Your Guide to May in Prince Edward County
Well, my lovelies, May is finally here. I think it’s my favourite month. Full disclosure, my birthday is May 18, but besides that, it is so exciting to wander around the garden and see new growth – the lilacs are budding, and new flowers and plants are emerging. The birds are singing, and the bunnies are very happy to be out. The county is coming alive, and I couldn’t be more pleased.
May 1 is our official opening day for Lilac Lane, and we look forward to welcoming guests from around the world to come and celebrate this beautiful area of Ontario. Our neighbouring farmer friends, artists, wineries, bakers, and so many more have been busy prepping, and there is so much for you to experience when you visit.
Farmers Markets opening in May
We have three fabulous farmers markets in the County, and they are all opening in the next few weeks.
Wellington Farmers Market
- opens Saturday, May 11
Picton Town Hall Farmers Market
- opens Sunday, May 12
Wellington Community Market
- opens Saturday, May 18
All three markets are community-focused and feature artisans and vendors who offer locally produced and grown products.
Rain or shine, the markets are always open. There’s local parking available, and breakfast, coffee, and other beverages are on offer. You’re sure to find a good chat and a discovery.
The Peasants – May 4
·I am thrilled to work with the County Adaptation Film Festival, the only film festival in PEC. On May 4, as a preview event for the festival in September, we are hosting our first gala screening at the historic Regent Theatre in Picton.
The screening of DK Welchman & Hugh Welchman’s THE PEASANTS will also feature a special Q&A and an exhibit of oil paintings created for the film.
If you visit that weekend, check out this fabulous film in Picton.
ANDARA GALLERY
Tara Wilkinson and Andrew Csafordi, artists and co-owners of ANDARA Gallery, are celebrating - both 15 years of operating their arts studios and galleries in Prince Edward County AND the 5th anniversary of ANDARA Gallery - with several exciting events.
On May 15, Encaustic painter Andrew Csafordi opens his latest solo exhibition, GESTURES. His new body of work includes landscapes with an even braver intertwining of impressionism and abstraction. “GESTURES” reflects a maturity that’s evolved from over 20 years of working in encaustic while still holding on to his explorative nature. “GESTURES” runs thru August 31, 2024.
ANDARA Gallery will be hosting an Open House on May 18 & 19 for the general public from 11 AM to 5 PM. Visitors can see the latest exhibition, enjoy coffee and treats, and enter a draw for a chance to win some great prizes.
photo credit: Vaughan Group
Our local community radio station – 99.3 County FM – will be celebrating its 10th anniversary this year and we are hosting our 2024 Radiothon running from May 30 – June 2. We have programmed over 45 artists to perform at our station as a fundraiser to help us raise funds for our volunteer-led station. We have over 100 volunteers helping to program and run the station, and there’s such a diverse mix of music and conversation.
There is so much talent in the County, and we have fabulous performers who are very generous with their time and talent, and they’re coming into the station to play live music. From country to jazz, from Celtic to roots, we’ve got it all. Tune in while you’re visiting and help us keep our community strong.
Base31 – May highlights
Where do I begin? Base31 is noted as ‘PEC’s hottest new cultural destination,’ and the good news is that it’s a 10-minute drive from Lilac Lane.
Located on a 70-acre former air training base, it has been transformed over the past several years to provide venues of varying sizes to accommodate concerts, festivals, a curated food-drink market, public art galleries, play spaces for kids, and historic tours.
There is so much happening. There are fabulous concerts planned for the summer, along with many other events, including ‘Night Watch’ created by the Department of Illuminations.
Base31 truly is a cultural hub, and we’re delighted it’s so close. What a treat for us and our visitors.
Visit base31.ca and discover for yourself.
Paper Kite Farms
Hans and Judy Ning, once neighbours on Mitchells Crossroad, have moved recently to a new farm not too far away near Black River where they raise chickens and sheep, and can grow even more crops in their new location. In addition to their wonderful array of vegetables, they’ve just launched The Dumpling Club featuring vegetable, beef & carrot and pork & vegetable dumplings all of which are delicious. They are regulars at the Picton Farmers Market every Sunday, and you can visit their Farm Store on County Road 16, For more information, visit their website at Paper Kite Farm
County Stage Company
Announces 2024 Season!
Exciting times ahead this summer. A new season has just been announced along with that of a new Artistic Director, Heather Braaten.
The season commences in June and runs through October and will feature a Comedy Festival at the Red Barn Theatre at the Eddie Hotel in Bloomfield, Cabaret Brunch shows at Base31, Scripts & Sips to take place at various wineries across the County, and a concert celebrating the music of Michael Bulbé in the fall at the Regent Theatre in Picton.
Stay tuned for dates and details and I’ll keep you informed.
Lilac Ride – May 26
The 9th annual Rotary Club Lilac Ride is happening on May 26th.
Let’s hope for a beautiful sunny morning as people get on their bikes and follow the various routes identified throughout the County. These riders will not only be raising money for the Rotary Club of Picton, they will also be able to enjoy the beauty and gorgeous scent of the lilacs, which will be in full bloom. It all starts at the Picton Community Centre in the morning, and after the ride, there will be a BBQ. If you’re visiting the county, be on the lookout that morning – for the lilacs and our bicyclists.
In the meantime, I’m preparing to greet new visitors and friends, and I’m developing delicious new breakfast items, but there are always some standards that I’ll gladly prepare for our guests.
We’re preparing the raised beds, new soil, planting seeds, preparing for the long weekend so we can plant our heirloom tomatoes for our favourite tomato tarts.
May promises to be a very busy month, and we look forward to welcoming you.
Cheers!
MAF
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