St. Lawrence Parks ~ “The jewel of the St. Lawrence Parks system” ~ 1000 Island Parkway

The jewel of the St. Lawrence Parks system ~ 1000 Island Parkway

Ontario Visited ~ Judi McWilliams
enjoying the dock at Brown's Bay

During our travels this summer, it occurred to Gary & I that there is still so much to do, see, experience and enjoy throughout the St. Lawrence Parks. Part of the adventure is “getting there”. While travelling to Fort Henry in Kingston then on to Upper Canada Village in Morrisburg, we enjoyed the St. Lawrence Parks as we drove along the heart of the majestic Thousand Islands and at the foot of the towering Ivy Lea Suspension Bridge. This jewel of the St. Lawrence Parks system offers 150 campsites and four cabins set amid the granite and greenery of the Frontenac Arch Biosphere Reserve. It was so calm and relaxing we had a hard time continuing on, but excitement ahead spurred us on.

Brown's Bay Park ~ Part way along the 1000 Island Parkway, lies the Brown's Bay Park area. It's amazing that I had never noticed it before. I had passed it several times during our numerous journeys along the Parkway. Fortunately this trip we did notice it and ventured in for a look. We are glad that we did and have earmarked it as a place to visit again and to spend much more time there (with perhaps a picnic lunch!) To discover more about the St. Lawrence Parks Commission, please check out their website at http://www.parks.on.ca/index.cfm/en/home. Enjoy your travels!

Upper Canada Village ~ August Must See’s ~ “Food Lovers Field Day” & “Horse Lovers Weekend”

Don't Miss Out ~ Upper Canada Village

Horse Lovers Weekend ~ Upper Canada Village

Upper Canada Village ~ August Must See’s ~ “Food Lovers Field Day” & “Horse Lovers Weekend”

Our visit to Upper Canada Village and The Battle of Crysler’s Farm was outstanding! We were surprised to discover their “Discovery Centre”. It is interactive, informative, and fun! It is so unique and we feel all “kids” young and old will really enjoy! Don’t forget to join in at Upper Canada Village for their “Food Lovers Field Day” weekend August 17-18. “Food lovers will have a “field day” sampling and shopping in an outdoor farmers’ market, all located in the fairground field found in the heart of Upper Canada Village!  Also at the end of August is Upper Canada Village “Horse Lovers Weekend”, August 31 – September 31. Enjoy the many heavy horses and light driving horses which are being showcased by their owners throughout the weekend.  Marvel at the traditional horse-related skills demonstrated by Village staff and the ingenious ways horses were used in the 19^th century”. Stay tuned for articles, photos and interviews to come with the St. Lawrence Parks Commission. Don’t forget to enjoy the journey to these wonderful destinations! To discover more about the St. Lawrence Parks Commission, please check out their website at http://www.parks.on.ca/index.cfm/en/home. Enjoy your travels!

The NEW Fort Henry Experience ~ Kingston

The New Fort Henry Experience ~ Kingston

St. Lawrence Parks Commission's Director of Corporate Marketing & Development, Bryan Mercer & Ontario Visited Gary McWilliams

Sunset Ceremony Mascot

The NEW Fort Henry Experience ~ Ontario Visited was fortunate to travel back to Fort Henry to meet the St. Lawrence Parks Commission's Director of Corporate Marketing & Development, Bryan Mercer. We were at the Fort to learn more about the great changes that had been made. This was our first experience of Fort Henry’s new “TRADE SQUARE”. All the artisans "displaying" in the Trade Square were extremely talented and were quite willing to share their knowledge and experiences with us. Of course, we needed sustenance, and we were serenaded by Tourism of Kingston’s Rob Carnegie, Director of Tourism Marketing & Development while we enjoyed a delicious BBQ on the patio at the Fort. As quoted by Bryan Mercer … “Put Fort Henry on your plate… 200 seat patio with a million dollar view”. After a fabulous diner, we were treated new "SUNSET CEREMONY". I must say that the new version is quite spectacular! There is still time to enjoy the amazing Sunset Ceremony at Fort Henry in Kingston … it is definitely a “must see”! You will be completely amazed by the 3D video wall projection during the “drills” of the soldiers. It really takes your breath away, moves your heart and soul.

