Having trouble viewing this email? View as a web page.
September 2020

You Are Not Alone featuring Ken Shaw
Durham Region is home. Over the last few months, we have all been challenged in many ways to do our part to help support and protect each other. We have captured some of what makes our region a great place to work, live and play in this video. Thank you to the incredibly talented Ken Shaw for sharing the beautiful message that you are not alone.

Disclaimer: this video was filmed during different phases of COVID-19, we ensured that all public health guidelines were followed during each phase in order to safely protect all participants.
Support local food and beverage in Durham Region
Throughout COVID-19, local businesses have adapted to serve their community and customers; many local restaurants and craft beverage producers adapted and pivoted, donated meals and treats and created new products and offerings. Durham Tourism has created a mini series to showcase some of the many local businesses that are making a difference in our community. Watch the first video in the series on YouTube.
 
Thank you to everyone who has supported and continues to support local businesses in Durham Region. We appreciate your participation in takeout, delivery, curbside pick up and patio dining options during these challenging times.  
DRIFF in a Jiff Returns
The Durham Region International Film Festival's monthly spotlight on short films — DRIFF in a Jiff — returns to driff.ca on September 4. "One Small Step" is a film about a nine-year-old girl who attempts to juggle the responsibilities of school and her younger siblings as her mother goes missing. Stream the film from 7 to 10 p.m. and then join one of two Q&A sessions with the filmmaker at 8 or 9:30 p.m.
DRIFF - Save the dates and share the news!
After much deliberation, the Durham Region International Film Festival (DRIFF) has decided to make some big changes to the 2020 festival. This year, they’re offering a unique, one-night, drive-in experience paired with two days of online streaming and filmmaker Q&A sessions.

Festival dates remain the same with events running October 1 to 3. The online portion of the festival will offer a select number of films with streaming, pre-recorded and live events.

The themes and structure of this year's festival have been unveiled; the full program lineup will be announced in the coming days.

October 1
DRIFF DAY 1: True North!

All that is truly Canadian. Stories that get to the heart of who we are as a country and explore Canadian identity. 

October 2
DRIFF DAY 2: International Screenings and Global Discussion

DRIFF Day 2 is the International Showcase featuring work from Italy, Jamaica, Austria and Egypt. 

October 3
DRIFF DAY 3: Homegrown - Virtual Screenings and Closing Night Drive-In

Virtual Screenings

  1. Homegrown: A program featuring Ontario and Durham Region talent and stories that speak to the theme of community re-imagined.
  2. Student film showcase made up of six amazing shorts, 65 minutes in length. 

Closing Night Drive-in Screening and Awards

Homegrown: A program of selected films featuring Ontario and Durham Region talent and stories that speak to the theme of community re-imagined.

Join in person for a drive-in experience. Take in a selection of narrative shorts and a documentary short, followed by the presentation of DRIFF 2020 Awards for Best Student, Best Feature, Best Short and Best Regional Film.
Discover local food and beverage in Uxbridge
As the Trail Capital of Canada, Uxbridge is not only known for its incredible trails, but also its lively après trail scene. There are plenty of gathering spots to enjoy locally crafted beer and cider, and culinary stops to enjoy farm-fresh foods grown and produced in this area. Watch local Country music artist Leah Daniels and her fiancee Tim Deegan tour some of the local food and beverage hot spots in Uxbridge in this video.
 
Explore local cider houses and breweries on the Beer and Cider Trail, find out where to pick up farm-fresh foods along the Farm Trail, and try locally prepared foods along the Culinary Trail.
Celebrate Bike Month in Durham Region
The Region of Durham invites you to celebrate Bike Month by taking part in a series of free, fun and educational cycling activities throughout the region. From September 1 to 30, residents are encouraged to explore Durham’s unique landscapes and scenic trails while practising safe cycling.

Local activities include:

  • Cycling Photo Scavenger Hunt: Durham Region challenges you to get on your bike and learn more about your community! Get outside and get active while visiting the natural areas, historic places and cultural sites that make Durham Region unique. 
  • Safe Cycling 101 webinar: Cycle Toronto will guide you through everything you need to know about biking with confidence in Durham Region. 
  • Family Cycling webinar: Learn tips and tricks for biking while pregnant; biking with babies and toddlers; and teaching kids to ride for the first time in this free online webinar hosted by Cycle Toronto. 
  • Panel discussion: Join panelists from communities across Ontario for a candid conversation about what it means to build a culture of cycling.
  • Ride4UnitedWay: On September 27, United Way of Durham Region is hosting the 12th annual Ride4UnitedWay. People can participate in the ride for free, but donations are encouraged. The funds raised will go towards the United Way’s COVID-19 relief initiatives. Visit the Ride4UnitedWay website to learn more about the routes, registration and COVID-19 precautions. 

Bike Month is an opportunity to learn new skills and celebrate cycling safely while adhering to public health guidelines and keeping our communities safe. As one of the largest celebrations of biking in Canada, Bike Month has hundreds of events with participants from across the entire Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA). 

Take the Bike Month pledge to let us know how you plan to celebrate Bike Month! Your pledge automatically enters you into a prize draw.
Fun FORE the whole family!
Forsythe Family Farms 2009 Inc. is family owned and operated by Jim and Leslie Forsythe. They have been growing a variety of fruits and vegetables for direct market sales since 1972 and are currently located in Greenbank.
 
Their latest endeavor Greens on the Farm, a 9 Hole Scavenger Hunt, is an outdoor experience allowing small groups to explore the farm in a safe and fun way. Styled like a golf game, nine holes with specific challenges and a scoring system that is PAR for the course. Book your time online and come enjoy an experience that is fun FORE all!
 
Greens on the Farm is in partnership with Central Counties Tourism, Angus Glen Golf Club and Slabtown Cider Co.
Culture Days logo
Find your creative place during Culture Days
Culture Days is a nation-wide celebration of culture and arts that bring together thousands of organizers to host free and participatory public activities, along with millions of Canadians to engage with them. The goal is to build connections and highlight the importance of arts and culture in our communities. This year, due to COVID-19 the celebration has been extended to four weeks, and will include virtual experiences for the first time.

In Durham Region, Scugog Council for the Arts is hosting the Scugog Arts Hub on September 26 and 27. Discover an array of art demonstrations, a farmers' market, kids crafts, and more in the laneways surrounding the new Scugog Arts!

The Oshawa Public Libraries is hosting free livestream workshops:
For unique trip ideas or to plan your perfect day, visit DurhamTourism.ca, or call 1-800-413-0017. If this information is required in an accessible format, contact Durham Tourism.