Culture

Lanark County Interval House to host 2 National Day of Remembrance events on Dec. 6

Join the community in Perth at noon, Smiths Falls at 3 p.m. LAURIE WEIR The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women in Canada observed annually on […]

Celebrate the holiday spirit in Carleton Place: Shop local and enjoy festive events!

SUBMITTED The holiday season is here, and there’s no better place to unwind and enjoy the festivities than in Carleton Place! With the local postal strike affecting deliveries, now is the perfect time […]

Building memories brick by brick: Perth’s Jonny Andrews has a passion for Lego

LAURIE WEIR In a quiet corner of Perth, Jon Andrews transforms childhood nostalgia into intricate works of art. By day, he runs JA Carpentry, crafting kitchens, restoring interiors, and breathing […]

Perth community gathers for solemn Remembrance Day ceremony

LAURIE WEIR It was a balmy 12 degrees for the Nov. 11 ceremony in Perth under gunmetal grey skies, as residents honoured those who have gave their lives for freedom […]

Rideau Roundtable hosts Fall-Colour Voyageur Canoe Tour

SALLY SMITH It was a cool morning at Old Slys Lock on Thursday. The water rippled, not a blow but lots of movement, the Voyageur canoe was settled at the […]

LFA announces first class to Lanark Agricultural Hall of Fame

SUBMITTED Lanark Federation of Agriculture (LFA) is proud to announce the induction of 5 agricultural leaders into the Lanark Agricultural Hall of Fame. This prestigious event will take place on […]

Stafford-Wilson book launch is always a hit for The Book Nook in Perth

LAURIE WEIR Having a perennial book signing in the fall is something local historian and genealogist Arlene Stafford-Wilson has come to enjoy, and Saturday, Sept. 21, was no exception. As […]

Stafford-Wilson’s fall release, ‘Lanark County Classrooms: Remembering Our School Days’

Nostalgic reflections of rural Ontario’s one-room schoolhouses by local historian LAURIE WEIR For many Baby Boomers who grew up in rural Ontario, the memory of one-room schoolhouses evokes a unique […]

Pathway of Heroes comes to life in Perth during veteran parade

LAURIE WEIR Under the clear blue skies and the heat of the late summer sun on Saturday, Sept. 21 the Perth Pathway of Heroes motorcycle parade rumbled through town.  More […]

Perth artist finds simplicity in pen and ink line drawing

LAURIE WEIR Where some may sit idly scrolling on their cell phones, a Perth self-taught artist pulls out her tools of the trade and sketches what she sees around her. […]

Carleton Place rallies against femicide with Take Back the Night march

HEDDY SOROUR Organized by Lanark County Interval House and Community Support, the annual Take Back the Night 2024 march saw a great turn out with more than 100 people participating. […]

Mississippi Mills Youth Centre hosts Truth and Reconciliation Candlelight Vigil

SUBMITTED The Mississippi Mills Youth Centre (MMYC) invites all members of the community to participate in a Truth and Reconciliation Candlelight Vigil on Monday, September 30 in Almonte’s Riverfront Park (320 […]

Westporch Festival returns for a fun-filled day in Westport!

SUBMITTED Saturday, September 21st marks the fourth annual Westporch Festival!   Westporch is a FREE outdoor walking tour of Westport, as front porches become a showcase  for regional artists and musicians.   […]

An evening of unforgettable entertainment awaits at the Perth Night Market

SUBMITTED Perth Tourism’s much-loved Perth Night Market returns next Saturday, September 14, 2024. This year’s event, beginning at 5 p.m., will feature a dynamic lineup of entertainment that will captivate audiences […]

Perth Fair: A Labour Day weekend tradition

LAURIE WEIR The Perth Agriculture Fair is set to bring excitement, tradition, and community spirit to the Perth Fairgrounds this Labour Day weekend, from Aug. 30 to Sept. 2. As […]

New mural enhances safety in alley off Beckwith Street in Smiths Falls

Tribute piece pays homage to equestrian’s legacy LAURIE WEIR A new Smiths Falls art installment in an alley off Beckwith Street will take pedestrians underwater on route to the parking […]

Puppets are invading Almonte again!

