Tag Archives: Niagara Parks Commission

Wirewalker Jay Cochrane stands atop the Hilton Hotel

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Cochrane always a class act!!

Corey Larocque

By Corey Larocque, Niagara Falls Review

 

Wirewalker Jay Cochrane stands atop the Hilton Hotel in Niagara Falls with the Skylon Tower in the background in this 2012 file photo. (MIKE DIBATTISTA/NIAGARA FALLS REVIEW/QMI AGENCY)

Wirewalker Jay Cochrane stands atop the Hilton Hotel in Niagara Falls with the Skylon Tower in the background in this 2012 file photo. (MIKE DIBATTISTA/NIAGARA News

“Just a note aside, I had the pleasure of viewing Jay Cochrane live in Niagara Falls, what a showman”!!  Maria Rekrut

Jay Cochrane, the highwire performer known as the Prince of the Air, was a great friend to Niagara Falls over the years. News of his death Wednesday saddened a town he came to love and whose people came to love him – even though, by many accounts, he was a difficult man to get to know.

Since 2002, Cochrane’s blue, sequined jumpsuit and platinum blonde hair, were fixtures in Niagara Falls. He was a colourful entertainer who constantly pushed the boundaries of his art to new heights. In the summer of 2012, he thrilled spectators daily by walking a tightrope from the top of the Skylon Tower to the rooftop of the Hilton hotel.

When news broke that he lost his battle to cancer at the age of 69, it prompted a well deserved outpouring of tributes from the thousands of people who witnessed his hundreds of highwire performances or who dealt with him through the children’s charities for whom he devotedly raised money.

Journalists at The Review who interviewed and photographed him over the years got to know him as the consummate professional. Charming, but aloof. A brilliant showman despite some eccentricities. (The trumpet fanfare from the Superman theme song announced he was about to begin his show).

He adopted us. And we embraced him. He didn’t just breeze into town for a one-night stand and then move on to the next spectacle.

He’ll always be one of the lingering “what-ifs” in Niagara Falls history. What if the Niagara Parks Commission had dropped its longstanding opposition to stunting when Cochrane asked 10 years ago, instead of when Nik Wallenda got the green light in 2012?

But Cochrane has earned a rightful place in the legion of endearing colourful characters whose exploits make Niagara Falls history the thrilling, unique place it is.

Where else but in Niagara Falls could you look 750 feet up in the sky, see a man walking a tightrope between two skyscrapers and say, “Oh yeah, that’s Jay… It must be 7 o’clock.”

He was so good you could set your watch to his performances. He often said he had to be perfect in his line of work.

Cochrane was a class act, a thrill to watch and a delight to know.

Corey Larocque

HITCHCOCK FILM SERIES – NIAGARA FALLS HISTORY MUSEUM

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HITCHCOCK FILM SERIES  SEPTEMBER 26 – NOVEMBER 21, 2013 @ NIAGARA FALLS HISTORY MUSEUM

5810 Ferry Street Niagara Falls Ontario Canada L2G 1S9
Film starts at 7 p.m.
Film Series: Essential Hitchcock I CONFESS (1953 Alfred Hitchcock) 95 mins. Rated PG
Starring Montgomery Clift, Anne Baxter, Karl Malden
Refusing to give in to police investigators’ questions, a priest becomes the prime suspect in a murder. Nominated: Grand Prize, Cannes Film Festival.

October 24

Film starts at 7 p.m.
Film Series: Essential Hitchcock – REAR WINDOW (1954 Alfred Hitchcock) 112 mins.Rated PG
Starring James Stewart, Grace Kelly, Wendell Corey
A wheelchair-bound photographer spies on neighbours from his apartment window, convinced one of them has committed murder. Awards: best picture, best actress.

November 7

Film starts at 7 p.m.
Film Series: Essential Hitchcock – THE TROUBLE WITH HARRY (1955  Alfred Hitchcock)  99 mins. Rated PG
Starring John Forsythe, Shirley MacLaine, Edmund Gwen
Harry is dead and everyone has a different idea about what to do with his body. Directors Guild of America: outstanding direction. BAFTA award, Shirley MacLaine.

