Orillia Today - Photo Galleries

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Scary Santa photo contest
Through tears of terror, some children's first meeting with Santa Claus up close and personal for a photo is sometimes a scary experience. Browse through these entries in our first-ever Scary Santa Moments photo contest and see who you think should be this year's winner. [more]

Orillia remembers
Members of the Royal Canadian Air Cadet 99 Lynx Squadron stood vigil at the Cenotaph in front of Orillia’s hospital in preparation for Tuesday’s Remembrance Day ceremony. Cadets gathered at the four corners of the Cenotaph at 6 p.m. on Nov. 10, and remained there until the conclusion of the ceremony the following day. Coldwater, Warminster and Brechin were among many other communities that held Remembrance Day ceremonies. [more]

Beatles Bash
Between 17,000 and 19,000 fans of the Fab Four enjoyed live music, dancing, celebrity interviews, and memorabilia during the second-annual Orillia Beatles Celebration this past weekend. Talks by former John Lennon companion May Pang and former Ringo Starr companion Nancy Lee Andrews drew capacity audiences to the Studio Theatre at the Orillia Opera House. Top tribute band Help! performed twice at the event. A display of Beatles collectibles owned by Trevor Hosier, of the Youngtown Rock and Roll Museum, was a favourite attraction. “It was just a fabulous turnout,” said Ralph Cipolla, event co-chair. “You couldn’t get a hotel room within 30 kilometres of Orillia.” Next year’s event is scheduled for Sept. 18-20. “It is going to be even bigger and better,” Cipolla added. [more]

Pounding the pavement for Terry
More than 400 people took part in Orillia’s Terry Fox Run on Sunday. Despite less than ideal weather conditions, participants and volunteers raised in excess of $23,000 – bringing Orillia’s cumulative total over the years to more than $330,000. “A little rain didn’t dampen the spirits of our dedicated participants and our hard working volunteers,” said organizer Alison Stoneman. “We recognize the weather and the tough economic times caused by high fuel prices could have had an impact, but this community and its visitors have again proven they have big hearts. We’re very appreciative of the support from the City of Orillia and various businesses who allow the organizing committee to make this event possible and donate all monies raised to cancer research.” A final tally will be known once online donations are counted. Brechin/Lagoon City also held its annual run. [more]

The fair was more than fair!
The 158th edition of the Orillia Fall Fair had just about something for the hundreds of spectators who made their way to the ODAS Park Fairgrounds from Sept. 12-14. While some checked out the livestock exhibits, participated in the mini peddle tractor pull or tested out the midway rides, some like 11-month-old Kailey Dyer was enjoying her first pony ride with the help of her Aunt Becky. Aiden Cruise, 4, decided to get himself a cool Batman tattoo. [more]

Strapping the blades on again!
While only into their second week of their fall program, the skaters and coaches with the Orillia Figure Skating Club are already training at an intense level, preparing for various competitions. Both the novice and senior competitive have already hit the ice with their coaches at the Brian Orser Arena for twice a week training sessions. This coming Saturday, Sept 12 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Brian Orser Arena, the Orillia Figure Skating Club will be hosting a registration session for the upcoming season. One of the highlights of the skating year will come next March, when the club stages its 2009 club carnival, showcasing the talents of all the skaters. [more]

Check out them wheels!
All roads led to the downtown core, as thousands turned out to view the vintage and buffed vehicles on display Aug. 15-16 at the Orillia Classic Car Show. A large portion of Mississaga Street was blocked off, as pedestrians took advantage of the sunny skies and warm temperatures to gaze at the brightly-coloured cars and trucks on display. The event was capped off in the evening, with 1,000 people attending a live performance by the Eagles tribute band, Hotel California. [more]

Still a great time down the waterfront
Rain may have dampened the excitement at the 2008 Orillia Waterfront Festival, held Aug. 8-10, but it didn’t stop people from grabbing their umbrellas and heading to Couchiching Beach Park for the three-day event. While some waterfront visitors marveled at skiers riding the waves on everything including coffee tables, at the Sunday’s water ski show, others took time to engage in intimate conversation, while checking out some of the live country music at the CHAY-FM Air Stage. [more]

Funfest for all ages
The Rotary-Lions Funfest provided people of all ages with entertainment Aug. 2-4, as thousands flocked to Couchiching Beach Park in Orillia, for the three-day event. While children and adults alike took time to check out the rides at the midway, still others decided a mid-day snack was just what they needed. Proceeds from the funfest will help the Rotary and Lions clubs fund community-based projects in the city. [more]

The action was hot in Coldwater
Coldwater’s centennial celebration on Saturday featured live music by the Rugby Boys, classic cars, kids’ crafts, and an appearance by Lt-Gov. David Onley. Residents Grace and George Willmott, and others, arrived in period-appropriate dress. Displays of vintage farm equipment attracted the attention of many, including Onley, who brought official greetings during an afternoon address to local residents and dignitaries. Onley later toured the main street, which was closed to traffic for the day. In keeping with the spirit of the event, local Boy Scouts demonstrated a variety of old-fashioned games. [more]

Artists shine at Mariposa
Thousands attended last weekend's Mariposa Folk Festival at Tudhope Park, which included a diverse range of musical styles, workshops and numerous events for children. [more]

Soldiers' marches into the next century
Dignitaries, doctors, patients and other Orillians were on hand for the centennial celebrations [more]

Wild weekend in Waterloo
Glenn Howard and his Coldwater curling foursome copped its third straight Ontario championship this weekend in Waterloo [more]

Hockey Day in Orillia
Some of the sights and sounds of hockey in the Sunshine City [more]

Residents, dignitaries remember
Orillia-area residents had a number of opportunities to participate in local Remembrance Day ceremonies. Residents, members and guests of the Royal Canadian Legion in Orillia marched to the Cenotaph at Soldiers' Memorial Hospital for a special service on Nov. 11. Local MPP Garfield Dunlop was among the dignitaries on hand. On Friday, Mnjikaning First Nation held its Remembrance Day parade. Also on Friday, the Brechin-Mara branch of the Legion hosted a special memorial parade for local students. The Legion’s regular service was Sunday, as was the ceremony held by Branch 270 of the Royal Canadian Legion in Coldwater. Mike Dodd photos [more]

The weekend was Fab!
From tributes to records, memorabilia and celebrity guests - including Beatles promoter Peter Bennett, seen here with mayor Ron Stevens - Orillia's first Beatles Celebration was a massive success. Organizers are already looking to next year's event. [more]

Orillia serves full fare at Fall Fair
Visitors to this past weekend's 157th-annual Orillia Fall Fair were treated to three days of exhibits and activities in celebration of the region's rich agricultural heritage. [more]

Molitor goes to 24-0
Boxing took centrestage at Casino Rama on Sunday, as Canadian IBF junior featherweight champ Steve Molitor scored a technical knockout over Takalani Ndiovu in the ninth round. With the win, Molitor boosted his record to 24-0, with nine knockouts. More than 5,000 fans attended the fight, the first at the casino in seven years, which was also broadcast live in Canada and South Africa. Photography by Seanna Kreager [more]

2007 Mariposa Folk Festival
Thousands of music lovers flocked to Tudhope Park for the 2007 Mariposa Folk Festival this past weekend. Children were treated to performances by Toronto's Clay and Paper Theatre (top), while Serena Ryder dazzled the grownups with her soulful songs. Hawksley Workman headlined the folk festival's opening night, while Don McLean, of American Pie fame, took to the stage for a memorable performance on Saturday. Gordon Lightfoot wrapped up the weekend with a Sunday night show. [more]

Orillia Today - General News Photo Gallery
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