This Thanksgiving marks a special milestone: 20 years since The Table served its very first meal—a Thanksgiving dinner in 2006. What began with a single meal has grown into two decades of serving our community and supporting people experiencing hunger, hurt and homelessness.

To mark this milestone, The Table is launching a year-long celebration of 20 years of community, compassion and service. Throughout the coming year, The Table will celebrate the people, partnerships, volunteers, donors, churches, schools, businesses and community organizations that have helped make this work possible—and look ahead to the next chapter of serving our community. God has been so good and faithful in providing the people, plans and resources for all these years!

20th Anniversary Thanksgiving Dinner
Monday, October 12, 2026
5:00–6:30 p.m.
Trinity United Church

The Table invites everyone in our community to join us for this special 20th anniversary Thanksgiving dinner.

Whether you have been part of The Table for many years, are a Food Bank guest, volunteer, donor, community partner, or simply want to share a Thanksgiving meal with others, there is a place for you at our table.

“This dinner has always been about more than a meal,” says Heather Cassie, Founder and Executive Director of The Table Soup Kitchen Foundation. “It is about making sure people have a place where they feel welcome, valued and loved. Our very first meal was a Thanksgiving dinner at my dear friend, Judith Blanchette’s restaurant, Soul Sistas, so it feels especially meaningful to begin our 20th anniversary year by coming together yet again, with thankful hearts.”

For two decades, The Table has continued to respond to the needs of our community through food, shelter, connection and practical support. The 20th anniversary year will be an opportunity to celebrate what God has done through that history, recognize the people who have helped make it possible, and share the vision for the years ahead.

The post The Table Celebrates 20 Years Of Serving Our Community appeared first on Muskoka411.

From the moment visitors pass through the gates, they’ll be immersed in all things cranberry. There will be so much to see and do, from the bustling Artisan Market, featuring unique gift items, cranberry-inspired products and delicious food options, to the Plein Air Art Exhibit, where visitors can admire stunning artwork, enter a free draw and take part in a scavenger hunt for the kids. Visitors can also explore the Country Bazaar Artisans Market, where everything is homemade — and that’s the only key needed to get in!

Three Days of Live Entertainment

Festival goers can enjoy continuous music all three days on the Main Stage. At Buskers Square, talented performers will entertain audiences with juggling, magic and comedy.

Fun for the Whole Family

Kids will love the free Inflatable Village, featuring bounce castles, a giant slide, carnival games and rides aboard the Cranberry Express.

New this year is Crafting with Cranberries, an all-ages crafting tent facilitated by Muskoka Arts & Crafts. Visitors are invited to get creative using cranberries.

Plenty to Discover Around Bala

The celebration extends beyond the festival grounds, with plenty of interesting and entertaining activities taking place throughout Bala all weekend.

Visitors can stop by one of Bala’s local churches for a light lunch and browse for hidden treasures. On Saturday at 10 a.m., they can head to The Bala Falls Pub to catch the Peter Cowan Memorial Street Hockey Tournament.

The Bracebridge Rotary Club’s Duck Race will take Saturday at 3 p.m. on the shores of Lake Muskoka, where spectators can cheer on their favourite duck as it races toward the finish line.

New This Year: The Cranberry Queen Contest

New this year, the Cranberry Queen Contest has invited local businesses across Bala to showcase their creativity

Participating businesses have received a PVC pipe skeleton to transform into their very own Cranberry Queen. The finished creations will be displayed outside of participating businesses beginning October 8, giving visitors and residents a chance to see them throughout the community.

Members of the public can vote for their favourite Cranberry Queen by scanning a QR code. The winning creation will receive the People’s Choice Award.

On Sunday at noon, all entries will be brought to the Main Stage, where a panel of local judges will select the recipient of the Judges’ Choice Award. The coveted prizes? Plaques and, of course, bragging rights.

Tickets on Sale Now

Tickets are on sale now. Celebrate the cranberry season with three days of live entertainment, family-friendly activities, local artisans and delicious food. Experience all that the Bala Cranberry Festival and the Muskoka community have to offer.

This event has been financially assisted by the Ontario Cultural Fund (OCAF) and sponsored by Weismiller Timber Mart, TD Bank, Muskoka Lumber, Cogeco, Cooper Equipment, Maple Lodge Farm, and the Township of Muskoka Lakes

For more information and tickets, visit us at Bala Cranberry Festival website or follow the festival on Instagram.

