 By Denis Gibbons
June 20, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
The Sound of Music Festival attracts people from all parts of Canada and even the world. The Gazette’s roving reporter talked to some of them on a picturesque Saturday at the waterfront.
 John and Sue Sadowski John and Sue Sadowski made the short jaunt from Dundas to attend the Sound of Music Festival. A freelance drummer with various tribute bands in the Bay Area. John said Spencer Smith Park is so beautiful it should be extended around the bend to the liftbridge over the Burlington Canal. He was pleased when the Gazette’s roving reporter told him there are long-range plans to do that. Asked how the event compares with the Dundas Cactus Festival, Sue replied, “There’s a whole lake missing at the Cactus Festival. I once got caught in a tornado that almost blew down all the tents on King Street!”
 Const. Kevin Bochsler – took care of the Lost and Found Booth Keeping everybody safe and having a good time is the main concern of Const. Kevin Bochsler, a Burlington-based community officer with Halton Regional Police. Bochsler was in charge of the missing persons tent at the festival. He reports there was one missing child and one missing adult, but fortunately both were reunited with their families.
“If I can chat with people as they pass by,it’s a good day,” he said. “Whatever we can do to help.”
 Peter Munn, Peter Munn, a resident of Winnipeg and originally from Melbourne, Australia, felt right at home on the waterfront. “He was in Burlington for his son’s wedding. “Melbourne also has a reputation as an outdoor city with a lot of festivals. It’s on a big bay, perhaps 20 miles by 30, with beautiful beaches all around it.
I’m very impressed with this piece of land (Spencer Smith Park), they have good food trucks and great music.”
 Cimba, the dog, just loves all the people A resident of Oakville, Lana says she comes to the Sound of Music Festival every year. This year she brought along her cute little Pomeranian Cimba. “Cimba just loves all the people and how busy it is down here,” she said. Obviously, Cimba also has plenty of experience posing for the camera.
 By Staff
June 20th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
The Burlington Footnotes Senior Performing Troupe – Gotta SING, Gotta DANCE will be on stage at the Performing Arts Centre Tuesday and Wednesday of this week.
Our apologies for the delay in getting this information to you.
This is a bunch of ladies who like to get out of the house, without their husbands and laugh it up. And do some pretty fancy footwork.
They are a scream – worth the time.
Tue Jun 21, 2022 at 2pm
Tue Jun 21, 2022 at 7pm
Wed Jun 22, 2022 at 2pm
Gotta SING, Gotta DANCE! is an exciting tribute to the art of staying young showcasing music, comedy and dance. It’s a lavish production featuring a brand new line-up of upbeat and fast paced entertainment presented by the inspiring talents of the 50+ generation.
Ticket Prices
Regular: $34.50 (All-in)
Child (12 and under): $19.50 (All-in)
Group of 20 or More (Visit or call the Box Office at 905.681.6000)
Group: $31 (All-in)
 By Denis Gibbons
June 20TH, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
 Mayor struts in the parade Faraway fields look green for some Burlingtonians who fork out their hard-earned cash to travel to Caribbean destinations for a holiday.
They’re leaving a venue just as beautiful right under their noses.
Breezes at the Spencer Smith Park waterfront Saturday rivaled the West Indies as bright sunshine created a marvelous vista for the Sound of Music Festival.
 Spectators filled the stands on Brant St. in front of city hall. Some parents brought their children to the tiny beach. Yes, that’s right – a beach right at the foot of the city’s main street. How many towns and cities envy that ?
Boats even conveyed passengers over from Hamilton through the Burlington Canal to enjoy the festival.
On Saturday morning the Burlington Teen Tour Band and Top Hat Marching Orchestra led the Grand Festival Parade, with Mayor Marianne Meed Ward dancing along the way. The mayor walked the entire route, rather than riding in a car.
Bringing up the rear was the massive Burlington Teen Tour Alumni Band, which got the loudest applause of all. It was fascinating to see musicians who marched as teens 40 years ago still able to play their instruments and keeping up to the beat of the drums
 The Burlington Teen Tour Band
 Some fans listened to the music from their boats out in the lake. They were short far too many life jackets.
