September 3, 2006 20:36 - Niagara Events - Sept 4 to Sept 10, 2006
Sept 4, 2006
Marketplace MusicStart Date: 2006-06-01 End Date: 2006-09-30
June 1 to June 23 & Sept. 4 to Sept 30 11 am to 6 pm
June 24 to Sept. 3 11 am to 9 pm
Location: Maid of the Mist Marketplace
Price: FREE
Enjoy daily musical performances by individual artists.
Old Fort Erie
Friday Night Frights
Start Date: 2006-09-08 End Date: 2006-09-08
A ghost tour through the Old Fort 9:00 pm
Location: Old Fort Erie
Price: $5.00 per person; 5 & under free
Old Fort Erie will host "Friday Night Frights", a ghost tour through the Old Fort. Visitors will enjoy a candle lit journey through time, as a costumed interpreter leads them through the Fort shocking them with tales of ghosts, gore, fighting and phantoms. Fun for all ages!!! (This is not a Haunted House, so parents need not worry about the little ones being too scared). Phone reservations are a MUST. Limited space available. 905 871-0540.
Sept 9, 2006
Old Fort ErieFort Erie Celtic Festival
Start Date: 2006-09-09 End Date: 2006-09-09
8 am to 9 pm
Location: Grounds of Old Fort Erie
Price:
Pipe bands, demonstrations in all forms of Celtic dance, heavy events, Celtic foods and vendors.
September 5, 2006 22:21 - Two major attractions survive critical first year.
There may not have been as many tourists coming to Niagara as had been predicted. But that hasn't prevented Cirque Niagara and Silver Mist Productions from planning to return for the 2007 season.
Spectacles drew crowds as summer progressed; After good first season Silver Mist, Cirque planning for 2007
by JOHN LAW in the Niagara Falls Review, September 02, 2006
They arrived with lots of hype, hope and hoopla.
Now that Cirque Niagara and Silver Mist Productions have survived their first summer in Niagara Falls, work is already underway for 2007.
Both companies were the new kids on the block this year, taking a big risk with big budget shows.
Silver Mist Productions brought a $1.6-million version of Disney's Aladdin Jr. to the Greg Frewin Theatre, while Cirque Niagara set up its $10-million spectacle Avaia in a tent at Rapidsview Park.
Both shows got off to a slow start, but gained momentum as summer chugged along.
Read the whole article
September 7, 2006 22:17 - Marineland has huge plans.
John Holder has been the driving force behind Marineland since I was a kid, many, many years ago.And now he has plans for the biggest aquarium in the world.
More than that, the shovels are digging and there's a proposed opening date for The Terrors of the Sea shark aquarium is in two years.
The Niagara Falls Review has all the info.
Holer offers Terrors of the Sea; Marineland begins construction of shark aquarium
by Robin Healey for the Niagara Falls Review, September 07, 2006
A massive mechanical shovel scoops dirt from beside a riverbank and loads several dump trucks.
"This is going to be 60 acres, the world's largest aquarium," said Marineland owner and founder John Holer.
Casually dressed in a baseball cap and golf shirt, he points to the heavy equipment and explains the construction crew began preparing the ground for a shark exhibit last week.
The Terrors of the Sea shark aquarium is set to open in two years. It will be the first of a four-part marine complex that will include an interactive dolphin habitat, an ocean reef with exotic species of marine life and a rainforest lagoon that will feature fresh water fish from around the world.
"Sharks are very mythical. A lot of people haven't seen them," said Holer. He expects the shark aquarium to draw visitors to help finance the building of the other aquariums.
The marine park complex is part of a $160-million River Country Development project at Marineland that includes the already completed Friendship Cove and Arctic Cove. Those attractions house killer whales and beluga whales.
The whole article.
September 9, 2006 22:06 - Free Concerts compliments of Casino Niagara
If you are in town Sept 15 to Sept 17 you are in for a real treat. The Jeff Healey Blues Band, David Usher and Mobile will be at Casino Niagara for a series of free concerts.
It's all part of Fun-a-palooza. It's the wonderful way that Casino Niagara thanks their customers and our local community for their support.
The Review features all the details.
