Must Festival
What if you could experience it all – Cirque du Soleil-style acrobatics, textile artists, top Canadian violinists, storytelling around a tipi – in one incredible festival? That’s Northumberland Festival of the Arts; a big celebration of creativity over 10 days in September in local communities. It’s volunteer-led and non-profit, offering free (donations welcome) and ticketed events, of which there’s an impressive list. You can see artists making a sculpture for Artists’ Demo Day, consider the collaborations of writers and artists in the Ekphrastic Project, learn about artificial intelligence for creators, and go on a treasure hunt for hidden gems in Port Hope. And don’t miss the NFOTA Fringe Fest for seven 10-minute plays, including a mini-musical by local playwrights and production teams.
Mark your calendars for September 13-22.
Must Binge Watch
Calling all curious minds and film lovers! The Regent Theatre Foundation is bringing the County Adaptation Film Festival to PEC with three days of screenings, guests, discussions that include food and drinks (PEC is a culinary destination after all) at unique venues. Opening night’s Big Bash party in Picton’s landmark Armoury Square is free, along with other family-friendly activities like the virtual reality experience in the sensory garden at Base31, called Biidaaban: First Light. You walk through a future Toronto, reclaimed by nature, where you hear and engage with languages of the place originally known as Tkaronto. The opening film is Widow Clicquot, the true story of Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin Clicquot who shook up the Champagne industry to become one of France’s first successful businesswomen.
September 27-29
countyadaptationfilmfest.ca
photograph by Logan Somers courtesy the Regent Theatre
Must Dodge and Parry
Veteran fencer Rob McLean has competed at tournaments around the globe, returning to the sport 32 years after he first learned the parries and attacks at university. Now at age 71, the local athlete (who divides his time between Cobourg and Kingston) will join Team Canada at the Veteran Fencing World Championships in Dubai to compete in men’s épée in the age 70 to 79 category. This May, he started training with the fencing club at Queen’s University where he beat everyone but one guy 50 years his junior. “Younger fencers are a lot faster, but age and treachery beat youth and inexperience,” he says. “At the veteran level everyone competes hard, but it’s a friendly competition.” October 11-17, fie.org/competitions/2024/1104
Must Cheer
Four local students whose interests and talents range from classical music and writing to visual and performing arts recently received bursaries from the Quinte Arts Council. Congratulations to Sarah “Jade” Belley, Elizabeth “Austin” Mascarenhas, Eva McComb and Christopher Virtue. They’re all heading off to college or university this fall with the goal of pursuing careers in the arts and with a QAC bursary in their back pockets to help with expenses. The Quinte Arts Council, which launched the bursary program in 2002, plays an active role in art education within Hastings and Prince Edward Counties, inspiring students to develop creativity and dream big.
Must Care
When women come together to share their perspectives, skills and experiences, great things happen. The networking and fundraising initiatives from 100 Women Northumberland and 100 Women Quinte are a wellspring of hope and innovation. The 100-plus member non-profit groups inspire change by turning small, individual donations from members ($50 and one hour of their time four times a year) into collective grants to bolster local charities. The concept started in Jackson, Michigan in 2006, where women at their first one-hour meeting each wrote a cheque for $100, raising $10,000 to buy 300 new baby cribs for a community organization. Our local 100s have invested in services like mental health support for children and youth, hospices and wildlife rehabilitation. Join in!
Must Be Curious
Come wander through the forest this fall to learn about different trees and search for their seeds (taste some of them, too!). Artworth, the Trent Hills arts and nature group, is devoted to connecting people to nature and encouraging environmental stewardship. They have programs for kids and adults, like the tree walks in the Rhythm Hills Forest in Campbellford and Ferris Provincial Park with farmer and artist Sammy Tangir (she grows willow for her basketry and plants for paint and dye). October 26 is Tree Stories of Fall where you can appreciate the autumn colours and deepen your knowledge. Artworth is a wonderful opportunity to tap into the wisdom of experts in horticulture and ecosystem dynamics through unique workshops and learning sessions.
artworthcamp.ca/artworth-for-adults/