 The British are back!
 Gymnasts performed in front of Scrivener’s on Brant Street. Above the BTTB Alumni  The Naval Promenade was packed on a sunny Saturday afternoon COGECO-TV Channel 23 and 700 HD will show a replay of the parade on Tuesday, June 21 at 2 p.m.
There could be other replays as well. Viewers should check COGECO listings on the web.
All photos by DENIS GIBBONS
 By Staff
June 19th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
The outdoor concerts at the Band shell in Central |Park begin this evening and will continue through to the end of August.
The season will start with performances by Burlington Teen Tour Band, Burlington Junior Redcoats, BTTB Alumni
The program is sponsored by the city and the Rocca Sisters Team, a real estate agency.
Bring a chair and a blanket this evening – starts at 7:30 pm
 The Burlington Teen Tour Band playing on the Naval Promenade in Spencer Smith Park
By Denis Gibbons
June 17th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Hot weather accompanied the opening of Burlington’s Sound of Music Festival at Spencer Smith Park Thursday night. The Promenade along the waterfront was jammed with people, with more taking in the rock music from their boats out in the lake.
 With the beautiful Burlington skyline as a backdrop, folks listen to the music. Burlington’s version of front row seats Members of the Honeymoon Suite group signed autographs for fans at the west end of the park after they performed. The midway and concession stands were doing a booming business. Freshly squeezed lemonade, hot dogs, hamburgers and candy floss were among the treats being offered.
The Grand Festival Parade starts at 11 a.m. Saturday, starting at Central Park, heading west on Caroline Street to Elizabeth, south to James, west to Brant and then north to Burlington Central high school.
The Sound didn’t go over that well with some people; one Gazette reader reacted to a story we did with this:
 It was great sounds coming out of big big bass speakers. For the record….not everyone thinks that the Sound of Music is “soothing”. The noise from the bass was so loud last evening I sent an email to Lisa, and the by-law officer. I can only imagine what Don Fletcher was dealing with. His windows must have been shaking. There is no need for the bass to be that loud under any circumstances. A friend who lives on Smith Avenue told me the noise was awful.
All photos by DENIS GIBBONS
 By Denis Gibbons
June 17th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Normal, normal and more normal with the sound of the bands laying in the background and hundreds upon hundreds of people strolling along.
The weather was perfect for much of the day – seeing people out and about was just wonderful.
 Darron Repton with Jessica Genereaux Darron Repton, an aspiring rap artist who performs under the stage name ‘Talk Sic’, attended Thursday night’s performances with Jessica Genereaux, who operates her own beauty spa ‘Browzamore’ in Burlington. Repton has been enjoying the festival since he was five years old. It was the first for Genereaux, who just moved here from Waterloo. Talk Sic has toured all over Canada. Repton also has a job at Tamarack Lumber.
 Jim Corbett, who enjoyed the music Thursday night with daughter Abby, a Grade 10 student at Assumption high school.. Saturday’s parade will go right past the office of chiropractor Jim Corbett, who enjoyed the music Thursday night with daughter Abby, a Grade 10 student at Assumption high school. Jim was born just down the street at Joseph Brant Hospital and has been in practice for 22 years. He used to play a little guitar with a buddy, but not in an organized band.
 Wowie Lon Toc of Mississauga and Mary Bolla of Hamilton Wowie Lon Toc of Mississauga and Mary Bolla of Hamilton were surprised to find the festival when they met for dinner at Spencer’s On The Waterfront. They decided to take an after-dinner stroll and were glad they did. Both trace their roots back to The Philippines and sing in the choir at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church in Mississauga.
 Azadeh Newrozi, son Farbod and little dog Leo. It was the first festival for Azadeh Newrozi, son Farbod and little dog Leo. The family hails from Tehran, the capital city of Iran, and has been living in Burlington for the last three years.