The picturesque streets of Almonte will once again be overrun by puppets as the Puppets Up! International Puppet Festival returns August 10-11 SUBMITTED Puppet performers from across North America will […]

‘We’ve made some mistakes’: Smiths Falls council apologizes following cancellation of this year’s pow wow

Town commits up to $65,000 to Spirit of the Drum Pow Wow for 2025 LAURIE WEIR After the cancellation of this year’s Spirit of the Drum Pow Wow in Smiths […]

Perth Garlic Festival celebrates 25 years

LAURIE WEIR What started as a few friends selling garlic out of the backs of their trucks has turned into a quarter-century of festival fun. For two days in August, […]

Jill Heinerth and the discovery of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s ship ‘Quest’

BRIAN PRESTON Jill Heinerth, International Scuba Diving Hall of Famer, cave diver, author, scientist, broadcaster, and the Royal Canadian Geographical Society’s first Explorer-in-Residence. I first wrote in this paper about […]

Smiths Falls Public Arts Master Plan gets green light to form advisory committee

Financial component to be nailed down at future meeting LAURIE WEIR Arts and culture took centre stage during a recent committee of the whole meeting of Smiths Falls council. Julia […]

A night of artisans, entertainment, and community returns this fall at the Perth Night Market

SUBMITTED Perth Tourism is thrilled to announce the return of the beloved Perth Night Market on Saturday, September 14, 2024. This free event kicks off at 5 p.m., showcasing over 90 artisans, […]

Stewart Park Festival celebrating 33 years in Perth July 19 – 21

LAURIE WEIR Who doesn’t love music in the park?  The Stewart Park Festival kicks off its 33rd year of vibrant Canadian and international music and community this month with an […]

4th Merrickville Festival of the Arts celebrates community and culture

SUBMITTED The Merrickville Organization for Culture & the Arts (MOCA) is organizing the 4th Merrickville Festival of the Arts on July 27th and 28th. We are pleased to collaborate with the […]

Three ‘tines’ the charm: Fork returns to Elizabethtown-Kitley’s table

LAURIE WEIR The Fork in the Road art installation has returned to Elizabethtown-Kitley Township.  Artist Chris Banflavi, and Bill Gibbons, who has commissioned three forks for the juncture near his […]

Perth Museum unveils public portal for access to historical collections

SUBMITTED Perth Museum is excited to announce the launch of its highly anticipated public portal, which provides a glimpse into to its collections database. This new initiative allows the public […]

Rideau Lakes welcomes The Ontario Historical Society’s Executive Director

SUBMITTED The Township of Rideau Lakes is excited to announce that Daniel Dishaw of The Ontario Historical Society will be welcomed to Rideau Lakes on Friday, June 7 from 10:00 a.m. to […]

UCDSB invests $100,000 into PDCI’s theatre for upgrades

SUBMITTED There are big improvements coming to the theatre at Perth and District Collegiate Institute.  The Upper Canada District School Board recently announced that they have allocated more than $100,000 […]

Smiths Falls’ Spirit of the Drum Powwow cancelled due to funding shortage

LAURIE WEIR It takes about $50,000 to host the Smiths Falls Spirit of the Drum Powwow and this year, funding came up $15,000 short.  Julia Crowder, the town’s economic development […]

Poof: Illusionists Ted and Marion Outerbridge disappear from Smiths Falls

LAURIE WEIR Ted and Marion Outerbridge, masters of illusion, have disappeared from Smiths Falls – when it comes to their show, that is.  Prepare to witness the spectacular escapades of […]

The third annual Indigenous Cultural Fair: Celebrate culture, support Art for Aid in Carleton Place

SUBMITTED The third annual Indigenous Cultural Fair will take place in Carleton Place on May 11 from 10am to 3pm. Admission to the event is free. The organizers extend a […]

RMEO Easter Eggspress chugs into record-breaking season opener

CHRIS UHLIG The Easter Eggspress stopped at the Railroad Museum of Eastern Ontario (RMEO) here in Smiths Falls last Saturday to launch the 2024 museum season. Visitors from all over […]

Perth ushers in a new era at the renovated Visitor Information Centre

SUBMITTED The Town of Perth is proud to announce the grand reopening of the newly renovated Visitor Information Centre (VIC), located within the Perth Museum. This significant occasion was marked by […]

Carleton Place lights up the night with “Streetscape Showcase” art installation

SUBMITTED The Downtown Carleton Place BIA is proud to announce the launch of an innovative placemaking project designed to engage visitors with light, colour and artwork in the heritage shopping […]

Heritage House Museum celebrates International Women’s Day, March Break

JANELLE LABELLE During the Smiths Falls council meeting on Monday night, Mayor Shawn Pankow proclaimed March 8 as International Women’s Day. This is a day to “rally for women’s equality […]

