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What’s Open? Easter 2019 Edition

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With the long weekend quickly approaching, it’s good to plan ahead and know what’s open and when this Easter. Make sure that you know what is going to be available before you head out this weekend.

Good Friday

Closed

  • Government buildings
  • Banks
  • Brockville Library
  • Post office
  • Brockville Transit
  • Many restaurants are closed – if it’s not listed below, please call ahead to check the hours
  • LCBO
  • Beer Store
  • All major grocery stores

Open

  • Fish and chips restaurants will be open – anticipate them to be busy
  • Buds On the Bay (7:30am-1am)
  • Buell Street Bistro
  • The Keystorm (11am-2am)
  • The Georgian Dragon (11am-2am)
  • The Union Jack (11:30am – 2am)
  • Nakhon Thai (11:30am-2:30pm, 5pm-9pm)
  • Richard’s Coffeehouse (7am-10pm)
  • The Sweet Life Cafe (9am-3pm)
  • Sequence Comics & Gaming (11am-11pm)
  • The Aquatarium (10am-5pm)
  • Cineplex
  • Windmill Brewery (1pm-7pm)
  • Brockville Tunnel (9am-9pm)

Saturday

On the Saturday, everything should be open for business as usual. 

Easter Sunday

Closed

  • Government buildings
  • Banks
  • Brockville Library
  • Post office
  • Brockville Transit
  • Many restaurants are closed – if it’s not listed below, please call ahead to check the hours
  • LCBO
  • Beer Store
  • All major grocery stores

Open

  • The Aquatarium (10am-5pm)
  • Windmill Brewery (12pm-5pm)
  • Brockville Tunnel (9am-9pm)
  • Brockberry Food To Go (11am-2pm)
  • Buds On the Bay (7:30am-10pm)
  • Cosies (10am-2pm)
  • The Keystorm (9am-11pm)
  • The Georgian Dragon (9am-9pm)
  • The Union Jack (11:30am-2am)
  • Richard’s Coffeehouse (7am-10pm)
  • Ritchie’s Wholesale Ltd (8:30am-9:30am)
  • Sequence Comics and Gaming (11am-5pm)
  • The Boardwalk Landing (normal hours)

Easter Monday

For many places, it is business as normal. However, there are a few exceptions:

Closed

  • 1000 Islands Pizzeria
  • 1000 Islands Martial Arts
  • Brockerry Food To Go
  • Buds On The Bay
  • Buell Street Bistro
  • Cosies
  • Dependable Vacuum
  • Ebb & Flo
  • FlairFX
  • Genev Beauty Lounge
  • Hang Ups Creative Picture Framing
  • Heritage Clock Shop
  • HET Law
  • The Keystorm
  • The Georgian Dragon
  • Peak Performance
  • Penny’s Jewelery
  • PhotoVisions
  • Quiltworks Studio
  • Salvation Army Thrift Shop
  • Sundeck Tanning
  • The Sweet Life Cafe

This list is not exhaustive, so if you don’t see something on this list, please call the company first to make sure they’re open.
If your business is not listed and you’re open on either the Good Friday or Easter Sunday, please contact us through social media (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn) and we will update the post!

3 Ways to Spend V-Day in Brockville

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Can you feel it?… Love is in the air! With Valentine’s Day quickly approaching, you might be racking your brain trying to come up with the perfect date. Or, maybe you’d like to celebrate this “holiday” with the one and only… you (nothing is better than self-love dedicated day!). Lastly, why not gather your best friends, and/or family to celebrate all of the loved ones in your life! Whether you “buy in” to Valentine’s Day or not, love is always something to be celebrated!
For the Couples

  • Grab your skates! Have a pre-dinner skate at the Brockville Memorial Centre from 2pm-3pm or a post-dinner skate at Rotary Park Rink until 10pm on February 14th.
  • Enjoy a lovely dinner special at one of your favourite spots:
    Click for: Buell St. Bistro Valentines Week Menu
    Click for: Brockberry’s Lover Cantina Menu
    Plus, don’t forget about the heart shaped pizza Boston Pizza and Pizza Pizza offers on Valentines Day!
  • Surprise your special someone with none other than a heart shaped dessert! Richards Coffeehouse will have special cake available (orders yours ahead of time at 613-345-7771), heart shaped blueberry lemon scones will be available at Sweet Life Cafe, and who knows what yummy treats Tait’s Fresh Start will be offering on Feb 14th! Treat yourself!