 Diana Vinski A chemical engineer with Metrican, at Appleby Line and Mainway, Diana Vinski particularly liked the music of Three Days Grace, last week, and was at Spencer Smith Park on Thursday night to listen to Skid Row.
Originally from Oakville, Vinski said the festival is “1,000 times better than the Oakville Waterfront Festival, held annually at Coronation Park in that town. She made the statement, even at the risk of never getting a job at Tourism Oakville!
 By Staff
June 16th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
The Rocca Sisters Team have joined the city of Burlington in presenting this year’s Concerts in the Park.
Beginning Sunday, June 19 and running each Wednesday and Sunday evening from 7:30 to 9 p.m. until Sunday, Aug, 28, 2022 there will be Concerts in the Park.
Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy an evening of music under the open sky at the Central Park Bandshell (2311 New St. Burlington). If there is inclement weather, concerts will move inside the Music Centre if possible.
June Performances
Sunday, June 19– Burlington Teen Tour Band, Burlington Junior Redcoats, BTTB Alumni
Wednesday, June 22– 12/4 Swing
Sunday, June 26– Milton Show Band
Wednesday, June 29– Burlington Welsh Ladies Chorus
 KooGle putting on a performance at the Bandshell July Performances
Sunday, July 3– Splendor in the Brass
Wednesday, July 6– Alex Whorms
Sunday, July 10– The Barbara Jordan Swing Septet
Wednesday, July 13– Florin Clonta
Sunday, July 17– Galt Kiltie Band
Wednesday, July 20– Silver Swing Big Band
Sunday, July 24– Millgroove
Wednesday, July 27– Dixieland All Stars
Sunday, July 31– Liverpool Sessions
August Performances
Wednesday, Aug. 3– Dixieland Plus
Sunday, Aug. 7– Burlington Teen Tour Band
Wednesday, Aug. 10– Lincoln Concert Band
Sunday, Aug. 14– Little Peter & the Elegants
Wednesday, Aug. 17– George Arnone Big Band
Sunday, Aug. 21– Subourbon Street
Wednesday, Aug. 24– Harbourtown Sound
Sunday, Aug. 28– Burlington Concert Band
By Staff
June 16th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
 Mayor Marianne Meed Ward opening the section of the park with the equipment more than a year ago. A number of years ago the Burlington Seniors Community paid for the installation of specialized exercise equipment that was set up in the east end of Burloak Waterfront Park, Lakeshore Rd. at Hampton Heath,
The specialized Exercise Equipment is being used as a pilot location by Passion for Parkinson’s Foundation for their exercise program to help Parkinson patients. Tomorrow, Thursday at 1:30 is the last of their 4 week pilot project at this location.
We feel that it’s important for the general public, rehabilitation professionals and seniors to be aware of the benefits this equipment can be and that it’s available free to use 24/7 at this wonderful picturesque location.
If you know of any families dealing with Parkinson’s – get in touch with the Foundation – they are there to help – and they do make a difference. Reach out to Chair -Tamara 416-230-3215
Little did the Burlington Seniors Community know when they paid for the equipment that it would be put to this kind of use.
Good things do happen.
 By Staff
June 14th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
Celebrate Canada Day Friday, July 1 while shopping for fresh Market Products at the Burlington Centre parking lot. (Prospect St east of Guelph Line).
 Bring the family. Free cupcakes for customers at 10:00 am, while they last. Fire truck on display.
Chat mid-morning with MP the Hon. Karina Gould, Minister of Families, Children & Social Development.
Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward will also attend.
Saturday, July 2 is the alternative if Friday is cancelled by bad weather.
The Market, in its 64th consecutive year, features 43 vendors from all over Southern Ontario to serve you.
It is a long-term project of the Burlington Lions Club in service to the community and local vendors.
• Fruit/Produce/Cheese/Wine & Craft Beer/Flowers/Smoked Meats/Baked Goods/Honey/Preserves/Meat Pies.
The Market opens at 8:00 AM Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays until October 29th.
 By Staff
June 14th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
The City of Burlington is excited to return to an in-person Canada Day celebration in Spencer Smith Park on July 1.
