Community News - 10 Local Events to Check Out this Summer
This past quarter has been challenging for many accountants. You’ve shouldered another personal and corporate tax season in addition to a Federal budget. It’s time to enjoy the summer and all that Ottawa has to offer. To help out, we’re highlighting 10 local events over the next three months for you and your family to enjoy. Don’t miss #10!
#1. Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival
When: June 21 to 26, 2022
Where: Mādahòkì Farm – 4420 West Hunt Club Road
This is my favourite festival of the year, hands down! My daughter is mesmerized by the dancing, which features bright and extravagant costumes and super-athletic performers from across North America. The drumming and singing competitions are also captivating. Plus, they usually have free bouncy castles and a market.
My partner and I feel good about exposing our daughter to this fundamental part of Canadian culture. And we always learn new things ourselves.
The Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival used to be held at Vincent Massey Park but it will now be held at MĀDAHÒKÌ farm (not far from Bells Corners). “MĀDAHÒKÌ” means “to share land” in Anishinaabe.
#2. Tim Hortons Dragon Boat Festival
When: June 23 to 26, 2022
Where: Mooney’s Bay Park
As someone who gets jacked-up about teamwork, sports, and community engagement, this event is right down my alley! Returning after two years of interruption by the pandemic, this marks the 29th edition of the Dragon Boat Canada Race Series Event, which began with the help of the Hong Kong Canada Business Association.
Admission is free for spectators. There are concerts, exhibitors, food, a beach-side bar, a children’s area, and non-stop racing to watch.
Participants of any skill level can enter a team or join as an individual and compete in one of three categories: competitive, corporate, and community. Registration is now open. Let me know if your firm is entering a team.
When: June 24 to 26, 2022
Where: TD Place at Lansdowne Park
This isn’t my jam, but maybe I’m just lame because attendance at Escapade Music Festival has grown from 2,000 attendees in its first year in 2010 to 33,000 in 2019! This outdoor electronic dance music festival hosts some of the biggest Canadian and international names in electronic dance music and boasts “over-the-top-production”.
So, grab your whistle, put on your Kandi, and rave on!
When: June 24 to July 3, 2022
Where: Confederation Park and City Hall in the Marion Dewar Plaza
It’s been four years since the Jazz Festival was at Confederation Park: two years due to the pandemic and two due to park renovations. They’re happy to be back and will welcome top performers Louis Cole Big Band, Ghost-Note, Lido Pimienta, and the Punch Brothers.
Tickets and passes are now on sale.
When: July 7 to 17, 2022
Where: Lebreton Flats
This year’s RBC Bluesfest will feature headliners Sarah McLachlan, Jack Johnson, Rage Against the Machine, Ja Rule, and the one and only Alanis Morissette.
So, get your tickets now. And don’t let that be “good adviiiiiiice that you just didn’t take”.
When: July 15, 2022
Where: Mooney’s Bay Beach
In 1982, Fred Logan and his friends founded H.O.P.E, under the inspiration of Terry Fox, to give back to the Ottawa Community. The once small event has grown into the World’s Largest Volleyball Tournament and has continued to support Ottawa’s local charities.
Team registration is now open.
When: July 22 to 24, 2022
Where: Confederation Park
The TD South Asian Fest is the largest South Asian gathering in North America. It’s a perfect glimpse of South Asian culture, offering arts, food, music, and dance performances primarily from the Indian sub-continent. My partner and I took our daughter to this event a few years ago and really enjoyed it.
When: August 12, 2022
Where: Almonte
If you’re in your late 30s, you might remember the show “Under the Umbrella Tree” from when we were kids. Well, the same woman who created that show, Noreen Young, also created a festival in Almonte called “Puppets Up!” The festival ran for 12 years before shuttering in 2017, presumably for financial reasons. However, after 6 years, they’re bringing it back for 2022.
Sure, puppets are creepy, but kids love them. So, buy a day pass and take your kids to Almonte to see the puppet parade, watch puppet performances, and even make their own puppets.
Early bird tickets are available now.
When: August 12 to 21, 2022
Where: The Rideau Carleton Raceway
Call me crazy, but I love fairs. Bumper cars with your kids, deep fried pickles! Our daughter was three when we last went to Capital Fair. Watching her on the little midway rides was one of the highlights of my summer.
In addition to the Capital Fair, there’s also the Russell Fair from August 11 to 14, which has a demolition derby and tractor pull, and Carp Fair from September 22 to 25.
#10. The Blachford Tax Law Charity Game
When: Thursday afternoon, August 18
Where: The RA Centre
We’re back for another softball game between Ottawa accountants. Last year, 35 participants from 16 local accounting firms faced off in a 7 inning, co-ed match that raised $8,000 for charity. The event was sponsored by Blachford Tax Law; TAG HR; Grade A; Xero; and Video Tax News. Team White played for Open Doors for Lanark County while Team Green played for the Ottawa Humane Society. Participants retired to Hometown Sports Grill for beer and pizza after the game.
Contact us if you want to participate. We have to limit the number of players per firm and usually give preference to past participants. Female players are especially encouraged to contact us.