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Plenty of things to do Saturday at annual Founders’ Day

June 30, 2015   ·   0 Comments

With school out, the first full week of summer has been full of free activities for parents to enjoy with their kids in town. Coming after yesterday’s Canada Day celebrations at the Alder Street recreation centre will be Orangeville’s annual Founder’s Day festival on Saturday, bringing together food, performances, vendors and entertainment for a full day of things to keep every member of the family occupied.

Founders’ Day, a project of the Orangeville BIA, used to be known as Founders’ Days when it occupied a whole weekend. It has been a long-standing local tradition that lets residents experience all kinds of interesting vendors, animals, and buskers, leading to the fond ‘Busker’s Festival’ name favoured by many in town.

This year, the event promises not to disappoint, as the BIA brings back many favourite aspects of the festival, as well as new ones, including kicking off with the new Shining Stars Talent Show at 9 a.m. on the MacMaster Main Stage. And as always, the Farmers’ Market will begin at 8 a.m., giving the perfect start to a day on the town.

Along with a huge Sidewalk Sale, there will also be an all-day Ball Hockey Tournament taking place on Second Street, a number of fun kids’ activities on Broadway, Alexandra Park, and Mill Street, as well as a beautiful display of artwork and artists at Broadway and First.

Starting at 11 a.m., residents will also have the opportunity to take in the sounds of music from the Battle of the Bands, and enjoy live entertainment throughout the day with a number of local performers and new buskers sharing their skills at three locations (the MacMaster Stage, Tom’s Martial Arts Entertainment Area, and the Mill Street Stage).

“Fantastic sales, inspiring art, and delicious food will be the order of the day but Founders’ Day in Orangeville wouldn’t be the same without street performers, and this year is no exception,” said the BIA in a press release.

“With all new buskers performing at various locations along Broadway, you won’t see the same show twice.  From insane fire shows to crazy jugglers, astounding magic acts to kids’ chalk art, the non-stop action will keep everyone entertained.”

The musical, dance and vocal performances promise to be a strong source of entertainment, as those in attendance will have the opportunity to hear a number of great local artists, including the ever-favourite Campfire Poets who will perform on the Main Stage from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

“Dancing in the street is optional but highly encouraged,” added the BIA in their press release. “Your toes will be a tappin’ to some great music performed by a variety of professional bands, playing both covers and original music not only on the MacMaster Main Stage, but also on Mill Street.  Don’t forget to check out the Battle of the Bands 11 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. and Jokers Wild on Mill Street later in the afternoon.”

As well, Heritage Orangeville will be offering a guided Heritage Walking Tour at 1 p.m. leaving from a circle in front of the town hall.

As usual, Broadway will be closed to traffic between First and Second streets, as well as Mill Street between Broadway and Armstrong.

For more information or to access a complete performance schedule, visit DowntownOrangeville.ca. Although Founders’ Day is a rain-or-shine event, the long-range outlook is for a sunny day with temperatures in the mid-20s C.

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