Casino Niagara hosting free concerts
Niagara Falls Review, September 07, 2006
The Jeff Healey Blues Band, David Usher and Mobile will give a series of free concerts at Casino Niagara.
The pair of Molson Canadian Rocks concerts are part of the casino's Fun-a-palooza celebrations that run from Sept. 15 to 17.
The Jeff Healey Blues Band will perform Sept. 15, while David Usher and Mobile will play Sept. 16.
Both concerts will start at 11 p.m. and are free to anyone 19 years or older. "Fun-a-palooza is the second anniversary of the remodelling and remaking of Casino Niagara," said Greg Medulun, manager of the casino's corporate communications.
Two years ago, Casino Niagara underwent a $12-million renovation. Medulun said Fun-a-palooza is "about thanking our customers and our community for their support of our business.
That's why we chose to offer these shows free of charge. No hassles, no tickets, no service charges - just fun.
Read the rest of the article.
September 10, 2006 21:49 - Niagara Events - Sept 11 to Sept 17, 2006
Sept 11, 2006Marketplace Music
Start Date: 2006-06-01 End Date: 2006-09-30
June 1 to June 23 & Sept. 4 to Sept 30 11 am to 6 pm
June 24 to Sept. 3 11 am to 9 pm
Location: Maid of the Mist Marketplace
Price: FREE
Enjoy daily musical performances by individual artists.
Sept 15, 2006
Funapalooza II Weekend
Casino Niagara
Featuring FREE LIVE CONCERT
Friday, September 15 Jeff Healey Blues Band - 11pm
New York Minute 9pm - 11pm & Midnight - 2am
It's all part of Fun-a-palooza. It's the wonderful way that Casino Niagara thanks their customers and our local community for their support
Queen Victoria Park
Pizza Pizza Falls Fireworks
10 pm
Location: Queen Victoria Park
Price: FREE
Canada's longest running fireworks will light up the Falls every Friday and Sunday until October 8. Please remember the fireworks are weather dependent.
Old Fort Erie
Friday Night Frights
A ghost tour through the Old Fort 9:00 pm
Location: Old Fort Erie
Price: $5.00 per person; 5 & under free
Old Fort Erie will host "Friday Night Frights", a ghost tour through the Old Fort. Visitors will enjoy a candle lit journey through time, as a costumed interpreter leads them through the Fort shocking them with tales of ghosts, gore, fighting and phantoms. Fun for all ages!!! (This is not a Haunted House, so parents need not worry about the little ones being too scared). Phone reservations are a MUST. Limited space available. 905 871-0540.
Sept 16, 2006
Funapalooza II Weekend
Casino Niagara
Featuring FREE LIVE CONCERT
Saturday, September 16 Mobile and David Usher - 11pm
New York Minute 9pm - 11pm & Midnight - 2am
It's all part of Fun-a-palooza. It's the wonderful way that Casino Niagara thanks their customers and our local community for their support.
Sept 17, 2006
Queen Victoria Park
Pizza Pizza Falls Fireworks
10 pm
Location: Queen Victoria Park
Price: FREE
Canada's longest running fireworks will light up the Falls every Friday and Sunday until October 8. Please remember the fireworks are weather dependent.
September 12, 2006 17:40 - Enjoy sketching, taking pictures, learning something new?
If photography is your hobby you are in luck. Do you like sketching historical scenes? If so why not let an local artist guide you.
The Fort Erie Arts Council has set up photography and sketching workshops this Sat and for the next three Saturdays.
It sounds like a lot of fun. The Niagara Falls Review has all the details below.
Arts council plans sketching, photo sessions
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
The Fort Erie Arts Council is organizing sketching and photography workshops Saturday and Sept. 23, 30 and Oct. 14, that incorporate art and local historic architecture.
One of the council's local artists will be on hand at each session to guide participants and offer tips on sketching or photography techniques.
Participants will visit one of the historic churches and cemeteries in the area for an on-site opportunity to practise the skills learned.
Registration costs $10 per session and participants may choose as many sessions as they wish. To learn more, phone 905-991-1946.
Read the article.
