Welcome! On the Fly is our industry to industry, partner to partner newsletter bringing all of us who work in the tourist trade together to share our news, our successes, our upcoming events and above all our passion for this region. Tell your fellow tourism stakeholders and suggest they subscribe via our website. As always, any ideas, comments and/or requests can be emailed to EFT's tourism co-ordinator Deb Dalziel. |
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In the Works
Beginning January 1st, 2016 the Elora Information Centre will have a new home. The former Penhaligon's and CW Hydro office at 10 East Mill Street is currently being transformed to house Elora & Fergus Tourism and Culture staff. As well as the info centre and work stations, the building will include public washroom facilities - men's, ladies and an accessible washroom (5 in total). The addition that is under construction is specifically to house the washrooms. Project management of the work is being handled by local builders James Keating Construction. We are excited to be moving forward on this project and will be sure to keep you up to date.
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On the Street
Popular arts, travel and culture website culturetrip.com picked Elora last month as one of the 10 most beautiful villages in Canada. One of only two Ontario picks (Merrickville is the other one), Elora stands alongside mountain villages like Waterton, Alberta and coastal towns such as Blue Rocks, Nova Scotia. Selected based on its outdoor adventure facilities, dramatic scenery, historic buildings, shopping and thriving artistic community, Elora continues to stand out as a tourism destination.
"We are ecstatic about being selected as one of the top ten prettiest villages in Canada," says Fred Gordon of the Elora BIA. "Elora is a unique venue - breathtaking natural scenery, a beautiful architectural heritage, a fabulous selection of shops, dining and services... More than 80 years ago Canadian artist A J Casson called us Ontario's Most Beautiful Village - we are honoured to now take our place on the national stage!"
Culturetrip.com promotes itself as "the best in food, art, travel and culture for every country" and attracts more than 25 million visitors per year with a social media following of over 350,000 people. Read the full article.
CBC's Murdoch Mysteries will be filming a special Christmas episode in the Elora Gorge Conservation Area the first weekend in October. EFT has invited the director and scout manager to drop into the Elora Horse and Hound parade on the Sunday after they wrap up their shoot.
Heroes Reborn's first 2 episodes aired last week on Global. Fergus looked fabulous. Thanks to all the merchants who helped make the film crew's two visits so positive.
Remember you can always peruse our website for up to date ideas on how visitors can spend their time here. From outdoor adventure to creative escapes to itineraries to suit every taste, it's all there. Our calendar of events was also redesigned in the spring so it's easier to navigate and view. And of course, you can upload your events there too. |
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Culture Matters
This past weekend, Centre Wellington celebrated Culture Days with the rest of the nation and truly demonstrated that culture matters - especially in this community. Elora & Fergus Tourism is thrilled with the enormous success of this year's celebration.
Culture Days is one of the largest celebrations of culture in Canadian history. It evolved as a way to raise awareness of culture to creating healthy vibrant communities. Centre Wellington has been a part of the celebrations for four years and once again coordinated the popular Cultural Passport to guide people around the community. Spanning the entire weekend, the passport featured 20 stops and the participation and contributions of 80 plus cultural groups, individuals, and businesses. Those who collected four or more stamps were eligible to enter a draw for a prize. The lucky winner will be contacted directly.
Elora & Fergus Tourism's Cultural Coordinator, Elizabeth Bender said, "This year's Culture Days celebration was our biggest and most ambitious to date and we are thrilled with the amazing outcome. From returning favourites to new and unique activities, each passport stop went beyond our expectations, offering visitors an engaging experience. The variety of talent showcased was incredible. Visitors of all ages participated and enjoying everything going on."
Culture Days weekend serves as an excellent opportunity to highlight what is great, as well as a chance for people to discover something new, something different, and connect with the creative and cultural Centre Wellington.
Bender added, "The reaction has been tremendously positive. A huge thank you goes out to everyone who contributed their time, energy and talent to make the culture passport such a success! The wealth of talent, spirit and cultural atmosphere in this community is overwhelming. We celebrated extensively on this particular weekend but every day is Culture Day in Centre Wellington".
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Stay Connected
Browse around and explore www.elorafergus.ca - there is a wealth of information in there. Be sure to visit our suggested itineraries page and refamiliarise yourself with all there is to do in our wonderful township. Speaking to travel bloggers or travel writers? Please invite them to visit our media page where they will find fast facts, contact information as well as story ideas.