Battle of Crysler's Farm ~ we had stayed overnight in Brockville and travelled the next morning to Morrisburg and Upper Canada Village. It was time for the Battle of Crysler's Farm! Our visit to Upper Canada Village and The Battle of Crysler’s Farm was outstanding! We were surprised to discover their new “Discovery Centre”. It is interactive, informative, and fun! It is so unique and we feel all that “kids” young and old will really enjoy! The battle re-enactment was amazing! Hundreds of re-enactors portrayed what happened at one of the many skirmishes that place of the farm between the British and Canadians and the Americans. This year's re-enactment included one of the Tall Ships. More about the battle, with photos, will be posted soon. To discover more about the St. Lawrence Parks Commission, please check out their website at http://www.parks.on.ca/index.cfm/en/home. Enjoy your travels!

ALIVE in FIVE ~ St. Lawrence Parks Commission ~ Fort Henry ~ Will Baird

www.forthenry.com

Will Baird, Manager, Fort Henry, St. Lawrence Parks Commission

www.parks.on.ca

Ontario Visited interview Mr. Will Baird, Manager of Fort Henry, St. Lawrence Parks continues …

“Alive in Five” strategy …

In keeping up with what is relevant in consumer consumption, innovative plans are in place at Fort Henry. The revitalization of the Fort is all part of an “Alive in Five” strategy the St. Lawrence Parks Commission’s mantra to become financially self-sufficient within five years.

What that means to you, the visitor, and consumer … “The upper fort now will be free for the public too enter”… “Waiting for new visitors is a wooden deck that spans the inside walls and offers an unparalleled view of Lake Ontario and the Royal Military College. Tables and chairs for more than 100 people will be added where they can sample light dishes and beverages. Some of the rooms that line the upper fort, formerly offices, will be turned over to vendors who will turn each one into a craft room. Tables will also be set up on the upper parade square, now to be called The Trade Square, to hold more items. The market will run from Sunday May 12, through September 14. “At any given time as long as the fort is open, you will be able to walk in there, free of admission charges, and go and browse the shops”. This area will be a permanent little artisan market that includes jewelry, sculpture, paintings, glassware and other crafts made from natural materials.

This will represent the first time, in a very long time, that people will be able to get into the upper fort for free. The Fort will be keeping up with what’s relevant to the consumer today; they are on a continuous venture to keep the fort alive and current with the market.  There are a lot of folks who haven’t been to the Fort before or don’t understand what it is even. The Fort feels that if they can get the people out with a new offering, then chances are they will stay to see the real project.

Along with The Trade Square, and Sunset Ceremonies, some things you might not expect at the Fort... a concert series that will appeal to a wider demographic than usual plus two new athletic events... a triathlon at the end of the summer, and a “Spartan adventure-type race” will take place in the grounds and participants will climb walls and challenge themselves through obstacles.

The Fort hopes that they will inject a lot of life into the Fort that is centered on their core product. They are hopeful to attract a whole new audience to the facility while helping the local economy as participants and visitors will stay in area hotels, dine, shop, and have fun. The Fort Henry website is fresh and new as well. (Please see them at LINK) It is easy to map your way through and see all the exciting events, changes, plans the Fort has waiting for you!

Ontario Visited highly recommends you join in the fun and be a part of History …. “Reflection of our past …. Hope for our Future”!

Please check out Fort Henry website at (LINK) for the Sunset Ceremony details; Upper Canada Village at (LINK) and the St. Lawrence Parks Commission at (LINK).

EDUTAINMENT ~ St. Lawrence Parks Commission ~ Fort Henry ~ Will Baird

www.forthenry.com

Will Baird, Manager, Fort Henry, St. Lawrence Parks Commission

www.parks.on.ca

Ontario Visited interview Mr. Will Baird, Manager of Fort Henry, St. Lawrence Parks continues …

“EDUTAINMENT” … Looking towards the future …

Ontario Visited is extremely excited to be working this year the St. Lawrence Parks Commission, including Upper Canada Village and Fort Henry. For me, this past week was truly enlightening and encouraging, as I had the privilege of interview Mr. Will Baird, Manager of Fort Henry - St. Lawrence Parks Commission who shared some of his “Edutainment... Educating while Entertaining"!

