The contest, launched earlier this year as part of the Public Works Week celebrations, encouraged the community to submit creative names and vote for their favourite from a shortlist of top contenders.

“We are thrilled by the community’s enthusiastic participation in our Name the Plow contest,” said Mayor Don McIsaac. “Catch My Drift was a clear favourite, receiving the most votes from our residents. We thank everyone who submitted names and took the time to vote. This fun initiative helps bring attention to the important work of our winter control team.”

The City received more than 130 name suggestions during the submission phase. After careful review by the City’s Winter Control Team, the top five names were put to a public vote. Catch My Drift emerged as the winning name, beating out other creative finalists like Plowasaurus Rex and The Snowmanator.

The newly named snowplow was painted as part of the Public Works Week event in May and has since had its special painted plow clear-coated to help protect the artwork during the winter season. Residents can expect to see Catch My Drift hard at work keeping Orillia’s roads safe during the snowy months ahead.

“This contest was a great way to engage our community and raise awareness about our winter operations,” said Roger Young, General Manager of Environment and Infrastructure Services. “Our team takes pride in maintaining safe roads, and now, with Catch My Drift, we’re adding a bit of fun to those efforts.”

About Winter Control Operations

Orillia’s winter control operations ensure the safety and accessibility of approximately 414 km of roads and 132 km of sidewalks throughout the city. The City deploys a fleet of 14 plows, eight sidewalk plows, and other specialized equipment to maintain road conditions during the winter season. Crews work around the clock to clear snow and ice, and salt or sand as needed to improve traction. Orillia residents can expect roads to be plowed based on priority, with main streets and key routes being cleared first, followed by residential areas.

To learn more about the Name the Plow Contest visit orillia.ca/NameThePlow. For information regarding City of Orillia winter control operations, visit orillia.ca/WinterControl.

The post Snow Much Fun: Orillia’s Winning Snowplow Name Is ‘Catch My Drift’ appeared first on Muskoka411.

Registration Information:

• HfA Members: Registration opens November 13 at 10:00 AM
• General Registration: Opens November 15 at 10:00 AM

To view the full program guide or register, please visit www.huntsvillefestival.ca.

HfA’s youth programs offer a unique opportunity for local students to connect with professional artists in the community. As a renowned not-for-profit organization, HfA is proud to work with local artists who generously share their expertise, passion, and knowledge with the next generation.

“Our programs are designed not only to teach technical skills but to inspire a lifelong appreciation for the arts,” says Hannah Naiman, Director of Programs, Education, and Outreach. “When you sign your child up for an HfA program, you can be confident that the experience will leave a lasting impression and ignite their creativity.”

Winter 2025 Program Highlights:

Early Childhood Programs

• Baby Song & Bounce (0-17 months) – Thursdays, 9:30-10:15 AM, January 9–February 27: Caregivers and little ones bond through music, rhythm, and playful activities in a relaxed environment. $120
• Disco Ducks (18 months–4 years) – Saturdays, 10:00-10:45 AM, January 11–March 1: A lively music and movement class where kids explore rhythm, dance, and instruments in a fun disco theme. $120

Youth Drama Programs

• Theatre Kids (Ages 4-6) – Saturdays, 11:00-11:45 AM, January 11–March 1: Children build confidence and creativity through drama games, costume play, and collaboration, culminating in a short performance. $120
• Drama Tweens (Ages 7-12) – Tuesdays, 4:00-6:00 PM, January 7–February 25: This engaging class covers improv, character development, and comedy, leading up to an original performance. $144

Visual Arts

• Sculpture Safari: After School Art (Ages 7-12) – Wednesdays, 4:00-5:30 PM, January 8–February 26: Children will create 3D papier-mâché animal sculptures and clay pinch pots, all while exploring different artistic techniques. $132

Special Workshop

• Teen Performing Arts Nights (TPAN) (Ages 12-18) – 3rd Tuesdays, 6:30-8:30 PM: A fun and supportive space for teens to share their passions for the arts, with mentorship from professional artists Alberta Robinet and Sarah Vanesse. $40 + HST