Me Time

  • Pick up a bath bomb (or two), amoung other lovely pampering items at Heavenly Touch Spa for your very own spa night.
  • Treat yourself to your favourite meal whether you order in, cook up a storm, or make a reservation for 1.
  • Pick up a great book at the Brockville Public Library, and get lost in the pages, or gain knowledge in an area you’re really curious about.

With Family & Friends

  • Take the family to see Peter Pan at the Brockville Arts Centre. The talented Brockville Operatic Society is performing this fun musical at 7:30pm on Feb 14th. Don’t miss “Peter Pan is the perfect show for the child in all of us… who dreamed of soaring high and never growing up”.
  • Catch a movie on the big screen, with popcorn and all! At Galaxy Cinemas, two new movies are coming out in Feb 13th, “Happy Death Day 2U” for the horror fans, and “Isn’t It Romantic” fun rom-com for a girls’ outing!

Looking for gift ideas? Check out this great Valentines Day Gift Guide from Downtown Brockville

4 Ways to Spend Your NYE in Brockville

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Photo by: Chris Hebert
Uptown, Downtown, there’s NYE Celebrations happening all over Brockville!
Here are some ideas to help you plan your evening out:
New Year’s Eve Concerts in Historic Downtown Brockville
Continuing a 26 year tradition there will be concerts in each of six downtown churches starting at 6.00 on New Year’s Eve. These beautiful churches offer an amazing venue to enjoy live music with friends and family. Click here for more info and the concert schedule.
Boston Pizza New Year’s Eve
Ring in the New Year with Boston Pizza! The Dining Room will be open all night serving your favourite food, and champagne at midnight for all dinner guests.  All are welcome to dance the night away with great DJ in the lounge after 9pm. And guess what? No cover charge!
Ryan James Band Rings in the New Year at the Barley Mow
7pm-12pm
Come to The Barley Mow for a rockin’ New Years Eve party with The Ryan James band!
Check out a Bar in Downtown Brockville for a drink, live music or dancing (or all of the above!):
The Bar – NYE Party: a full midnight buffet, music by Southern Ale
The Georgian Dragon Ale House & Pub
The Keystorm Pub
The Phoenix Bar
Sam’s Brass Racks
Union Jack Pub
Struggling to get moving the morning after? No worries, why not sign up for the Brockville Polar Plunge on New Years Day?! Take an icy, wake-me-up dip in the River, in support of our local OSPCA branch! For more details click here.

5 Brockville Things to Do Before the Summer’s Through

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There’s only a few weeks left of summer (officially), but there are still plenty of ways to soak up the last little bit of sunshine and warmth this year!
Here are 5 ways to enjoy the weather and summertime feelings.
Ice Cream is on the Menu Tonight

The last few days of summer are sure to be sweet, especially with a delicious ice cream in hand! Enjoy your ice cream wandering through Brockville’s Historic Downtown, and waterfront. O’Malley Kourt Fudgery serves up generous scoops, as well as homemade fudge and many more options to curb your sweet fix! The Crow’s Nest offers a great spot to grab a cone on Blockhouse Island, and across the harbour you’ll find the Tall Ships Cafe and Creamery, with a lovely patio. Richards Coffeehouse brings gelato to Brockville’s ice cream scene! Enjoy a scoop or two before you catch a show at the Brockville Arts Centre, or take it with you for your walk along the Brock Trail. Cowan’s Dairy also offers a wide selection of ice cream (40 flavours!), and newly fudge as well! Take a break and enjoy on their picnic tables out front.
Cool Off in Brockville’s Largest “Swimming Pool”

Late summer is one of the best times for a river swim! The hot temperatures over the past few months have heated things up, including the St. Lawrence River! Take a dip while it’s still warm outside and in the water, at Brockville’s most popular swim spots. Take the plunge at Centeen Park by jumping in.. or walking in if you so please! Sanddocks offers another spot to splash about and sunbath. After a game of volleyball at Hardy Park, take a jump on in the river to cool off!  Head to the beach at St. Lawrence park, and wade out into the shallow waters, a perfect spot for the young ones! Heading west, check out Browns Bay Beach and Picnic Area! Bring a bathing suit, snacks, and spend the day by the river!
Enjoy an Easy Breezy Patio Evening