September 13, 2006 20:13 - Artists appreciate Niagara
Being a relative newcomer to painting, I have always wanted to paint Niagara Falls. However, the thought of someone looking over my shoulder as I struggled along was enough to scare me away from actually trying.
It was great to read Tony Ricciuto's article in the Niagara Falls Review, about more experienced artists ( more confident artists for sure) who didn't let rain, sun or onlookers deter them.
Maybe next year I will be more confident.
Its a great article, especially if you like painitng outside and feel more comfortable in a group setting.
Artists fall for Niagara; Challenge of painting outdoors lures talent from across North America
by TONY RICCIUTO, September 12, 2006
Some of North America's most talented outdoor painters have been in the city to see for themselves the world-famous Horseshoe and American falls.
It took artist Nicole Bestrudderham about 24 hours to get here by plane from Prince Rupert, B.C., but she wasn't complaining.
"This is a great way to meet other artists and have people see your work," she said Saturday while painting in Queen Victoria Park across from the American falls.
When it started to rain briefly, she moved her easel under a tree and continued to work.
Bestrudderham is a member of the International Plein Air Painters, who were in Niagara on the weekend for the fourth annual Worldwide Paint Out.
A man from France, who spoke only broken English, waited close to half an hour Friday for her to finish a painting so he could buy it. "He stood there with money in hand and paid me in euros," said Bestrudderham.
Jacqueline Baldini of Niagara Falls, executive director of International Plein Air Painters, said members of the five-year-old group were painting simultaneously all around the world on the same weekend.
"We've been very lucky the last couple of years. This is our fourth time down here and it's the first time we've had rain," said Baldini.
Read the whole article.
September 14, 2006 23:21 - Fort George has Ghosts?
Is Fort George haunted? What about other places in Niagara?
What was that sound?
Is there someone over there?
With Halloween coming the two-hour candlelight ghost tours of Niagara are sure to draw a crowd, so reserve your spot soon.
Encounters of the ghostly kind at Fort George
Niagara Falls Review, September 14, 2006
Local News - Fort George has long been said to be one of the most haunted sites in Niagara.
Believers and skeptics will have a chance to find out what tours the fort long after the tourists have gone home during the two-hour ghost tours of Niagara.
"You name a haunting phenomena and we've got it," said tour organizer Kyle Upton.
He said more tours have been added this year to accommodate the growing number of people showing interest in the two-hour candlelight tours, particularly in the Halloween haunting season.
Tours run Sunday nights at 7:30 p.m. through September, and at various times throughout the evening on Oct. 13 to 15, 20 to 22 and 27 to 31.
To reserve a space, call 905-468-6621.
Review the article
September 16, 2006 21:19 - Navy Island had exciting past.
Once a week I visit my parents in Chippawa. It gives me the opportunity to take my weekly walk through King's Bridge Park over the bridge spanning Chippawa Creek and back.
On the way out I walk with Navy Island in full view. On the way back it is the Niagara Falls three miles downsteam,
I know Niagara Falls like the back of my hand. Navy Island is only accessible by boat.
Having no boat, Navy Island remains a mysery to me. And to most people in the area.
Thankfully, the Niagara Falls Review has another great article on Navy Island. Navy Island has quite a history.
Quiet Navy Island shows signs of its exciting past
by Zavitz, Sherman, September 16, 2006
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The most important event in Navy Island's history came during the Upper Canada (Ontario) Rebellion of 1837. The central figure in this affair was the fiery William Lyon Mackenzie who, having failed to bring about political reform through peaceful means, resorted to organizing an armed revolt. After he and his supporters were defeated by government troops during a skirmish just north of Toronto Dec. 7, 1837, Mackenzie took off for the American border with a price on his head.
Shortly after crossing the Niagara River near Fort Erie, Mackenzie, along with some of his Canadian followers and American sympathizers, set up a provisional government on Navy Island. Calling themselves Patriots, they made preparations to defend the island and, at the same time, began to plan an invasion of the Upper Canada mainland. In response to the threat, the government dispatched some 2,000 militia to the Niagara River near Chippawa.
