ART & ANTIQUES

Art in the County - to July 4
PEC Arts Council's 17th annual juried art show and sale features a wide assortment of work in dozens of media including watercolour, acrylic, oil, glass, fibre, ceramics, encaustic, photography, sculpture, jewellery and much more. Free admission, stairs to the show. Open daily 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. with extended hours on July 1 to 7:00 p.m. for the Gallery Walk & Share The Canvas events. Visit www.artinthecounty.com

Quilt Show - July 10 and 11
Prince Edward County Quilters Guild presents its popular A Stitch in Time - More Than a Quilt Show. The quality of quilts, wall hangings and other pieces is very high in this judged show with featured artists, quilt sales, demonstrations, tea room, merchants mall and silent auction, too. 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at 375 Main St. E., Picton. Admission $5 For details contact mjtucker@sympatico.ca or 613-476-0334, or lynn.vince@gmail.com 613-476-7751 and visit pec.on.ca/quiltersguild/

27th Annual W.I. Art & Craft Sale - July 29
A perennial favourite show and sale with 250 vendors inside and out and beautiful crafts galore: stained glass, paintings, clothing, wood products, furniture, pottery, jewellery, wind chimes, toys...delicious food available, free parking and wheelchair accessible. Bus groups welcome. Adults $3, under 12s are free, at Picton Fairgrounds, Main St. E., from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Details call 613-399-1079 or 613-394-9914 or contact bcmcmahon@bellnet.ca

Paint the County - July 31
Sponsored by Picton's Arts on Main Gallery and Black Prince Winery, County artists will set up easels in the streets of Picton and paint outdoors for the day - happy for you to look over their shoulders. If you see something you like, bid for it at a silent auction going on at Black Prince as pieces are finished and taken there. Bidding will close Sunday August 1 at 4:00 p.m. A glorious artsy event with proceeds going to Alternatives for Women. Check it out!

Eastern Ontario Photo Show - July 31
A County first, a juried photography show open to amateurs and professionals, digital and real film photographers. The chosen works will be displayed in the beautiful upstairs space at Books and Company, 289 Main St., Picton. There's still time to enter! For details visit www.easternontariophotoshow.com

Red Barns Pioneer Days - July 17 and 18
The Red Barns is an artisans' playground and every year they have this great public event with artists demonstrations of glass blowing, wood carving, pottery and more. There's a BBQ and wine tasting, hands-on fun for kids including bobbing for apples! And a great day all round in the wide open spaces of the Red Barns with working studios to explore, grass to sprawl on and artists to chat to. It's summer...come and play at 167 White Chapel Rd., Picton. 613-476-6808, and check out all that goes on at the Red Barns at www.theredbarns.com

Art on the Fence - July 24 - 25
You'll find artists and artisans' work displayed not just on the fence but all around the grounds of Ameliasburgh Museum. As well as fine art and original craft, you can enjoy the tea room for breakfast, lunch, dessert and drinks. Admission is $3.

Yard sales - Everywhere!
Any summer Saturday - and sometimes Friday, too - just drive around and look for signs, or check the weekly free newspapers, but get an early start. From single family sales to community wide jumble jamborees.

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

Milford Market Square - Summer Saturdays
A fun little market in the village of Milford, at 2179 County Road #17, takes place every Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. with stalls selling fresh produce, crafts and more.

Annual Fishing Derby - July 17
The Friends of Wellers Bay fishing derby kicks off at Colasante RV Park and Marina in the northwest of the County. There's a $500 prize draw, with prizes for the largest Pike, Bass, Salmon and Lake Trout. Entry fee is only $15 and tickets are available at North Shore RV Park; Weller's Bay Campground and Colasante RV Park & Marina. Call 613-475-1824 for information or visit www.friendsofwellersbay.com

Vintage Car Meet - July 17
At Heritage Hall on County Rd. 6 just off Hwy. 49 from 10:00 a.m. Come and admire between 40 and 50 great old cars and bikes. Admission is free, donations are welcome.