Day Camps

• Dance & Print PA Day Camp (Ages 7-12) – Friday, January 31, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM: Morning sessions will feature creative self-expression through dance with Jillian Peever, followed by collagraph printmaking with Dawn Huddlestone in the afternoon. $40
• Pop Art & Pop Songs PA Day Camp (Ages 7-12) – Friday, February 28, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM: A fun, artistic day filled with bold pop art portraits and a songwriting session. Led by Carolyne Wagland (Pop Art) and Alana Nuedling (Songwriting). $40

• March Break Camp (Ages 7-12)- March 10–14, 8:30 AM–4:00 PM : A week-long theatrical adventure, including drama games, crafts, costume-making, and a backstage tour of the Algonquin Theatre. Campers will work toward a final performance on the big stage! $275

School Workshops

• Backstage Pass (Available for Grades 1-12)
• A unique, educational experience for local elementary and secondary school students, offering a backstage tour of the Algonquin Theatre followed by a drama workshop. Ideal for enhancing students’ understanding of the performing arts.
• Square Dance School Workshops (Available for Grades 1-12) – In collaboration with local schools, HfA offers Square Dance workshops in French and English, where students can have fun learning traditional social dances from a variety of cultures.

Community Events

• HfA Community Dance (All ages)- Sundays, 3:00–5:00 PM, January 19, February 16, and March 16: Join us for family-friendly folk dances with live calls by Hannah Shira Naiman. A fun way for families of all ages to connect and celebrate through dance. Suggested donation: $5/person or $20/family.
• Huntsville Festival of Music –  March 25-26 : The return of The Huntsville Festival of Music features competitive and non-competitive classes, coaching, and adjudication in piano, solo/duet instrumental, solo voice, choral, and composition categories. Open to all ages, with opportunities for local students to showcase their talents. Registration opens in January.

School Shows

• Yes, yes, yes by Eleanor Bishop & Karin McCracken (Ages 14+)- March 4th,  10:15 AM & 12:30 PM @ Rene Caisse Memorial Theatre: Part documentary, part confession, part open conversation, Yes, Yes, Yes is a theatre show created specifically for young adults. Exploring the knotty and necessary topics of healthy relationships, desire and consent, it blends audience interaction with captivating solo performance.
• The Alphabet of Awesome Science (Grades 4-8)- March 21st, 10:00 AM & 12:30 PM @ Algonquin Theatre: Join professors Lexi Con and Noel Edge (the Word Nerd and the Science freak) for a thrilling voyage
• through the alphabet — where sesquipedalian words inspire mind-blowing scientific surprises!

To register or learn more visit www.huntsvillefestival.ca.

These programs are made possible through the support of the Chawkers Foundation: Supporters of the arts. For more information, contact Hannah Naiman, hannah@huntsvillefestival.ca, or 705-788-2787.

The post Huntsville Festival Of The Arts Announces Winter 2025 Youth Programs appeared first on Muskoka411.

Children will be able to practice trick-or-treating and enjoy fun activities and games like pumpkin decorating, potion brewing, scavenger hunts, pumpkin bowling, mad-science experiments, glow-in-the-dark slime making, and much more.

All are welcome to attend this free family-centred event, organized by Hands’ team of Autism professionals to help ensure everyone can enjoy Halloween traditions.

Locations include:

• Bracebridge – 23 Ball’s Drive
• North Bay – 820 Lakeshore Drive
• Parry Sound – 2 May Street
• Timmins – 100 Wilson Drive

This is a free event, with registration appreciated.  Register for Hands’ Sensory-Friendly Halloween events here. In the spirit of inclusion, this event is open to everyone.

“Halloween spookiness can be a really fun experience when everyone feels supported and we are here to offer help so families can enjoy this time together,” said Paula Barnes, program manager of Autism and Behavioral Services at Hands. “Some of the kids we work with have trouble with trick-or-treating: knocking, waiting and not just walking into a stranger’s home. We’ll help them prepare for a fun night out by practicing trick-or-treating so the whole family can enjoy themselves on Halloween night. Our team of Autism professionals will be there to help all attendees enjoy Halloween traditions in a safe, sensory-friendly environment.”

What is a sensory-friendly event?
Sensory-friendly events are designed specifically to accommodate people who have difficulty processing sensations or have a sensory processing disorder. Sensory-friendly events are intended to be less jarring to the senses, less bothersome to a single sense, and less bothersome to the senses combined. This could mean less background noise and low volume in general, gentle lighting, toys to stimulate touch and keep little hands busy, and a scent-free environment.

