As the summer season approaches, here’s some of the events planned for this weekend.
Art in the Park kicks off the weekend. Every Saturday, Sunday, and Wednesday until October, the art vendor show sets up shop on Lakeside Drive, near the William Allman Arena, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
A vendor market also pops up this Saturday. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. the Festival Square Market takes place in the downtown mall.
At 1 p.m. the Hands On Artisanal Storytelling Exhibit takes place. The tour has hundreds of handmade artifacts on display that represent tales from the community. Tickets are available on the Stratford Perth Museum’s website.
At 2 p.m. Stratford’s-own Luke Roberston plays an acoustic set at the Livery Yard coffee shop on Downie Street.
That night Jason McCoy of the Road Hammers takes place at the Hall on 15 Church St.. Tickets are $55 and doors open at 7:15 p.m..
Lastly, on Saturday night the Relay for Life fundraiser takes place. Join participants as they honour those who live with cancer, now and in the past. Registration is online and in person.
On Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the Stratford Sunday Market takes place at Market Square. A wide variety of local vendors will be there to sell anything from fresh produce to baked goods.
In St. Marys, Pride Day at Milt Dunnell field takes place from noon to 5 p.m.. The event is organized by Stratford-Perth Pride and St. Marys Pride and will feature live music, vendors, food trucks, and a kids play area.
Although the special air quality statement for the Stratford region was lifted at 5 a.m. Friday morning, Stratford and area residents are being advised to keep in mind the ongoing wildfires affecting much of the country.
Even at low concentrations the smoke can be harmful to people’s health.
In addition, a Sunday forecast of rain may cancel some events.
Residents should check with organizers in regard to the weather, which may change quickly.
Pride Week wraps up at the Stratford Festival
The Meighen Forum at the Stratford Festival continues its Pride Week 2023 lineup with a Queer History in Canada on Saturday and In Conversation with Suzette Mayr on Sunday.
Queer History in Canada is hosted by Thom Allison, the director of Rent, as he is joined by experts to have conversation on Canada’s 2SLGBTQ+ history. It takes place at the Tom Patterson Theatre from 10:30 a.m. to noon.
Suzette Mayr, author of the 2022 Scotiabank Giller Prize-winning novel The Sleeping Car Porter, speaks with Ali Hassan to discuss the story behind the book and thoughts on the issues affecting her community.
Tickets for both are available at the Stratford Festival’s website.