“Edutainment business” as Mr. Will Baird, Manager of Fort Henry tell men is what visitors will take away from their experience of this 1860’s historical representation. The hopes are that visitors will take away some excitement from the past. Exciting messages help will ingrain the learning experience into an entertaining experience providing knowledge and insight along the way. Fort Henry will be present in a more realistic re-enactment, recreating history in the first person. Mr. Baird tells me …The more realistic to your audience the more they will take away.

Stay tuned for my upcoming Blogs, Articles and Newsletters. In the meantime, please check out Fort Henry website at (LINK) for the Sunset Ceremony details; Upper Canada Village at (LINK) and the St. Lawrence Parks Commission at (LINK).

I Love My Job ~ Fort Henry ~ Will Baird ~ St. Lawrence Parks Commission

www.forthenry.com

Will Baird, Manager, Fort Henry, St. Lawrence Parks Commission

www.parks.on.ca

Ontario Visited interview Mr. Will Baird, Manager of Fort Henry, St. Lawrence Parks continues …

“I love my JOB!” … Being Passionate about History & Your Job!

Can you image going to a job, work every day and loving it! Ontario Visited is my job, my work, my passion and I love every day! I get many opportunities to interview many interesting, knowledgeable leaders, organizers and experts in the industry. I get to engage in enlightening conversations and learn so much that most people never get a glimmer of. I was excited to hear Mr. Will Baird, Manager of Fort Henry - St. Lawrence Parks Commission talk about his passion and love for his job and history. I asked him if he was worried about the “changes” and he states that he “thrives on change” and he “loves the process of change”! Will tells me that Fort Henry is changing; the overall direction of the business, an entire new way to look at the future. Mr. Baird goes on to say the Fort Henry is looking to the communities, private large venues, other museums, historical sites, and more to see the opportunities that Fort Henry can draw on for inspiration. Will’s motivation and enthusiasm each and every day comes from his passion! Will has passion for history, passion for people, and passion for change. He compared the stresses of another types of job, such as a Police Officer, or Doctors where one could assume the stress levels would be there often, he does not feel stressed. Baird tells me he is in a position to create and change while still sharing history. What a great opportunity. Going to work every day, Mr. Baird still needs to deal with what he calls the mundane stuff, like e-mails, correspondence, then the rest of the day he engages with others in development, research, and the ongoing pursuits to enhance the visitor experience at Fort Henry.

Stay tuned for my upcoming Blogs, Articles and Newsletters. In the meantime, please check out Fort Henry website at (LINK) for the Sunset Ceremony details; Upper Canada Village at (LINK) and the St. Lawrence Parks Commission at (LINK).

Controversy, Historians & Accuracy ~ Fort Henry ~ St. Lawrence Parks Commission ~ Will Baird

www.forthenry.com

Will Baird, Manager, Fort Henry, St. Lawrence Parks Commission

www.parks.on.ca

Ontario Visited interview Mr. Will Baird, Manager of Fort Henry, St. Lawrence Parks continues …

Controversy … Historians, artifacts, accuracy …

Mr. Will Baird, Manager of Fort Henry - St. Lawrence Parks Commission, talked to me today about one of my favorite topics … authenticity, accuracy and the controversy that may occur between true historians and re-enactors, re-enactments. I have had the privilege of interviewing re-enactors, history teachers, Ministers of Heritage and Official Languages, Historians and more. Today, Mr. Baird gave me a very enlightening view. Will tells us that the proper portrayal of facts is of utmost importance and should not be misinterpreted. This can happen easily, he tells me. While portraying traditions you can get caught up in the delivery of the message. The message, however, needs to be transferred effectively.

Mr. Baird goes on to say … that it not necessarily how the message is passed on, but, that it is passed on! Will states … people can get caught up a lot in their efforts to be 100% accurate. He himself states that this happens to him. He says that there can be cohesiveness’ between the reality of interpretation and true history enthusiasts.

Fort Henry’s core business is to preserve millions of dollars of artifacts. Will Baird says that it is Fort Henry’s goal to preserve the core, but, they can spread the word, pass on the historical messages by engaging people. It is very important to not tread on people emotions and to always respect the values of true historians. It is important to value their connection. There is a museum management program in place, of course, to prevent deterioration. However, Fort Henry’s new strategies are in place to encourage youth and visitors alike to embrace history. Mr. Baird says, and I agree, if you don’t share the history, how will it be preserved and learned by? Perhaps how you engage our ever changing society and cultural world today is the key to the continuation of history. As I quote often, “Reflection of our past …. Hope for our Future”!

