All Aboard: Much Afoot in Smiths Falls

All Aboard: Much Afoot in Smiths Falls - theHumm November 2019

By John Pigeau

When the inevitable chill and early dark of November set in, I turn to the most elemental of comforts: good books and warm sweaters, crockpot chili and grilled cheese sandwiches, movie marathons and hosting friends for a music night on a rainy Friday. We all have our autumn traditions. To stave off dampened moods. To rest and relax. It’s a good thing, too, that there are plenty of fun and interesting events happening in Smiths Falls in November — to keep us busy, entertained and amused, to warm up and raise our spirits, to leave the office keys at the office and have some fun.

You’ll be able to see some truly beautiful works of art at the Smiths Falls Heritage House beginning in early November, when it hosts the 38th annual Art Show and Sale. On display will be works created by more than 25 local artists and artisans. And there will be art for every taste — whether you prefer sculpture or impressionism, landscapes, or still life studies, you’ll quite likely be delighted and astonished by the wide variety of works available. Admission to show, which runs from November 3 until December 15, is free, but donations to the Heritage House Museum are always appreciated. For more information and updates, contact 283-6311 or heritagehouse@smithsfalls.ca .

There’s lots of live music on the bill for November. Fans of Hank Williams might wish to see Hank Williams Revisited at the Station Theatre on November 8. The show is an authentic tribute to the legendary singer, inspired by his 1950 tour, featuring some of his best songs — Your Cheatin’ Heart, Hey, Good Lookin’, and I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry among them. The show starts at 8pm at the Station Theatre. Tickets are $25 and available by cash only at the box office the night of the show. Good night to warm your Cold, Cold Heart.

On the 15th and 16th, November movie weekend at the Station Theatre brings the critically acclaimed documentary Maiden to the big screen. Maiden tells the story of Tracy Edwards, a 24-year-old cook on charter boats, who became skipper of the first all-female crew to enter the Whitbread Round the World Race in 1989. It’s a gem. Tickets are $10 for adults, and $5 for students (with ID), cash at the door. The box office opens at 6pm, the film starts at 7.

Fans of The Eagles may wish to check out a tribute show to the band when New Kid in Town visits the Gallipeau Centre Theatre on November 15. This talented Canadian tribute band will skillfully reproduce most of the legendary American band’s monster hits, and some solo ones too by Glen Frey, Don Henley and Joe Walsh. The show starts at 8pm, and there will be a licensed bar and canteen. Advance tickets are $34.50 — online at gallipeaucentretheatre.com , or by calling 284–9916.Tickets at the door are $39.50.

Ottawa pianist and composer Tim Nast will showcase songs from his latest album, Here, in concert at the Westminster Church on November 16. The show is being billed as an intimate evening of instrumental music (solo piano), melody, and being in the moment. It begins at 7:30pm, and tickets are $20. For more information, phone 647–234–1995 or visit timnast.com .

You might be feeling a bit Christmas-y by November 23, just in time for the kickoff of the 6th annual Celebration of Lights in Smiths Falls. This year the event has a new venue — Centennial Park — which will be lit with thousands of Christmas lights beginning on opening night, and all are welcome to stroll through the park for some holiday cheer and inspiration. The trees will stay lit until December 23. After that, every beautifully decorated tree will be donated to a family in need in the community. Enjoy the sparkly good cheer!

That same Saturday (as well as Sunday), why not gather the family and take a trip on the North Pole Express?! The Railway Museum transforms into the North Pole for this fun, family, rail-focused event. Hop aboard one of the Christmas cabooses for a ride on the snowy tracks. Later, the kids can help Santa’s elves make a toy, decorate an ornament, or help trim the trees. Santa, meantime, will be arriving by rail and will be cheerfully posing for photos with all the good girls and boys. This festive weekend takes place at the Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario on November 23 and 24, from 11am to 3pm both days.

On November 27th, the CP Holiday Train stops in at the Victoria Street station for a special concert and to raise money for local food banks. The concert features free performances by Madeline Merlo and Scott Helman, who will be playing and singing a mix of traditional and modern holiday-themed songs. Those attending are encouraged to bring donations of non-perishable, heart-healthy nutritious food, or to make a monetary donation. Arrival time in Smiths Falls is set for 6:20pm. This train’s arrival is one of the seasonal highlights of the holidays for many folks, and it’s is always so wondrously decorated, you won’t want to miss it!

Capping off the busy month, this year’s Christmas in the Rideau Craft Sale runs from 9am to 1pm at the Gallipeau Centre on November 30. An annual tradition, proceeds from this year’s sale are in support of Hinton’s Build A Mountain of Food campaign — a good time to support the community, pick up a gift or two, and get into the giving spirit of the holidays, indeed. Contact Barb Willoughby (978–0447) for details.

Bundle up and have a pleasant November, everyone!

Canadian Winterscapes
The Algonquin Ensemble Premieres Stunning New Production - theHumm November 2019

The Algonquin Ensemble has created a stunning new production and it’s coming to the First Unitarian in Ottawa on Saturday, November 30 and to the Almonte United Church on Sunday, December 1. Canadian Winterscapes is a multi-media journey celebrating the untamed beauty and indomitable spirit of a Canadian winter through music, art and photography. With moving pieces from the ensemble’s acclaimed début production Sonic Palette, uplifting arrangements of traditional seasonal repertoi......

All Aboard: Much Afoot in Smiths Falls - theHumm November 2019