Vintage Motorbikes - July 24 - 25
The Quinte Vintage Bike show at Ameliasburgh Museum features great old bikes and good testing games. Marvel at the vintage machines and vote for your favourite! Call Joe at 613 475-2928 for details or to register. $4 museum admission. 517 Cty Road 19, Ameliasburgh.

Cruise Night - Thursdays 6-8pm
Thursday Night is Cruise Night at the Canadian Tire Car Park. Got a cool car? Come show it off in the CanTire carpark, Loyalist Parkway at the west end of Picton. Any year, any make, if you're interested, we're interested. Call Laverne 613-476-1621 for details.

Consecon Community Day - July 3
Ameliasburgh Recreation Committee and Consecon & Area Ratepayers' Association (CARA) present community-wide events including a big Garage and Car Boot Sale in the Dixie Lee Chicken & Seafood Restaurant car park from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 pm; a Used Book Sale at Consecon Library from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.; for children free Fun Day activities in Consecon Centennial Park from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. culminating with a Pig Roast in Consecon Centennial Park from 5:00 p.m. and live entertainment from the band "Goldrush" from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. $5 per person. Bring a lawn chair and beverages and join in the fun.

MUSIC & THEATRE

Barley Room Pub - Live Music
The Barley Room features the region's best live music five days a week: Wednesday and Thursdays 6:00 to 10:00 p.m.; Friday 6:30 to 10:30 p.m., Saturday 7:00 to 11:00 p.m. and Sunday 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.. July kicks off with Carl Dixon, a brilliant and classic rock singer/singwriter. Check out the Waring House website for details of musicians playing each week. www.waringhouse.com/

Exit Through the Gift Shop - July 8
It's the Banksy movie - an exploration of the provocative British graffiti artist and professional scoundrel. Is he serious? Is he kidding? Is he brilliant? Probably yes to all of the above. For $5 you can watch and decide for yourself. One night only at the Regent Theatre. Tickets from the box office, or call 613-476-8416 ext. 28 and visit www.theregenttheatre.org 

WHAT'S ON AT THE REGENT

Sarah Cripps & Instant Rivalry - July 14
At the Regent Theatre, a terrific local duo joins a strong roots/folk/pop singer for a summer concert in support of Hospice Prince Edward that will knock your socks off. We've seen them, they're great - tuneful, talented, original and energetic. Tickets $25 from the box office.

Freedom 85 - July 22, 23, 24
For three days only at the Regent Theatre, the tale of how Sybil, a feisty 85-year old and Kate, a waitress with a shady past, reclaim their lives after a nursing home breakout. Toronto critics declared the play to be "funny, sad, quirky and sweet.." while New York called the performances dazzling. Come and see for yourself. Thursday at 2:00 p.m.; Friday and Saturday at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $27 ($25 for RTF members) available from the box office, or call 613-476-8416 ext. 28 and visit www.theregenttheatre.org

Summer Theatre Season
Festival Players of Prince Edward County - July and August

Three plays - three great County venues. At Mt. Tabor Playhouse: I'll be Back Before Midnight has a city couple vacationing in a spooky old farmhouse with difficult guests - dead and alive. Laugh-out-loud funny and scream-out-loud scary, it's not for children or chickens. At Fields on West Lake: Tempting Providence is a spell-binding tale of a young British nurse who signs on for a year in Newfoundland in 1921. Rough, rugged, no roads, no electricity, culture shock - a story of strength, heroism and humour. Outdoors at the Waring House, Amelia: The Girl Who Wants to Fly, a musical from the writer of Billy Bishop Goes to War, tells of the meteoric rise of "the girl next door" who became the iconic first woman in flight. See times, dates and ticket information at www.festivalplayers.ca

Music at Pt. Milford - July 23 to August 13
The County's world famous chamber music summer school presents its annual Chamber Music Festival: four Friday evening concerts at St. Mary Magdalene Church in Picton with the Linden String Quartet and The Tokai String Quartet, plus delightful outdoor concerts by the students. Beethoven, Bridge, Walton, Hayden, Schumann, Barber and more, it's a classical treat. Visit www.mpmcamp.org for details or call 613-476-7647.