November 21

Film starts at 7 p.m.
Film Series: Essential Hitchcock THE WRONG MAN (1956 Alfred Hitchcock) 105 mins.  Rated PG
Starring Henry Fonda, Vera Miles, Anthony Quayle
A man who earns little pay as a jazz musician in New York City becomes a suspect in a crime.  Based on a true story, and visually Hitchcockian in style and vision.

 

Hallowe’en fun in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario

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Hallowe’en fun in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario

Widely considered Canada’s most haunted town, Niagara-on-the-Lake (NOTL) is the place to be on Hallowe’en. You’ll be in good company: Famous ghosts include Captain Colin Swayze, a Canadian militia officer killed in 1813 at the Angel Inn, where reports of eerie nighttime shenanigans date back to the 1820s. In Queen’s Royal Park, the ethereal “Woman in White” is said to linger nightly at the gorgeous gazebo, still longing for her lost love after almost a century. And at St. Mark’s Anglican Church, the cemetery is the final home of many War of 1812 casualties, some of whom do not reportedly rest in peace.

 

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory staff show off their Hallowe’en treats, which include a full-sized chocolate skull.

 

Ghost tours and antics

For a more formal introduction to the spirits, you can sign up for a number of different ghost tours.

 

Fort George is hosting special Hallowe’en ghost tours on October 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27, 30 and 31. They start at 7, 7:15, 7:30, 10, 10:15 and 10:30 p.m. Tickets are $17 and you must buy them in advance by calling 905-468-6621.

 

The guides from Ghost Walks and Dark History Tours will regale you with stories on an entertaining jaunt to the haunted parts of town. Extra tours around Hallowe’en make sure everyone gets a shot at meeting some spectres. Tickets are $13 for adults, $10 for seniors and $5 for kids 13 and under.

 

The Haunted Shop on Queen Street will give you the shivers as you browse for creepy gifts and treats. Be sure to ask about the resident apparition.

 

On my last Hallowe’en visit to NOTL, my Niagara B&B hosts lent me their book, Ghosts of Niagara-on-the-Lake by Maria Da Silva and Andrew Hind. This is a comprehensive and fascinating look into the NOTL spirit world. And of course, Niagara B&B owners know all the stories—some even have phantom guests.

 

Posted by E. Lisa Moses

SMALL TALK VINEYARDS – STARGAZING IN THE VINEYARD

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SMALL TALK VINEYARDS

In partnership with

The ROYAL ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY OF CANADA – NIAGARA BRANCH

Present:

STARGAZING in the VINEYARD

Saturday, September 21st – 8-11PM

Doors open at 7:00pm – FREE ADMISSION!

Available for purchase:
Wine by the glass – $6
Tasting platters with a selection of local cheeses, smoked meats & crackers – $15

Small Talk Vineyards
1242 Irvine Rd, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON

www.smalltalkvineyards.com

Looking for accommodations – Call 1-866-226-4730 or 905-980-0346

Niagara Parks Vacation Packages

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http://www.niagaraparks.com/niagara-falls-deals/vacation-packages.html

27th Annual Siege Weekend at Old Fort Erie

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Aerial Image - Old Fort ErieAerial Image – Old Fort Erie

The muskets are primed and the cannons are loaded for the 27th Annual Siege Weekend at Old Fort Erie. August 10 and 11, witness a cannon-blast-from-the-past as Canada’s largest battle re-enactment weekend displays the excitement and drama of the War of 1812.

This year marks the 199th anniversary of the desperate fight for the fort and the 27th time the reenacting community will bring the events of 1814 back to life.

If you don’t like:   loud noises, the roll of the drums, the smell of gun powder smoke, food cooking over an open fire, the crackle of musketry or a whiff of pipe smoke coming from a lone sentry on picket duty – this event is not for you.  If you like your story telling for your kids and grandkids to be colourful, dramatic, even poignant and memorable – this is the event to attend.

