Summertime diversions coming soon to Sandy Hill
Paula Kelsall & Christine Aubry
It’s a golden time of year to enjoy our leafy neighbourhood. An evening walk, or a sandwich on a blanket in one of the neighbourhood parks, is often enough to make a day feel pretty special at this time of year. But if your life needs a little extra zing as the summer goes by, here are a few activities to look forward to.
Faerie Pop-up Picnic in Strathcona Park
Cirquonscient, a circus arts collective based in Ottawa, is promising three family-friendly evenings of juggling, aerial acrobatics and other amazing feats. You can join these graceful faeries and whimsical creatures from 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. on Tuesday evenings June 25, July 16 and August 20 for an enchanting evening. Free admission; donations appreciated.
Natsu Matsuri
Meaning “summer festival” in Japanese, this event is hosted by the Ottawa Japanese Community Association and Cultural Centre. On July 6 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Sandy Hill Community Centre and Annie Pootoogook Park immerse yourself in Japanese culture with music, dance, food, and more!
Company of Fools in Strathcona Park
This year, Ottawa’s longest-running professional Shakespeare company is promising us Macbeth, in just 90 minutes! Performances will take place all over town, but we can see the Fools right here in our own Strathcona Park any Monday evening (except August 5) between July 8 and August 24 at 7 p.m. That’s six opportunities for a pithy, pay-what-you-can dose of witchcraft and ruthless ambition under the stars. More details at www.fools.ca
Music and Beyond
The annual music festival will be running from July 4-17 this year. Once again, the lion’s share of concerts will be held at the Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre, but there will be events at other venues, including at least three at allsaints Event Space on July 7, 8 and 15. Check out their still-evolving program at musicandbeyond.ca.
Ratha Yatra Chariot Festival
This ancient festival celebrates India’s spirituality and culture, beginning at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 27, with a parade through the streets of Sandy Hill streets, with a large colourful float, music and dancing. The celebrations continue in Annie Pootoogook Park until 6:00 p.m. with many family-friendly activities and a free vegetarian buffet. Hosted by Iskcon Ottawa.
Art in Strathcona Park
This annual outdoor exhibit of artists and artisans sponsored by the Mental Illness Caregivers Association will take place on Saturday, August 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will include a silent auction and a BBQ.
Laurier House
Sandy Hill’s own National Historic Site will be open to visitors every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from July 1-September 2 (and in June, from Thursday-Monday). This is a wonderful place to get a quick, immersive trip back in time and to feel the vibe of our neighbourhood’s early days. Stop in at the office on Chapel Street, first to get your ticket, and to take in a short video about events in Canada during the time when Wilfrid Laurier and Mackenzie King, the house’s two most eminent residents, were prime minister. The office also has a good little gift shop, where you can pick up a National Parks travel mug or a pair of patriotic socks. Keep an eye on the Laurier House website for details of high tea on the porch, which they hope to be offering in August or sooner, in cooperation with Working Title Kitchen.