Muskoka411 is a proud media sponsor.

The post Bala Cranberry Festival Returns To Muskoka For Its 42nd Year, Oct. 16–18 appeared first on Muskoka411.

Thanks for visiting Bracebridge and being part of the Muskoka Marathon!

We’d love to hear about your experience, during your time in Bracebridge.

Your feedback will help us better understand what brings visitors to the community, what they enjoy while they’re here, and how we can continue improving the visitor experience.

As a thank you, everyone who completes the survey will be entered into a draw to win 1 of 6 gift certificates valued at $100 each, redeemable at participating Bracebridge Chamber of Commerce member businesses.

The survey takes just a few minutes to complete: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RCFPQ6C

Thank you for spending time in Bracebridge, supporting local businesses, and helping make the Muskoka Marathon weekend such a great addition to the community.

The post Did you Attend Muskoka Marathon? Share Your Experience appeared first on Muskoka411.

On September 22, Gravenhurst High School (GHS) Grade 9 students engaged in a full day of learning at Camp Tawingo in Huntsville.

Guided by Grade 10 student leaders, the Grade 9s worked together on tasks that pushed them out of their comfort zones and challenged them to communicate with one another and problem solve in unfamiliar circumstances.

Beyond team building, the initiative allowed these new-to-high school students to gain valuable peer-led guidance on supports available, including practical “top tips from tens” for thriving in high school.

“Throughout this experience, our Grade 9s built relationships while learning about healthy stress and how learning happens when we are in the “challenge zone,” said GHS vice-principal and event planner, Clare McLean-Wilson.

“For many students, the transition into high school can be a challenge. This Grade 9 class will be together for the next four years, so establishing positive relationships early is important. It was amazing to see how this group bonded throughout the day,” added GHS principal, Ian Patterson.

The post Gravenhurst High School Grade 9 Students Kick Off The School Year By Visiting Camp Tawingo appeared first on Muskoka411.

The not-for-profit organization invites guests to purchase tickets for the signature
fundraising event, held at Deerhurst Resort on Sunday, November 29, from 9:30 AM to
2:00 PM, and get set to enjoy a festive morning filled with a memorable meal, silent and
live auctions, inspiring conversations worth having, and magical moments featuring
special guest Yan Markson, one of Canada’s top mentalists and magicians.

“You’ll want to get your tickets early – last year’s 400-seat event sold out in record time,”
says Jennifer Jerrett, Community Engagement Specialist with Community Living
Huntsville. “Whether you purchase an individual ticket or gather colleagues, friends,
family, or business clients around a corporate table, you will not want to miss this
gourmet brunch and festive celebration of disability inclusion.”

Jerrett notes that, thanks to the partnership with Tall Trees and Deerhurst Resort, every
dollar raised through tickets, auctions, and more, will support Community Living
Huntsville’s affordable housing initiatives for people with developmental disabilities and
families who access the organization’s services. Initiatives include a more than $1.2
million renovation of a home at 18 Main St. W. in Huntsville to create 4 apartments,
including 1 fully accessible unit, plus an emergency response bedroom, shared living
space, and a shared kitchen.

“Tall Trees and Deerhurst Resort are going above and beyond for this event,” adds
Jerrett. “These two Platinum Signature Event Partners they are contributing their
expertise, food, kitchen staff, waitstaff, and the venue to help us make the most of our
guests’ contributions. It’s a shared commitment to disability inclusion in our community
that is unparallelled.”

The 2026 Festive Brunch includes:
• Mimosa Mingle
• Gourmet Brunch Buffett
• Silent and Live Auctions featuring Luxury Prizes, including a Trip to Costa Rica
• Special Guest Performances by Yan Markson
• And More

Guests will also have the chance to purchase one of 70 keys for an Unlocking Elegance
Treasure Box Key Contest. Each $50 key offers a chance to unlock an Etrusco Gioielli
piece handcrafted in Italy, contributed by Ron Henry Jewellers, and valued at more than
$1,500.

Tickets are $78.50 per seat or $1,100 for a corporate table that includes 10 seats,
priority seating, and event recognition.

Full event details and tickets are available at www.clhuntsville.ca/brunch.

