Summer is in full swing and it has been quite an exciting time. It’s hard to believe that our B&B has already been open for over a month now. Denise’s omelette provençale and country ham frittata have been real hits with our guests who have travelled from four countries and two continents. We have also opened up our antique shop in the barn, so the action continues …

Westport has been abuzz with boaters, golfers, shoppers, and cottagers in this, the 175th anniversary of the opening of the Rideau Canal. Just last month, UNESCO designated the Rideau Canal a World Heritage Site so you can be sure you will hear more about this exciting region.

MUSIC MUSIC MUSIC: We are thrilled to be hosting music on our lawn for this year’s first annual Music Westport coming up soon. Yeah, it’s been 40 years since the summer of love, but, hey, the music is free, and you might even get your photo in the Westport Review-Mirror (you do read it, don’t you?). And then, there is the Westport Chamber Music Festival, with events from August 22 through 25. Details below.

Summer also means country fair, and many of our neighbouring villages are continuing this centuries-old tradition, with agricultural events virtually every weekend. But 2007 is special for us as this year’s International Plowing Match will be held in Crosby, a mere 15 minutes from our house. If you have never been to a country fair, this is the big one – do not miss it. Five hundred exhibitors in a 75-acre tent city, music, entertainment, and, of course, the plowing competition – a true celebration of agriculture and rural living. Folks tell us this is country fair times ten!

There is a lot more happening. Check out the details below.

We have updated our website (www.avictorianreflection.com) with photos of our guest rooms. Be sure to check the site later this season as well for our fall and winter getaway specials. We will be sending a newsletter this fall as well. If you wish to be removed from this list, please reply with “Unsubscribe” in the subject line.

See you soon.

Denise and Barry

Music Westport: An Annual Festival (Saturday, August 18, 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM) The Westport Arts Council presents “MUSIC Westport: An Annual Festival". Performances by Ninth Line Jump & Jive Band, Georgette Fry Trio, Clay Young Trio, Del Vezeau, The Kings of Swing, Mumbo Jumbo Voodoo Combo, Trevor Findlay, Spencer Evans Trio and Cadillac Street. Three stages will be set up in downtown Westport, including one on our front lawn. The festival starts at 1:00 pm, rain or shine, and admission is free - bring a chair, kick back and enjoy the shows!

Rideau Valley Art Festival (Friday – Sunday, 24-26 August). This annual juried exhibition and sale of original works of art by well-known and new artists is held at the Westport Community Centre. Admission is $5.00 for adults, $4.00 for seniors and students, and children under 12 are free. Proceeds from the exhibition fund many local and district community organizations. Check the website for times (http://www.rideauvalleyartfestival.com/).

Westport Chamber Music Festival (Wednesday, August 22 through Saturday, August 25) The Westport United Church and Magic Castle are sponsoring a series of events during the week leading up to a Saturday evening concert (Beethoven and Dvorak String quartets). You can get more information at www.MagicCastle.ca.

The International Plowing Match (Tuesday – Sunday, 18-22 September, 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM) The International Plowing Match & Country Festival features a massive tented city consisting of farm and rural related exhibits and vendors selling everything from farming equipment to garden tools. It also includes antique and historical displays, educational areas, growing competitions, entertainment and the popular plowing and Queen of the Furrow competition. The event will take place at the Chantland Farms, Crosby, Ontario (crossroads Hwy 15 and County Road 42, about 10 minutes from our house) http://www.ipm2007.ca/

Doors Open Rideau Lakes - Westport (Saturday, 15 September, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM) Doors Open is held during the summer across Ontario. In this event, our neighbours will be opening their doors to over 20 intriguing and charming heritage sites in Westport and many of the Rideau Lakes villages. Admission is free. For more information on this and the other Doors Open events across Ontario, check out http://www.doorsopenontario.on.ca.

Westport Fall Colours Studio Tour (Saturday through Monday, October 6 – 8, 10 AM to 5 PM), this year featuring 25 artists at 10 enchanting studios. Our unique fine art includes magical photographic art, twig furniture, elegant flowing sculptures, traditional rughooking, innovative collages and constructions, folk art woodcarvings, gorgeous comfortable clothing, funky primitive dolls, plenished glass, rustic birdhouses and mirrors, stained glass and copper and glass garden sculptures, pottery, handmade artisanal soaps and cast stone garden art, gold and silver jewellery, pottery, naive paintings, fine art, sculptures, marquetry, quilted throws, childrens’ clothing, lamp work glass jewellery, folk art painted items, exquisite wildlife carvings and much more. Free admission. (http://www.artatwork.ca/westport_studiotours/fall-colours/index.htm)