A crucial incident took place on the night of Dec. 29, when a force of Canadian volunteers destroyed the Patriots' supply ship, the Caroline. An American vessel, it had been travelling back and forth between the island and the American mainland. Following this, the Canadian militia stationed along the river began firing on the island with a vengeance, an action that lasted for several weeks. The Patriots fired back.
Finding their position untenable, Mackenzie and his men evacuated Navy Island Jan. 14, 1838. The idea of an invasion dissolved.
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There are lot more exciting details in the whole article
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September 17, 2006 21:20 - Niagara Events - Sept 18 to Sept 24
Sept 18, 2006
Marketplace MusicSept. 4 to Sept 30 11 am to 6 pm
Location: Maid of the Mist Marketplace
Price: FREE
Enjoy daily musical performances by individual artists.
Sept22, 2006
Old Fort ErieFriday Night Frights
A ghost tour through the Old Fort 9:00 pm
Location: Old Fort Erie
Price: $5.00 per person; 5 & under free
Old Fort Erie will host "Friday Night Frights", a ghost tour through the Old Fort.
Visitors will enjoy a candle lit journey through time, as a costumed interpreter leads them through the Fort shocking them with tales of ghosts, gore, fighting and phantoms.
Fun for all ages!!! (This is not a Haunted House, so parents need not worry about the little ones being too scared).
Phone reservations are a MUST. Limited space available. 905 871-0540.
Queen Victoria Park
Pizza Pizza Falls Fireworks
Start Date: 2006-09-22 End Date: 2006-09-22
10 pm
Location: Queen Victoria Park
Price: FREE
Canada's longest running fireworks will light up the Falls every Friday and Sunday until October 8. Please remember the fireworks are weather dependent.
Sept24, 2006
Queen Victoria Park
Pizza Pizza Falls Fireworks
Start Date: 2006-09-24 End Date: 2006-09-24
10 pm
Location: Queen Victoria Park
Price: FREE
Canada's longest running fireworks will light up the Falls every Friday and Sunday until October 8. Please remember the fireworks are weather dependent.
September 18, 2006 23:05 - Highkickers enjoy Falls
When you are down by the falls, you never know who you might see. Earlier this year, Superman flashed his emblem on the falls.
Kathy and Regis brought Niagara into America's living rooms.
And now the Rockettes have been sighted as well.
Rockettes get kick out of falls
JOHN LAW in the Niagara Falls Review, September 16, 2006
Local News - Mitch Gabe was enjoying his first trip to Niagara Falls Friday when two shapely gals in skimpy outfits caught his eye. His wife Melinda didn't mind. She was staring, too.
"We're taking a walk by the falls, I look at these two ladies, and my wife and I said the same thing - 'They're Rockettes from New York!'"
It wasn't their imagination: The famous dancing cuties from Radio City Music Hall were visiting Canada, mingling with tourists and posing for pictures near Table Rock.
Decked out in full Rockette gear, Krista Saab and Jocelyne Levesque - two of only three Canadians in the company - were hoping to lure visitors to Toronto in two months, when the Radio City Christmas Spectacular opens at the Hummingbird Centre for the Performing Arts. Gabe seemed giddy as he snapped photos of the decked-out divas: He was 12-years-old when his grandfather took him to see The Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall 40 years ago.
"I just couldn't believe how in sync they were," he said. "From the outfits to the singing ... it was just beautiful.
"I can't believe it took them that long to get here."
Read the whole article
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September 19, 2006 22:09 - Niagara Wine Festival has Brock University tie-in
The Niagara Grape and Wine Festival is just around the corner. And Brock University is taking part.Wine festival tie-in part of annual Brock Days
Niagara Falls Review, September 16, 2006
Local News - ST. CATHARINES - Brock Days return to Brock University Sept. 29 to Oct. 1.
The Niagara Wine Festival tie-in offers a grape stomp, graduate reunions, varsity games, wine venues and live entertainment at Brock.
In addition to the three-day event, the sixth annual Fine Food, Fine Wine,
Fine Arts is Sept. 28 at Rodman Hall. For information, phone 905-688-5550, ext. 4878 or visit www.brocku.ca/brockdays.
Reread the article
September 20, 2006 19:40 - What is the future of border security?