The Table Community Food Centre’s Cultural Celebrations Project explores global food cultures

SUBMITTED In December, with support from Feed Ontario’s Feeding Possibilities grant, The Table Community Food Centre launched the Cultural Celebrations Project. The main element of the project are cultural celebrations […]

Jesus Christ Superstar on stage in Perth as cancer society fundraiser

Honouring former dance studio director Maureen Dowie Marando LAURIE WEIR It’s been 20 years since Jesus Christ Superstar was last on stage in Perth, and it will be resurrected Feb. […]

Perth’s Andre Hissink, Second World War Vet, passes away

BY LAURIE WEIR Andre Hissink, a 104-year-old veteran of the Second World War, died on Jan. 1.  He lived in Perth at Perth’s Aspira Carolina Retirement Living complex.  According to […]

Frost & Fire Winter Festival returns to Perth on Family Day Weekend

SUBMITTED BY THE TOWN OF PERTH Perth Tourism is pleased to present Frost & Fire Winter Festival, taking place on Saturday, February 17, 2024 as part of Family Day Weekend. […]

Sing Your Heart Out Choir: creating music and community in Smiths Falls

One warm September evening, about two dozen people gathered in the upstairs room at The Hub: Art and Music in Smiths Falls. They had heard about the new group from […]

Holiday spirit comes alive in Mississippi Mills December 1-3

Embrace the magic of the holiday season in Mississippi Mills December 1-3 with three days of  festive fun as we welcome Santa Claus for the entire weekend.   The ever-popular Light […]

All aboard the 9th annual North Pole Express!

The first North Pole Express of the season rumbled into the station at the Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario this past Saturday. Santa Claus was there, Mrs. Claus was there, […]

It’s the Holiday Season in Smiths Falls

During the Committee of the Whole meeting in Smiths Falls on Monday night, Manager of Tourism and Economic Development Julia Crowder shared some festive updates.  December 1 will see the […]

Enjoy the magic of the holiday season in Perth

Perth Tourism invites you to explore all that the town has to offer this holiday  season. Enjoy a weekend in Perth and take some time for yourself to unwind and […]

9th Annual North Pole Express: A magical journey to the heart of the holidays

The Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario is thrilled to announce the return of its beloved annual event, the 9th Annual North Pole Express. This enchanting holiday tradition promises to transport […]

UCDSB launches first ever Holocaust Education Week

“Every Holocaust survivor’s story is a love story…the love of life, family and freedom,”— this is the powerful message that students from North Grenville District High School heard from Andy […]

Perth Museum ghosts

Perth, Ontario, is home to a number of beautiful old limestone buildings, dating back over 200 years. It’s not surprising that during this long history there have been many reports […]

Local enthusiast recreates Hershey’s Chocolate Factory

Smiths Falls, Ontario – A remarkable journey of passion and dedication has led one individual to celebrate the history of the Hershey’s Chocolate Factory and the enduring legacy it left […]

Word artist believes you have the write stuff

People don’t write. I asked. Many stopped, shook their heads, walked on. I made it enticing — easel with large newsprint writing pad, two white boards (one larger than the […]

The former Hershey Factory in Smiths Falls

The Hershey chocolate factory in Smiths Falls was an eight-building complex on 39.6 acres of land with a total building area of 472,430 square feet. It was opened by the […]

Congratulations to the 2023 Fibrefest Raffle Winners!

The 28th Annual Fibrefest was a phenomenal success! Well over 1500 people visited the festival throughout the early September weekend, and Almonte’s summer tourism season closed with a bang. As […]

40 artists along a riverbank

Outdoor artisan show on Labour Day weekend, Maberly Celebrating its 17th year, the Sundance Artisan Show is an outdoor art show featuring 40 artists in a beautiful riverbank setting in […]

Spirit of the Drum Traditional Powwow Saturday, June 10 and Sunday, June 11 on Duck Island in Smiths Falls

The fifth annual Spirit of the Drum Traditional Powwow will take place on Saturday, June 10 and Sunday, June 11, 2023 on Duck Island in Smiths Falls. This event is being organized by Smiths Falls District […]

Nunsense is wacky, it’s outrageous, and its great family fun!

Let’s start with a little who’s who in Nunsense and the Little Sisters of Hoboken. Sister Mary Hubert is played by Tracey Noonan, who while playing a wiseman an annual […]

Ginawaydaganuc Village planned for Mississippi Mills

The upper room at Almonte’s old town hall was packed to standing room only on Sunday, March 26 for a presentation about a new development being proposed for the municipality. […]

Maple Run Tour returns this April

The Pakenham Maple Run Tour returns April 1-2 with eight fascinating tour stops and over 30 artists and artisans. A tour like no other, Maple Run is a unique blend […]

The Tea Dances are back!!

