cells. Come and learn more about Orillia’s history. No pre-registration necessary.
Friday night, come check out one last movie in the park this summer. As part of the Pirate Party, The Goonies will play at the Rotary Aqua Theatre, starting at dusk. Free admission. Bring your own chairs, blankets, snacks, etc. This showing is presented by the Rotary Club of Orillia.
Also on Friday, bring your kids to an interactive story walk at the Leacock Museum grounds, hosted by the Orillia Public Library. Starting at 10:30 a.m., follow the book The Napping Grounds and then enjoy some cake together. Call 705-325-2559 or email [email protected] for more information.
If you were of age in the ’80s, you definitely rocked out to the music of Foreigner, so don’t miss the band, in a two-night show, Thursday and Friday, at Casino Rama. Last time I saw them at the casino, there was one original member left, but the whole band, including a fabulous lead singer, really brings the music home. Tickets for Casino Rama shows can be picked up here.
A couple of coming-soons: Don’t miss Robyn Rennie’s show, Transference, opening Sept. 7 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Peter Street Fine Arts at 23 Peter St. S. Vision loss has greatly changed Robyn’s painting, as she now has to rely on memory to create her canvases. Come and see how she does it in this evocative show. Also opening on Sept. 7 from 1 to 3 p.m., M.J. Pollack’s show, at Hibernation Arts at 7 Peter St. S. Mary Jo’s powerful pieces will find a place in your heart. Do come out to both of these interesting shows in the Peter Street Arts District.
Also under coming soon, have you registered your team yet? The annual Orillia Museum of Art and History Croquet Tournament is Sept. 7. For all the information and to register, click here.
Of course, there is music in the bars this weekend. Don’t forget about Jakob Pearce’s regular Thursday-night gig at Kenzington Burger Bar. At the Brownstone Café: Aluminum Garden on Thursday, Hutch and Carden Cove on Friday. At the Hog N’ Penny: Darrin Davis on Friday and The Hillbirds on Saturday. At the Simcoe Yard House at Casino Rama, the Dan Clancy Duo is in Friday and Saturday. At Fionn MacCool’s, My Missing Piece is in Thursday. At Boston Pizza on Thursday, Rob Watts Live will be on the Patio.
Enjoy the last long weekend of the summer, and email me with all your arts news by Tuesdays at noon, at [email protected].
