Beerfest and Dance!

The tour of Kingston area continued with a craft Beerfest at historic Fort Henry in the harbour. Tumbling down the lawn and into Lake Ontario were tents with about twenty craft brewers, a number of stellar food trucks, and some quality live music courtesy of local band Ambush.

A little more shade might have been good, but otherwise an absolutely gorgeous day to be out and surrounded by stunning scenery. I tried a number of new breweries, as well as a few new selections from some more established operations. Plus...Fort Henry!

We got in early, met up with some friends, and got out just before it started getting rather busy and the lines rather long. I did enjoy a rather tasty curry sausage pita from a local eatery.

We also visited downtown Kingston, including a trip to the Grand Theatre where two of my nieces were dancing in their annual gala. The Canada 150 themed event featured great Canadian music and dance numbers with children from 4 to 18, including a wicked tap solo by my eldest niece to "Voodoo Thing" by Colin James. Great show!

Cannons to the left of me....

Downtown Kingston across the harbour

Food and beer....and port-a-potties

We Love Kingston too!

One of the tents of local Craft Brewers

Before the crowds descended

The sign says it all

Ambush takes the stage

We also visited Stone City Ales downtown

Canada 150 theme - all dance numbers featured music by Canadian artists

A Grand Opening

Waving Flag takes us into Intermission

Kingston Pen

We took a five-day weekend getaway to eastern Ontario, starting with a tour of the legendary Kingston Penitentiary, a Maximum Security federal prison closed since 2013 but formerly home to Canada's most dangerous criminals. My sister actually worked there briefly, nursing in the prison hospital.

Tours were led by Queen's University students who had studied the history of the institution, but at points throughout the tour we were met by retired guards, telling great stories without revealing any specific details which would violate the Privacy Act. But you got the idea.

Cool place. Too bad they don't do night tours.

Main Entrance

Conjugal visits!

The North Gate

The Hub

The newer (larger) cells - no shared cells in Maximum Security

Cell Block G - tales from a retired guard

Same cell block, after the 1971 riot

Segregation Cells

Built in 1833

Workshop

The Yard

Art in the Park

Jane's first foray into Art in the Park in Windsor was a huge success. Her biggest show of the summer happened to also be the first show of the summer, which was likely for the best. Months of preparation and hard work went into creating enough inventory to - hopefully - not run out in the middle of the frenzy.

The show also unfortunately fell right on the heels of a 70-hour week involving a court case and stressful days on the witness stand.

There were some dicey moments, with many trips to the van to replenish the booth. Several styles of work did sell out completely, and mercifully we sold a ton (possibly quite literally) and had far less to drag back home than we brought.

The grounds at Willistead Park were fabulous, and the weather was amazing. The recent van purchase made the whole thing possible, at least without making many many trips in the Juke. The new tent upgrade was also worth the investment.

Craft brews from Walkerville and the fattoush salad from Eastern Flavour were particular standouts, along with some of the live music. We also had some nice neighbours, including an experienced couple from Stoney Point who shared many useful tips with us newbies. Several folks also stopped by the booth to say hello.

It was so busy, Jane only had time to visit ONE booth - right beside ours - and she still managed to buy a new purse!

Including Friday night setup, the show lasted three long and hot days - but in the end, we were dog tired and extremely happy with the results!

Booth 219 - The Open Door!

All set up and ready for the crowds

Stately Willistead Manor

Lined up to get in!

Bring on the shoppers!

Behind the scenes - pay no attention to The Man Behind The Curtain!

Sold pieces awaiting pickup so patrons don't have to carry them around!

Yummy Walkerville Irish Red

Trailer Rainbows Beer and a Van

We made our first trip to the Cox Trailer in a few years - sadly, we spent the weekend working, with me studying for court testimony and Jane painting - but the change in scenery was relaxing all the same. The Coxes also popped by with food for an impromptu barbeque. We hope to get there a few more times this summer and fall. What a great spot.

A few wicked thunderstorms this week also brought some amazing rainbows over our flat plains and big skies.

And, we bought a van! Mainly to ferry Jane's artwork and booth around to art shows, but also to be used for camping, and a second vehicle for more flexibility. It's got style!

Kitchen and hall to washroom and far bedroom

Living room and bedroom

Jane hard at work!

Nice visit to the trailer!

Home to sunshowers and rainbows

Pot o' Atomic Gold!

Canada 150 decision - Labatt 150 or Canadian Stubby?

We bought The Van!