Culture is alive and well in Westport. After a successful March kitchen party and April poetry event, we are looking forward to a season full of art, music, literature, and theatre. Here is the program for 2010. If you have any questions, click here to send an email to innkeeper@avictorianreflection.com.

May 22-24, Dandelion Gardens Studio Tour.
The annual Westport Area Dandelion Gardens Studio Tour is being held again on the May long weekend from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Our unique fine art includes magical photographic art, elegant flowing sculptures, traditional rughooking, gorgeous comfortable clothing and throws, rustic birdhouses and mirrors, stained glass and copper and glass garden sculptures, recycled farm equipment; unique pottery and painted items, architectural sculptures, wire art, heritage paintings and much more. www.artatwork.ca/westport_studiotours/dandelions/index.htm

June 5-6, Westport Antique Show
The Westport Antique Show & Sale will be returning to the Westport Arena at the corner of Concession and Spring Streets again this year. Visit with forty of Ontario and Quebec’s premium dealers, the Rideau Vista tea room, and local museum displays. http://www.antique-shows.ca

June 5, Disco Mania
The Westport Arts Council presents it’s 2nd Annual Good Times party. If you liked the 70’s you will love Disco Mania - come to the Cove Country Inn Saturday June 5 from 5:30 - 11:30 and dance to the music of Dj Dale Vanddusen. Cost is $40. Proceeds of this event help fund the August Westport Music Festival. Call 613-273-3636 for reservations. www.westportartscouncil.ca

June 5, Rideau Lakes Artists June Show
Come to the United Church in Westport on June 5, 10 AM - 5 PM and Sunday June 6, 1 -4 PM to see a variety of original works. www.rideaulakesartists.com
for more information.

June 26, Westport Heritage Festival
Farm & Craft Market, Bedford Street, 9am - 4pm. The 4th Annual Westport Heritage Festival features a select group of quality vendors, selling arts, crafts, gifts and food. Enjoy the heritage displays & museum tours; Lots of musical entertainment and a children’s area with face painting, balloon animals and clowns.

June 27, Gospel Concert
Join us in the early afternoon for gospel music at the Lion’s Club Beach. Details to be announced.

July 1, Canada Day Celebrations in Westport
The fun starts in Westport at 1 PM with opening ceremonies at The Rideau District Museum followed by a bicycle parade for the kids. Activities then move to the Lions Club Beach where there are Air Castles, Food and entertainment. No Canada Day would be complete without fireworks and the show at the beach is nothing short of spectacular. And, the entertainment is all free!

July 3-4, Rideau Lakes Studio and Garden Tour
The 12th annual Rideau Lakes Studio and Garden tour takes place July 3 and 4. Studios are open 10 AM -5 PM. Brochures are available at many stores and The Visitors Welcome Centre in Westport. Call Sherry @ 613-928-3041 for more information.

31, July 2010 - Rideau Waterway Land Trust Summer Festival
This event will be held at the Newboro Lock Station beginning at 10 AM. There is fun for the whole family…including a full children’s program in the afternoon. For more info, contact the RWLT at sharon@rwlt.org.

August 14, Westport Music Festival
The Westport Arts Council presents it’s 4th annual FREE festival. There will be 9 bands on 3 outdoor stages - The Cove Country Inn, A Victorian Reflection and SOHO’s. Performances start at noon with a “kids show” on the Cove stage. There will be special evening performance at The Cove beginning at 8:00 PM - 5$ cover charge.
www.westportartscouncil.ca


August 27-29, Rideau Valley Art Festival
The Rideau Valley Art Festival is held annually in Westport, the heart of the historic Rideau Valley. Last year the festival was home to 63 artists. Festival organizers search out original works of art by well-known and new artists whose work is juried before acceptance, the Board of Directors ensures high-quality work and a showcase of exceptional talent. Westport Community Centre. For more information visit www.rideauvalleyartfestival.com.

September 19, Writer’ Reading Sunday
The Westport Arts Council presents it’s 3rd annual “Writers Reading” where authors read from their published works. Come to the United Church (corner of Church and Spring) from 1:00 -4:00PM. Tickets cost $20 and are available at Stillwater Books and Treasures, 31D Main Street and Murphy’s Barber Shop, 5 Church Street. Proceeds of this event help fund the August Westport Music Festival. www.westportartscouncil.ca

October 2, Theatrical Concert - Grievous Angel: The Legend of Gram Parsons
This play stars Anders Drerup and Kelly Prescott as Gram and Emmylou Harris. The show was inspired by Michael Bate’s March 1973 interview with the doomed singer in Boston. It was Parsons’ last recorded conversation. The theatrical concert is produced and directed by Michael Bate, written by Michael Bate with David McDonald. http://www.legendofgramparsons.com
. Proceeds of this event help fund the August Westport Music Festival. www.westportartscouncil.ca

October 9-11, Fall Colours Studio Tour
The annual Fall Colours Studio Tour takes place October 9,10,11. This year we have added many new artists and 3 new studios to our tour. Visit our 15 picturesque studios in and around the village of Westport. Join us as we open our doors to the public for this free, self-guided tour, now in it’s 21st year. Many of the artists will be demonstrating while working on new pieces at their studios. This is a wonderful opportunity to add to your own collection or to get a jump on your Christmas shopping with exquisite one of a kind works of art. Tour maps are available at a variety of area businesses and tourist information centers. http://artatwork.ca/westport_studiotours/index.html.