Beacher Patti Friday Publishes New Novel

Click here for details. Read first 4 chapters here.

He Shoots He Scores

Being awesome intimidates people. Be awesome anyway

Cultural Attractions in Wasaga Beach

Explore other cultures in the historical museums, art galleries, events/festivals and natural attractions. Watch in fascination as curtain rises on scenes from favourite playwrights, comedies and grand musicals. Discover Simcoe County's many fascinating cultural and heritgae attractions.

Wasaga Beach ONLY has ONE listing. (A very good one, but come on !!!) We need more!

Artist Space Initiative Wasaga Beach

Artists help make Wasaga Beach a more livable town - a town of people and neighborhoods, a center of cultural life, and a stronger economic center. They function as small businesses by providing jobs and services for beach residents. Artists help transform marginal neighborhoods into dynamic communities. Frequently, festivals, galleries, small performance spaces and small retail spring up in these same areas through the work of resident artists, generating a vibrant street life that acts as a deterrent to crime, dramatically enhancing the quality of neighborhoods for both the people who live there and people who visit. But do Wasaga Beach Artists have dedicated spaces to work and live in?

Space/real estate concerns are a primary issue for Wasaga Beach artists. Is the Mayor's Office working to retain existing spaces for artists and creating new ones?

Wasaga Beach needs to create spaces that:
are permanently dedicated to artists through deed restrictions or similar legal mechanisms;
are located in buffer zones between industrial and residential neighborhoods in locations that do not support traditional family housing; and
offer live/work spaces (space where artists combine their residence with their work area, typically in an open floor plan offering large, flexible work areas) or work-only spaces (where residential use is not allowed) for rent and for purchase at a variety of prices with a preference for Wasaga Beach residents.

In a perfect world (in the near future), what Live/Work Guidelines would be created to help Artists?

Cultural Tourism

Tourists in Wasaga Beach generate money for our town. Most people think of tourists as visitors from other areas of the country or other countries altogether. But because Wasaga Beach "could" host so many varied vacation and cultural experiences, it benefits us all to expand our definition of tourists as people who live close by, in the next town over, or clear across the province.

"Cultural Tourism."
Annually, tourists in Wasaga Beach:
Generate direct spending
Generate revenue in provincial and local taxes
Support jobs in a variety of industries






What, Exactly, is Cultural Tourism?



Cultural Tourism is the travel industry's term describing travel and visitation activities directed at an area's arts, heritage, recreational and natural resources. Visitors make destination choices related directly to a region's performance, artistic, architecture and historical offerings. In Wasaga Beach, we have one of the world's greatest natural destinations, but do we have one of the world's best cultural destinations?




Why Is Cultural Tourism Hot Now?

Cultural Tourists are a force to be reckoned with.

Here's why:
Cultural Tourism is the fastest growing sector of the travel industry.
Cultural Tourists spend $62 more per day and $200 more per trip than other travelers.
Cultural Tourists include multiple destinations during a visit and stay one half-day longer at each destination.
Cultural Tourists have higher levels of income.
How Can I Take Advantage of the Cultural Tourism Boom?

Getting a piece of the Cultural Tourism pie takes planning, creativity, collaboration and a good knowledge of the basics.



Check out MCC to learn how they are succeeding in Cultural Tourism. What can we all do next?



Learn More:

10 Ways to Tap into Cultural Tourism

Simcoe County Cultural Attractions

Cultural Tourism Glossary

Artist Space Initiative

Toronto Artscape

VOTE for My 'Paint it Pink' Collage (Breast Cancer)

Vote here. Share. Please ask all of your friends (facebook/twitter) etc. to vote too! Thank You for supporting such a great cause! Deadline: Sept 30th, 2009 at midnight.


http://www.paintitpinkcanada.com/

Share the colour that's changing lives. You could win amazing prizes and help Avon donate up to $500,000 to breast cancer orgainizations across Canada. You vote...Avon gives $2.At Avon, every month is breast cancer awareness month. Since 1992, Avon’s breast cancer crusade has donated over $16 million to breast cancer research by launching unique and innovative programs that reach out to the public and invite them to make a difference in the fight against a disease that will affect 1 in 9... (read more)


