Summer Music in the Park

August 7, 2009

A lot of things have been happening around town during the past twenty days. Let me tell you about some of Stratford Summer Music's outdoor events, where costs are covered by donations rather than ticket sales.


Three or four times a week one can sit on the grassy knoll by the boat house or on the ramparts of Veterans Park and listen to “Barge Music” performed by world class musicians. TorQ Percussion Quartet were amazing as they entertained us with a variety of xylophones and drums. I was sorry to miss the Chameleon Barbershop Quartet, as I heard from those who attended that their show was a lot of fun and not entirely “Barbershop-y”.

The Sax-O-Matics Quartet, added humour and a wheel of chance as well as fine musicianship to their presentation.





On the Holiday Monday, now called Simcoe Day, I wandered down to Lower Queen's Park to enjoy the OLG Bluegrass Blowout and classic car show. For six hours from mid-afternoon until dusk, one could enjoy the music of five different blue grass bands. There was lots of delicious food from various Stratford restaurants and cafes, a sectioned off Beer Tent area,
and a large area for people to set up their lawn chairs, and mingle with friends.




As the evening progressed, the open area in front of the stage became a spontaneous dancing area for many young children who were there.

What I like most about these events, aside from the music itself, is the whole sense of community that arises from people relaxing in nature and sharing a common experience.

This feeling is part of the wonder of my Stratford.

In The Park

July 20, 2009


Birdlings sing and soar in flight
Children laugh in sheer delight
Grey heads nod and young toes tap
Some eyes close for a short-lived nap"

Mellow strains fill the evening air
Soothing souls and lifting care
Music echoes through the park
The band plays on 'til the sky turns dark

On Wednesday and on Sunday night
Crowds convene to see the sight
Of concert bands who come to play
A perfect end to a summer's day








Thank you to the Kiwanis Club of Stratford for providing such pleasurable outings throughout July and August. Citizens and tourists, young and old, have come to appreciate this compimentary summer entertainment in Stratford, Ontario.

MORNING MEMORIES

June 22, 2009

After delivering my youngest, now in his late 20's, to the train station at 6:00 a m, I took my coffee down to the river. The reflections were serene as the river came to life with waterfowl diving for their morning treats and early morning runners making their way around the lake before the promised heat of the day. I traveled at a leisurely pace down memory lane.

When the boys were young, we would often get up before the sun and head to the island for a picnic breakfast. My husband loved the serenity of the early morning before the tourist crowds arrived. Those times remain etched in my mind. Feet soaked from the morning dew, we would play 'Mouse and Eagle', our version of Hide and Seek. I often wondered if anyone saw us hiding, squeaking like little mice, or watched us rushing around the island with 'wings' flapping, making great whirring noises to imitate the sound of the bird of prey swooping down to grasp a tasty morsel. In those days, we really didn't care. We were just having fun with our boys in the early hours of the dawn, stimulating the imagination of future writers.

Once more today, I walked with dew drenched feet, capturing memories. The sound of family laughter echoed through the years. Places where once we hid were now overgrown, but still magical beneath the morning sun.
My Stratford is a place of memories, a jewel caught in time.