Stay tuned for my upcoming Blogs, Articles and Newsletters. In the meantime, please check out Fort Henry website at (LINK) for the Sunset Ceremony details; Upper Canada Village at (LINK) and the St. Lawrence Parks Commission at (LINK).

The Famous, New, Exciting SUNSET CEREMONIES ~ Fort Henry ~ St. Lawrence Parks Commission ~ Will Baird

www.forthenry.com

Will Baird, Manager, Fort Henry, St. Lawrence Parks Commission

www.parks.on.ca

Ontario Visited interview Mr. Will Baird, Manager of Fort Henry, St. Lawrence Parks continues …

The Famous NEW, EXCITING Sunset Ceremony … A GAME CHANGER …

The Fort’s famous Sunset Ceremonies have expanded to two nights a week, with a new 3-D projection technology, that will bring the walls of the Fort to life. Will Baird, Manager of Fort Henry - St. Lawrence Parks Commission says “this is a total game changer for us”. The Fort is re-branding its look from just a narrative presentation to more theatrical performance, including the use of a 3D wall projection.

During our past visits to the Fort, the Sunset Ceremonies were exciting to Gary and me. The music was captivating! There was precision marching and firing drill demonstrations! Excitement was in the air! The Fort Henry Guard, dressed in its crimson uniforms, performed highly technical drill maneuvers and then demonstrated mock battle re-enactments. All, demonstrating what friends and foes must have experienced in the 1800’s. "The Sunset Ceremony started off with a bang, drums beating, rifles firing and cannons booming! The receding sun brought magnificent colours to the western sky! As the night grew darker, the noise and colour caused by the re-enactment intensified!" You can read more about our visit in our past article (Please see LINK).

Today, Will Baird, Manager of Fort Henry - St. Lawrence Parks Commission describes the NEW technology as a “game changer”… “The new 3-D projection technology will bring the walls of the Fort to life”... “The concept is to use the wall like a canvas” says Will. “The 3-D technology will be a central part of events such as the Sunset Ceremony".

As I described our visit in the past to Mr. Baird, he points out to me that much of the experience was based on our imagination! The Guards were firing at an invisible enemy with invisible shots. The “new game” may look like this … While the artillery is firing at a Sunset Ceremony, a scene may be projected on the walls to show what an attack on the fort might have looked like. The part played by the guard may be the same, but the images will bring it into the 21^st century. The ceremony will still contain the core elements, focused on the guard, but presented in a much more theatrical way. For example, while the guards are firing artillery, a scene will be projected on the walls showing what an attack on the fort might have looked like.

As Will described to me … Can you imagine the British Flag flying high and fluttering on the Fort wall during the demonstration. It changes the ambience and entire feel. The power of the projection also has Optical Illusions. That will enhance the experience.

Stay tuned for my upcoming Blogs, Articles and Newsletters. In the meantime, please check out Fort Henry website at (LINK) for the Sunset Ceremony details; Upper Canada Village at (LINK) and the St. Lawrence Parks Commission at (LINK).

Who Said History Was Boring ~ Fort Henry ~ St. Lawrence Parks Commission ~ Will Baird

www.forthenry.com

Will Baird, Manager, Fort Henry, St. Lawrence Parks Commission

www.parks.on .ca

Ontario Visited interview Mr. Will Baird, Manager of Fort Henry, St. Lawrence Parks continues …

Who said History was boring? ….

While to some history may be perceived as not very exciting, but to Fort Henry and its staff, it is! Fort Henry’s fresh outlook, as Mr. Will Baird, Manager of Fort Henry tells me, will portray the “Real Picture”, not fiction, the real thing, the real life!

Will tells me... History, as it is being taught in our educational systems today, he feels that it is being taught in a form of disservice.  How students and citizens had to learn history in the past was based on “facts”, memorizing them without putting into context. Will states, it’s not a judgment on school curriculum, but he feels if more teachers were passionate in “painting the history picture rather than just facts, history might not be so boring”. Today Fort Henry has the opportunity to bridge the gap and help create a new passion for our youth and citizens of our society today.

Stay tuned for my upcoming Blogs, Articles and Newsletters. In the meantime, please check out Fort Henry website at (LINK) for the Sunset Ceremony details; Upper Canada Village at (LINK) and the St. Lawrence Parks Commission at (LINK).

