Happy 45th Birthday Big Nickel!

Shanna and I tried to capture our energy and excitment by putting the camera on a timer and jumping to try and make it in the shot. It took a few tries, but we finally captured the magnitude of our excitement.

We are standing with Ted Svilva, the creator of the Bitg Nickel! He is a very friendly man and I felt honoured to meet him. This occasion was a great oppotunity to commemorate the hard work and dedication of this man.

Shanna and I had an awesome time at the birthday celebrations for the Big Nickel on July 22nd! There were lots of people, cameras and cake to make the festivities a success.

Ted Svilva said he was very proud of the fact the coin has endured and become such a symbol of the city.

Blueberry Festival

I had the opportunity to check out the Blueberry Festival this past weekend. Saturday's festivities took place at Market Square and it turned out to be a really great event! Blueberry pie is my all time favourite dessert so I was looking forward to getting a piece of fresh pie and eating some blueberry pancakes as well. The regular market square vendors were there along with the blueberry vendors and it worked out wonderfully. There were lots of people out enjoying themselves! The morning was nice and sunny and the rain held up until the end of the afternoon. People were able to sit out front and enjoy the performers on stage or go for a horse drawn wagon ride or browse the many vendor tables selling food, jewellery and crafts. Ofcoarse, the Blueberry Bear and his wife Sudbrina were also there to celebrate! We found them outside dancing with the young children in front of the performance stage. When it came time to look for a slice of blueberry pie, the only options were to buy a whole pie or no pie, one slice was not available. So, without question I bought an entire blueberry pie! With the help of fellow summer students Jenna and Mitch, the pie was eaten before I got home that evening. It was delicious! Before we left, we ran into the Downtown Ambassadors, Hope and Curtis, in their matching yellow shirts. With big smiles, they were enjoying the festival while also keeping an eye on things. If you ever see them walking the streets of downtown, don't be shy to stop and ask them any questions you have or chat them up about what's going on downtown. They're always happy to help!

Downtown Adventure

The other morning I had a wonderful time touring the streets of downtown Sudbury! I had a lovely visit to many locally owned shops and restaurants. It was a chance to familiarize myself with the atmosphere and the friendly faces behind the counter.

My first stop was La Boulangerie du Village on Durham Street. The umbrellas, tables and outside decor were very charming and introduced an inviting atmosphere. Upon entering I was welcomed by the two employees behind the counter. There were a few tables and stools facing the street window; the perfect place to sit, eat and enjoy the activity of the street corner. Along the back chalkboard wall, the menu was written, revealing the many different types of sandwiches, desserts and coffee that are offered. The owner Rob, was a nice, friendly man, who didn't forget to mention the wonderful Bed & Breakfast he runs upstairs from La Boulagerie.

The next stop was Fromagerie Elgin. It's a new addition to the downtown area and I was excited to check it out! I was greeted by one of the welcoming owners, Hazel. She introduced me to their menu of unique cheese platters, coffee, tea, wine and desserts. The atmosphere was so relaxing and it really made me wish I had time to sit down with friends and enjoy some wine and cheese. There was calming music softly playing in the background and it felt like a great place to unwind and mingle with friends and family.

I made my way back out to the street and headed for Stella’s Café on Cedar Street. This was my favourite stop of the morning! The sign outside advertises ‘Fine and Friendly Service’, and that is definitely true at Stella’s. Upon entering, I was greeted with big smiles from all four people in the back of the café. Stella herself was in the little kitchen behind the counter rolling dough. Carmela, her assistant, had just sat down to enjoy a nice cup of coffee with her husband and another dedicated customer was also seated at a table beside them. This lady didn’t hesitate to let me know this was the only restaurant in town that she ate at because the food is so great! Everyone was eager to chat me up about anything and everything about me and the city. It was wonderful to be surrounded by such lovely, enthusiastic people. Stella generously offered me a delicious butter tart which was homemade just like all the other food available. Stella’s serves European and Canadian food and it’s prepared for dine-in, take-out or catering. It was a true joy to meet Stella and her dedicated crew because not only was it a nice visit but I have heard nothing but great things from family and friends that eat there as well.