Mission:
This summer Avon invites Canadians to Paint it Pink! Join us from June – September as we spread some pink nationwide. Our mission is to give each and every individual the chance to make a difference in the fight against breast cancer.Here's what YOU can do: Share your expressions of pink at http://www.paintitpinkcanada.com/ It’s as easy as 1-2-3:1) Make a statement in pink2) Upload a photo of it onto our site3) Invite friends to vote for your pictureAvon will donate $2 per vote to breast Cancer organizations across Canada.Log on today and nominate a charity in your neighborhood. Every vote counts because Avon has up to $500,000 to give. http://www.paintitpinkcanada.com/

Blue Pumpkin Festival Dates

The Blue Pumpkin Festival

And it has begun! The Blue Pumpkin Festival planning is in full swing. It will be a great way to get visitors to come to our town long after Labor Day and well into Thanksgiving/Halloween season. (Logo design Arthur Scott Kononuk) More details here.

Disclaimer: The Blue Pumpkin Festival name and logo are the property of Perk Promo and must not be used in any form without the prior written consent of Perk Promo. Copyright 2009

However, the name and logo may be used (generously and often!) by media, blogs and websites to promote this Wasaga Beach family event with credit and link to Perk Promo and The Blue Pumpkin Festival blog.

Ideas for October

1. Paint your own pumpkins blue (add silvery glitter to make it sparkle)

2. Invite your neighbours to participate

3. Get the schools involved

4. Sign up for the charity golf tournament. (details to follow)

5. Ask 97.7 The Beach radio to talk it up!

6. Business: Dress your windows with blue pumpkins!

SEE MORE IDEAS HERE !!!

Have Fun!

The Blue Pumpkin Festival, Wasaga Beach

Blue Pumpkins will be taking over the beach! Wasaga Beach is hosting its first annual The Blue Pumpkin Festival' this coming October. (Yeah! Remember my wish list?) Get your pumpkins spray painted, join in on the golf tournament, showcase your blue pumpkin creativity - do you grow blue pumpkins? It all came about because of Linda's blue sparkly pumpkin. Now it's all the rage! Perhaps we will enter the book of records for the most blue pumpkins. Tell your neighbours, friends and family to visit the beach in October. (This event will extend our tourism well into the fall and the local businesses need that!) What Fun! More details from Bill Frieday. here and here.

FYI: The Beach Post has quite a readership: 6,236

Loudmouth Golf Apparel Now Available in Wasaga Beach

Look your loudest and best in this fashion line from L.A. . Available in Wasaga Beach HERE. (skorts for women too!)

Beachy Images to Bring You Sunshine

Michael Jackson Pillow from Wasaga Beach

MJ RIP. Buy yours here. Made in Wasaga Beach by Sarah's Smile.

TV Crew Filming in The Beach

Beach Blooms flower/gift shop was all a buzz with a television crew! The local shop located on Mosley Street W. will be part of an episode of Rich Bride Poor Bride - it will air in November - stay tuned! How cool! Beach Blooms is owned by the lovely Denise Young. Her happy store is located at 3081 Mosley St. (west side of town, near 58th St.). 705 429 1112

The Fog of Wasaga Beach

You must experience this. I posted about the fog here too. It comes on fast; unexpected, creepy. It mists our entire beach town. Often it can be a welcome 'cooling' on a hot day. You won't want to miss it. It happened yesterday on the first day of summer.

You Should Visit Balm Beach

It's like stepping back into the 1930's and 40's. It is delightful, safe, quaint and tiny (no pun intended as it is located in Tiny Township on Georgian Bay in Ontario, Canada) - and it's tiny, but it's beachy-mighty! (I posted about it last June here) What a perfect location for a family picnic! Balm Beach is just a short, happy, meandering drive away from Wasaga Beach; you will love peeping at all the beach houses and cottages. We love to go to the world famous Georgian Grill. It has been a shore side restaurant and family arcade since 1934. You'll enjoy delicious homemade (yes truly!) burgers and poutine and onion rings to kill for. Top off the fun with a soft-serve ice cream cone. (see full menu here) The price is so right (affordable) and guess what? - my flag art hangs in there too! For nostalgic family fun that's been a tradition for generations visit Balm Beach soon! You can see a gallery of images here and a gallery of history here.