There is one question that everybody in Niagara has in the back of their mind. How much will things change when you want to go 'over the river'? (local term for crossing the border).
Having grown up in Niagara, shopping, Artpark, inexpensive food and drink, and watching the Bills and Sabres have drawn me 'south of the border' on many occasions.
And I consider myself a typical Niagarian.
Will we still be able to do so?
How can things remain the same with the serious terrorist threats we now face?
The Niagara Falls Review has a thoughtful editorial on the future of border security.
On guard for thee, here and there: Guns and blimps
Niagara Falls Review, September 20, 2006
Editorial & Opinion - While governments in the United States and Canada grapple with the puzzle of increasing security along the international border without affecting trade, word comes that more surveillance is in the works.
The U.S. government will name a contractor Thursday to develop an array of high-technology surveillance that will serve as border posts monitoring the gaps between border crossings.
Crossing the border has changed significantly since the terrorist attacks in the United States five years ago.
Canadians crossing into the U.S. now are required to show a photo ID and birth certificate, where for years a simple declaration was usually all that was needed to cross.
How times have changed.
Rest of article
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September 21, 2006 22:56 - Blues Brother is a big Niagara wine fan.
Niagara wines are getting more supporters as their reputation grows. Dan Aykroyd has gone so far as investing $1 million in Niagara Cellars.
Now if only he would open a branch of the House of Blues in Niagara.
Aykroyd promises fame for local wines
DON FRASER in the Niagara Falls Review, September 21, 2006
Niagara's outstanding vintages will star on the world's wine-and-food stage if a Canadian Hollywood icon has his way.
With celebrity comes the "double-edged element of worldwide fame," said Dan Aykroyd Wednesday. "I have more than enough to go around.
"And we're going to use it for the purpose of bringing Niagara-grown wines into far-flung markets."
Aykroyd was the keynote speaker at the 23rd annual Scotiabank Celebrity Luncheon held at the Quality Parkway Hotel in St. Catharines.
Read the article
September 24, 2006 20:44 - Niagara Events- Septermber 25 to October 1
Sept 25, 2006Marketplace Music
Sept. 4 to Sept 30 11 am to 6 pm
Location: Maid of the Mist Marketplace
Price: FREE
Enjoy daily musical performances by individual artists.
Sept 29, 2006Old Fort Erie
Friday Night Frights
A ghost tour through the Old Fort 9:00 pm
Location: Old Fort Erie
Price: $5.00 per person; 5 & under free
Old Fort Erie will host "Friday Night Frights", a ghost tour through the Old Fort.
Visitors will enjoy a candle lit journey through time, as a costumed interpreter leads them through the Fort shocking them with tales of ghosts, gore, fighting and phantoms.
Fun for all ages!!! (This is not a Haunted House, so parents need not worry about the little ones being too scared).
Phone reservations are a MUST. Limited space available. 905 871-0540.
Queen Victoria Park
Pizza Pizza Falls Fireworks
10 pm
Location: Queen Victoria Park
Price: FREE
Canada's longest running fireworks will light up the Falls every Friday and Sunday until October 8. Please remember the fireworks are weather dependent.
Oct 1, 2006
Queen Victoria Park
Pizza Pizza Falls Fireworks
10 pm
Location: Queen Victoria Park
Price: FREE
Canada's longest running fireworks will light up the Falls every Friday and Sunday until October 8. Please remember the fireworks are weather dependent.
September 25, 2006 20:32 - Local acrobat shows his stuff.
It's always nice when there is a local angle to a story. And if the story has a different buildup, so much the better.
Here is a neat story from the Niagara Falls Review about a local self-taught performer.
Street acrobat flips out; Self-taught performer thrills Clifton Hill crowds
by ALISON LANGLEY, September 25, 2006
Joshua Green is head over heals - literally.
The 21-year-old Niagara Falls resident has a unique talent that he loves showing off to astonished tourists along Clifton Hill.
"I know it may seem like I'm a crazy kid who is going to break his neck someday, but there is a lot of training and practice that goes into each trick," the self-taught street acrobat said in between backflips along the limestone wall at Oakes Garden Theatre.
"I know the consequences and I know how to avoid them."
Read the whole article.
