Best Dundas Festival

36 years ago, the Hamilton District Chamber of Commerce and the Dundas Jaycees began looking for a focus around which to build a community festival.

Dundas, already internationally recognized for the Cacti produced by the local Ben Veldhuis Cactus Greenhouses, the group received Ben’s approval of the name, “Cactus Festival”.  The first festival lasted 9 days, and began with a parade.   It featured sports events, a film night, a casino night, a dance at the community center, and midway rides in Dundas driving park.    Over the years, it grew and in 1979, the downtown merchants agreed to hold their sidewalk sale as part
of the Festival.  Other craft vendors and exhibitors were invited too.

The festival moved to King St. and the reputation of the festival grew, year by year. For the sum of $1.00, the Jaycees sold the rights to the Town. Since 1979, the festival has been tirelessly organized by local volunteers; The Cactus Festival Committee.

Occurring every 3rd weekend in August, ‘Cactus’ attracts visitors from across the nation and is the unofficial ‘homecoming’ event for any and all who have lived in the community.   

This event began tonight... Friday August 17th, and runs until Sunday August 19th.     Some of the activities you can enjoy this weekend are:   Cactus Family Fun Zone, Cactus Fun Zone Stage (children's acts, entertainment & artists), Cactus Red Carpet Meet & Greet (with animated/cartoon characters), Cactus Express Train, and the Fortino's 8th Annual Baby Cactus Contest (happening Sat. August 18th for babies 3-18 months old... every baby entered is recognized and receives and official Cactus Tumbleweed Certificate).    For a list of the activities in the Family Fun Zone and times for the judging of the baby contest, check out  http://www.dundascactusfest.ca/Family_Fun_Zone_DundasCactusFestival.html

While this is a great event for families, there is lots to do for everyone.     Maybe you'd enjoy Art in the Alley, shopping with over 100 vendors, the midway/amusements or take in many of the great acts that will be on the 3 main stages.     Big name acts that will be performing on Saturday evening are "The Spoons" at 630pm and "Honeymoon Suite" at 8pm.    For a list of all acts on the three stages, all weekend long, please visit http://www.dundascactusfest.ca/Events_and_Entertainment_at_The_Festival.html

Admission is FREE to this great Dundas event.

Best Ice Cream Festival

Gosh, need I say more!   You had me at Ice Cream....  This year marks the 8th Annual Westfield Heritage Ice Cream Festival.

Westfield is the perfect setting for families and friends to spend the day not only learning about the history of ice cream, but tasting it too!    There are various demonstrations of historical methods of making ice cream throughout the village... whether it be shaken, hand cranked or motor churned.    You will find ice cream samples in many of the different buildings.

Patrons can also purchase Breyers Ice Cream Cones or Top-Your-Own Sundaes in the Ironwood Ice Cream Parlour.   Those wishing to have more filling food can purchase hotdogs, hamburgers, french fries plus soft serve ice cream in the picnic area.    Also in the picnic area will be DJ Rock'n Ray Michaels, Cartoon Bob and some special performances.

Visitors to this years festival will be treated to a step back in time to an Edwardian Carnival.    There will be carnival games, visit animals in the barn,  free horse and wagon rides and even listen to the pitch of an old fashioned travelling salesman.  

On Sunday, at the Bandstand location will be early Canadian music from 1 til 4 with a couple of 15 minute presentations at 1pm and 330pm called "Looking back to 1912".   From noon til 4pm in the Mountsberg Church will be Babette Puppet Theatre.

On Monday, from 1 til 2pm in the Bandstand will be the Royal Scottish Country Dancers, from 2 til 3pm in the Bandstand will be the Dundas Concert Band, and again from noon til 4pm in the Mountsberg Church will be Babette Puppet Theatre.

The festival takes place Sunday August 5th, 2012 and Monday August 6th, 2012 from 10am to 4pm.   For more information please visit www.westfieldheritage.ca