I set out for my next two destinations, Bead Diva and Mimi & Lulu. Both of these craft stores are new to the downtown area and are quickly becoming a popular destination amongst local crafters. Bead Diva is located at the end of Durham Street across from the Rainbow Center. I saw tones of beads of all types, string, wire, jewellery making tools and books, pendants and handcrafted jewelry for sale. I picked up a brochure listing the type of classes they offer Thursday nights from 6:30-8:30pm but you can also check out their website at http://www.beaddiva.ca/ for more information. At Mimi & Lulu on Cedar Street the set up was similar to Bead Diva except there was a wider range of craft materials and designs for sale. I saw purses, key chains, place mats, oven mitts, aprons, t-shirts and many more unique items for sale. All of the designs are handcrafted and most of the materials are sold in the store. Right when I walked in, I noticed the wall on the right hand side was lined with shelves full of material. As I progressed to the back of the studio I came across their large selection of unique beads. This is definitely a local business I would love to support! I’m looking into taking one of their evening workshops and I’ve added Mimi & Lulu on facebook. You may also check out their website at http://www.mimilulu.ca/.

I then set out for Bertolo’s Homeade Foods on Durham Street, across from the YMCA. I had never been inside the little restaurant before, but it was a pleasant surprise to be greeted with a warm smile and a rush of delicious aroma. The place is very small with only one table for two and a ledge facing the window, where you can take a seat and enjoy the street. Natalie, the owner, was a very friendly and upbeat lady! I took a look at the menu and there were many things that caught my eye. The roasted vegetable and goat cheese sandwich, the fresh porchetta roast sandwich, the feta cheese and dried cranberry salad and the homemade meat sauce to go all looked delicious. I’m glad I had a chance to stop by and discover the appetizing food Bertolo’s had to offer.

I passed Artists on Elgin and Greg Taylor Photography on my way to the last stop on my downtown adventure. Both of these shops are well worth a visit and display amazing artwork and photography by local artists. I love stopping by and browsing the shops. At Greg Taylor Photography I always walk out feeling proud that I come from Sudbury because all the photos capture the true beauty of the north. I finally make it into Infusion Tea & Tisanes on Elgin Street. Multiple times, I’ve enjoyed a wonderful glass of tea here, and I’d have to rate it as my favourite tea spot. There is such a wide selection that I’ve never had the same flavor twice! The wall across from the counter is covered in jars of flavoured tea leaves and each flavour sounds better than the next. The restaurant is uniquely decorated and I feel like I’m entering a little thai palace. This is a great place to go with friends or family to chat over a hot or cold cup of tea!

I hope that everyone visiting and living in Sudbury takes the time to go on their own downtown adventure! It is a great way to spend a few hours of your day and you’ll feel more satisfied that Sudbury is an awesome city!

38th Annual Northern Lights Festival Boreal

The weekend of the NLFB is always my favourite festival weekend!

I was so impressed by the exceptioinal creativity that took place last weekend. I could honestly spend the entire weekend there and not get bored. The weather was beautiful and it was the most perfect weekend for a festival. Shanna and I got to the festival as soon as it opened and started video blogging to try and capture the essence of the lively atmosphere surrouding us. There were tonnes of unique crafts, jewellery, clothing and artwork for sale at the many tables in the artisan area. We also stopped to enjoy the performances at all six stages throughout Bell Park. Several different types of music were playing for the duration of the weekend, so listeners of every type were able to find something they liked. No matter where we were on festival grounds we were able to hear the music playing from at least one stage.

On top of having plenty of music and crafts there was also an abundant amount of food! Everything from fast food, vegetarian, Thai, ice cream and cotton candy. The wonderful aroma drifting from the food tents constantly made me hungry and crave every type of food we passed. Most food was being sold from tents that were set up by local restaurants. It was wonderful to see community involvement.

In the family area, there were several excellent activities for kids. My favourite was the yoga tent! Every couple of hours a bunch of little children would gather on a big blanket and follow an instructor doing easy yoga stretches. At an enclosed tent, set up to practice shooting with a paintball gun, there was a continuous line of youngsters eagerly waiting their turn to shoot. A real favourite among the young fellas. All day long under the family tent there were performers on stage, entertaining the children with stories and sing-a-long songs. There was also a couple of craft tables, a rock climbing wall and the gyro, that has yet to miss a festival.