Days With My Father

HERE is a very touching website about a Father. When you get to the link keep clicking near the bottom of the page. You will do it 39 times to see 39 photos. Get a tissue. Happy Father's Day! (Dad, I Love You. Thank You for a wonderful life!)

Sunshine On A Cloudy Day Wasaga Beach

SUNSHINE ON A CLOUDY DAY IS HELPING TO BREAK DOWN BARRIERS FOR THE THIRD YEAR IN A ROW

WASAGA BEACH (June 18, 2009) –

Sunshine on a Cloudy Day will hold its Third Birthday Celebration Extravaganza between 10:00 am and 6:00 pm on Saturday June 27th, 2009 at 174 Main Street and at Dusk at 198 Main Street in Wasaga Beach. Chris Carrigan of 97.7 The Beach will be live on location from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm. The day’s festivities will include give-aways, “P.O.P.” Raffles, a Dunk Tank and a row of midway style games with prizes: 3 in a Row, Plinko, Ring Toss, Basketball Challenge and Golf Challenge. There will be live performances by Teknical Difficulties and Ear Candy, and a “Wet and Wild Car Wash” in the Dusk parking lot at 198 Main Street. Boston Pizza will be onsite serving lemonade and pizza samples. All of the day’s proceeds will be donated to Breaking Down Barriers Independent Living Resource Centre. Breaking Down Barriers strives to create a supportive community where people with disabilities can live independent lives.

Sunshine on a Cloudy Day is a new concept specialty Canadian gift store featuring homemade fudge, truffles, hand crafted art, jewellery, gourmet food, candy shoppe, bath & body products, gift baskets galore and so much more. We proudly support Canada every day - over 80% of our “smile approved” product lines are Canadian made and designed. Conveniently located on Main Street, which is home to many of the town’s motels, restaurants and campgrounds, and Faythe Pal’s other retail store Dusk located at 198 Main Street. Sunshine on a Cloudy Day offers an all around unique shopping experience at its upbeat, stylish, one-of-a-kind Wasaga Beach location.

For more information on Sunshine on a Cloudy Day, its products and its services please contact Faythe Pal at 705-422-1154 or visit http://www.sunshineonacloudyday.ca/
For more information on Breaking Down Barriers please contact Andrea Abbott-Kokosin at 705-445-1543 Ext. 203 or visit their website at http://www.breakingdownbarriers.org/

http://www.sunshineonacloudyday.ca/

Garage Sales in The Beach

You'll find the up-to-the-minute listings here on The Beach Post blog. Click HERE OR view them often - see right sidebar!

LOOK UP IN THE SKY !!! Flypasts!!!

Courtesy of Brian Kirkwood - PROBUS CLUB OF WASAGA BEACH

NOTICE:
In celebration of the Centennial of Flight in Canada (1909 to 2009) therewill be flypasts of an F-86 Sabre (Hawk 1), a CF-18 Hornet, and the Snowbirds over our region of Southern Ontario. Here is the timetable broken down by aircraft/date/time/city/town:

HAWK 1 June 22 (Monday)*

1030 hours overhead Alliston*

1033 hours overhead Borden*

1036 hours overhead Angus*

1039 hours overhead Collingwood*

1042 hours overhead Wasaga Beach*

1046 hours overhead Barrie

CF-18 HORNET June 22 (Monday)*

1330 hours overhead Alliston*

1333 hours overhead Borden*

1336 hours overhead Angus*

1339 hours overhead Collingwood*

1342 hours overhead Wasaga Beach*

1346 hours overhead Barrie

SNOWBIRDS June 23 (Tuesday)*

1300 hours overhead Alliston*

1302 hours overhead Borden*

1303 hours overhead Angus*

1306 hours overhead Collingwood*

1307 hours overhead Wasaga Beach*

1311 hours overhead Barrie

NOTE: These flypasts will be weather and service ability dependent, and as a result may not take place or may occur earlier or later than the giventimes.

Please inform your local constituents of this celebratory flypast and let

them know to "look-up" when the time arrives!