Don’t miss out on patio season in the last few weeks of summer! Downtown, enjoy wood-fired pizza at Brimstone and a yummy breakfast (or lunch or dinner!) al fresco overlooking the harbour at Bud’s on the Bay. If you are looking for a few more waterfront options, check out South Coast Grille where local flavours and 1000 Islands culture meld together, and the Crow’s Nest, with offers a great outdoor licensed patio with a menu to suit everyone’s taste buds!
Are you looking to catch up with friends over a drink and tasty apps? Why not make your way to the Keystorm Pub, overlooking the beautiful Court House Square! Enjoy a glass of wine and Mediterranean fusion cuisine on Buell Street Bistro’s garden patio, and enjoy lunch or shop for your next homemade meal to take home at Brockberry Café and Suites.
Brockville’s uptown also offers a great patio experience! Dine at Barley Mow an enjoy comfort food to contemporary cuisine, and at Boston Pizza and Kelsey’s for your go-to dishes!
Have Fun Mini Golfing & Hitting the Driving Range

Grab your friends, family or your date for a fun (or perhaps competitive) game of miniature golf! 1000 Island Miniature Golf and Driving Range just opened this year, where you can put your putting and driving skills to the test! After your game, enjoy soft serve ice cream on site! Take your mini golf game over to Sunnidell Golf, to their 18-hole mini put and have a yummy meal at the clubhouse.
Take a Picnic Down to the Waterfront

Picnic season is slowly coming to an end, therefore it’s time to grab some food, a blanket, and enjoy! Many restaurants in Downtown Brockville offer take out options, from Fish and Chips (Don’s Fish & Chips, Manolls), to Lebanese (Shawarma Garden), Indian (Tandoori Mint), and Thai (Nakhon Thai and Island Delight). Bring your meal down to Brockville’s waterfront at Blockhouse Island, Hardy Park, or St. Lawrence Park, and enjoy the outdoors, watch boats pass, and the sun set.

Ribfest is Back Town!

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Big Brothers and Big Sisters Brockville Ribfest is officially back in town for another sunny summer weekend, full of live music, arm wrestling, fishing derby and yummy food, including ribs of course! Ribfest started on Thursday August 9th and goes in till Sunday August 12, and will be open from 11am to 11 pm and is located at Hardy Park.
We made our way down and meet one of the newest ribbers on scene, The Hogfather. Dave is the owner of a father-son business. They are from the Niagara region and have travelled to 20 places across Ontario this year. Their smoked chicken and pulled pork, cooked with cherry and hickory wood chips make this vendor so unique. Bringing their home location with them everywhere they go by adding local Niagara apples into their sauce to make a nice combination of sweet and savory.  Dave adds, that his favourite part of the summer is being a part of such an inviting atmosphere, being outdoors and being around happy people while enjoying rack of ribs.
Along with The Hogfather, there are a number of tasty spots to try, including:
Uncle Sam’s BBQ
Billy Bones BBQ
Bone Daddy’s
Crabby’s BBQ Shack
Jack the Ribber
Ribs Royal
Silver Bullet Bar B Q
Grab a little bit of this and a little bit of that, and make the hard decision of who your favourite is! Head on down to Hardy Park and bring your appetite!
Click here for a full schedule of events.

Ideas for a Brockville Girls’ Getaway!

