Summer is here, and if the weather seems to be the topic of preference, our Westport season is off to a fine start. Rain or shine, there is fishing, hiking, boating (you can even rent a houseboat and cruise the Rideau Canal) and fly-in events at the Westport Airstrip. Summer fairs are underway in the surrounding towns and Westport now boasts a new Saturday morning farmer’s market.

The Dandelion Studio Tour in May, the Antique Show in June, and the Westport Heritage Festival in July were all fun-filled and well-attended events. Our Bed and Breakfast was selected to be part of the Heritage House Tour benefiting the Rideau Museum last week, and we were please to see hundreds of visitors pass through our home in support of this Westport institution.

The next big event is the August 15 music festival, and everyone has been chipping in to make this the biggest and best yet. (Visit www.westportartscouncil.ca for the festival lineup and schedule.) This free event is made possible by generous donations of the Westport business community and through fund-raising events such as last March’s Kitchen Party (Ceilidh) which drew musicians and dancers from many corners of the region for a celebration of traditional music and Irish stew. We have other exciting events coming up – music, writers reading – as we gear up for next year’s program. It is never too early to start. Announcements will be made on the B&B blog and on the Westport Arts Council web site as details become available.

Also this month is the Rideau Valley Art Show & Sale (August 21, 22, and 23) at the Westport Community Centre. Over 60 of the countries finest artists and artisans attend this prestigious festival. Funds raised from this event go to support other community associations.

Stay tuned for information of upcoming events –Writers Reading (September), Fall Colours Studio Tour (October 10-12) .