The best part of Spring is upon us. May is the time when we start to see what the fuss is all about. April showers have indeed brought flowers and budding trees brighten up our outdoor views. Normally, this time of year would be accompanied by a renewed vibrancy on our streets with more people venturing out to enjoy the sunshine and linger a little longer as they catch up with the community. While we’re safer at home right now, we can still find simple ways to appreciate the season and support local businesses, organizations, and each other. In the words of L.M. Montgomery, “That is one good thing about this world...there are always sure to be more springs.” 
Six simple ways to savour spring
For many of us, Spring can be an inspiring time of year. Green grass, budding blooms, and chirping birds stir up a sense of spring fever and send us on a search for something new. We dust off any final remnants of winter and open our doors wide to welcome fresh air, sunshine, and opportunity. This year, we may need a little extra inspiration to come up with projects, activities, and ambition to get us in the spirit. So we’ve put together six suggestions to get you started. 

Put your green thumb to work
There is something hopeful about seeing a tiny sprout emerge from a mound of soil. It’s no wonder that last year’s home gardening craze has returned for 2021. Whether you’re an avid gardener or a first-time grower, the Dufferin Garden Centre is safely open and can help you along your journey. Visit their website for garden tips, including a handy vegetable planting chart.
Look to the sky
The birds are back, and their morning choruses offer an uplifting soundtrack for Spring. Approximately 264 bird species have been observed in the Credit River Watershed and some of them may call your backyard home. Step up your bird watching and see if you can identify your feathered friends. This handy Birds of the Credit page created by Credit Valley Conservation includes profiles of some of the birds you might find.

Pack a backyard picnic
Ditch the dinner table and set up to serve a meal outside. Eating al fresco provides a change of scenery in a less structured setting and provides the perfect excuse for a simple menu. In fact, why not pick up your picnic supplies? Fromage can curate a charcuterie box just for the occasion. The popular $25 box includes crackers and bread accompanied by three cheeses, two cured meats, pâté, olives, fruit, and jelly. House made dark chocolate almonds sprinkled with sea salt add a sweet finish.
Treat yourself
Speaking of sweet stuff, why not make dessert the main event? Indulging in a treat will satisfy your cravings while providing an anticipated reason to venture out. Warm spring days call for ice cream and you can pile your cone high with your favourite flavours at Mill Creek Gardens. Over at Greystones Café, they are now serving gelato or head to Le Finis to choose from their delicious display of desserts. It all tastes as good as it looks. 

Go window shopping
Although partaking in retail therapy may be more difficult these days, many downtown retailers have amped up their efforts to showcase products in their storefronts. At Dragonfly Arts on Broadway, the windows have become an exhibit of Canadian artwork. Safely stroll along Broadway to see some options up close and then contact them to pick the perfect piece.

Amp up your hike
It seems like everyone’s new favourite past time is hiking. It’s an easy, safe way to get outdoors, stay active, and enjoy some fresh air. But if you’ve done your favourite loop just a few too many times, here is a chance to spice it up. York Durham Headwaters has launched Trail Talks, a podcast series featuring three trails at Island Lake Conservation Area. Follow along to hear facts and stories about this popular area and learn about the flora and fauna that call it home. When at Island Lake, please adhere to all safety guidelines.

Each one of these ideas can be experienced safely, right here in Orangeville. While this season may not be going quite as we planned, there are still opportunities to savour Spring.
Looking for more ways to experience Orangeville?
Check out our new blog and watch for more ideas coming every month.
If you have a favourite local experience that you'd like to share, let us know!
Explore public art with local scavenger hunts
Orangeville's impressive collection of outdoor public art is available and accessible at any time. Two walking tours are available to help you explore tree sculptures, murals, and utility boxes located in your own community. Each route includes 17 pieces of art with clues to solve at each stop. You can complete the routes in two ways:

  1. Take your quest online by downloading the free Goose Chase app. Simply get the app and then search for "Orangeville" to select your route. After you register, get ready to answer the clues.
  2. Stick to an offline experience by downloading the printable version of each quest.