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Grab your girls and have a blast in Brockville! Whether you are here for a day, the night, or both, the options are endless for a good time. We’ve come up with a few potential itineraries to help plan your stay!
During the day…
For pampering and relaxation:
Start your morning off with a visit to one of Brockville’s spas, to de-stress, and get pampered of course! It’s sometimes hard to find time to slow down, and do something for you – so this the time to treat yourself to a treatment, mani/pedi, or even an oxygen bar session!
Choose your spa experience from one of the many fabulous spas in Brockville:
Heavenly Touch
Aquala Day Spa
Beauty Inside Spa
Genev Beauty Lounge
Mint Wellness
Afterwards, enjoy a meal together at one of Downtown Brockville’s cafes or restaurants, as many will be walking distance from your visit at the spa! For a list of eateries, click here.
Since you’re already downtown, take some time to pop into the eclectic shops in the Downtown area. You will be sure to find some treasures and good finds, whether you were looking for them or not 😉 Afterwards, why not venture uptown to find even more shopping opportunities. Located in this beautiful property is River West Co., beautiful gift shop, carrying just about everything – from clothing to furniture to home décor! To cap your afternoon off, a caffeine or treat stop may be just what you need! After shopping at River West Co., make a stop at Café Selah in the 1000 Islands Village, for great tasting coffee, and mouth-watering baked goods!
For adventure and sightseeing:
If spas aren’t you and your girls’ thing, not a problem! The outdoors are calling and Brockville’s got some great ways to experience the city out in the fresh air! Why not start your day off with a cycle tour around “the City of the 1000 Islands”, boasting historical buildings of all sorts, gleaming waterfront, and vibrant downtown core at a leisurely pace.
After working up an appetite, indulge in your pick of cuisine, perhaps something to take away and eat by the waterfront – Fish & Chips, a mouth-watering Shawarma, or a juicy burger. After lunch, it’s time to get out on the river! Sit back and relax aboard a cruise with 1000 Islands & Seaway Cruises (for the thrill seekers, hop on board the Wildcat!). If you’d like to explore the river and islands at your own pace, we recommend renting a kayak or canoe with Dive Brockville or Gilbert Marine. Glide through the water, taking in the beautiful scenery surrounding you. Stop off at one of the City Islands to take a break, take a dip, and have a few laughs with the girls!
During the evening…
The perfect night starts off with a delicious dinner (and maybe a few beverages as well!). On a beautiful summer night, you can’t beat dining el fresco, and Brockville has many restaurants that offer outdoor patios!
After your meal, it’s time to enjoy live entertainment at the Brockville Arts Centre. Along with their Summer Series and great shows in between, you will be sure to find a show to peak everyone’s interest! After the show, pop into one of Brockville’s bars/pubs for a glass of wine, or craft beer. Many will have live bands performing during the weekend, and you just might have to break out your dancing shoes!
These are just a few activities to help plan your day(s) in Brockville. If you’re looking to spend the evening, Brockville offers great options for your overnight stay – click here for a listing!
Please visit our “Things to Do” web page for even more ideas, and check out the event calendar for things to come!