Why is History Important ~ St. Lawrence Parks Commission ~ Fort Henry ~ Will Baird

www.forthenry.com

Will Baird, Manager, Fort Henry, St. Lawrence Parks Commission

www.parks.on.ca

Ontario Visited interview Mr. Will Baird, Manager of Fort Henry, St. Lawrence Parks continues …

Why is History important? …

Fort Henry feels that Canadian History and “living history” is important, so I wanted to know how important the history is and how do it impact our society today?

Will replies … The Fort provides the ability to connect history to Canadians, both new Canadians and Current Canadians, and visitors from around the World.  Fort Henry helps connect a cross section where we have been to now. Mr. Baird tells me a lot of where we are going is determined a lot by where you have been. Fort Henry is an exciting part of the connection of the Rideau Canal, and is able to connect to the public the relevance of the large part of why it was created.

Why is that important … Mr. Baird says … The Canal is a significant part of history, as it greatly affects our ability to travel today. We need to remember that travel was not easy in the United States, especially for a British Citizen. He goes on to say about history, that we can learn to understand the value of small inventions, such as electricity. Can the youth of today imagine a world without e-mails, i-pods, computers, cell phones and so much more? Baird reminds us that being mindful of that (history) is important.

Stay tuned for my upcoming Blogs, Articles and Newsletters. In the meantime, please check out Fort Henry website at (LINK) for the Sunset Ceremony details; Upper Canada Village at (LINK) and the St. Lawrence Parks Commission at (LINK).

MAID for a MUSKET ~ Career of a Playwright ~ Secrets to Success

www.stlawrenceshakespeare.ca

Ian Farthing, Artistic Director, St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival

Lucia Frangione, International Award Winning Playwright

As part of the War of 1812 Celebrations, Ontario Visited is excited to share some “SCOOP” about their upcoming performance “MAID for a MUSKET”, a brand new comedy by Lucia Frangione, Original music by Melissa Morris. Ian Farthing, Artistic Director of the St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival has kindly introduced us to Ms. Lucia Frangione, internationally produced award winning playwright and actor. Together with Ian’s input, we continue …

IMPORTANCE of the ST. LAWRENCE SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL … IMPACTING the CAREER of a PLAYWRIGHT …

Ian Farthing, Artistic Director, St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival, is also an accomplished Director/Actor/Singer/Performer. He is also “witty” “cleaver”, kind, generous and thoughtful! Once again, I called on Ian for his input with the next question for Lucia Frangione. Ian asked … “How does working with a Festival, such as the St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival, impact the career of a Playwright. Lucia tells us …“Ian has given me to the opportunity to write for a new audience, a large cast (a rare luxury, most theatres tend to produce new Canadian plays with a cast of six or less) and delve into a piece of history I didn’t know much about beforehand. I also had the opportunity to study one of Shakespeare’s lesser known plays, Love’s Labour’s Lost. I am able to write a play that is, in a way, a love letter to the people of Prescott. Not only to honor the people in the town’s past but to celebrate the particular things that make that little corner of the world beautiful and unique: the river, the wild flowers, some of the historical buildings…that sort of thing. The royalties go to a living breathing Canadian writer, a single Mom who really needs the pay cheque, unlike, say, Noel Coward’s estate.”

IMPORTANCE OF VOLUNTEERS … ST. LAWRNECE SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL SECRETS TO SUCCESS …

For many festivals and events, historical sites, attractions and museums, it is critical to have Volunteers! For this edition of THE INSIDE SCOOP I asked Ian Farthing, Artistic Director, St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival if he could share with us some techniques on managing so many volunteers, performers? Mr. Farthing tells us …“Organization is key! At the St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival we hire a full-time outreach coordinator each summer whose job is partly to recruit, train, schedule and retain volunteers. The key to having a successful team of volunteers is to ensure that each person knows that their contribution is valued and vital. And to make it fun! If people are giving their time and talents voluntarily, we want them to enjoy themselves! In a way, it can be very similar when dealing with an ensemble of actors. You'll get the best out of a cast if they feel their contribution is essential to the production.”

Ontario Visited thanks both Lucia Frangione and Ian Farthing, St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival! Check out their website for the details (www.stlawrenceshakespeare.ca), plan on a fun, and great, memorable time!