Enjoy this fun and safe outdoor activity with your household while exploring your community.
Orangeville Farmers' Market
Opening Day Saturday, May 8 | Weekly until October 23
8 a.m. to 1 p.m. | 90 Broadway, across from Town Hall

The Orangeville Farmers' Market is back for it's 30th year! Mark your calendars for opening day on Saturday, May 8 and plan to visit every Saturday until October to discover an abundance of local goodness. Meet the farmers and producers, bakers and makers while enjoying a morning in downtown Orangeville.

Find details about participating vendors, operating procedures, and safety protocols at downtownorangeville.ca.
The Third Life of Eddie Mann
May 14 to 30
Presented online by Theatre Orangeville

Have you been watching Theatre Orangeville's online performances? The reviews are in and the online audience is delighted about the opportunity to watch live theatre in this new, virtual format.

The next show is The Third Life of Eddie Mann. Eddie's story is about life, death, baseball, watches, and Oreo cookies. As a teacher, he loved his first life. After 31 years, he retired and became a financial adviser. This second and current life is one that he hates. Freshly fired by his only client, we find Eddie contemplating what life will look like next. When he is interrupted by a quirky visitor, so begins The Third Life of Eddie Mann.

Exclusive links for each online performance allows convenient access from the comfort of home. Find performance details and purchase links at theatreorangeville.ca.
Tell us what brings you to Orangeville!

The Town of Orangeville is building a new tourism brand to celebrate and showcase the beauty of our Town. We would love to hear from you about why you love Orangeville and what brings (or keeps!) you here. Share your ideas in a short, simple survey by Friday, May 14.
Two ways to contribute to Orangeville's public art collection

Public art can play many roles in a community. In Orangeville, one of the key objectives is to promote the talent of local artists and enhance their connection with the community. Public artwork can also function as a form of communication to an audience in transit throughout the Town with the goal of creating a vibrant, inclusive, and interesting urban environment.  

For these reasons, the public art collection continues to be expanded annually. This year, depending on your age and residence, there are two different opportunities for local artists to have their their work selected and displayed in various locations throughout Orangeville.
Town of Orangeville's Annual Call for Artists
For local artists residing in Dufferin County over 18 years of age

Since 2016, the Town of Orangeville has been growing its public art collection through an annual Call for Artists. The original Utility Box Art Display Program has grown to include 20 locations throughout Town. Murals installed at Alder Recreation Centre's walking track were added to the mix in 2019.

This year, up to five utility boxes will be transformed into colourful works of art. Up to six new mural installations will also be added to Alder Recreation Centre’s walking track.
 
Local artists are invited to respond to the Call for Artists by Friday, May 28 at 12 p.m. Winning submissions will be selected by jury and those artists will receive $500 for their work. All applicants must reside in Dufferin County and be at least 18 years old. Artists are encouraged to carefully review the specific themes and requirements outlined in the Call for Artists before completing their submissions online. 
Optimist Club of Orangeville Art Contest for Youth
For youth artists residing in Orangeville between 8 and 18 years of age

The Optimist Club of Orangeville has introduced an Art Contest for Youth to help brighten bench seats located throughout Kay Cee Gardens. The contest is open until July 1 and full details can be found at orangevilleoptimists.ca.
Work continues behind the scenes on the initial actions outlined in the Town of Orangeville's recently adopted Tourism Strategy & Action Plan. Here is what we've been up to:

  • Launch of a tourism blog to provide ideas and experiences to enjoy in Orangeville. Due to current COVID-19 restrictions, the content is targeted to residents but will eventually cater to visitors as well.
  • Initiation of a new Branding Strategy that will develop a tourism-specific logo, tagline, and promotional assets for Orangeville. Complete the short survey today to share your ideas!
  • Recruitment of a Tourism & Culture Officer - Katrina Lemire - who will focus on the implementation of the strategy. If you have questions or ideas about the Tourism Strategy, contact her via email here.

Stay tuned for more information coming soon. In the mean time, read the strategy below and join our e-mailing list to stay connected and learn about resources and opportunities for your business.
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