On Sunday afternoon, February 12, the Almonte Old Town Hall was filled with a special atmosphere – an atmosphere of joy! The Sunday afternoon tea dances organized by the Standing Room […]

Studio Theatre Perth’s The 39 Steps will have you doing a double take

You’ve seen parodies, you’ve seen spy thrillers, you’ve seen it all, am I right? Well, no, I’m not, because while Studio Theatre Perth’s latest production, The 39 Steps has these […]

Smiths Falls History & Mystery: Sparkling water at Smiths Falls

Several years ago, I unearthed a strange object in our backyard. It was a disc of pale green glass with the markings “F & G.”  My efforts to research this […]

Unique traveling exhibit honours remarkable local women

During Monday evening’s council meeting in Smiths Falls, Mayor Shawn Pankow recognized Wednesday March 8 as International Women’s Day.  “The theme this year is ‘embrace equity,’” Pankow said, “True belonging […]

Frost & Fire Winter Festival is back in Perth on Family Day weekend

Perth Tourism is pleased to present the Frost & Fire Winter Festival, taking place over Family Day weekend on Saturday, February 18 and Sunday, February 19, 2023. Back once again, […]

Studio Theatre presents Scrooge! The Musical

It all started with a seed of an idea. The SCROOGE! seed was planted a long time ago here at Studio Theatre in Perth. Carolee Mason put this musical proposal forward […]

“Bells of St. Paul’s” perform at Perth Farmer’s Market

Yes… it’s that time of year again… Fall… My favourite… and the Hand Bells of St. Paul’s in Perth will be ringing out joyfully in the Crystal  Palace at The […]

UCDSB celebrates National Indigenous history month

During the month of June, the Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) will be celebrating National Indigenous History Month. This is a time to learn, grow, and celebrate Indigenous peoples and culture. The UCDSB is specifically […]

Perth & District Library launches Culture & Diversity Word Walk

The Perth & District Library, in partnership with the Local Immigration Partnership, Town of Perth, and Tay Valley Township, has launched a Culture & Diversity Word Walk as part of […]

Smiths Fall History & Mystery: The adventures of Jason Gould

In 1829, Jason Gould (1802-1864) made the journey from Roxbury, New York to the raw, undeveloped wilderness of Smiths Falls, Ontario. He had been hired to work on the Rideau […]

This year, next year

It’s an age old struggle, children needing independence vs parental instincts to protect.  In Studio Theatre Perth’s upcoming production of This Year, Next Year by Norah Harding, this thorny issue […]

Carleton Place Spring Home and Fashion show cancelled

The popular Carleton Place Spring Home show, originally scheduled for April 8th to the 10th has been cancelled. This consumer event had grown over the years since its inception to providing dozens […]

Proposed collaborative art project offers “spaces of remembrance, peace”

Erin Lee and Andy Trull from Lanark County Interval House proposed a collaborative public art project (the Countdown Public Art Project) to Smiths Falls town council during the Committee of […]

Rideau Lakes launches new historical documentary

The Municipal Heritage Advisory Committee of the Township of Rideau Lakes (MHAC) has partnered with historian and filmmaker Allison Margot Smith in the creation of a new documentary telling the […]

Smiths Falls History & Mystery: G.T. Martin

Architect extraordinaire When we moved into the Keyhole House in Smiths Falls, we decided that the 1960s chandelier with space-age globes hanging in the front hall had run its course. […]

Carleton Place Remembers

A suitably large crowd of over 1500 people gathered at Carleton Place’s Cenotaph under sunny skies on November 11th to pay their respects and to honour veterans and members of Canada’s […]

November 11th: Remembrance Day Ceremonies across the region

The first-ever poppy dates back 100 years ago to 1921, marking 2021 the 100th anniversary of the poppy, with the annual poppy campaign running until November 11th on Remembrance Day. […]

Métis flag to be raised for Louis Riel Day Nov. 16

Councillor Peter McKenna, chair of the Committee of the Whole meeting in Smiths Falls on Monday night, brought up the possibility of Smiths Falls acknowledging Louis Riel Day on November […]

Live performances return to Studio Theatre

Live performances seem like a distant memory, but as the province re-opens Studio Theatre, Perth is delighted to get back on the boards with Educating Rita by Willy Russell. A […]