If you would like to learn more and see how Hands’ expertise and experience in Autism can support you and your family, email Autism@handstfhn.ca, call 1-800-668-8555 ext. 1333, check out their Autism Facebook page.

The post Halloween Fun With A Sensory-Friendly Twist At Hands appeared first on Muskoka411.

Highlights of Saturday’s events include the return of Cars & Coffee presented by Brackett Auto Group which promises over 150classic automobiles in downtown Owen Sound’s River District. Vehicles will be on display, Saturday, September 14, from 9:00 a.m. through 1:30 p.m. The next stop will be the Concours d’Lemons presented by Hagerty taking place across the river from Cars & Coffee, on 1st Ave West, in front of the Tom Thomson Gallery. Opening to the public at 10:00 a.m. and finishing off the day by 2:30 p.m. This is the place to see the rare, ugly and sometimes rusted-out misfits of the automotive world.

The Cobble Beach Concours d’Elegance also offers two complimentary automotive seminars on Saturday afternoon at the Roxy Theatre.  The first seminar, “Evolution of Mustang” will be presented by Hagerty Canada and includes a discussion that “will take you from the Mustang’s inception to launch, and the personalization of what made the car iconic through all six generations”. The second seminar, “The Ultimate Automotive Lubricant Experience” presented by Chevron Canada will explore “the history of engine oil, common misconceptions, and the somewhat uncertain future of the lifeblood of the internal combustion engine”. Closing out the day will be the Collector Dinner Saturday night, including a live auction benefitting the Sunnybrook Foundation.

The main event, the Cobble Beach Concours d’Elegance, is held on Sunday, September 15, 2024, and has grown to be Canada’s most prestigious automotive event. This incredible display of automotive history draws vehicles and their owners from all over Canada and the United States, including 4 provinces and 8 states, not to mention garnering public attendance from across this nation as well. This year over 110 vehicles will vie for the coveted Best in Show award, presented later in the afternoon during Sunday’s awards ceremony.

The post Cobble Beach Transforms Into Automotive Weekend Paradise appeared first on Muskoka411.

Oktoberfest
For three weekends in September (6-8, 13-15, 20-22) this German festival will be serving up authentic food like schnitzel, sausage and giant pretzels, plus craft beers and live polka bands and street performers. Toast a stein, enjoy some strudel and celebrate this Bavarian tradition! Included with admission.

Halloween Haunt
Halloween Haunt returns for its 19th season beginning Friday, Sept. 27, and running for 19 select nights through Nov. 2. Hundreds of monsters will be unleashed upon the park and guests can brave 13 haunted attractions including six mazes and seven scare zones, plus sinister live shows and amazing night rides!

Here’s what’s new:

• New Maze “Demons of the Deep”: Plunge into the abyss where a deserted marine lab conceals the terrifying results of twisted experiments. Navigate flooded passages and eerie underwater scenes as you encounter the nightmarish results of science gone wrong.
• Terrifying new food and desserts: Our culinary team is putting a freaky twist on our Haunt menus, offering up tantalizing goodies like the ‘Bear Bites’ (smoked chicken sandwich with egg, avocado and aioli) and ‘Zombie Apple Fritters’ with either classic strawberry sauce, S’Mores or Cookies n’ Cream. Plus, we’ll have new a new blood bag cocktail ‘Witches Brew’ (blood orange syrup, sweet and sour, tequila and shimmering edible glitter) and mocktail blood bags for the kids. Stay tuned for the full menu!
• Interactive Lantern Experience: New this year, guests can purchase a themed lantern that activates 50 spooky features throughout the park! Enjoy unlocking the magic with each other at Halloween Haunt!