Picton Performances in the Park - Sundays
Casual, free and fabulous. Green and leafy Benson Park is one block away from the bustle of Main Street, and every Sunday in July and August it will be filled with music, song and laughter. From fiddlers to hip hop artists, jazz to clowns it's performance art for everyone.
July 4 - Zero Gravity Circus, followed by a fantastic revue featuring Emily Fennell with Luther Wright and Jenny and Dan Whitely. Balloon-twister Pockets the Clown, and face painter Chris Van Krieken will be on hand to amuse the kids.
July 11 - Frere Brothers and Suzanne Pasternak, with a fun-filled program for all ages with audience participation
July 18 - the Marysburgh Mummers entertain
July 25 - Jamie Stever Band - for a delicious taste, check out Jamie's music HERE
In August there will be rock, hip hop, fiddling, drumming and jazz. The concerts are brought to you by the Picton BIA, PEC Arts council and the Dept. of Parks, Recreation and Culture. For more information call Lyndsay Richmond, Picton BIA 613 476 7901 x 212  lrichmond@pecounty.on.ca

The Quarter Moon Coffee House - May 13
Anything-goes and everybody's welcome at this open stage coffee house in Bloomfield Town Hall. Every other Thursday evening enjoy informal playing and singing, solo acts and jam sessions. Admission is free and donations are welcome, refreshments available. Bring your voice, your instrument or just your enthusiasm to clap and tap your toes. Town Hall, Main Street Bloomfield. July 8 and July 22, 7:30 to 10:00 p.m. 613-393-3355

FOR THE KIDS

Free Canada Day Carnival - July 1
Free for kids 12 and under: gift bags, hotdogs, pop, candyfloss, popcorn. An inflatable bucking bull, slide, jumpy castle, carnival games and more plus live music. Have fun! Contact Laurie Walker 613-476-7797 or fbc@kos.net at Delhi Park in Picton.

Skate Park Opens - July 17
It's here at last! The County Youth Park opens with a bang: free skating, BMX, playground adventure, free hot dogs and incredible displays. The opening ceremony is 10:00 a.m., followed by the playground opening to the public at 11:00 a.m. while BMX and Skateboard Teams perform in the skate park. Events go into the afternoon, including Professional and Amateur demos, free BBQ, local music and tons of prizes and giveaways. It's a legendary day for County Youth. The skatepark is open to the public from 12:00 a.m. At 1:00 p.m. unsponsored riders are invited to enter a "Best Trick" contest, and at 2:00 p.m. the bands begin to play. Call Andrew for more details at 613-849-7521 and visit www.countyyouthpark.com

Sandfest - July 21
Come and build a sand sculpture yourself or just marvel at the magnificent creations of others. It's fun for the family, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. All ages welcome, bring shovels and a sense of fun to the mouth of the Outlet. $5 for a family or group or $1.00 each. Participation prizes awarded. Hosted by the Friends of Sandbanks. Call 613-393-3319 for details and visit www.friendsofsandbanks.org

Sandbanks Theatre in the Park - July 14 and 28
Join us for our popular camp-style musical theatre. Two short plays, full of music, laughter and mystery, will depict Sandbanks' rich natural and cultural history: "Out to Lunch" & the return of Inspector Clueless in the brand new "whatever." Suggested donation of $1/person ($5/family). Refreshments available 613-393-3319 friendsofsandbanks.org