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Stay in the know
Fran Weima of Mill Street Bistro and Smokehouse is hosting the Toronto Corvette Club for lunch on Friday October 2nd. The 11 cars and 22 people will park in the Bistro's secure parking area on the condition they spend at least an hour in the village! Genius idea Fran. Be sure to offer them a warm welcome as they wander through town.
Centre Wellington Community Foundation presents the CW Vital Signs report. A program of Community Foundations Canada it is designed to take the pulse of the community and to help identify the key areas where action and attention is needed most. Come and be some of the first to hear highlights of the report, on October 6 at 8am, Aboyne Hall, Wellington County Museum & Archives. Please RSVP to info@cwcfoundation.ca.
KIPPelora is hosting a Centre Wellington Food Bank fundraiser down at the oven in Bissell Park on Saturday October 10th. This is an opportunity for you to donate your dough to KIPPvolunteers to bake your goods and sell them on your behalf with monies going to the local food bank. Baking range is 350-400 degrees. Please be in touch to kippelora@gmail.com (prefer) or call 519-846-0586 and leave a message if you cannot access email. Volunteers for this day most appreciated to help bag bread etc. Also see how our oven works and learn to bake too! Connect with us to sort out how you can give.
Congratulations to the Fergus Scottish Festival and Highland Games for regaining their Guinness World Record title for most cabers tossed simultaneously at this year's games. Take that Inverness!
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October 3
Worldwide photowalk. Join local photographer, Janette Gajic and be part of the largest global social event for photographers - pros and enthusiasts! Savour the sights of Elora, share tips and socialize
October 3-4
Elora Fergus Studio Tour - 42 artists open their doors including 6 new participants. A great way to spend a fall weekend. All studios open 10am to 5pm.
October 4
Elora Horse and Hound Parade Fourth annual Groves Memorial Fundraiser. Festivities begin in the Elora Mill Inn grounds at 1pm. Toast the huntsmen, mingle with the animals, feel like royalty.
October 10
October 12
Sensational Elora's Sensational Soup-Off. Share your flair for soup-making for a great cause! Enjoy a fun-filled day of soup sampling as these super soupers battle it out. Buy one-of-a-kind handmade bowls or glasses donated by local artists. All funds raised go towards combating hunger in our community.
October 16
Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre - Elora community Theatre and Murder Inc invite you to see Gold rush to Murder at the Elora Legion. The action stars at 6pm. For tickets call 519 787 1981 or visit fergusgrandtheatre.ca. October 17, 24 & 30
Monster Month Historical Walking Tours - by lantern light! Guided walking tours through Elora (Oct 17 @ 7pm, Oct 24 @ 7.30pm) and Fergus (Oct 30 @ 7pm). Led by Older Voices, tours are free, no registration required. Elora meets at Info Centre, Fergus at library.
October 18
Spirit Walks at the Poor House. Meet several characters who lived and worked at the Poor House in the early days. Tour the grounds, cemetery and house, various times. See website for details.
October 24
Elora Monster March Parade. An evening where monsters and princesses march down the main streets of Elora. Create your costume and gather with the ghouls! 6pm MacDonald Square. Following the parade join in the festivities at the "wicked woods" in the grounds of Mill Street Bistro and Smokehouse. See more of Tim Murton's monsters, find hidden fairy doors, walk the wobbly woods, bowl with baby pumpkins and much more spooky fun for all the family.
October 24
October 31
Monster Mash at Elora Legion . Village Idiots Productions and Riverfest Elora are joining forces to bring you the best Halloween party this side of the Addams Family Mansion! 8pm.
Local artists are participating once again in the online Halloween Artists' Studio Trick or Treat. Be sure to check them out.
And don't forget the Elora Farmers' Market every Saturday on the banks of the Grand in Bissell Park. The washrooms are open! Come meet the people who grow your food. 9am-1pm.
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Get the word out!
Many of our local media outlets allow you to post events free online - Wellington Advertiser, Cogeco, SNAP Guelph, Guelph Mercury, and The Record to name a few. Don't miss out, register on their websites and help promote your event. Email 92.9 The Grand and get your events on air. And be sure to tell us too!!
Elorafergus.ca- On the new website, you can also list your events yourself. Simply click on calendar of events, then submit an event. Don't worry, we can still do it for you if you prefer, just send us an email at tourism@centrewellington.ca. In addition, make sure your business is listed on the online business directory. |
Elora & Fergus Tourism
9 East Mill Street Elora, N0B 1S0 Phone 519 846 9841
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