Events and festivals herald spring along Southern Georgian Bay

For Immediate Release - April, 2008 - Southern Georgian Bay, Ontario

April and May in Southern Georgian Bay will be a time of re-awakening for the communities around the Bay. Combinations of Music Festivals, Heritage Dinners, National Wildlife Week activities, Earth Day clean-ups, Astronomy Day, and the re-opening of the areas historical attractions are part of the rituals of spring.

See sample of events below:

Area Attractions Cruises-Reopen for 2008 Season

April 28: Sainte-Marie among the Hurons reopens for 2008 Season
April 28 to May 16 and October 13 to October 31 (Monday to Friday)
May 17 to October 12 (7 days per week) Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

May 3: Georgian Queen: Penetanguishene 30,000 Island Cruises.
Afternoon Sightseeing Cruise to Minicognashene: 3½ hours Departure 2.00 p.m.
(Check web site for Spring Schedule)

May 10: Midland Tours, Miss Midland Afternoon Cruises Georgian Bay Muskoka:
Time: 1:45 p.m.-4:15 p.m. (Check web site for spring schedule)

May 17: Martyrs' Shrine reopens for 2008 season.
Mass Schedule: May, June: Masses at 9 a.m., noon, and 7:30 p.m.

May 20: Discovery Harbour Penetanguishene reopens for 2008 season.
May 20 to June 27: open Monday to Friday (Tuesday opening on first week) 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; last admission 4:30 p.m. June 28 to August 31: open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; last admission 4:30 p.m.

Art Shows, Galleries, Museums

*April: Quest Art School & Gallery in Penetanguishene: Intro to Oil Painting: Runs 3rd, 10th, 17th and 23rd-7 to 9:30 p.m. each week. For more information or to register call 549-5425.

* April: The Carriage House Gallery Presents: The 2007/2008 Ducks Unlimited Award Winners, Michael Pape, Kelly Dodge, and Nigel Shaw. Runs April 4-27 Opening Soiree April 4, 4-10 p. m. For more info 705-527-4632

*Saturday April 26: Huronia Museum Heritage Dinner: Hosted at the Midland Legion. Guest Speakers Bill Northcott and Bill Smith authors of the new book, Midland On Georgian Bay: To purchase tickets call the Museum at (705) 526-2844

May 10: National Astronomy Day: Huronia Museum & Huron Ouendat Village Midland, Ontario. 8:00 P.M. Basics of Astronomy indoors and viewing outdoors with telescopes.

May 20: Travelling Star Lab: Penetanguishene Centennial Museum May 20-June 15. Presented by Royal Ontario Museum.

Festivals and Celebrations

*Saturday April 19: Elmvale Maple Syrup Festival: Elmvale 705-322-6613

*May 19-20: Twisted Pines Music Festival: Lots of musical performances over the Victoria Day Weekend.

Music and Entertainment

Saturday April 5: Twisted Pines Environmental Film Series for kids and families: Noon at the Wye Marsh.

*May 19-20: Twisted Pines Music Festival: Lots of musical performances over the Victoria Day Weekend.

Outdoors with Nature

*April 22 Earth Day and Earth Week in Tiny Township

Wye Marsh - National Wildlife Week at Wye Marsh, April 7.

*Hike or Bike Tiny Township Trails, or Tay Shore Trail, Midland waterfront trails, or Penetanguishene Trails.

A complete listing of the April events can be found at Southern Georgian Bay Chamber of Commerce. For more information on Spring Packages and Getaways see the Georgian Bay Tourism website.

Contact: Jeanine Jankowski at the Southern Georgian Bay Chamber of Commerce (705) 526-7884