 Fire works on the waterfront with the pier in the background. This year’s event will start with an opening ceremony at 4 p.m. followed by evening entertainment on the main stage and the grand finale of a spectacular firework display presented by Bunzl over the lake at 10 p.m.
The event will also feature food and market place vendors.
For our early risers and active residents, a Canada Day Run and Yoga in the park will be held in the morning in Spencer Smith Park.
Other Canada Day Activities
There are plenty of fun options for the family this Canada Day throughout the city, such as splash pads and pools. All nine of the City’s splash pad locations are open and always free.
Nelson Outdoor Pool & Splash Park and LaSalle Wading Pool are open for swimming on Canada day (weather permitting). If you prefer to swim indoors visit Angela Coughlan Pool. For times of swims at all locations, visit burlington.ca/dropinandplay.
Canada Day is a great time to get outside, explore Burlington and get active. Take our Get Outside and Play Challenge, and complete 90 activities in 90 days. The challenge is on now until Aug. 29, 2022. Win great prizes!
“It’s been two long years since we’ve had the Canada Day celebrations in-person and we are excited to bring this very popular, award winning event to our community. We are looking forward to a great evening with some spectacular fireworks” said a city spokesperson.
Links
burlington.ca/canadaday
burlington.ca/playoutside
burlington.ca/splashpads
By Staff
June 13th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
If there is an event taking place at the Freeman Station – expect to see Alan Harrington somewhere on the site.
Last weekend there was a collection of antique trucks and cars on display that Harrington photographed and sent tot he Gazette.
The Friends of Freeman Station in Burlington held an open house on Saturday bringing many first time visitors to the site.
 A Vette, a bug and a tenderly restored pick up truck  The attraction this time was “classic old cars & trucks” – the kind used to bring people and cargo to and from the station.
About a dozen machines in attendance including: a 1950 black Cadillac, 1962 white Corvette and an 1970s Volkswagen Beetle.
Later in the day the 1937 Studebaker Burlington Fire Engine #4 arrived and kids were able to climb in and ring the bell.
 This antique fire truck gets almost as much attention in Burlington as the Teen Tour Band. The weather was expected to be gloomy but turned out perfect.
The station will be open again on Friday July 1 2022 to celebrate Canada Day.
By Staff
June 8th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
It is that time of year – again.
The 43rd annual Sound of Music Festival is taking place over two weekends: June 11 and June 16 to 19, 2022.
 The crowds pay a premium to gather at the edge of the stages. To meet the needs of the festival and to ensure public safety, road closures are noted below.
Parade route streets will re-open as soon as possible after the parade on June 18. Vehicles parked illegally in the event area will be tagged or towed for emergency access.
 Road Closures
Emergency Road Closures:
• June 11 and June 16 to June 18 nightly from 10 p.m. to midnight; and
• June 19 from 6 to 8:30 p.m.:
• Lakeshore Road from Elizabeth Street to Maple Avenue.
Streetfest Closures:
• Saturday, June 18 from 3 a.m. to Sunday, June 19 at 8 p.m.:
• Brant Street from Caroline Street to Lakeshore Road.
Parade Closures:
Saturday, June 18 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. the following streets will be closed:
• Baldwin Street from Hurd Avenue to Brant Street
• Brant Street from James Street to Baldwin Street
• Drury Lane from Courtland Drive to New Street
• Caroline Street from Drury Lane to Elizabeth Street
• James Street from Brant Street to Elizabeth Street
• Elizabeth Street from Caroline Street to James Street
Parking Restrictions Posted
• Please do not park in restricted areas.
• See parking rules at each pay machine.
Traffic Supervision
Road closures will be managed under the supervision of the Halton Regional Police Service. Emergency access will be maintained at all times in the event area.
Event notices were delivered to all residences, religious centres and businesses affected by the event.
Road Closures or Traffic Control Information
Event Liaison, City of Burlington, 905-335-7600, ext. 7704
Burlington Transit Delays and Information
Bus route detours in effect for Routes 2, 4 and 10.