As we say in the Canadian Air Force..."Per Ardua Ad Astra!" (Through Adversity to the Stars!)Sincerely,Captain Terry Wong

Terry Wong

Captain Wing Flight Safety Officer

16 Wing Borden

National Defence

Borden ON Canada

L0M 1C0

terry.wong@forces.gc.ca
Telephone 705-424-1200 Ext 7169

Fax 705-423-3385

Government of Canada

Worsley School Band Concert

June 18th was a perfect evening in The Beach. The band shell played host to the 2 year old Worsley School Band (conducted by the talented, dedicated and enthusiastic teacher, Mr. Morin - top photo yellow shirt) and wowed the local crowd of all ages. What a great performance! Some rock, pop, jazz, classical and contemporary. You can click on the photos to enlarge. Did you know there was a band shell behind the Recplex that anyone can rent? http://www.wasagabeach.com "Making Music Makes You Smarter"

Recreate the beach house look at home

Do you dream of living or being near the water?

Come here and we'll inspire you!

Vintage Beach Style: The Comeback

Summer 2009's Hottest Swimsuits

Where to get the look.

Find Your Beach Style: Beachy BOHO

This look is dressy enough for a seaside soirée but comfortable enough for a day at an undiscovered beach.

Find Your Beach Style: Resort Glam

Go five-star. From flamboyant sun hats to extravagant cocktail dresses, this look is Hollywood glamour made appropriate for any beach setting.

Find Your Beach Style: Poolside Preppy

Pink and green is a classic color combo that looks sophisticated when punctuated with gold accessories

World's Longest Fresh Water Beach

http://www.wasagabeach.com

Share The Harvest June Through October 2009

Fresh, organic and local. From the farm to your table. 5 minutes from Wasaga Beach Walmart you'll discover a wonderful family run Vegetable CSA (also freezer beef and chicken). What are CSA farms? CSA farmers receive a set fee (from you - the consumer) prior to the start of the growing season. In return, you receive shares (produce) in the farm's bounty and you also share the risks due to weather and other factors beyond the control of the farmer.705 322 6218 Seasonal cost: 16 weeks for family of 4 = $400 (payment plan offered)

"Whispering Pines Farm and Garden is a 50 acre farm located 5 minutes south-east of Wasaga Beach, 30 minutes north-west of Barrie. We currently have beef cattle, CSA vegetable garden (June to October) and chickens which will be available late June. Our CSA vegetable garden is growing vegetables using the old fashion way using crop rotations, hand weeding and manure from the cattle. No herbicides, pesticides, genetically modified seed and/or any other chemicals are used. Our cattle are a cross of Hereford/Limousine/Red Angus and are a closed herd. Our cattle are grass-fed and free from hormones and/or any by-products used to stimulate growth and/or production.Produce: Lettuce, Peas, Carrots, Beets, Potatoes, Winter and Summer Squashes, Tomatoes, Beans, Ground Cherry's, Herbs, Onions, Cucumbers Delivery to These Areas: We will deliver if we have at least 5-10 customers at one location. Area of Coverage: Barrie, Wasaga Beach, Elmvale, Midland, Coldwater, Collingwood." - John Cullen, Liz & Jesse Dobinson

Protect Our Cottage Courts in Wasaga Beach!

If you believe like I do that the vintage cabins of Wasaga Beach should be protected by 'Heritage Building' status, then please contact our Town Council. Let's make sure part of our history never crumbles to the sandy ground. Natural disasters, neglect or demolition of historic buildings result in the erosion of our built heritage. The Heritage Canada Foundation lists endangered historic sites to alert citizens to the vulnerability of many of our heritage buildings and structures and to solicit aid for their preservation. Read more here and here.

Local Photographer Offer $40 Beach Portraits

Whether you want a photograph of yourself, your family, your pet or your gang of pretty/hot/hunky friends frolicking on the sand, you need to call Patti Friday now. Patti is booking her 2009 Summer Recession Portrait Special. $40 for an hour of shooting. (Patti's normal fee is typically $150+/hour) Photos can be taken locally anywhere in Wasaga Beach, Ontario. BOOK NOW!!! pattifriday@hotmail.com www.pattifriday.com

The Look, Feel & Essence of Beach Life

http://www.wasagabeach.com

Perfect Sexy Beach Hair

Beach Illustration - So Darn Adorable

Illustration by Gustavo Aimar

Eat Local

I'm off to Whispering Pines this morning. I am so excited! It is a farm and garden that offers a Vegetable CSA and freezer beef and chicken. I will be enjoying a farm tour, games, lunch and a lesson in making a salad dressing by Melissa Karin, Publisher of My Healthy Appetite. BUY this 'Victory Garden' painting HERE.