Halloween Haunt is a separately ticketed event, but guests who purchase a 2025 Gold Pass get unlimited visits to the park in 2024 and 2025 including Halloween Haunt and WinterFest. For more info on the spooky attractions, tickets or Gold Passes, visit www.canadaswonderland.com/haunt

Camp Spooky
Family-friendly Halloween fun with Snoopy and the PEANUTS Gang returns weekend this fall with Camp Spooky starting Saturday, Sept. 28 to Nov. 2, and featuring scare free attractions, live shows, costume parties, trick-or-treating and more.
Attractions at Camp Spooky include:

• A-mazing Mazes and Themed Areas: Embark on a fun journey through our Cornstalkers maze, Spirit Manor and Trick or Treat Street meeting friendly characters along the way.
• Trick-or-Treat Adventure: Visit various stations where children can trick or treat for goodies!
• Sally’s Disco: Kids can dance up a storm at this fun disco party hosted by Sally herself.
• Pumpkin Decorating: Purchase and decorate your very own Halloween pumpkin to take home.
• Halloween Encounters: Children can meet characters such as a prince and princess, a vampire, witch, pirate, ghost and wizard along their journey through Planet Snoopy and KidZville.
• The PEANUTS Costume Party: Children can get into the spirit of Halloween by dressing up in their favourite costume and joining this special parade just for them.
• The Pumpkin Patches: You’ll be singing and dancing as this groovy group harmonizes to Halloween classics.
• Spooky Tales with Snoopy: Join Snoopy for this interactive and fun story time.
• Charlie Brown’s Trick-or-Treat Show: Charlie Brown, along with his friends Lucy and Linus, take children on a musical adventure as they get ready for trick-or-treating and the big Halloween Party.
• Clowns and Magicians: Doo Doo the Clown and Magician Aaron Matthews will have guests cheering with their exciting, interactive shows (select days).
• Exciting kids rides: All the rides in Planet Snoopy and KidZville are open during this event! Camp Spooky is included with admission to the park and runs 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, Sept. 28 to Nov. 2. For more information on Camp Spooky attractions, tickets and hours, visit www.canadaswonderland.com

The post Canada’s Wonderland Extends Fall Season To Nov. 2 With Oktoberfest, Camp Spooky And Halloween Haunt appeared first on Muskoka411.

Inspired by OMAH’s current exhibition, Pawtraits, the events will highlight the exhibition and will allow community members to attend the exhibit with their pets to see the artefacts on display and have their pawtrait (portrait) taken with a themed backdrop (if you choose) and instant camera.

Event dates are Saturday, August 24, between 7 and 9pm (to be included with additional Starry Night activities), Saturday, August 31 between 1 and 4pm (part of the Downtown Pirate Party hosted by the Orillia BIA) and on Saturday, September 21 from 1-4pm.

Bring your pet and family members to have your group pawtrait taken, receive treats, and visit the exhibitions. OMAH is extremely grateful for Ren’s Pets who will be providing treats for the pawsome models!

Each portrait photoshoot is $30 per pet and proceeds will be divided between the OSPCA and OMAH.

What a purrrfect opportunity to have your pets join in on inclusive culture activity right in their community.

Pawtraits

In the Lounge Gallery until September 21, 2024

Documented through photographs and objects from OMAH’s permanent collection, discover the bond between Orillians and their pets in the 19th and early 20th century. Learn about the early days of pet keeping, from antiquity to the modern era, and how our furry friends have shaped our lives over the centuries. This exhibition provides a great opportunity to see items from the collection that haven’t been on public view since 2000.

OMAH is also collecting much needed items for the OSPCA’s furry clients. They are currently in need of:

• Cat and dog toys
• Blankets and towels (new or gently used) ** we cannot use pillow, or pillow cases
• Martingale Collars
• Brooms
• Dustpans
• Paper Towel
• Kitten canned food
• Clay kitty litter (non clumping)

Donations will be accepted throughout the run of the exhibition.

OMAH is open Tuesday to Saturday from 11am to 4pm.

The post OSPCA And OMAH Partner For A Joint Fundraising Event appeared first on Muskoka411.

While the classic combination of graham cracker, milk chocolate, and marshmallow is delicious, we’ve rounded up a few unique ideas for those who prefer a s’more with a twist.

Here are 10 unique s’mores ideas.

Nutella S’more

Swap out the chocolate for Nutella – spread Nutella onto your graham cracker, before adding your marshmallow.

Rice Krispies S’more

Exchange the graham crackers for Rice Krispies squares – use thin Rice Krispies squares for best results, top with marshmallow and chocolate (you can also try this s’more open-faced).