Minor delays in the downtown core should be expected on all festival dates.
By Staff
June 7th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
This could be fun.
The event suggests that the Friends of Freeman Station are branching out and adding to the events that take place at one of the strongest destinations in the city.
 By Staff
June 6th, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
It was the largest invasion ever assembled, before or since, landed 156,000 Allied troops by sea and air on five beachheads in Normandy, France.
It happened 78 years ago.
The names of some of the men who did not return are etched in the Cenotaph next to city hall
D-Day was the start of Allied operations which would ultimately liberate Western Europe, defeat Nazi Germany and end the Second World War.
By Pepper Parr
June 2nd, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
At precisely 2:00 pm Thursday afternoon while citizens across the province were casting ballots Town Criers across the Commonwealth read the Royal Proclamation celebrating the Queen.
Queen Elizabeth’s anniversary of her seventy years on the throne was celebrated in Burlington.
 David Vollick – Burlington’s Town Crier The Town Crier, Dave Vollock, read his Proclamation in Civic Square to a “throng” of people assembled there.
 Ladies were each given a “fascinator” they could wear Festivities continued at the Central Library where a display of the Queen’s hats was set up. Now these were not the actual hats worn by Queen Elizabeth – but a collection of millinery very similar to what our head of state wears on her head.
Visitors who had RSVP’d ahead were treated to a tea – in a REAL porcelain teacup, along with tasty cake.
Ladies were each given a “fascinator” they could wear in their hair for the occasion. And a QEII 7O pin.
The Queen had her Silver Jubilee back in 1977 after just 25 years on the throne, and at that time, Burlington recognized the occasion with a brass marker on the King Edward VII Fountain at Veteran Square at City Hall.
That fountain (just restored last year) was festooned with Union Jacks for the day.
Some people are not excited about such an event, but our sovereign is a remarkable woman, and congratulations to her for her life’s work, after these long seven decades.
By Staff
June 2, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
The members of the Performing Arts Centre get first dibs on tickets – membership has its benefits. The Box Office is open to everyone on Tuesday June 7th – Box Office opens at noon.
It is quite a season
We have set out what is being offered along with prices. Note the benefit to members – might be worth your while to take out a membership.
The 2022-23 season.
This is not an order form. You call the Box Office –
Tuesday to Friday from 12pm to 4pm
Payment: Cash, Interac/Debit, Credit Card (VISA, MasterCard, AMEX), Gift Certificate
905 -681-6000
By Staff
June 2nd, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
The Sound of Music offering for 2022
Tickets available on the Sound of Music web site.
By Staff
June 2nd, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
After months of interviews, meetings and deliberations, the Burlington Chamber of Commerce has announced the finalists for its 2022 Business Excellence Awards presented by RBC.
 The Chamber has named 22 local organizations as potential winners of awards in a variety of categories. Award nominations are based on overall business excellence and the criteria include excellence in business leadership, community contributions, entrepreneurship, environment, employee welfare, innovation and market growth.
The finalists are:
HOSPITALITY & TOURISM
• Front Line Tours
• QB Sports Bar Grill Games
MANUFACTURING
• Precision Record Pressing
• BSB Manufacturing
• URtech Manufacturing
RETAIL
• She’s Got Leggz
• Familia Fine Foods
• Joelle’s Clothing
SERVICE (Large)
• RFB Construction
• Tip Tap Pay Micropayments
• Alexanian Carpet and Flooring
SERVICE (Business-to-Business)
• Urban in Mind
• Joe Apps Technology Support
• Stratus Building Solutions
• Frederikse Law
SERVICE (Business-to-Consumer)
• Waters Edge Salon and Spa
• No Excuse Boxing
• Burlington Denture Clinic
NOT-FOR-PROFIT
• Goodwill Amity
• Lighthouse for Grieving Children
• Food for Life
While the list of finalists is now public information, the names of the winners remain a closely guarded secret. The winners will be announced at the Chamber Business Awards Gala set for June 28 at the Burlington Performing Arts Centre. This highly anticipated event is being emceed by acclaimed Burlington fashion designer and entrepreneur, Joseph Tassoni.