Victory Kids - Saturdays
Come join the fun at The Victory's this summer with Saturday morning programs for children ages 7-11. Find out what life was like as a pirate, pioneer, or explorer. Learn about canoes, schooners, bateaux, long ships, lighthouses, and shipwrecks. Investigate a variety of topics in local and maritime history, and then show your creative side with related artistic, dramatic, musical, and writing activities! Seven Classes will run from 9am to 12pm on the following Saturdays: July 10, July 17, July 24, July 31, August 7, August 14, and August 21. Cost is $2 per child per week and classes from from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. To register or find out more, drop into The Victory at 205 Main St., Picton, or contact Madelaine at 613-476-1177, victory.coordinator@gmail.com or www.aandc.org/
July 10th - Vikings
July 17th - The Navy
July 24th - Pirates
July 31st - Explorers
August 7th - Shipwrecks
August 14th - Loyalist / First Nations
August 21st - Lighthouses / End of Program Celebrations

For more Family Fun activity ideas, visit

WINE & FOOD

Mariners Museum Fish Fry - July 10
A delicious fish supper on the shores of South Bay at the Mariners Museum, 2065 County Rd. 13. Tickets are $20 and the food is great! If it rains, everybody moves to "The Shed" at the Milford Fairgrounds just down the road. Come alone or bring a party. For tickets call 613-476-8392

PEC Studio and Gallery Tour goes for the taste buds!
The PEC Studio Tour Private Label cheese from Fifth Town is a 100% county-sourced, goat milk, washed rind style cheese. Aromatic, rich and creamy, it sports a light golden, rind uniquely flavoured by several washings in the specially produced Studio Tour white wine. The rind is slightly salty with long earthy notes and a mushroom accent, while the paste is firm when young and oozes when ripe with less earthy flavours and restrained lactic characteristics. Try it with the PEC Studio Tour Private Label wine produced by Black Prince Winery. A blend of locally grown Seyval Blanc, Pinot Gris and Melon de Bourgogne grapes it has an aroma of pink grapefruit and peaches, fruit-forward citrus flavours and typical County minerality. Great with BBQ, white meat and fish - and Fifth Town cheese! For more information call Joy Williams at 613-476-0456

July, What's in Season:
Beans, Beets, Broccoli, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Corn, Cucumbers, Lettuce, Onions, Peas, Peppers, Potatoes, Radishes, Spinach, Apples (summer), Blueberries, Cherries, Currants, Gooseberries, Plums, Raspberries, Strawberries
Check the farm market stands ...

GARDENS & MUSEUMS

10th Annual Garden Tour - July 3
Visit some of the most beautiful private gardens in the County, enjoy a gourmet lunch catered by Currah's, comfortable bus transportation, door prizes and refreshments. Master Gardeners will be on hand to answer your questions and share the joy. From 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For details call Sandra 613-393-5577. Tickets are $35, available at Books and Co., 289 Main St., Picton or call 613-476-0096.

Our Navy's 100 Years - July 3 to August 8
Celebrating the centennial of the Canadian Naval Service, an exhibition of naval photographs and memorabilia contributed by Quinte people who served in the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN), the Wrens (WRCNS), Sea Cadets and today's Canadian Navy. Large models of the HMCS Ville de Quebec 332; HMCS Cornerbrook 878 and HMCS Kingston 700 from the Department of Defence will be on display en route from Halifax to Vancouver. Marine art, book signings, models and more. For details call 613-476-1177 or visit www.aaandc.org

COMING IN AUGUST

Sunday afternoons: Picton Performances in the Park
August 7: Summer Theatre, Tempting Providence, By Robert Chafe.
August 3-28: Summer Theatre, Amelia, By John Gray.
August 5: Bard's Bus Tour presents Twelfth Night
August 11 & 25: Theatre in the Park
August 7: Rose House Museum Annual Fish Fry
August 8: Mariners Park Museum - Mariners Church Service & Reception
August 14: Dragon Boat Races, Wellington Harbour
August 17-22: The Prince Edward County Jazz Festival
August 18: Annual Lakeshore Lodge Day