Call for Vendors ~ Fort Henry ~ St. Lawrence Parks Commission ~ Will Baird

www.forthenry.com

Will Baird, Manager, Fort Henry, St. Lawrence Parks Commission

www.parks.on.ca

Ontario Visited interview Mr. Will Baird, Manager of Fort Henry, St. Lawrence Parks continues …

 “CALL FOR VENDORS”

New for 2013... Fort Henry is excited to announce The Trade Square. The Trade Square is Kingston's newest shopping district inside the walls of the Fort. Shoppers will enter the Upper Fort free of charge, shop the rooms and outdoor stalls and have lunch or dinner on Kingston's newest outdoor patio which overlooks the beautiful city.

The Trade Square will operate Wednesday - Sunday from June 29th - September 2nd, plus run throughout Fort Fright. Core hours will be 10:00am - 5:00pm, with extended hours occurring on holidays, special events and Sunset Ceremony nights throughout the summer. Vendors will include artists, crafts people, retailers, museums, organizations, and food & beverage providers.

Call for Vendors

“The Trade Square will include indoor spaces and outdoor spaces, seasonal and monthly options. In total there are 7 casements and 20 outdoor spaces. Space will be allotted and booked based on space requirements of vendor. Seasonal rentals will be given preference on booking. Indoor monthly or seasonal spaces can operate as a studio / retail space where artists and vendors are encouraged to work as well as sell. The main season will be June 29 - September 2, which includes the Canada Day Market and Civic Holiday Market as well as other special events during that time period at no extra charge.”

Get in touch with the Fort today to join in the fun! In the meantime, please check out Fort Henry website at (LINK) for the Sunset Ceremony details; Upper Canada Village at (LINK) and the St. Lawrence Parks Commission at (LINK).

MAID for a MUSKET ~ Greater Opportunities for Our Next Generation

www.stlawrenceshakespeare.ca

Ian Farthing, Artistic Director, St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival 

Lucia Frangione, International Award Winning Playwright

 As part of the War of 1812 Celebrations, Ontario Visited is excited to share some “SCOOP” about their upcoming performance “MAID for a MUSKET”, a brand new comedy by Lucia Frangione, Original music by Melissa Morris. Ian Farthing, Artistic Director of the St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival has kindly introduced us to Ms. Lucia Frangione, internationally produced award winning playwright and actor. Together with Ian’s input, we continue …
GREATER OPPORTUNTIES FOR OUR NEXT GENERATION …

Lucia Frangione, continues on telling what she felt was the importance of the performing arts in our society today.

“A Canadian playwright will understand the Canadian experience and it is different from other places in the world. I will speak your language. I will have your sense of humor. I do know the color of your sky. I have tasted the first strawberries in Ontario and picked them with my father. I have been bitten by horseflies. I have walked along the St Lawrence River as the sun sets. I have been so humidly hot in the summer I want to jump into a bath full of ice cubes. I have been in love with a boy who plays lacrosse and have kissed his face, his face with the tiny bit of ice crystal snot around the nose, hoping it doesn’t melt too fast…you might be chuckling or wincing right now reading this, why? Because you’ve done the same thing! I watch you and listen to you and put you up on the stage and share your voice with the rest of the world. You think Beyonce is going to do that? You think Tarantino can? No. They’re great novelties and amazing artists. But we tell each other who we are. We inform each other what we believe in, who we love, what we live for, what we strive to be. That is irreplaceable.”

GREATER OPPORTUNTIES FOR OUR NEXT GENERATION …

As our society changes with technology, I asked Ms. Frangione is she had any suggestions on how to encourage the youth today to participate in such a unique “field” that requires passion, talent, dedication and devotion. Lucia tells us …“I think my generation was the “TV generation” and the fear was that technology would replace all the live arts. I do see the youth today obsessed with their ipads, video games, itunes, etc, sure. But I also see the returned pleasure and value being found in taking dance, music lessons, drama…all the live arts. I think there is greater opportunity for this next generation to share their talent with the world through utube, social networking etc. A teenager now has the technology and networking available to them to shoot their own film, their own music video, their own live poetry reading, their dance routine, their piano concert, get it on line and share it with the world electronically or market a live event. It’s really amazing.”

