Fairs and fests keep local people busy this fall

		Fall is the time when leaves change colors, students go back to school and communities plan special fairs and fests. Across this region right now volunteers are busy getting ready for events about everything from apples to pumpkins. the Georgian Triangle area is famous for its apple festivals. The towns of Meaford. Beaver Valley and Thornbury all hold special events in the fall. This area and all along with Bruce Peninsula are great spots to go for a country drive and take in the beautiful colors of the leaves. The communities of Staynor and Port Elgin each have Pumpkinfest weekends in October. Many small rural towns and villages host their agricultural fairs in the fall to showcase their harvests and lead the way to the Royal Agricultural Fair in Toronto later in November.
Fall fairs are happening all across the region during the next two months. It is a chance for families to get out and celebrate some of the rural life in midwestern Ontario.

Families looking for ways to spend the weekends this fall should have no trouble in Midwestern Ontario.

See page 3 for a list of events...

Fall is the best time to hop in the car and tour around the back country roads. The changing of the color of the leaves makes great photos and relaxing outings.

One such tour is offered October 3, 4 and 5 throughout Grey County. The Autumn leaves Studio Tour allows people to drive through some of the most scenic spots in the area and also visit studios. There are no fees for the tour, but some of the money made at the studios on those days will go to Camp Quality. Camp Quality is just outside or Durham. It is a non-profit group that gives children with cancer a camping experience.

You don't have to register for the tour. You just follow the red leaves from Holstein to Durham. Flesherton, Markdale and Chatsworth. There are several spots along the way for food and accommodations. There are over 20 different studios on the tour, featuring different items like stoneware, stained glass, sculpture, pottery, wood furniture, jewellery, paintings, photographs and even food.

A brochure has been made to guide travellers along the way. You can pick up this brochure at local tourist locations.

There are several other auto tours you can take throughout the province. The Ontario Tourism Association publishes a guide book called Fall Auto Tours that lists detailed directions on different tours all across Ontario. The fall color season in Ontario is from about September 10 to October 20. You can call the Ontario Tourism office for a daily report about where the colors peak at different places and times.

That number is 1-416-314-0998.

If you can't find a copy of the guide book at your local tourism office try calling 1-800-ONTARIO (1-800-668-2746).