June 28, 2023

Buckle up, Kagawongians! July is turning out to be a wheely exciting month here in Billings Township. The township is overflowing with activities to fuel your community spirit. Team Fergmeijer has good memories of busy summers filled with get-togethers. Pre-covid, we would climb into a large tire and roll down a hill in it. Those were goodyears.

We don’t know about you, but we could barely sleep last night! Today (Wednesday, June 28), from 10am - 3pm is the first summer market of the season! We’re looking forward to all sorts of crafts, veg, and baked treats. With a reported 70+ vendors making regular appearances this summer, be sure to check out the colourful cabanas, the roofed arena, and the Park Centre parking lot. Markets will continue throughout July and August on Wednesdays.

This weekend! The annual Anglican Church yard sale and delicious BBQ is Saturday, July 1st (10am-2pm). Head to the Kagawong market pavilion to find treasures galore and grab lunch while you’re there!

Let’s Learn ASL! Interested in learning the basics of American Sign Language? Billings Library is pleased to be partnering with Andrea Wist, ASL instructor at Georgian College, to offer free ASL lessons! The session consists of 2 classes, Tuesday July 4th and Thursday July 6th, starting at 10am at the market pavilion. This first session will be for ages 14+ but a children’s session is also in the works so stay tuned! For more information, email billingsreads@gmail.com. 

The music continues! Don’t miss fiddling and step dancing siblings The Fitzgeralds: Wednesday, July 5 at 7:30pm. Tickets can be purchased in advance at https://www.thefitzgeraldsmusic.com/tour. Next up in the Kagawong Concerts series is Teilhard Frost & Chris Coole on Wednesday, July 12 at 7:30pm. Tickets for the July 12th concert can be purchased in advance at https://kagawong.ticketspice.com/teilhard-chris Both concerts will be at the Old Church on the Hill just off Carter Crescent in Kagawong. 

Jabbawong Storytelling Festival is back as part of the ArtInfusion weekend on July 8th and 9th. Take part in a weekend of creativity and inspiration for all. Check out their page on Facebook for more information. 

Don’t get left in the dark (room)! Be sure to catch the vintage camera and photographic exhibit on now at the Old Mill Heritage Centre. The museum is now open seven days a week, so be sure to pop on by and check out the latest displays.

And that’s not all the Old Mill Heritage Centre has up its historical sleeve. Be sure to save the date: “Speakers Night in Kagawong” with Arthur Milnes and Steve Paikin will be July 13th at the Park Centre!

NorthWords Festival (June 21st and 22nd) has so many fun activities lined up! The Book & Brew on the Friday, taking place at Split Rail Brewery in Gore Bay, will have the featured authors mixing and mingling with guests, enjoying tapas style snacks, and of course, dampling delicious Split Rail brews. Tickets are $15/pp  and can be purchased at the Billings Library or online (bit.ly/northwordsfest).  Tickets for the Knitting Pilgrim performance and pre-registration for the various workshops are also available. Visit the NorthWords Facebook page for more information (FB.com/NorthWordsFest). 

And if you’re looking for more to do this month, the Billings Climate Action Committee is planning a community picnic. Stay tuned for more details, and don’t forget to check out their blog at http://billingscac.blogspot.com

Whew! With all this going on, as you’re out and about in the village you might find yourself wondering just how far you’ve walked. Wonder no more! Check out the new Kagawong walk and run routes map located on the back of the MICA sign near the Cedar Maze and discover a new way to explore the area!

It’s true what they say: the clothes really do make the man. Naked people have little to no influence on society. Have a great week!