Shanna and I were unable to spend the evenings at the festival but people who attended the after dinner entertainment were sure to be blown away by the outstanding line up of performers. The festival featured Serena Ryder, Hawksley Workman, Joel Plaskett, Jenn Grant, Bob Snider and Bambara trans, to name a few.

This year's 38th annual Northern Lights Festival Boreal was a great success! I applaud the many volunteers, artists and musicians that did an amazing job to put it together. If you live in Sudbury, I definitely recommend making an effort to get out in the years to follow. If you're an aspiring visitor for next summer, I would encourage you to try and plan a trip to Sudbury the weekend of the festival. You can check out their website at http://www.nlfbsudbury.com/ to take a look at some photos or search the date for next year.

COME visit the Train Station!

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT: There is a Sudbury Information Booth in the Via Rail Station on Elgin Street!!

Whenever I tell friends and family where I work I get the same response, "Wow, I never knew there was a tourist booth in the train station". I spend half of my working days in the train station in the very back corner surrounded by brochures, maps and visitor's guides. There are people in Sudbury who don't even know this place exists, and most people have no clue that there is an information booth located in it. Well I'm hoping whoever reads this will pass the message along, that the summer students and I would enjoy visits from anyone looking for information on the events and happenings of the city. I, especially, like to help people and find a joy in improving one's time in Sudbury. We don't see very many people in a day, I think our record high last year might have been 8 individuals/families! So even though you may not be a tourist you should drop by one one day and let us enlighten you with the many things there are to do in Sudbury!

Since working for the toursim department I have visited many places in the Sudbury Area that most people would never take the time to check out. And I have to say, that I think you're missing out! The summer students and I spent almost a month visiting all the parks, museums, farms, attractions hotels and much more so that we could spread the word about all the great things Sudbury has to offer. I feel like I've learned so much about the history of Sudbury, that it makes me proud to have grown up here. Many people that live in Sudbury have never even been to Dynamic Earth and Science North, and that's a great place to start your adventure of discovering Sudbury. I have come across people travelling from all over the world to see these attractions, and if you live in Sudbury, why wouldn't you take advantage of living so close to there great attraction sites?!

Now, if you've been to Science North and Dynamic Earth, don't think for one second you've seen it all. I am by no means an artsy person, but I really enjoyed the art gallery and their summer exhibit, Natural Ressources. This exhibit is out until August 30th so I encourage you to try and get out there. The cost is minimal, only $5 for adults and free for children under 12! And I promise it's well worth a visit. There is also the Anderson Farm in Lively which displays antiques from some of the first Finnish farmers. The Northern Ontario Railway Museum (NORM) which displays many historical artifacts and memorabilia from the first years as a mining and lumbering town. There is a little cafe in the lobby and a box car house in the back yard. After watching the movie Nickel City Stories at Dynamic Earth and visiting the NORM, I feel a new appreciation for the way Sudbury shaped up and has evolved over the years. There is also St. Germain Farm in the valley which was a surprisingly great visit! The owner, Henry, is a jolly man who takes pride in his three garage display of antiques. He has been collecting and donated many interesting treasures over the years, and there is sure to be something that will capture your interest. He can tell you all about them if you'd like a guided tour or you're free to wander as fast or as slow as you please. As well as a yard full of old farm equipment he offers rides in the trailer attached to his tractor!

I'll quickly list off some other great things to do but it's really up to you to go out in the city and see for yourself! There's Josephine's Vegetables along with Dinosaur Valley Mini Golf, OLG slots, numerous Golf Courses, Go karting on Notre Dame, Dodge this Paintball on Falconbridge Road, several great hiking trails and the Sudbury Theatre Centre which often has plays to attend. To top off this list there is a festival just about every weekend of the summer, and Sudbury is known as the The City of Festivals!

You can usually find the other summer students and I at these festivals, in our red or green Tourism shirts. If you see us, don't hesitate to come and talk to us or even get your picture taken! We always have our camera with us and we're looking for new pictures to put on the posters, visitor guides and billboards of the city. And DO NOT run away from us if we ask you to participate in a survey. It would help us out so much, and it honestly takes no more than 30 seconds. Plus, you get a complimentary key chain or tatoo!

I choose to come back from school every summer to live here, and be surrounded by the beauty of the lakes and the city. I hope this has made you more excited about living or visiting in Sudbury!