The daylight hours are getting longer, spring is just around the corner and it is time to get out and around again. We are pleased to report that culture is alive and well in Westport. The Blues on the Rideau music series entertained us all winter, and these musical events featuring Juno-award winning blues artists are continuing monthly through June (http://www.choosetheblues.ca/).

Here are some of the events lined up for the coming months. We will update our blog page with details as they become available. Be sure to check back regularly for news on Westport musical and arts events. (www.avictorianreflection.com/blog).

March

Kitchen Party / Ceilidh (March 14th): A Kitchen Party is an informal gathering of music and dance and In case you do not speak Newfoundlander, the Gaelic word for Kitchen Party is “Ceilidh”. We will have non-stop lively music and dancing, from 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM. Cash bar, dinner available. At the Westport Legion Hall. This event is sponsored by the Westport Arts Council in support of the MUSICWestport event to be held in August.

April

Poetry Along the Rideau (April 3 th -5 th): Join us for a weekend of poetry readings featuring Elizabeth Glenny (St. Catherines), Terje Thorsen (Norway), Carol Little (PEI), and Audrey Ogilvie (Westport). Anders Carson (Portland) will perform along with music in between.

Choose your venue and your experience. The venues are

• April 3rd 8:00 pm at The Cove Inn, Westport. No fee for the poetry. Have dinner at the Cove beforehand.
• April 4th Afternoon at North Crosby Hall with same poets along with child contestant winners from local schools. $5 fee money goes to North Crosby Hall
• April 4th 6:00 pm at Newboro Hall in Newboro. $20 includes meal. Same poets with a Cabaret atmosphere.
• April 5th 7:00pm at the Smiths Falls Railway Museum. Same poets. Pass the hat with money going towards the Railway Museum.

May

Dandelion Gardens Studio Tour (May 16-18): The Westport Area Dandelion Gardens Studio Tour is being held at various studios in Westport and Rideau Lakes.

50s and 60s Party (May 23rd) featuring Eddy and the Stingrays, Canada’s #1 Rock and Roll Show and Dance Band. At the Cove Inn, Westport. (http://www.eddyandthestingrays.com/)

June
Westport Antique Show & Sale (June 6 and 7): The ever-popular show returns to the Westport Arena.

Westport Heritage Festival and Farmer’s Market (June 20): Come to Bedford Street in Westport for our 3rd Heritage Festival. Locally produced crafts, food, and fun for the whole family.

Rideau Lakes Studio & Garden Tour (June 28-29): Saturday - Sunday 10am - 5pm. Spend a day in beautiful Rideau Lakes Township exploring the country roads as you visit the many talented Artists and Artisans of the Rideau Lakes Studio and Garden Tour. A free brochure will guide you through the tour and is available at most area stores, restaurants and welcome centres.

August

Third Annual MUSICestport (August 15th). A day of free music at three outdoor venues in Westport, including our front lawn. Bring a lawn chair.

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

And stay tuned for …

Country fairs (July and August)
Writers Reading (September)
Fall Colours Studio Tour October 10-12
Pumpkin Festival - October 24