There is a refreshing sense of anticipation as we look forward to things to come. There are events and experiences waiting for us and there are people at the heart of each one, carefully planning to ensure that when the time is right, things will happen. In typical times, June would be a busy month in Orangeville and our calendars would be filled with festivals and celebrations. Of course, this year is different, but as we patiently wait for dates and details, let’s hold on tightly to that unwavering feeling of anticipation.
Discover local Indigenous culture
June 21, 2021 marks the 25th anniversary of National Indigenous Peoples Day, an annual celebration that invites Canadians to recognize and learn more about the rich and diverse cultures, voices, experiences, and histories of the First Nations, Inuit and Metis peoples. While there are virtual celebrations happening across the country this year, you can also discover local Indigenous culture right in Orangeville with a visit to the Mino Kamik Medicine Wheel Garden.
Located in Bravery Park near the Alder Street Recreation Centre, the Medicine Wheel Garden was constructed in 2018 to promote traditional teachings and to create a shared community space for peace and reflection. The garden is comprised of four raised garden beds, each representing the four directions of the Medicine Wheel. In each bed, important elements are explained on signs in both English and Ojibway. Visitors can learn about the colours, stages of life, and sacred plants and animals that represent each direction. The grandfather rock located in the centre of the garden can be used to perform smudging ceremonies.

The Medicine Wheel Garden was completed by the Dufferin County Cultural Resource Circle (DCCRC), an Indigenous-led, not-for-profit organization that aims to create a safe space for the restoration and revival of traditional Indigenous culture in Dufferin County. On Saturday, June 19 at 2 p.m., join DCCRC for a virtual celebration on Facebook Live. Elder Karen Vandenberg will explain the importance of the Mino Kamik Medicine Wheel Garden and share the history of local and regional Indigenous ancestries. Find other resources and information about DCCRC by visiting its website.
Scavenger hunts help you explore Orangeville in new ways
Put your problem-solving skills to the test and see how well you know your community. We've created three self-guided scavenger hunts that lead you around Orangeville on a quest to solve clues about the Town's public art, local businesses, and historic elements. 

Available and accessible at any time, each route travels along sidewalks and paved trails. You can download printable versions of each quest or take your experience online by using the GooseChase app. Select your route from the list below and get started on your local adventure.
Downtown scavenger hunt
Less than one kilometre, approximately 30 minutes

Discover the details that make downtown Orangeville a vibrant and unique destination. Solve 16 clues during this 30-minute stroll along Broadway, Orangeville's main street. Start at historic Town Hall and then wind your way west along Broadway to just past First Street. Cross to the south side and then make your way back.

Pursuit of Public Art: Route 1
Three kilometres, approximately one hour

Find 17 pieces of public art as you wander through the west side of central Orangeville. This route starts and ends in downtown Orangeville, near Mill Creek Gardens. You'll be guided west through Kay Cee Gardens and then along Broadway. The final stretch includes a stroll along historic Zina Street.
Two kilometres, approximately 45 minutes

Head east of downtown Orangeville as you search for a different set of public art pieces. Start at Town Hall and then venture east along Broadway to find the answers to 17 clues. Enjoy a stop at Rotary Park before heading back downtown.


To celebrate Bike Month in June, Climate Action in Dufferin, Sustainable Orangeville, and Cycling Elements have created a scavenger hunt that you can complete while cycling around Dufferin County. Find ten items for your chance to win a prize pack courtesy of Cycling Elements. Details about how to play can be found at joinindufferin.com.
Orangeville Farmers' Market
Every Saturday until October 23
8 a.m. to 1 p.m. | 90 Broadway, across from Town Hall

Visit the Orangeville Farmers' Market for fresh food and fresh air every Saturday until October. Celebrating its 30th year, the market features an exceptional line-up of farmers and producers, bakers and makers, all offering an abundance of local goodness every week. The market's convenient location in downtown Orangeville allows shoppers to add on a lively stroll along Broadway to complete their Saturday morning experience.

Find details about participating vendors, operating procedures, and safety protocols at downtownorangeville.ca. 
Orangeville Rotary Ribfest
Friday, July 16 | 4 to 8 p.m.
Saturday, July 17 | 12 to 8 p.m.

The Rotary Ribfest is back for 2021! The drive-thru format allows you to stay in your vehicle as members of the Orangeville Rotary Club safely serve you. This smaller version of the usual summer festival is all about the food. Gator BBQ and Brickyard BBQ will be serving up mouth-watering ribs. You can expect tasty side dishes to be offered by Scooter's Food Truck. Save the date to enjoy great food for a good cause.

Find more details at orangevilleribfest.com and make sure to mark your calendars.
The creativity continues
Some local events have been postponed or modified in response to changing circumstances, but the organizers continue to find creative ways to stay connected with the community.

At Theatre Orangeville, the extended success of The Rules of Playing Risk continues. You won't want to miss this unique opportunity to watch live theatre in this new format. Tickets can also be purchased now for the online presentation of The Third Life of Eddie Mann, coming soon to the virtual Opera House stage. If you're searching for family-friendly ideas, Max the Magnificent will be streaming from June 11 to 20.

Plans to present a virtual version of Celebrate Your Awesome are underway. Normally hosted on Mill Street during Pride Month in June, the annual event recognizes diversity and pride in Dufferin County and aims to promote a more inclusive community. This year's event intends to continue the celebration in a new format. Watch for details to be announced soon.

The Town of Orangeville’s Recreation and Events team is preparing an event schedule to keep the community entertained and active this summer. Canada Day celebrations will include creative ways to get involved and show your patriotic spirit. Monthly drive-in movie nights will offer big screen entertainment in the great outdoors. The Summer Concert Series will be back in August, presented in partnership with Theatre Orangeville, the Orangeville Blues & Jazz Festival, the Orangeville Public Library, and BSocial Enterprises/Cafe. Learn how to join in the fun this summer here.
Picnic Perfect this summer
Share your views about Orangeville's Community Improvement Plan

The Town of Orangeville is preparing a new Community Improvement Plan (CIP) to facilitate and encourage economic growth, sustainable development, and enhancement of underutilized areas. 

What is a Community Improvement Plan (CIP)?
A Community Improvement Plan (CIP) is a tool available to municipalities under Section 28 of the Planning Act. When implemented, CIPs can facilitate revitalization and redevelopment efforts in a defined area(s). A CIP enables municipalities to establish grants, loans, and other programs to encourage private sector investment in development and renovation projects that could help to improve areas in accordance with local goals and priorities.
 
We want to hear from you!
Your input as a business owner, business property owner/manager, or member of the community will assist with identifying specific development and investment needs/opportunities and will help craft financial incentive programs to address the unique needs of Orangeville. Share your views in an online survey until June 30, 2021.
The Town of Orangeville's new Tourism Strategy & Action Plan includes over 70 actions to help promote tourism in Orangeville. Many actions planned for the first year of implementation are underway and as anticipated timelines for re-opening approach, resources and initiatives are available to support local businesses.

The Ontario Tourism and Travel Small Business Support Grant provides one-time payments of $10,000 to $20,000 to eligible small businesses in the tourism and travel sector.

To be eligible for this grant, a business must:
  • have 99 or fewer employees on April 30, 2021
  • have a revenue decline of at least 20% if the business began operating or was acquired before July 2, 2019
  • operate a tourism or travel business in Ontario that began operating before 2021 and was in operation on April 30, 2021
  • not have received the Ontario Small Business Support Grant (now closed)

Find a full list of eligibility requirements and apply online by Friday, June 25 at 11:59 p.m.
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