Your Brockville Guide To: Cafés & Coffee Shops

You never know what you’re going to get with the weather these days…but what you can count on is a great cup of coffee, or a yummy sweet treat! Brockville offers many wonderful cafes and coffee shops, and each one is a little different than the other. Grab a loose leaf tea or a cold pint, or maybe you’re feeling a mouth-watering soup, or a freshly baked donut! Why not try a little “Café Hopping”! To find out a little more about each, keep reading, and visit their websites for current opening hours.
Richard’s Coffeehouse
One of the newer coffee shops on the block, Richard’s offers a wide variety of menu items, including breakfast, and tasty chili – the perfect filling lunch! Check out Richards after watching a show at the Brockville Arts Centre, to grab a snack and discuss the great performance or film. Plus, this is one of the coffee shops that’s open early, but also open late!
234 King St W.
613-345-7771
Website
The Sleepless Monkey Café & Tea Room
Sleepless Monkey offers a cozy and comfy vibe, welcoming you in to take a break and relax. Choose from a wide selection of loose leaf teas, and gourmet coffees. Stop in for a tasty breakfast, lunch, or grab something sweet!
170 King St. W.
Website
Cosies
A unique addition to Brockville’s café and coffee shop scene, Cosies specializes in British Tea Room charm. Cosies offers classic British breakfasts, lunch items, and baked goods. The scones with homemade jam and clotted cream are just like what you’d enjoy across the pond! Choose from a wide variety of teas, coffee, or cold beverages, and pick up some of your favourite British candies.
45 King St. W.
613-865-9179
Website
Tait’s Fresh Start
Tait’s Bakery has been a part of Brockville for a while, since 1908 to be exact! Stop in for your morning coffee or grab some lunch to eat in, bring to the waterfront, or take back to the office. Tait’s has a wide range of tasty homemade baked goods, including delicious homemade donuts! Grab a loaf of bread to enjoy at home, or perhaps a pie for tonight’s dessert!
31 King St. W.
613-865-8800
Website
Winniebee’s
Stop in at Winniebees for a drink or a light lunch – they offer homemade soup and daily specials! Take a seat by the front window, and watch the world go by along King St., or pick up the newspaper and find out what’s going on in the city, and the world!
23 King St. W.
613-342-6719
Website
Boboli
Lunch at Boboli will be a memorable one! Choose from a selection of yummy sandwiches, made with fresh bread from across the road. Don’t forget about the delicious soup and tempting dessert selection. If a piece of cheesecake is a little too much after your meal, why not enjoy a cappuccino, or grab a melt in your mouth cookie for later!
32 King St. W.
613-498-2957
Website
Spitfire Café
Spitfire Café offers a cool retro vibe, situated in a historic Victorian house, just north of King St. on Victoria Ave. Not only can you order a specialty coffee or tea, but the café is also licensed! Enjoy a cold pint of Ontario brewed beer, or a fun cocktail! Plus Spitfire café specializes in vegan and vegetarian options (with a selection of gluten free options as well)! Check out their Facebook page to keep up to date with weekly events happening at the café, such as board game nights, and live musical performances!
10 Victoria Ave
613-865-9348
Website
Café Selah
Café Selah has recently opened up at 1000 Islands Village, and if you haven’t been already, you should check it out! Enjoy a great cup of coffee, daily soup, fresh homemade cinnamon buns, among many other yummy treats! This cool spot has a large seating area, perfect for a larger group, and in the summer, grab a drink and wander around the beautiful 1000 Islands Village grounds.
1120 Highway 2 E.
613-865-8109
Website
Dockside Café
At Dockside Café, enjoy Laura Secord ice cream, and chocolates, plus delicious baked goods from Sweet Fig Bakery. Sit on the outdoor patio and enjoy views over the Brockville Harbour and St. Lawrence River. Located next to the Aquatarium, why not take the kids for a treat after your visit! Please note that Dockside Café is closed for the season but will re-open in the Spring of 2018.
6 Broad St.
613-865-7328
Website
 
If you have any other suggestions on what makes these places great, let us know and we will happily add them in!

What You Need to Know About Brockville’s Upcoming Rails to Trails Festival

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This August, from the 10th to 13th 2017, Brockville will be celebrating Canada’s 150th in a BIG way with the Rails to Trails Festival!  Here is everything you need to know to prepare for the biggest weekend in Brockville.

 

Hours of Operation:

Thursday  4:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Friday 10:00 am – 10:00 pm
Saturday 10:00 am – 10:00 pm
Sunday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm

Admission onto the festival grounds is free, but some activities (ie. Carnival games, ferris wheel) have small ticket fees.

Ticket costs:

Carny Games (7 varieties)  $2 each
-Cork Gun Shooting Gallery
-Pitch Till You Win/Hoop Toss
-Knock ‘Em down/Milk Bottle Toss
-Ring Toss
-Star Darts
-Cat Rack/Tip The Cat
1917 Ferris Wheel  $3
1938 Carousel  $3
Tropical Terrors Snake Show  $5
Lunacy Live Cabaret $10

Carnival tickets can be purchased at the Carnivale Lune Bleue Grounds in Reynolds Park with Cash only during festival hours.

Shuttles and Transit:

Complimentary Festival Bus Shuttle

Busses will depart from the Brockville Memorial Centre 1 Magedoma Blvd. then go to the Brockville Shopping Centre  125 Stewart Blvd (Free Parking is available at both locations.)
Drop off/pick up downtown is in front of City Hall. Golf cart drivers will collect those with accessibility concerns and take them to the festival site(s).
This free shuttle system has 4 buses running on a continuous loop:

Thursday             2:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Friday                   10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday              9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday                 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Complimentary Hotel Express

This free bus route runs on a direct route from the Holiday Inn Express, Comfort Inn, Travelodge, and Days Inn. Shuttles will pick up guests from the front door of their hotels. The last festival pickup will be at the close of the festival each night.