Stay tuned for more exciting “SCOOP” from Lucia Frangione and Ian Farthing, St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival! Check out their website for the details (www.stlawrenceshakespeare.ca), plan on a fun, and great, memorable time!

Exciting News from the FORT ~ Fort Henry ~ St. Lawrence Parks Commission ~ Will Baird

www.forthenry.com

Will Baird, Manager, Fort Henry, St. Lawrence Parks Commission

www.parks.on.ca

 Ontario Visited interview Mr. Will Baird, Manager of Fort Henry, St. Lawrence Parks Commission

“EDUTAINMENT”… Looking towards the future … EXCITING NEWS from the “FORT”

Ontario Visited is extremely pleased to be working, this year, with the St. Lawrence Parks Commission, including Upper Canada Village and Fort Henry. For me, this past week was truly enlightening, as I had the privilege of interviewing Mr. Will Baird, Manager of Fort Henry - St. Lawrence Parks Commission. Will shared some “Edutainment” enthusiasm and excitement with us. For those of you who are not familiar with the word “Edutainment”, I believe it is the process of combing “EDUCATION with ENTERTAINMENT”. We will be posting Blog articles over the next few weeks talking with Mr. Will Baird about: “Edutainment”; “Why is history important!”, “Who said History was boring?”; “ The Famous NEW, EXCITING Sunset Ceremony”; “Controversy … Historians, artifacts, accuracy”; “Alive in Five” strategy: “The Trade Square”, “The most exciting Job ever!”, “TOTAL GAME CHANGER” …and more! 

We being our Journey … In keeping up with what is relevant in consumer consumption; innovative plans are in place at Fort Henry. The revitalization of the Fort is all part of an “Alive in Five” strategy the St. Lawrence Parks Commission’s mantra to become financially self-sufficient within five years. What that means to you, the visitor, and consumer … “The upper fort now will be free for the public to enter”… “Waiting for new visitors is a wooden deck that spans the inside walls and offers an unparalleled view of Lake Ontario and the Royal Military College. Tables and chairs for more than 100 people will be added where they can sample light dishes and beverages. Some of the rooms that line the upper fort, formerly offices, will be turned over to vendors who will turn each one into a craft room. Tables will also be set up on the upper parade square, now to be called The Trade Square, to hold more items. The market will run from Sunday May 12, through September 14. “At any given time as long as the fort is open, you will be able to walk in there, free of admission charges, and go and browse the shops”. This area will be a permanent little artisan market that includes jewelry, sculpture, paintings, glassware and other crafts made from natural materials.

Don’t worry! …Mr. Baird tells me in part of our interview… It is important to continue to “get the historical message out there” … that it is not necessarily how the message is passed on, but, that it is passed on! Will states … "people can get caught up a lot in their efforts to be 100% accurate". Mr. Baird says that there can be cohesiveness between the reality of interpretation and true history enthusiasts. Fort Henry’s core business is to preserve millions of dollars of artifacts. Will Baird says that it is Fort Henry’s goal to preserve the core, but, they can spread the word, pass on the historical messages by engaging people. 

Stay tuned for my upcoming Blogs, Articles and Newsletters. In the meantime, please check out Fort Henry website at (LINK) for the Sunset Ceremony details; Upper Canada Village at (LINK) and the St. Lawrence Parks Commission at (LINK). 

MAID for a MUSKET ~ Importance of Performing Arts in our Society Today

www.stlawrenceshakespeare.ca

Ian Farthing, Artistic Director, St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival

Lucia Frangione, International Award Winning Playwright

As part of the War of 1812 Celebrations, Ontario Visited is excited to share some “SCOOP” about their upcoming performance “MAID for a MUSKET”, a brand new comedy by Lucia Frangione, Original music by Melissa Morris. Ian Farthing, Artistic Director of the St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival has kindly introduced us to Ms. Lucia Frangione, internationally produced award winning playwright and actor. Together with Ian’s input, we continue …

IMPORTANCE OF PERFORMING ARTS in our SOCIETY TODAY! …

This might be one of my favorite questions to ask. Ontario Visited often finds out by asking, “What is the importance of living history”, “What is the importance of Volunteers”, “What is the importance of festivals and event” and; what social and economical impact occurs as a result in our society today! Today I asked Lucia Frangione, what she felt was the importance of the performing arts in our society today. This might be my favorite reply … She shares …

