Tourism Season Kicks Off in Elgin County!

Tourism season has officially begun and Elgin-St. Thomas Tourism’s four tourism kiosks are now open for the season.

Each summer Elgin-St. Thomas Tourism staffs four kiosks across Elgin County that provide residents and visitors with tourism information, maps, guides and other promotional materials from area attractions. Staff of the kiosks also attend several local events throughout the summer to distribute these materials.

The kiosks open on the Victoria Day long weekend in May and remain open until Labour Day weekend in September.

"There are an abundance of local events and quality attractions in our area." said Tourism Development Coordinator, Kathryn Russell. "Summer has arrived and it is time to get out there and explore what Elgin has to offer!"

The kiosks are located in the Port Stanley Festival Theatre building, at the historic Port Burwell Lighthouse, at the Jumbo the Elephant monument in St. Thomas and at the Backus-Page House Museum in Wallacetown.

For more information about the kiosk locations call (519) 631-1460 ext. 164, email tourism@elgin-county.on.ca, or visit http://www.elgintourist.com/.

Rural Roots Public Market to Open in Dutton

Elgin County Economic Development is pleased to announce the opening of Rural Roots Public Market in Dutton.

The market will open for the season on Saturday May 26^th, 2012 from 8:30 am – 1:30 pm and will be held at the Dutton Community Centre Pavilion. After the opening, the market will be open;

Sunday June 10^th

Sunday June 24^th

Sunday July 8^th

Sunday July 22^nd

Sunday August 4^th

Sunday August 18^th

The Rural Roots Public Market will offer baked goods and pies, embroidery, craft wares, wood working, artwork, handmade jewellery, and fresh local produce.

The mastermind behind the market is 22 year old Kate Campigotto, a recent graduate of Western University and a lifetime resident of Dutton. Upon graduation Campigotto decided a local market would help to revitalize the area by supporting the local business community. In addition to organizing the market Campigotto will be a vendor herself selling baked goods with her 17 year old sister Meaghan under the name Red’s Baking (aptly named for the sisters’ red hair).

"Supporting local has to start locally." said Campigotto. "This is a great opportunity for our communities to come together, support local businesses and celebrate what our small towns have to offer."

For more information regarding the Rural Roots Public Market, or to become a vendor please call (519)762-2944 or email

　

　

kcamps29@gmail.com.

Art Emporium Opens in Port Stanley

Elgin County Economic Development is pleased to announce the grand opening gala of the Art Emporium in Port Stanley.

The opening reception will be held on Friday May 4th from 7 pm - 9 pm and will include a meet and greet with the artists, refreshments and a musical performance by renowned southwestern Ontario Jazz musician David Jolly. The celebration will continue throughout the weekend on Saturday and Sunday from 11 am – 5 pm.

The Art Emporium is owned and operated by artists themselves. The five members on the board of directors act as responsible members of the art community by giving their 27 member artists input in all decisions made at the gallery. The Art Emporium has also recently joined Elgin-St. Thomas Tourism’s Elgin Arts Trail program.

Located at 177 Main St., Port Stanley, the facility consists of two unique sections: The Boathouse Gallery and the Gift Boutique. The Boathouse Gallery is a bright and spacious area with a beachfront view. It houses the original fine art of over 30 area artists. The Gift Boutique sells a variety of handcrafted items on consignment from regional artisans featuring works in glass, wood, fabric, and prints.

"Port Stanley has always been a great hub for artists," said co-owner Robin Baratta. "The Art Emporium will help Port Stanley to establish itself as a leading art tourism destination."

For more information regarding the Art Emporium please call (519) 226-658-1888 or visit www.ArtEmporium.ca

Elgin County at the Aylmer Home & Garden Show!

Come and visit Elgin County Economic Development at the Aylmer Home & Garden Show this weekend!

The show will feature displays and seminars from local organizations on landscaping, staging your home, DIY tips, renovations, real estate and more! Attendees can look forward to free swag bags at the door, hourly door prizes and face painting for the kids! The show will run from Friday April 13^th-Sunday April 15^th at the East Elgin Community Complex. The cost to attend is $5 per person or $20 per family.

Elgin County Economic Development will be on hand to promote Elgin-St. Thomas Tourism programs, Economic Development services and the services of Elgin County’s partners, in particular those of the Elgin Business Resource Centre (EBRC). With funding from Elgin County, the EBRC has opened an office in the town of Aylmer.

For more information about the Aylmer Home & Garden Show visit

www.aylmerfair.ca or call Elaine (519) 773-3445.