Discover Guelph 2000 offers

Something for Everyone

Guelph Arts Council returns with artists' demononstrations in Guelph Centre

Get acquainted with the City of Guelph and all that it has to offer! For locals, visitors, youth, seniors, families and all those interested in learning more about treasures in their own town, the third annual DISCOVER GUELPH on Saturday, May 13, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., is an event not to be missed.

By purchasing a passport for a nominal fee of $5 (children free), individuals can tailor their day by choosing their own routes and destinations. Passport holders can ride Guelph Transit free of charge for the day. Each passport also includes several value-added coupons valid for the month of May, as well as a chance to win some great prizes.

Each venue has planned an exciting line-up of activities, demonstrations, tours and performances that will take place at the top of each hour and appeal to a wide variety of tastes:

The Hammond Museum of Radio – 595 Southgate Dr. 822-2960

This new venue shows the progression of radio history from the early wireless to the modern amateur station. The collection includes early radios, broadcast models, amateur radios and radios used by the Canadian and American military. A special display of Canadian-made radios from the 1920s, including the Hammond receiver and amplifier, is one of the highlights of the museum.

Macdonald Stewart Art Centre – 358 Gordon St. 837-0010

Come and discover art! Guided tours of current exhibitions and brief talk on the Art Centre’s 20- year history will be offered. There will also be opportunities for children to create original artworks and participate in Sculpture Park games in addition to family films and refreshments.

The Boathouse – 116 Gordon St. (just south of Wellington) 822-5692

This multi-use facility (restaurant, ice-cream parlour, river interpretive centre) located on the Speed River will once again be the site for outdoor recreational activites. OPIRG will offer hourly walking tours focussing on the ecological history of the Speed and Eramosa Rivers. Paul Grant of Wild Birds Unlimited returns with guided birdwatching hikes at 9 & 11 a.m. Rockwood Outfitters will have canoes and kayaks available for paddling.

McCrae House – 108 Water St. 836-1221

The picturesque outdoor grounds of McCrae House will feature Victorian Games such as hoop and stick, croquet and horseshoes. There will also be tours of the historic McCrae House Museum and gardens, and refreshments will be available.

Guelph Civic Museum – 6 Dublin St. S. 836-1221

Come and discover three fascinating exhibits at the Museum. Our Town: Streetscapes of Guelph features works by Laura Coutts, Jane Graham and Susan Knox; Interiors showcases the work of Don Russell; and Regal Traditions comes on loan from the Seagram Museum in Waterloo. Family and children’s activities will also be available.

Guelph Farmers’ Market – Gordon St. at Waterloo Ave. (open 7 a.m. to noon only)

This new venue offers a chance to sample some of the local flavours of Guelph. A wide variety of vendors will showcase their wares. For gardening enthusiasts, there will be special plant sales and compost available.

Downtown Guelph – St. George’s Square 836-6144

The Downtown Board of Management will be offering hourly concerts in the Activity Court featuring the Royal City Ambassadors at 11 a.m. & 2 p.m.; Kyn at noon; a Hillside preview at 1 p.m.; and a Guelph Contemporary Dance Festival {erformance at 3 p.m. Back by popular demand will be the horse-drawn trolley rides led by Guelph Arts Council tour guides.

Guelph Arts Council – 147 Wyndham St. N. #404 836-3280

Last year’s successful showcase of local artisans, craftspeople and storytellers returns to the downtown Guelph Centre for the day. Watch demonstrations, ask questions and enjoy the creative energy. Then walk to St. George’s Square to catch a horse-drawn trolley ride and discover interesting tidbits about Guelph’s past, courtesy of Guelph Arts Council’s walking tour guides.

Riverside Park – Woolwich St. (north of Speedvale) 837-5618.

Come and enjoy special open-air performances by Hillside Festival and Multicultural Festival. Evergreen Seniors Centre will showcase a low-impact strength demonstration and Silvertones Choir. Greenhouse tours and free carousel and train rides will also be offered.

Cox Creek Cellars – Wellington County Rd. 22 (off Hwy. 6 N.) 767-3253.

Discover the area’s first estate winery! Be sure to participate in the hourly tours of the picturesque vineyards and facilities. Wine and cheese tastings will also be offered.

Guelph Ale Trail Breweries – (1 to 4:30 p.m., May 13 & 14 & other Ale Trail weekends) 837- 1335

Discover the craft of brewing in the heart of Ontario’s traditional brewing country. Guelph breweries include Sleeman’s (551 Clair Rd. W.), Wellington County Brewery (950 Woodlawn Rd. W.) and F&M Brewery (355 Elmira Rd).

Once again DISCOVER GUELPH is being supported by Guelph Visitor & Convention Services and Guelph Recreation & Parks. Passports can be purchased at any of the participating venues (breweries excluded), as well as Guelph Farmers’ Market May 6 and Stone Road Mall May 6 and 7.

For more information, contact Guelph Visitor Information Centre, Guelph Centre (2nd floor), 55 Wyndham Street N. (519) 837-1335.

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