“All of us live and breathe art every single hour of every single day. We just don’t think about it as art necessarily. The colour on our walls. The print on our dress. The CD in our car. The episode on TV. The Christmas pageant our kids are in. When we need a little pick up to our day, we turn on the radio and search out a good song. When we want a little mental break from work, we pick out a good book. When we can’t understand some aspect of our own behavior or the confusing maddening behavior of our lover, our child, our neighbor, our neighboring country…we seek out some kind of story to help understand them better: a film, a novel, a play, an essay, an article, a photograph. Like hospitals, schools, political and spiritual constructs, urban infrastructure, social programs for the disadvantaged…a civilized society has always contributed financially through taxes or tries to keep these charitable organizations available to all people, not just for the rich and powerful. Can you imagine how crappy our art would be if we only created it for those who could pay for it?

Some worry about the future of theatre, that it is outmoded by film and tv. That’s as ridiculous as saying itunes will replace all live concerts or photography will replace sculpture.

There is something about being “live”, tangible, first person, that simply can’t be replaced. Live is harder. It’s immediate; you have to be spot on. There’s no retake. But that’s where the excitement is. That woman is actually singing that beautifully right in front of you. That man is actually dripping beads of sweat in this sword fight, that’s his technique, his footwork, his skill, his athleticism: it’s not animated. Those aren’t manufactured emotions. That’s real pain the actors find and reveal for the sake of bringing a character alive for your entertainment but also for a kind of connection with you.
Sure, I like an imported kiwi once in a while, but I think there is greater value in live, fresh, local art, just as there is more nutrient value in live, fresh local produce.

Stay tuned for more exciting “SCOOP” from Lucia Frangione and Ian Farthing, St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival! Check out their website for the details (www.stlawrenceshakespeare.ca), plan on a fun, and great, memorable time!

MAID for a MUSKET ~ Planning, Auditions, Concept, Musical Collaboration

www.stlawrenceshakespeare.ca

Ian Farthing, Artistic Director, St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival

Lucia Frangione, International Award Winning Playwright

As part of the War of 1812 Celebrations, Ontario Visited is excited to share some “SCOOP” about their upcoming performance “MAID for a MUSKET”, a brand new comedy by Lucia Frangione, Original music by Melissa Morris. Ian Farthing, Artistic Director of the St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival has kindly introduced us to Ms. Lucia Frangione, internationally produced award winning playwright and actor. Together with Ian’s input, we continue …

Auditions, Planning, Concept, MUSICAL Collaboration … MAID for a MUSKET …

Ian Farthing, Artistic Director, St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival, shares with us that nearly 1000 submissions from actors across the country wanted to audition for the season, which includes Hamlet. I was able to ask Ms. Frangione, how long did it take to come up with the concept and then create and write “Maid for a Musket”? I was surprised by her answer … “I didn’t have a lot of time, actually. A year and a half. I usually like to have two years at least. I had a lot of history to wade through too, but it was all very interesting and fun work.” Ian Farthing goes on to tell us … “As Lucia mentioned, we've done the whole new play creation process in just over 18 months, but in terms of planning the mainstage season, things are usually mapped out 2 years ahead”.

Ontario Visited wondered what Ms Frangione duties/roles are prior to and during a production for “Maid for a Musket?” She tells us …“I really hand over the reigns to the director but I’m around to make any edits and changes to the script that they inevitably discover in rehearsals. In this case, I am around for the first week of rehearsals and the last week right up to opening night.”

Maid for a Musket, at this year’s St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival features Original Music by Melissa Morris. We have had the privilege of watching Melissa Morris over the course of the past 4 years at the St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival and enjoyed her roles and performances. Melissa is a drama and music graduate of Queen's University. She is also an actor and singer, music director and composer. I asked Ms. Frangione if she could tell us a little about her experience and collaborations with Melissa pertaining to “Maid for a Musket” creation. Lucia replies … “Our collaboration was long distance so we didn’t get to talk much. She was quick accommodating and super talented. It was easy because she’s utterly capable.”

Stay tuned for more exciting “SCOOP” from Lucia Frangione and Ian Farthing, St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival! Check out their website for the details (www.stlawrenceshakespeare.ca), plan on a fun, and great, memorable time!