Smiths Falls Legion axes vaccine segregation for Remembrance Day services

Royal Canadian Legion Branch 95’s president Stan Lasenba learned it’s hard to plan public events in the pandemic era when rules seem to change almost every day. Three weeks ago […]

UCDSB schools honour indigenous history and future partnerships on September 30

On September 30, flags will be at half-mast throughout the Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) and staff and students will be dressed in orange, to recognize and share in learning for […]

Historic Land Acknowledgement during Smiths Falls’ Committee of the Whole

During Monday night’s Committee of the Whole meeting in Smiths Falls, Knowledge Keeper Chuck Commanda opened the meeting with an inaugural reading of the Land Acknowledgement. This acknowledgement was recommended […]

Smiths Falls’ “first act of reconciliation”

Smiths Falls’ Mayor Shawn Pankow shared several updates from the Racism and Discrimination Task Force during the Committee of the Whole meeting on Monday night. There have been numerous discussions […]

Perth recognizing the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

As part of their commitment to reconciliation, the federal government passed legislation earlier this year to make September 30 a federal statutory holiday. Called the National Day for Truth and […]

Sisters in Spirit vigil

On October 4, 2021 the Sisters in Spirit Vigil will be held in many places across Canada. In Perth the Vigil will take place at the Perth Healing Forest Memorial […]

Organizers cancelling Rideau Paddlefest, cite pandemic concerns

Peter Au, chair of the Rideau Paddlefest committee, has announced that the event scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 18 has been cancelled. Au said all members of the committee were surveyed, […]

Smiths Falls History & Mystery: Outerbridge Station Theatre Magic

The Smiths Falls Canadian Pacific Railway Station was constructed in 1887. The structure was built on what was once swampland belonging to John McGill Chambers. The town was experiencing a […]

Burning Passions Theatre launches exciting new online theatre courses for fall 2021

The award-winning Burning Passions Theatre – which produced the Classic Theatre Festival in Perth for over a decade – has announced a new series of free online courses for those interested […]

Outdoor live music series returning to Smiths Falls

If a couple of hours in the sunshine in scenic Centennial Park, listening to live music and enjoying some refreshments sounds like fun, you’re in for a treat. The second […]

Artist showcase at The Smiths Falls Heritage House Museum

The Smiths Falls Heritage House Museum is excited to present a showcase of artist Colleen Gray’s work. Painting with ground mineral watercolours, Gray creates vivid and iridescent artworks that share […]

Longstanding Indigenous presence recognized with two Algonquin history plaques

Thousands of years before European settlers arrived in what is now called Lanark County, Algonquin/Omàmìwininì People thrived in these lands. When Samuel de Champlain first encountered Algonquins in the 1600s, […]

Perth Canada Day celebrations canceled

During Tuesday night’s Committee of the Whole meeting, Director of Community Services Shannon Baillon shared the unwelcome news with Perth town council that it was time to cancel the planned […]

Invest in local pride with Smiths Falls Swag

During Monday night’s Committee of the Whole meeting, Jennifer Miller, Manager of Economic Development and Tourism, presented town council with a new microeconomic initiative: Smiths Falls Swag. This involves the […]

Christmas with Sherlock Holmes

This year’s pandemic has put a big damper on live performance but Studio Theatre Perth has come up with an innovative way to continue entertaining the community.  The community theatre […]

Silent, sparse, Remembrance Day in Smiths Fall

The sound of two hands clapping is lonely on a dreary, grey November 11.  A single woman, dressed in red, stood on the embankment across from the Cenotaph in Smiths […]

What has befallen Inge-Va?

During Tuesday night’s Committee of the Whole meeting, Perth town council discussed correspondence received from concerned citizen Lynda Haddon. Haddon pointed out the dilapidated state of Inge-Va, a heritage building […]

Change to Remembrance Day ceremony in Carleton Place

The current COVID-19 pandemic has directly affected the execution of this year’s annual November 11th Remembrance Day Parade and Ceremony in Carleton Place and other communities across Canada. However, the […]

Slaves, statues & street signs

Naming the legacy of slavery As statues of those tainted by slavery tumble down across England and the United States, and the Municipality of the Township of Russell, Ontario, casts […]

Road Apples take the stage at The Gallipeau Centre Theatre Feb. 15

The Tragically Hip: The Tragically Hip, often referred to simply as The Hip, were a Canadian rock band from Kingston, Ontario, consisting of vocalist Gord Downie, guitarist Paul Langlois, guitarist […]