Thursday             4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Friday                   11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday              10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday                 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Brockville City Bus/Transit

http://www.brockville.com/transit

Monday to Friday  6:45 a.m. to 6:15 p.m.
Saturday  8:45 a.m. to 6:15 p.m.
Monday to Friday Evening Service (1 Conventional and 1 Para Bus) 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
No Service on Sundays or Statutory Holidays

Fares – Conventional and Para Transit Service:
Cash fare $2.25
Children 5 yrs & under   FREE

Bicycle Parking

Avoid searching for parking altogether by taking advantage of the free bicycle parking available on the festival grounds in the Water Street Parking Lot.

Taxi Services

Brockville Taxi Taxi Service 45 King St E · (613) 498-7000
City Cab / Taxi Taxi Service 223 King St W · (613) 345-5888
Executive Taxi 28 Perth Street · (613) 342-2000 or 613-342-5655

Accessibility

Specially marked parking areas for accessible parking will be available at Market Street West Parking Lot or Water Street North.  Golf carts will run between all three parks to get people from one location to the other, and to pick people up from the shuttle drop-off (in front of City Hall). “Little Obie” a miniature people-mover train will be available on Saturday and Sunday, and VIA Rail will have a mini train on Saturday from 1-8pm as well.

What You Will See:

Canada’s First Railway Tunnel

Bring your family and friends to the official re-opening and dedication of Canada’s First Railway Tunnel, newly restored especially for Canada’s 150th birthday, as part of Brockville’s Brock Trail recreational pathway. Saturday, August 12 is when you’ll want to be here for the parade and opening ceremonies. Stick around for public tours of the 525-metre long tunnel and check out the exciting new Philips Light Show. Find us in Armagh S. Price Park
brockvillerailwaytunnel.com

Rhythm of the Nation

A rollicking waterfront, pan-provincial entertainment tour will be coming ashore in Brockville during the Rails to Trails Festival. Presented across Ontario by Redpath Sugar, Ontario 150 includes Rhythm of the Nation an interactive beat and breakdance filled performance inspired by renowned Canadian artist DJ Creeasian. Find us in the Water Street parking lot.

West Coast Lumberjack Show

These axe swinging, saw-pulling, poll climbing lumberjacks have performed all over the world to great reviews. You may have missed them on shows like The Amazing Race but you don’t want to miss their cutting-edge performance at the Rails to Trails Festival. Part of Ontario 150 and presented in Brockville by Investors Group. Find us in the Water Street parking lot.

World’s Largest Rubber Duck

You’ll be thinking “what the duck?” when you cast your disbelieving eyes upon a rubber duck the size of a small office building bobbing in the waters of the St. Lawrence River. It’s six stories and eleven tons of floating cuteness and you don’t want to miss it! Find us on Blockhouse Island next to the airplane.

Carnivale Lune Bleue

Take a trip back to the days when travelling carnivals would trek all across the land thrilling people of all ages with rides, games and a cast of captivating characters. Grab a ticket to ride high in the sky on the classic 1917 Eli Bridge Ferris Wheel, test your strength on the High Striker game and so much more! Find us in Reynolds Park.

Brockvile Ribfest

At the same time as the Rails to Trails Festival is wowing crowds, Brockville Ribfest will be taking place a short stroll west along the waterfront. Talented Ribbers will be serving up mouth-watering ribs, chicken and other grilled delights. In support of Big Brother Big Sisters of Leeds and Grenville. Find us in Hardy Park.
brockvilleribfest.ca

Want to learn more? See our recent post about the arrival of the World’s Largest Rubber Duck.