The post Expect The Unexpected At Community Living Huntsville’s 2026 Festive Brunch appeared first on Muskoka411.

With a remarkable $75 million jackpot now up for grabs for the Tuesday, October 6^th, 2026 LOTTO MAX draw, the total number of $1 million MAXMILLIONS prizes has grown to 12 (est.) and $100,000 MAXPLUS prizes has grown to 75 (est.)!

Here are the incredible prizes won across the region in last night’s LOTTO MAX draw:

• One (1) LOTTO MAX MAXMILLIONS winning ticket worth $1 million was sold in Toronto
• Two (2) ENCORE winning tickets each worth $100,000 were sold in Oakville and Haliburton/Muskoka area
• Three (3) MAXPLUS winning tickets each worth $100,000 were sold in Barrie, Brampton and Elgin County

Congratulations to all our winners of these amazing prizes! Please check your tickets as soon as possible using the OLG app or visit a lottery retailer near you.

LOTTO MAX players in Ontario have won over $10 billion since 2009, including 125 jackpot wins and 1,005 MAXMILLIONS prizes, right across the province.

Don’t forget – 100 per cent of OLG’s profits are invested in Ontario, so when you play LOTTO MAX, you are playing for Ontario.

OLG supports safe play and wants to keep the fun in the game. That’s why OLG is proud to be a leader in promoting responsible gambling with our globally recognized PlaySmart program.

OLG is where gaming entertainment drives benefit beyond the game. As an Ontario Crown Agency, OLG offers casino, lottery, digital and charitable gaming to millions of players – with a commitment to safe and responsible play at the heart of everything it does. Since 1975, its operations have generated approximately $64 billion to fund key provincial priorities, while creating significant economic benefits for casino host communities, Ontario First Nations, lottery retailers, local charities and the horse racing sector.

Play for Ontario – 100% of profits reinvested in Ontario

The post Two ENCORE Winning Tickets Each Worth $100,000 Were Sold In Haliburton/Muskoka Area appeared first on Muskoka411.

October 2, 2026 (Muskoka, ON) – The District Municipality of Muskoka has opened two funding opportunities through the Muskoka Affordable Housing Initiatives Program (MAHIP) to help increase the supply of affordable housing across Muskoka. Those with eligible projects are encouraged to apply now for 2027 funding. Applications close Friday, January 8, 2027. 

“This program helps property owners and developers build new affordable rental housing or add a rental unit to their home or property. Helping more residents find housing in Muskoka supports the District’s commitment to help build a community where everyone has a place to call home,” said Arfona Zwiers, Commissioner of Community and Planning Services. “Each new unit created through this program represents a meaningful step toward helping more residents and families find safe, attainable housing right here in Muskoka.”  

About the Two Funding Streams 

MAHIP Capital Incentive Program: Multi-Residential Rental Units 

• Up to $100,000 per unit for developers and builders to create affordable multi-unit rental housing. Funding in this stream supports new construction or conversions of existing buildings such as schools, churches, or retail spaces. 

MAHIP Capital Incentive Program: Additional Residential Units 

• Up to $50,000 per unit is available for property owners to build additional residential units (also known as secondary suites). Examples include basement apartments or garden suites, offering flexible housing options and rental income. 

Visit www.muskoka.on.ca/mahip for details and eligibility information. 

The post Funding Applications Open For 2027 Muskoka Affordable Housing Initiatives Program appeared first on Muskoka411.

Through the summer, Orillia CSCU commenced a drug trafficking investigation at two addresses on West Street in the City of Orillia. As a result of their investigation, a warrant was issued.

On Wednesday, September 30, 2026, just after 5:30 p.m., with the assistance of Orillia General Law Enforcement Officers (GLE), and Muskoka CSCU, the warrant was executed, and three people were taken into custody.