Beach Style

via mary ruffle

Beach Style Now (Inspiration & Ideas)

via mary ruffle

White Sandy Beach of Wasaga

I saw you in my dreams
We were walking hand in hand
On the white, sandy beach of Wasaga
We were playing in the sun
We were having so much fun
on the white, sandy beach of Wasaga
The sound of the bay
soothes my restless soul
The sound of the bay
rocks me all night long
Those hot long summer days
Lying there in the sun
on the white, sandy beach of Wasaga
The sound of the bay
soothes my restless soul
The sound of the bay
rocks me all night long
Last night in my dreams
I saw your face again
We were there in the sun
on the white, sandy beach of Wasaga

Thank You to Bill Frieday of Perk Coffee Sipping News

The Beach Bus

Some times it isn't enough to have a town bus - some times you have to kick it up a notch - and wrap the whole darn vehicle in the excitement! Great marketing and branding for Wasaga Beach. Let's ask our council to dress up the buses! (these vinyl wraps are very cost effective)

Framed Vintage Bathing Suits

How delightful! Read more here.

Snake Halts Condo Construction in Beach

One snake. Yes, one pretty snake can stop an entire contruction site. Eeeck! Yikes! Read more here.

Lawn & Garden in Wasaga Beach

I took a sunny visit to the garden centre at Superstore today. It was busy! Have a look. Lush and full. Their plants are exclusively from Canadian growers – and most are grown close to where we live. They’ve been working with local growers since their beginnings. It helps local economies and ensures we get the best quality. Long ago, they learned that buying local allows them to offer us plants that spend more time in greenhouses where they grow strong and mature, plus they travel less so they arrive in their stores fresh and ready for our purchase. Cool.

Blue Beach

Pink Beach

May Two Four Crowds

Beach 1 Wasaga Beach, May 17th, 2009.

Valley Farm Market

Eat in season. Eat locally. Eat organic. Eat within 100 miles of your home. Here's one option.

http://www.wasagabeach.com

Wonky Wasaga Beach

Cool poster. Could be about Wasaga Beach. Get it here.

CALLING ALL FILMMAKERS

I have a challenge for you! Here is a tourism ad for Blackpool; a place similar to Wasaga Beach that is in England. I think Wasaga Beach could use a fabulous television ad/internet ad/youtube ad. What do you think? Create a short ad (30 sec. or 60 sec.) and we'll publish/air it here! Thanks for your post Jan!

The United Police State of Wasaga Beach

O.K. Enough already. With all due respect, the police presence is complete and utter overkill. Our town doesn't look very 'open' to visitors (or residents), nor does it look very friendly - you (OPP) are going to scare away families - I know you are working professionally and with great care & concern to make our home safe, but I believe you are making Wasaga Beach look unsafe - plus - can't you just go to some hideaway command center beach location and be ready when we actually need you? I don't think I'm the only one who feels this way. Am I?

NOTE: My Mother was hesitant for me to speak my mind about this and my Father said, 'For goodness sake, if the Tamil Tigers can take over the Gardiner Expressway, surely Patti can use her right to freedom of speech to publish her own opinion' !!! Go Dad!

Collecting Blue & White

The classic colors of sea and sky have long inspired collectors and captured the hearts of many around the world. Sophisticated hues of blue—from delicate pastel to deep, bold navy—evoke a tranquil yet often vibrant mood, while soft white tones remind us of peaceful summer days. The appealing color combination mimics nature’s blue sky embellished with crisp white clouds, and adds endless beauty to interior décor, table settings, linens, and, of course, beloved china pieces. Blue and white collections have taken on many forms throughout the centuries. From the original Wedgwood China to Burleigh, Spode, Flow Blue, and Royal Dalton, blue and white china is timeless. Dainty teacups and saucers, porcelain platters, and various décor infused with unique floral and landscape motifs complete the look of an elegant table.