Before you look to distant locales for spring and summer fun this year, take a look at what’s going on in your own backyard first.
We’re in the midst of the May long weekend, the traditional beginning of the summer outdoors season. Our thoughts turn to holidays, camping and cottaging as we look forward to relishing the good weather. But, in addition to these pursuits, there’s a slew of events and activities taking place in Ajax and Pickering. Apart from being close to home, a consideration for many as gas prices climb higher, these festivals and other happenings are first-rate, appeal to various tastes and ages, give participants a chance to learn more about their community, make some new friends and, perhaps, get involved next year as a volunteer.
A look at the events calendars at www.townofajax.com and www.cityofpickering.com reveals the breadth of what’s going on. Here’s a sample of what’s coming up in the next month:
May 24 - Artfest: The annual arts event boasts more than 80 artists in an outdoor show and sale at the Pickering Civic Complex/Esplanade Park. There’s also free art activities for kids and teens, live performances on the gazebo and a food court.
May 25 - Steam-Up: Learn more about Pickering in the old days at the Pickering Museum Village. Check out the operating gas and steam barn, live music, wagon rides and a plant sale by Bloomers and Britches. As well, the Backwoods Players presents ‘The Knight’s Quest’.
May 28-31 - Ajax Festival of the Arts: The first Ajax arts festival features a full calendar of events and activities for everybody from the youngest members of the family to their grandparents. The Pickering Community Concert Band kicks off the festival with a free performance at Heritage Square in front of the Ajax Town Hall. For the next three days, the fun moves to Pickering Village with displays, demonstrations, an interactive play development session with StoneCircle Theatre, music and lots of stuff for the kids.
June 6-8 - Ajax/Pickering Rotary Ribfest: Another first-time event, featuring six ribbers grilling mouth-watering ribs while performers entertain in Pickering’s Esplanade Park. The live bands range from rock to jazz to country. There’s also a kids’ midway, a beer-and-wine tent and craft vendors.
June 7 - Pickering Village Jazz Festival: In its sixth year, the festival is on Old Kingston Road, closed off for the event, with two stages of music from 2:30 p.m. to midnight.
June 12 - 55+ Barbecue: Ajax residents 55 years and over are invited to a free barbecue at the Rotary Park Pavilion in Ajax. In addition to food from the grill, there’s activities, program demonstrations, information displays and live music courtesy of the Brian Rose Little Big Band.
Kids, seniors and everybody in between has months of fun in store for them right here at home.