Oreo S’more

Use an Oreo cookie instead of graham cracker – break apart your Oreo cookie, add a marshmallow and chocolate.

Reeses Peanut Butter Cup S’more

Use a Reeses peanut butter cup instead of chocolate – add marshmallow and graham cracker.

Kit Kat S’more

Swap regular chocolate for a Kit Kat bar (or slice) – add marshmallow and graham cracker.

Bacon S’more

Add candied bacon slices to your s’more – complete the recipe with milk chocolate, marshmallow, and graham cracker.

Banana S’more

Add banana slices atop your graham cracker, with dark chocolate and marshmallow.

Salted Caramel S’more

Drizzle caramel and sprinkle sea salt flakes for a decadent alternative – finish with chocolate, marshmallow, and graham cracker.

Strawberry S’more

Add strawberry slices atop your marshmallow and graham cracker (chocolate is optional).

Mint S’more

Use mint chocolate instead of milk or dark chocolate (thin mints are a good option) – finish with marshmallow on graham cracker.

The post 10 Unique S’mores Ideas appeared first on Muskoka411.

The event will feature live entertainment and a variety of exhibitors. Admission is free.

“The Muskoka Boat and Cottage Show and Muskoka Ribfest is your perfect weekend destination,” said Nori Richens, Show Manager. “Bring the entire family, there is something for everyone. Come buy a boat, find new accessories for your cottage, or a builder for your dream cottage. Enjoy mouthwatering food and live music!”

Exhibitors include Sunset Docks, SWS Marina, Home Building Centre Gravenhurst, and Krucker Saunas.

The line-up of musical guests includes local favourites Jordo Arnott, Cam Galloway, Mike Olivieri, Bobby Sander, Van Hillert, Greg O’Rocks, and Bobby Sander.

There will also be a number of children’s activities including a photo booth, and face painting on Friday and Sunday.

Muskoka Boat and Cottage Show
FRI 12pm – 6pm
SAT 10am – 6pm
SUN 10am – 5pm

Muskoka Ribfest
FRI 12pm – 11pm
SAT 11am – 11pm
SUN 11am – 6pm

The post Muskoka Boat And Cottage Show And Muskoka Ribfest Held July 26-28 appeared first on Muskoka411.

Bingemans Camping has identified five commonly forgotten essentials that every camper should double-check before leaving home.

1.       Lighter/Matches

A campfire is the heart of any camping experience, perfect for cooking, warmth and storytelling under the stars. Many campgrounds require wood purchases on-site for environmental reasons, making it easy to overlook firestarters. Without a lighter or matches, starting a campfire can become a daunting task.

2.       Garbage Bags

Garbage bags are the unsung heroes of camping gear. They serve multiple purposes beyond just holding trash: they can be used for dirty or wet laundry, as makeshift ponchos and small tarps. Their versatility makes them an essential item for any camper’s pack.

3.       Towels

Even if sunbathing or swimming isn’t on your agenda, towels are indispensable. Whether you need to dry off after a sudden rain shower, wipe down gear or simply have something clean to sit on, towels are a must-have. Mother nature is unpredictable, and it’s best to be prepared.

4.       Bug Spray and Sunblock

These items often end up being the last things we remember – and the most regretted when forgotten. Protecting yourself from sunburn and bug bites is crucial for an enjoyable camping experience. Don’t let the pesky insects or painful burns ruin your trip.

5.       First Aid Kit

A small first aid kit is an absolute necessity. Accidents happen, especially in the great outdoors. Being prepared with basics like band-aids, antiseptic wipes and pain relievers can make a huge difference when you’re miles away from the nearest convenience store.

The post It’s Camping Season! What Items Are Canadians Forgetting The Most When They Go Camping? appeared first on Muskoka411.

It can also be a healthier alternative to other campfire desserts.

There are many flavour combinations to explore including:

• Classic s’mores: banana, milk chocolate, mini marshmallows, crumbled graham crackers
• Strawberry hazelnut: banana, strawberries, Nutella, chopped hazelnuts
• Peanut butter and chocolate: banana, peanut butter, chocolate chips
• Pecan praline: banana, pralines, dark chocolate

Here’s everything you’ll need to make the perfect banana boat.

Recipe:

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