By Staff
June 2nd, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
The Moon in June Road Race is happening at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 4. These races require road and lane closures in Burlington.
Streets will reopen as soon as possible following the end of the race. Vehicles parked illegally in the area will be tagged or towed to allow emergency access.
 Road Closures
3 to 11:30 p.m. – James Street between John Street and Brant Street
5 to 11:30 p.m. – Brant Street between Ontario and Elgin Street
6 to 11 p.m. – Brant Street between Caroline Street and Lakeshore Road
7:15 to 9:30 p.m. – Lakeshore Road (east bound) between John Street and Brock Street; Brock Avenue between Lakeshore Road and Elgin Street; Elgin Street between Brock Street and Maple Avenue
Exit Points
• Baldwin Street/Victoria Avenue at Brant Street
• Maple Avenue at Ontario Street
Traffic Lane Closures
• Southbound Brant Street between Baldwin and Caroline Street
• All other streets on the race route will have one lane open for local access
Resident Access
Emergency Services access will be maintained at all times along the event route.
Traffic Supervision
Police will direct traffic at major intersections and event marshals will help runners and motorists at multi-residential driveways and on side streets. Race notices were delivered to all residences, religious centres and businesses affected by the races.
 By Pepper Parr
June 1st, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON
The new normal took shape Tuesday evening when Sean Cullen took to the stage at the Performing Arts Centre to introduce the program for the 2022-23 season.
The Performing Arts has a lot to offer this season.
And Cullen was in a very giving mood.
 Sean Cullen in conversation with a fan. He has a way with getting an audience to eat out of his hand – he spots people in the audience and knows instantly that he can play them.
A young woman in the front row was asked if she was from Burlington. She was she answered. Cullen moved on and then came back to the woman asking “where did you go to university.” “Western” she responded
Cullen turns away again and looks over his shoulder asking: “What did you study?”.
“Economics” the woman answers. “How’s that working out for you he asks” getting the laugh Cullen knew was in the audience?
It wasn’t a full house but is was a very respectable turn out.
The event had Cullen serving as the MC with four acts that would be performing during the season doing a short performance.
There was two short pieces of classical music performed by Francine Kay who hunches over the keyboard ready to pounce on the keys – and dazzled the audience.
Memberships in the Performing Arts Centre Hall of Fame were awarded to Gary De Groote and Don Allan. De Groote commented that it was the first time he had worn a jacket in two years.
 Tammy Fox , Kathy Manness, Executive Vice President, Burlington Chamber of Commerce, Megg Markettos, Manager, Marketing and Development BPAC Tammy Fox, the Executive Director of the Performing Arts Centre spoke for a few minutes: the public needs to see and hear more of her – she has a quick wit, a sharp tongue and likes audiences – that hasn’t always been for BPAC.
While she is an administrator – there is dramatic talent there; a waste to keep it behind a desk
For the first time in my memory there was an In Memoriam moment during which several names appeared on the screen followed by photographs. When the name of Boris Brott, killed tragically by a hit and run driver, the audience rose to its feel applauding.
Regrettably there was no mention of the loss of Walter Mulkewich, former Mayor and quite an orator when he turned it on.
The purpose of the evening was to give Performing Arts Centre members an advance opportunity to buy ticket – the Box Office was held open for them for three days before the public can purchase tickets.
We will list the features in a separate article.
 The purpose of the evening was to give BPAC members a taste of what the season was going to be about and to give them first crack a ticket sales. The Box office was the destination for most of the audience. Some needed a little more time to decide what they wanted to take in during the season  . With Cullen taking his last friendly poke at the audience people were invited to go out to the Family room, enjoy an adult beverage and some food and just mingle – something many had not done for the last two years.
 They didn’t run out of bottles of a refreshing bubbly white wine. The Adult Beverage tables were kept busy.
The Performing Arts staff now bend their will to getting ready to welcome the first acts
|
|