Since the reenactors volunteer their time and considerable resources, the camps and battles are free for the weekend.  However, the candle lit tour on Saturday night will put you in the action and regular admission to the Fort applies.

 There are guided tours and demonstrations throughout the fort and the siege lines all weekend long.   The serious action gets underway on Saturday morning at 11:00am when the U.S. Army takes over Fort Erie.  At 2:00pm there is a battle on the south side of the Fort marking the battles of Chippawa and Lundy’s Lane.   Of course at 8:00pm, the big battle of the weekend will be underway and the candle lit tours of the fort start just after 9:00pm from the new visitor centre, showing the effects of Drummond’s assault.   Sunday will include the annual commemorative service at 10:30am and the weekend ends with a recreation of the battle known as the Sortie at 1:00pm.

Call us at 905-980-0346 for more information.

Wine & Herb Touring Pass event returns in May 2013

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ENTERTAINMENT: Wine & Herb Touring Pass event returns in May

NIAGARA – The Wine & Herb Touring Pass Event returns in May 2013 and brings with it 27 unique VQA wine and food pairings created by the Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Wine & Herb takes place Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in May from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“Wine & Herb is a casual, light-hearted event that is ideal for guests exploring the art of pairing wine with food, and Niagara-on-the-Lake wine country,” says Tim Coons, Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake Touring Events Committee Chair.

Each winery’s approach to wine and food pairing is as unique as the winery itself, resulting in 27 distinct offerings, some of which feature newly released wines and wines only available at the winery.

Highlighting the TripAdvisor ranking of Niagara-on-the-Lake as Canada’s #1 Food and Wine Destination (Travellers’ Choice, 2011), a number of wineries are working closely with in-house chefs, or local restaurants and suppliers. The result is an array of wine and food pairings that use the featured herb and regional ingredients in fresh and innovative ways.

Local garden centre, Mori Gardens is once again partnering with the Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake and supplying the herbs on display at each winery.

Touring passes are $43 per person (plus HST), entitling the holder to a VQA wine and food pairing at each of the 27 Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake and can be used any event weekend.

Touring passes can be purchased online at www.wineriesofniagaraonthelake.com/wine-herb or by calling 905.468.1950. They will be available for purchase at Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake in April 2013.

Designated driver touring passes are $35 per person (plus HST) and entitle the holder to a food pairing and non-alcoholic beverage at each of the 27 Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Designated driver touring passes are valid any event weekend and can be purchased online at www.wineriesofniagaraonthelake.com/wine-and-herb or by calling 905.468.1950. Limit one per purchase.

Learn more about the Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake by visiting www.wineriesofniagaraonthelake.com or www.facebook.com/wineriesofniagaraonthelake.

Every day the Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake welcome guests into wine country to savour the richness of the region and to experience the 27 distinct wineries, each with its own personality reflected in the wines they craft. The members of Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake are: Between the Lines, Cattail Creek, Château des Charmes, Colaneri, Coyote’s Run, Diamond Estates, Hinterbrook, Inniskillin, Jackson Triggs, Joseph’s, Konzelmann, Lailey, Marynissen, Niagara College, Palatine Hills, Peller Estates, Pillitteri, PondView, Ravine, Reif, Riverview, Small Talk Vineyards, Southbrook, Stratus, Strewn, Sunnybrook Farm and Trius Winery.

Follow the Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake on Twitter @NiagaraWine.

Need overnight accommodations? Call us at 1-866-226-4730

Niagara-on-the-Lake’s Grove Music Festival Gets Phoenix, Hot Chip, Girl Talk, Earl Sweatshirt

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Niagara-on-the-Lake’s Grove Music Festival Gets Phoenix, Hot Chip, Girl Talk, Earl Sweatshirt

News breadcrumbsplit Mar 04 2013

Niagara-on-the-Lake's Grove Music Festival Gets Phoenix, Hot Chip, Girl Talk, Earl Sweatshirt

