April has arrived and with it comes the long-awaited signals of spring. The allure of fresh air invites us to get outside and be greeted by eager blooms and chirping birds. As we exchange mittens and toques for ball caps and t-shirts, everything feels just a bit lighter. The seasonal shift may inspire us to explore new places and pursuits. This year, “April Break” adds a twist to the month and encourages families to find creative ways to occupy their time. Below you'll find ways to step into spring safely and discover all that
Orangeville has to offer.
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Four weatherproof ways to fill April Break |
While the first signs of spring may beckon us outside, April’s weather forecast doesn’t always produce that perfect spring day. But as they say, April showers bring May flowers so let’s patiently look on the bright side and defy Mother Nature with these fun ways to stay busy, no matter what the weather brings.
Hit the Books
School may be out for the week but selecting a book to enjoy during April Break may be the perfect boredom buster. Discover a new author with a visit to BookLore or browse your favourite genre among the full stacks at Reader’s Choice. The Orangeville Public Library has online and offline borrowing options available for card holders. If you’re on the search for more than a story, choose a book that teaches you about a new skill or hobby. The opportunities are endless with the turn of a few pages.
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Get active indoors
Who says you need to be outside to be active? These local indoor activities prove otherwise. Whether you’re aiming for a strike or just trying to keep the ball out of the gutter, Bowling on Broadway offers upscale ten-pin bowling for all skill levels. You can tire out the two to twelve-year-old crowd at Jungle Oasis. Across town, Recess Play opened on March 27 and offers youngsters a new spot to explore. Older family members can hit some balls at A to Z Batting Cages or test their aim at Far Shot Recreation's new location at 400 Town Line.
Note that reservations are required at all establishments and capacity limits and safety protocols are in effect. Call ahead to book your time and learn about all COVID-19 measures in place at each facility.
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Get your (screen-free) game on
Koros Games can help you re-connect with offline options to keep everyone in the family entertained. A wide selection of classic games is available alongside recent releases that will entice even the most avid players. Collectors will find cards, comics, miniatures, and models to add to their compilations. Puzzles and accessories round out the offerings.
To truly immerse yourself in a game, venture just north of Orangeville to Let Me Out Escape Room. Your team will have 60 minutes to escape the room by solving clues and puzzles. Hosted in a barn built in the 1870s, the location itself adds a unique element to the game. Reservations are required.
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Make it from scratch
With extra time to plan and prepare, mealtime can become an activity on its own. Find inspiration from a new cookbook or visit the online recipe page published by In the Hills magazine for help in re-creating some favourite local dishes.
With recipes selected, it’s time to stock up on ingredients. The Winter Farmers’ Market is open on April 3 and 17 and features items that have been locally grown, created, and prepared by more than 15 local vendors. If your recipe requires ingredients from further afield, Orangeville’s selection of specialty grocery stores can supply you with unique ingredients to help you prepare authentic recipes at home.
Of course, many of our local restaurants also serve made-from-scratch menu items so ordering in is another delicious option.
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April Break is solved! The best part may be that these activities can all happen right here, safe and sound in your own community. Follow along on Instagram and Facebook for more ideas throughout the month.
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On the pursuit of public art |
Put a spring in your step by discovering Orangeville's impressive collection of public art. Two new walking tours are now 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:
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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.
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Stick to an offline experience by downloading the printable version of each quest.
However you chose to hunt for public art, you'll be delighted by your discoveries. Enjoy this fun and safe outdoor activity while exploring your community. Make sure to share any photos or videos of your fun with us on Facebook or Instagram.
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Downtown Orangeville Easter Egg Hunt
Enter by 5 p.m. on Monday April 5
Locations throughout downtown Orangeville
Hunt for 12 missing eggs in shop windows throughout downtown Orangeville for a chance to win an Easter basket. Print the clue card, fill it in as you find the eggs, and then submit via email.
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Winter Farmers' Market
April 3, 17
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Tony Rose Memorial Sports Centre, B Rink
The Winter Farmers' Market is open again for in-person shopping. Safety protocols are in place to keep shoppers, vendors, and the community safe. Before visiting, please review all guidelines to understand what to expect and to ensure you are prepared for this new market experience.
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The Rules of Playing Risk
April 16 to May 2
Presented online by Theatre Orangeville
Unsociable retiree Garfield Lyons is eight weeks into recovery from an accident when a letter arrives informing him that his estranged grandson Brandon is in need of a place to stay. Convinced by his outspoken nurse Maggie, Garfield agrees to house the boy, setting grandfather and grandson on an obstacle course of generational divides that cannot be resolved without both of them taking a “Risk”.
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The Rules of Playing Risk is the first of three one-act plays being presented online by Theatre Orangeville this spring. Exclusive links for each show allows convenient access from the comfort of home. Find performance details and purchase virtual links at theatreorangeville.ca.
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Patio season to start early in Orangeville |
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Local restaurants and businesses can move their goods and services outdoors a little earlier this season. Starting April 1, restaurants and cafes can open temporary patios and retailers can move their displays outside. The extended season will last until November 30. So expect to see more patios popping up soon in Orangeville and take the opportunity to enjoy local food and sunny spring weather.
Orangeville's new patio directory includes a list of restaurants offerings outdoor seating (weather permitting of course). If you are a business owner and would like to be added to the directory, please contact us.
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Local artists are invited to contribute to Orangeville's public art collection |
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The Town of Orangeville has issued its annual Call for Artists to offer local artists an opportunity to help beautify the community through the installation of public art.
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.
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If you own a tourism-related business, you may be interested to learn about the Town of Orangeville's recently adopted Tourism Strategy & Action Plan. The five-year plan aims to achieve the following vision:
By 2026, the Town of Orangeville will be a burgeoning tourism destination known for its unique combination of progressive community values and small town vibe, which both locals and visitors look to for unique public & performing art experiences, culinary imbibement, and access to outdoor activities, knowing there is something to enjoy year-round.
Actions are now underway to achieve the plan and periodic updates will be provided to stakeholders. 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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