September 26, 2006 21:20 - Unique opportunity to tour Fort Niagara Lighthouse
If lighthouses are what you like, you have a unusual opportunity. The historic Fort Niagara Lighthouse is usually closed to visitors.
However, On Oct 7. from 1pm to 4pm, it will be open to the public to help raise funds for the preservation of Old Fort Niagara.
Rare chance to tour Fort Niagara Lighthouse
Niagara Falls Review, September 26, 2006
Local News - Lighthouse enthusiasts will have a rare opportunity to tour the Fort Niagara Lighthouse Oct. 7. The historic structure will be open to the public from 1 to 4 p.m. as a fundraising event to assist in the ongoing preservation of Old Fort Niagara. For further information, www.oldfortniagara.org.
Reread the article.
September 28, 2006 23:43 - What signals are tourists receiving?
In what is being described as a cost cutting removal of an ineffectural program, the GST rebate program is being cancelled. It seems that few visitors, about 3%, actually benefit from the program.
It does, however, remove an emotional selling feature from tourist operators dealing with vistors disgusted with our high taxes.
The Niagara Falls Review's Jannifer Pellegrini covers it all below.
Tories axe GST rebate
JENNIFER PELLEGRINI in Niagara Falls Review, September 27, 2006
Local News - The $34-rebate cheque Akron, Ohio, residents Betty and Carlo Palmieri will receive after their weekend getaway to Niagara Falls doesn't make or break them.
But it is a nice bonus for the retirees, who travel to the city every year.
"Actually, we bought other stuff with that rebate," Betty said outside Niagara Duty Free Tuesday afternoon as they made their way home.
"It's not much, but it does give us more money to spend while we're here," Carlo agreed.
To get a rebate of $34, the Palmieris would have spent $575 on accommodation and take-home items, both of which qualify for the GST rebate.
Things like food and gas - items consumed while in Canada - aren't part of the program.
With only a few weeks left in the final part of the 2006 tourist season, this will be the last summer tourists will be able to claim their federal tax back as they return home.
On Monday, federal Finance Minister Jim Flaherty and Treasury Board chairman John Baird announced $1 billion in programs would be scrapped over the next two years as the government works to reduce its debt load.
Read the whole story
September 29, 2006 22:48 - Eliminating GST Rebate Program is short-sighted
Yesterday I ran an article on the Conservative government's termination of the GST rebate for visitors. Today, an articulate editorial in the Niagara Falls Review questions the wisdom of removing one of the Canadian advantages in the worldwide fight for tourists' dollars.
It is sad that our current government seems to minimize the importance of high taxes on a tourist's decision on where to visit.
Unfortunately, it is Niagara and other tourist areas that will have to suffer the consequences.
Instead of killing the GST rebate, promote it better
The Niagara Falls Review - Editorial & Opinion - Friday, September 29, 2006
It makes no sense for the Conservative government in Ottawa to scrap the GST rebate available for foreign tourists visiting Canada.
The costs to run the program outweigh its benefits, government House Leader and Niagara Falls MP Rob Nicholson told The Review this week. He said only three per cent of tourists to Canada apply for the rebate.
"People weren't aware of it and a lot of money was going into administration," Nicholson said.
"There was very low take-up on it ... this program lacked efficiency."
Hmmm.
Tourists not interested in getting back some of the money they spend in Canada?
Could it be the government just didn't do a good job of promoting the rebate?
A well-run rebate program is one more reason for tourists, Americans mostly, to come back to Canada. They come, maybe notice the taxes are a little higher than back home but hey, you can get some of it back, so it's not so bad.
The Tories eliminate the last part of that scenario by cutting the GST rebate. Visitors come, maybe notice taxes are a little higher here - and maybe they don't come back.
Trying to offset that, Nicholson noted his government reduced the GST by one point, and that touches every consumer. But that explanation doesn't cut it.
Does an American or Australian in Canada really care - or even realize - they're paying six per cent GST on their purchases, instead of seven per cent?
Canada is already involved in a worldwide fight for tourists' dollars. The tax rebate was one advantage for Canada.
When the government kills the rebate, the tourism industry feels the pain.
Link to article
