HOMETOWN HAPPENINGS: Make the most of your weekend

LAURIE WEIR

Looking for something to do this weekend? We’ve got you covered.
Hometown Happenings is your go-to list of markets, music, festivals, fundraisers, and good old-fashioned community fun happening in Smiths Falls, Perth, Carleton Place, Almonte, Merrickville, North Grenville, Rideau Lakes, and points in between.

Got an event to share?
Send the details to ljweir@pdgmedia.ca and we’ll do our best to include it in the next roundup.

Published every Thursday, alphabetically by region, just in time to tee up your weekend plans.

Almonte (Mississippi Mills)

Almonte Craft Beer Fest
Friday, July 25, 6:30 to 10 p.m. Watch the sunset on the banks of the Mississippi River at Almonte Old Town Hall while tasting local craft beers and spirits and listening to the tunes from Jon VW Trio and the Silver Creek band. Limited tickets ($20).

Almonte Farmers’ Market
Saturday, July 26, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., beside the library on High Street. Local produce, crafts, food and sharpshooting knife sharpening. Ideal stop before Celtfest. 

Carleton Place

Carleton Place Farmers’ Market
Saturday, July 26, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Market Square Pavilion, 7 Beckwith Street. Local produce, baking and handmade treasures. 

Bridge Street Summerfest
Saturday, July 26, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Bridge Street. The annual market festival in the heart of the town. Artisans, makers and food galore. Birds of Prey show, magic show, entertainment for kids and adults alike. It’s a celebration of shopping local and scoring some great finds. 

Movies in the Park
Saturday, July 26, from 8:30 to 10 p.m. the Movies in the Park at the Carleton Junction, 42 Moore St., will show Mufasa – The Lion King. A perfect way to end the day. 

Perth

Perth Farmers’ Market
Saturday, July 26, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Crystal Palace. Riverside setting with produce, prepared foods and artisan crafts. 

Project Trauma Support Fundraiser
Saturday July 26, 4 p.m. at Tay River Reflections in Perth, 279 Canal Bank Road. There is ample free parking. Musicians will be on the stage until well after dark. High calibre musicians and bands, featuring The Last Supper. Come have supper with the team. There will be a barbecue, a liquor tent, and a few auction items. Info info@projecttraumasupport.com. 

Rideau Lakes

Delta Fair
Thursday, July 24 through Sunday, July 27, enjoy the 195th anniversary of the agricultural fair in Delta. Fun kicks off Thursday night with the mini king and queen pageant. Sunday, don’t miss the parade at 1 p.m. More details here. 

Portland Heritage Boat Days
July 26, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the municipal docks and at the Gallagher property across the street. Enjoy the nautical heritage of the village and some exceptional watercraft. Hosted by the Portland on the Rideau Historical Society. 

Smiths Falls

Downtown Music Series
Saturday, July 26, 1 to 2:30 p.m. the music of James King. 77 Beckwith St. 

Wetland Awareness Canoe Tours.
July 26, departs at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. from Bascule Bridge off Abbott Street. Hosted by the Rideau Roundtable. Jump in a Voyageur replica canoe and take a trip around the swale and learn all about class one wetland. Hosts about 30 people so there is lots of room for groups to join the fun.

Sweetshaven Farm Stand and Petting Area
Saturday July 26 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Petting area, train rides, pedal kart track, zorb balls, swings, zipline, slackline, barrel bull, play area. New activities added weekly. 

Westport

Westport Market
Saturday, July 26 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. 38 Concession Rd., Westport. Enjoy local produce and products in this open-air market setting. 

River Junction Live at The Cove
* Saturday, July 26, from 5 to 8 p.m. listen to some retro-rock and Canadian Blues.
* Sunday, July 27, 5 to 8 p.m. Kevin & Vanessa Head are Head over Heels, an acoustic guitar/vocal duo from Gananoque. They perform a diverse mix of original music and interpreted covers of folk, jazz, classic rock and contemporary tunes.

Summer Dance Party
Sunday, July 27, 1 to 5 p.m. it’s the Summer Dance party at the Royal Canadian Legion. BBQ from 3 to 3:45 p.m. Music by Hallman and Hoffman.