As a result of the investigation three individuals were charged:

Lincoln Zaremba, 19-years old from Orillia, is facing the following charges:

– Possession of fentanyl for the purpose of Trafficking

– Possession of cocaine for the purpose of Trafficking

– Possession of hydromorphone for the purpose of Trafficking

– Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime over

– Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under

– Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose – 2 counts

– Knowledge of unauthorized possession of a firearm – 2 counts

– Knowledge of unauthorized possession of a weapon – 2 counts

– Possession of a loaded prohibited firearm

– Possession of a prohibited device or ammunition

– Unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm

Cohen Hamilton, 36-years of Orillia, is facing the following charges:

– Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose

– Knowledge of unauthorized possession of a firearm

– Knowledge of unauthorized possession of a weapon

– Possession of a prohibited device or ammunition

– Unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm

– Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime over $5000

– Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5000

Annette Hamilton, 60-years of Orillia, is facing the following charges:

– Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose

– Knowledge of unauthorized possession of a firearm

– Knowledge of unauthorized possession of a weapon

– Possession of a prohibited device or ammunition

– Unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm

– Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime over $5000

– Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5000

All three accused were held in custody to appear for a bail hearing on Thursday, October 1, 2026, before the Ontario Court of Justice in Orillia.

Additionally, a quantity of suspected cocaine, fentanyl, hydromorphone tablets, as well as over $20,000 in Canadian currency, and two handguns were seized.

The Orillia OPP is committed to serving our province, including the Townships of Oro-Medonte, Ramara, Severn, and the City of Orillia. If you have any information about crime in our community, please contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. To report minor occurrences online please visit www.opp.ca/reporting. You can also call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit your information online at www.crimestopperssdm.com. Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to call display, and you will remain anonymous. You will not testify in court, and your information may lead to a cash reward of up to $2,000.00.

The post Drugs, Weapons, And Cash Seized In Orillia Drug Trafficking Investigation appeared first on Muskoka411.

“Joining our team as a volunteer firefighter is a true act of service to your community, and we encourage anyone who is interested to come to the information session to find out more,” said Paul Calleja, Deputy Fire Chief. “Whether you are new to the area, or have lived here for years, as a volunteer firefighter, you’ll have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference. It’s also a great way to build lasting friendships and strengthen your connection to the community and your neighbours.”

Information session:
Date: Wednesday, October 14
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Fire Station 1, Huntsville (1 Payne Drive)

The session will feature a presentation, an opportunity to connect with fire staff, details about the application process and training requirements, and what to expect as a member of the team.

Why join?
Becoming a volunteer firefighter is deeply rewarding and there are many perks to serving your community including:

• • A strong team and family-oriented environment
  • A sense of accomplishment and giving back to the community
  • Professional development through Provincial Firefighter Certification
  • Advancement opportunities including rank, apparatus driver, and instructor
  • An hourly wage and compensation for all training, emergency responses, meetings, and activities
  • A Volunteer Firefighter Tax Credit

To be considered for this year’s round of recruits, interested individuals can submit their application at huntsvillefire.ca/joinfire by October 31. While the Huntsville Fire Department accepts applications for volunteer firefighters year-round, we actively recruit and review applications once a year.

The post Huntsville Fire Department Accepting Applications For Volunteer Firefighters appeared first on Muskoka411.

For the first time since the program began, the Huntsville Fire Department will be shifting from its usual door-to-door collection to special community donation events at Fire Station 1 in Huntsville and Fire Station 5 in Port Sydney on Wednesday, December 2, 2026. These special donation events will include visits and photos with Santa and other activities, in the spirit of welcoming the community and having fun while supporting local families in need.

“Project Porchlight has always been about residents generously supporting the needs of our community, and we know this year will be no different. We are committed to keeping the food drive going strong as Huntsville continues to grow, and we appreciate the community’s support each year,” said Huntsville Fire Chief, Gary Monahan. “However, over the last few years we have faced challenges with door-to-door collection because of having fewer volunteers to cover a larger number of neighbourhoods, risky weather conditions, and a decreasing number of donations. This new format will allow us to continue to keep the food drive going strong but in a way that is safer for our volunteers and more engaging for families. We are confident that giving residents and families a chance to take part in the food drive in a fun way will become a new tradition that will increase our ability to support families in need within our community.”

In addition to the two main Fire Station events, donations will continue to be accepted at local grocery stores. The period for dropping off non-perishable food items at these locations will be extended, and firefighters will be on hand on certain days to accept any food drive items and personally thank the community for their generous support. Dates, times and locations will be announced closer to the start of the food drive – stay tuned for all the details!

Huntsville is a special place where neighbours take care of one another and always show up to help those in need. The Huntsville Fire Department is tremendously grateful for the community’s long-standing support and looks forward to another successful year of helping local families.

The post Huntsville Fire Department Preparing For Annual Food Drive With New Format appeared first on Muskoka411.