These events listings appear in the Summer edition of Ottawa Magazine. For more local events, buy the magazine on newsstands or order your online edition.
Calabogie Blues & Rib Fest. All good things come together at Calabogie during this popular three-day festival. Attendees eat sticky ribs while enjoying the great outdoors and listening to blues grooves by some of Canada’s best musical talent. For those looking to keep their costs down, camping is available for both tents and RVs. Aug. 17 to 19. $50 weekend pass, $25 day pass, children under 12 free. Calabogie Peaks Resort, 30 Barrett Chute Rd., Calabogie, 800-669-4861, www.calabogieblues.com.
Lanark Village 150th Anniversary. This year marks the 150th anniversary of the incorporation of Lanark Village, and they’re pulling out all the stops to celebrate. This four-day event kicks off with LanarKarnival, featuring a giant slide, bounce castle, dunk tank, gladiator ring, live music, and a barbecue. Saturday and Sunday events include the unveiling of a mural, walking tours of the town, and historical demonstrations of blacksmithing, weaving, quilting, and broom-making. On Saturday afternoon, there’s a parade of vintage cars, fire trucks, and floats. Sunday also features a classic car show, and the festivities wrap up on Monday with another barbecue. Aug. 3 to 6. Various locations, Lanark Village, 613-259-3001, 613-256-7881, www.lanarkvillage150th.ca.
Civil War Re-enactment Weekend. Few Canadians realize that some 50,000 Canadians fought in the American Civil War. The war itself had a very large impact on Canada, and Upper Canada Village is picking up the tradition of Civil War re-enactments and giving it a Canadian twist. The re-enactment weekend includes military camp and surgery exhibits, military drills for children, and, of course, a number of battle recreations. Aug. 4 and 5. $17, seniors and youth $14, children under five free. Upper Canada Village, 13740 County Rd. 2, www.uppercanadavillage.com.
Williamstown Fair. Described as Canada’s oldest annual fair, the Williamstown Fair is celebrating its 200th year. This year’s must-sees (and dos) include beach volleyball, bingo, artisan displays, antique machinery, tug-of-war, foot races, midway games and rides, agricultural shows, and live musical performances. Aug. 10 to 12. Day pass $10, weekend pass $20, children 12 and under free. Williamstown Fairgrounds, Williamstown, 613-347-2841, www.williamstownfair.com.
Naismith 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament. Almost 100 teams participate in this outdoor basketball festival, making it the largest three-on-three tournament in eastern Ontario. Teams of varying levels compete in men’s, women’s, elementary school, and high school competitions. Sign up a team of your own, or cheer on the many athletes from the sidelines. Aug. 11. $120 entry fee, elementary and high school age $80. Almonte, 613-256-0492, www.naismithmuseum.com.
Perth Garlic Festival. Come out and celebrate the “stinking rose.” This annual event was created in 1997 to promote Ontario-grown garlic. Proceeds from the festival are distributed to community initiatives supported by the Lions Club of Perth. With over 50 vendors, events, and activities to choose from, you won’t run out of ways to appreciate the aromatic herb. Aug. 11 and 12. $5, children under 12 free. Perth Fairgrounds, County Road 10, Perth, 877-268-2833, www.perthgarlicfestival.com.
Puppets Up! International Festival. Puppets Up! is a two-day festival devoted to the art of puppetry and fun. Professional puppet troupes travel from around the globe to entertain the thousands of visitors. The theme for 2012 is It’s Magic as the festival focuses on tricks and illusions. Performances take place along the banks of the Mississippi River in tented and storefront theatres. Aug. 11 and 12. $20, children three to 12 $10, children under three free. Almonte Fairgrounds, Almonte, www.puppetsup.ca.
1812 Overture at the Fort. This spectacular show combines the beauty and intensity of classical music with military precision. A symphony of 55 musicians, illuminated by only their reading lights, play in Fort Henry parade square, with a line of guards standing at attention. The show concludes with a cannon firing and fireworks display as the symphony plays Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture.” Aug. 18. $20, youth and seniors $17, children five and under free. Fort Henry, 1 Fort Henry Dr., Kingston, 613-542-7388, www.forthenry.com.
Pakenham Fall Fair. After 101 years, this mainstay of a fair is still running strong. The traditional activities on the bill include horticultural exhibits, horse shows, dairy and beef shows, log skidding, craft shows, antique tractors and cars, and spinning and weaving demonstrations. Aug. 18. Stewart Community Centre, 112 MacFarland St., and Fred Millar Community Park, Pakenham, 613-256-1077 ext. 22, www.exploremississippimills.ca.
North Lanark Highland Games. Celebrating Scottish culture, athletics, and music on the banks of the Mississippi River. The 6,000 visitors enjoy 20 pipe bands, 100 dancers, and champion heavyweight athletes, along with mini games organized for children. There are Scottish concessions selling traditional clothing, refreshments, souvenir items, and genealogical information. Join the ceilidh (Scottish party) at the beer garden site, and enjoy live musical entertainment by Corkery Road. Aug. 25. $17, children two to 13 $6. North Lanark Agricultural Society Fairgrounds, 195 Water St., Almonte, 613-256-4144, www.almontehighlandgames.com.
Merrickville Antique Show and Sale. Dealers from Ontario and Quebec show furniture, folk art, decorative items, glass, china, jewellery, and more. The outdoor booths offer buyers an opportunity to purchase “furniture in the rough” — perfect refinishing projects. The event attracts more than 4,000 people every year. Aug. 25 and 26. $6, children under 12 free. Merrickville Fairgrounds, 104 Read St., Merrickville, www.antique-shows.ca.
Merrickville Artisans’ Show. The show highlights 35 of the region’s premier artisans showcasing exquisite creations. This year vendors sell art, photography, spa products, food products, woodworking, textiles, jewellery, basketry, fabric, glass, and decorative metal painting. This exhibition and sale shares the same grounds as the Jewel of the Rideau Antique Show, so visitors can travel between the two events. Aug. 25 and 26. $6, children under 12 free. Merrickville Fairgrounds, 104 Read St., Merrickville, www.antique-shows.ca.