Ontario Culinary Tourism Award Finalist

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Brockville’s Island Breakfast Nominated for Ontario Culinary Tourism Award

The ever-popular Island Breakfast on Refugee Island has become award worthy, being named among three finalists in the Ontario Culinary Tourism Event of the Year. The winner will be announced at Ontario’s Annual Tourism Summit in Ottawa to be held November 21-22 in Ottawa.
The awards, organized by the Tourism Association of Ontario, the Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Corporation and the Culinary Tourism Alliance recognize groups who have made a significant contribution to Ontario’s tourism industry.
Island Breakfast takes place in June over four days and features local breakfast fare including local eggs (cooked in a variety of ways from a local supplier), maple syrup and strawberries, all from local farms. Over 60 volunteers contribute their time to transport, cook and serve some 1,500 visitors on Refugee Island.
“This event becomes more popular every year and is an ideal opportunity for people to experience the 1000 Islands,” explained David Beatty, Chair of the Volunteer Committee. “Many people would not have the chance otherwise to experience Island Life, and when you couple a ride on the river with excellent food and local entertainment, it is a perfect event!”
Island Breakfast has attracted visitors from as far away as Germany, England, China, United States and New Zealand along with many local residents. Since inception, the event has grown from attracting 700 visitors during a 3-day event to over 1500 patrons in four days.
Net proceeds from funds raised will go toward building a pavilion on the island.
Island Breakfast’s fellow nominees for this award are Beau’s All Natural Brewing Company’s Beau’s Oktober-fest and Spirit Tree Estates Cidery’s Family Day Wassailing Festival. Update: The winner of this category is Beau’s All Natural Brewing Company’s “Beau’s Oktogerfest” – congrats Beau’s!
More information on Island Breakfast can be found by visiting www.refugeeislandbreakfast.com

Tips to get the most out of Brockville Ribfest

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Brockville Ribfest is quickly becoming one of Brockville’s favourite annual festivals. Located on the waterfront in Hardy Park, this fun-filled-family-food-festival hosts eight ribbers including: Ribs Royale, Dinosaur BBQ, Crabby’s BBQ, Gator BBQ, Silver Bullet, Billy Bones, Camp 31, and Jack The Ribber. There are also tons of food and merchandise vendors, a bavarian garden, activities in the Kidz Zone, live music and entertainment, all with free admission.
Brockville Ribfest is hosted annually by Big Brothers Big Sisters Leeds and Grenville and is a hugely successful fundraiser for them. Below we have a few tips to help you make the most of your visit this year:

  1. Taste, taste, taste!

Did you know that all of the ribbers offer free samples of their signature barbeque sauces? Before you decide where to buy your ribs from, take a tour of the park and sample sauces from all 8 of the ribbers (pro tip: you don’t have to wait in line to grab a sauce sample, just head straight for the grill and ask them for a sample). Remember that pork is sweet so your sauce will become sweeter once it is on the ribs.

  1. Go with a group

Food tastes better when it is shared with friends and family. Going with a group lets you try out ribs, chicken, and pulled pork from multiple vendors – and it also helps cut down on the time spent waiting in line! Don’t forget to vote for your favourites on the way out – the ribbers love getting People’s Choice Awards!

  1. Buy a bloomin’ onion and  a fully loaded funnel cake

Not only are these treats delicious, once-a-year indulgences, this food cart is run by volunteers for Big Brothers Big Sisters Leeds and Grenville and the proceeds of the cart go directly back into their programming. Also check out their brand new offerings: deep-fried curds, Mars Bars, and peanut butter cups.

  1. Check out their programming online

Don’t miss your favourite local band or the chance to take your kids to the petting zoo, check out the lineup online on the Brockville Ribfest website before you go.

  1. Go early and go often

As much as you may want to, you can’t eat ribs from all 8 ribbers in one sitting. Plan ahead and start sampling on Thursday. You can also beat most of the lines by heading to Hardy Park earlier in the day for lunch.

  1. Get lots of napkins and wetwipes

Ribfest volunteers are great at cleaning up the tables and making sure that you have lots of napkins and wipes on hand. Make sure your area has been restocked before you sit down, you never know when a sauce emergency will strike.

  1. Vote for your favourites

The ribbers love taking home People’s Choice Awards and they display their wins proudly on trophies and banners hanging behind their booths. Think someone had the best sauce? The best rack of ribs? Best pulled pork? Make sure to vote for them on the way out.
Brockville Ribfest takes place in Hardy Park August 10-13, 2017. The food concessions will be available Thursday-Saturday from 11:00am to 10:00pm and Sunday from 11:00am-6:00pm (some events take place outside of those times).
 

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