By Alex Hudson
As if Arts & Crafts‘ 10th anniversary festival and compilation album weren’t already keeping the Toronto label busy enough, it has now partnered with concert promoter Goldenvoice to present the Grove Music Festival. This star-studded event will take place on August 3 in Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON.
This promises to be a jam-packed day of music, with performers including Phoenix, Hot Chip, Girl Talk, the Gaslight Anthem, Earl Sweatshirt, Wavves, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Bob Mould, Pretty Lights, Palma Violets, Young Empires, Icona Pop and Nightbox.
The fest will take place at the Commons at Butler’s Barracks National Historic Site. The Grove is said to blend the feeling of a large festival with that of a small community event, and a press release notes that it “places emphasis on themes of discovery, diversity, sustainability and environment.”
Early bird and VIP tickets go on sale tomorrow (March 5) at 10 a.m. local time. These will be available while quantities last, although any available early bird tickets will go off the market on Thursday morning (March 7).
Early bird tickets cost $74.50 plus $10.25 of additional charges, while a standard ticket is $79.50 plus $15.25 of additional charges. VIP tickets are $140 plus $17.75 in extra charges.
Get more information over at The GroveFest.com.
Need some place to stay, call us at 1-866-226-4730.

Niagara Festival of Lights – 2012

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Niagara Festival of Lights – 2012

 

Niagara Falls Festival of Lights, Canada
by Peter Mykusz

Niagara Falls Festival of Lights, Canada from Peter Mykusz on Vimeo.

NEW YEARS EVE IN NIAGARA

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Gazebo in Niagara on the Lake

MORE WAYS TO USHER IN THE NEW YEAR!!

There will be plenty of ways to welcome the start of 2013. Whether it’s New Year’s Eve events you’re looking for or a new tradition for New Year’s Day, Niagara-on-the-Lake and surrounding areas have you covered. Here’s a rundown on what you can do to welcome the new year:

• Party the night away at the old courthouse downtown with the St. Andrew’s Society. The New Year’s Eve Ball will feature live music by the 5th Avenue Dance Band, a gourmet dinner and a bagpiper ringing in the new year around the cenotaph/clock tower on Queen Street at midnight.

 

Organizer Margaret Middleton said the event is always a fun time and is open to the whole community. The evening starts with cocktails at 7:30 p.m. followed by dinner at 8:30. The meal includes appetizers, leek and potato soup with aged cheddar and two choices of mains, wine-braised boneless short ribs or pan-roasted filet of salmon with wild forest mushroom cream. Dessert is included. There will be a cash bar for the evening and the dress code is formal, men can wear suits, tuxedos or kilts. Tickets are $90 per person and must be purchased in advance.

For tickets contact Middleton at    905-468-1539       or email mwmiddleton@cogeco.ca.

• Niagara Falls will be playing host to one of the largest New Year’s Eve parties in the country with thousands of people heading down to the brink of the world-famous falls to welcome the new year. Live performances for the Dec. 31 event include Dragonette, Hedley and Nelly Furtado.

 

The free show kicks off at 7:30 p.m. in Queen Victoria Park. Presented by the Niagara Parks Commission and Entertainment Tonight (ET) Canada, the event will air live on TV for those preferring to stay at home. The evening also includes two fireworks display. For full details visit www.niagaraparks.com/nye.

• On Jan. 1, 2013 the Royal Canadian Legion General Nelles br. 124 will once again host its annual New Year’s Day Levee to welcome the new year. The whole community is invited out to reflect back on the year that just passed and to toast the year to come. The event will run from 1-4 p.m. at the Legion hall at 410 King St. There will be light food and refreshments available.

• When all of the partying is said and done, don’t forget to hold on to those extra bottles. The Newark Squadron 809 Air Cadets will once again be conducting a holiday bottle collection drive. On Jan. 5 the cadets will conduct door-to-door pick-ups of bottles in Niagara-on-the-Lake’s Old Town, Garrison Village, Queenston, St. Davids and Virgil. The pick-ups will take place between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Those who prefer to drop off their bottles can do so at Van Noort Greenhouses, 2069 Creed Rd., at the corner of Hunter Rd. on Jan. 5 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Call us for your accommodation needs at:  1-866-226-4730

Gazebo in Niagara on the Lake