There was a time when the local fall fair was the highlight of the year, a time when country and city folk got together for some fun and friendly competition.

Fall Fairs have a lot of competition these days but they continue to thrive thanks to their unique ability to bring farm life to the city in a way that everyone can enjoy. Where else can you see perfectly groomed calves being proudly paraded by 4-H Club members or Pinterest worthy crafts and baked goods vying for prize ribbons and cash rewards?

With roots reaching back to 1853, the concept of the Milton Fall Fair has remained relatively unchanged despite massive changes in the community and society in general. The annual event has been held on the same 26- acre parcel of land off Robert Street since 1864, when the fair turned a profit of $427.

Nestled in an older residential area, the fairgrounds become a showplace for all things rural for three days every September. It’s a lively celebration featuring traditional fall fair competitions like equestrian events, kids’ pet show, baby contest, truck and tractor pulls and the smashing demolition derby.

Follow your nose and the sweet smell of freshly spun candy-floss to the midway, complete with thrill rides and games. Such is the flow of the fair, from exhilarating spins on the Scrambler to an unhurried stroll through the exhibitor barns for an intimate visit with farm animals.

The fair comes to town from September 25 to 27 this year, beginning with Youth Day on Friday. Fair organizers consider this special preview of the agricultural fair for children extremely important in helping to build a relationship between farmers and consumers.

It’s a chance for children to learn where their food comes from as the farmland around the town where they live continues to be eaten up by development.

Children are often awe-struck, perhaps seeing farm animals up close for the first time or learning where milk actually comes from and how a cow is milked. All weekend long there are kid-friendly events including dog agility shows, the 4-H Club’s rabbit hopping agility course, children’s pedal tractor pull, and pet show along with displays of children’s art, crafts and photography. Horse events and shows run each of the three days providing a showcase for jumpers, barrel racers and more.

The display areas are packed with entries in various categories from fruits and vegetables, needlecraft, baking and preserves to antiques and collectables and winning examples of flowers and plants. The creative entries might inspire fair goers to tackle similar projects. This publication includes everything you need to enter any of the competitions.

Many of the home craft entries come from urban residents who try their hand at making pies from scratch or explore their abilities as photographers, crafters or gardeners. Only the judges are allowed to sample the food items but there is plenty to eat at the fair including fall fair staples like corndogs, back bacon-on-a-bun and decadent waffles, candy apples and Beaver Tails.

This year’s fair will also feature the Tianna Woods Band on Saturday evening, a classic car show, commercial exhibits, vendors and more. It all comes together to make Milton Fall Fair a unique way to celebrate and connect with rural life with a serving of education and entertainment on the side.

Events

Tractor Pull

Demolition Derby

Classic Car Show

Horse Shows

ADMISSION AND TICKETS

Adults- Fri. $10.00 Sat. $10.00 Sun. $10.00
Children 5-12 years $ 5.00
Children under 5 years Free
Parking $ 5.00

Advance Weekend Adult Tickets - 3 day pass for $25
(available until September 18 only at the Fair Office)

(Please note concessions open at 3:00 p.m. on FRIDAY only)
NOTICE: NO REFUND ON TICKES. PRICE INCLUDES HST.

NO PETS ALLOWED ON THE PROPERTY OTHER THAN SERVICE ANIMALS AND ANIMALS PARTICIPATING IN THE SATURDAY PET SHOW

Milton's Farmers Market is almost done for the season. Make sure to take advantage of the next two Saturdays and stock up on your favorite products and farm fresh produce.

About the Milton Farmers’ Market

The Milton Farmers’ Market, operated by the Milton Chamber of Commerce, brings farm-fresh goodness and old-fashioned hospitality to Main Street in downtown Milton. On Saturday mornings, Main Street (between James Street and Martin Street) is closed down and reserved for our 40 plus market vendors and the 1000-1500 market visitors who shop at the market every week.

Come stroll and visit the many farmers, vendors, florists and artisans from the Milton area. Bring your shopping list to choose from the vast array of…

• fresh-picked fruits and vegetables including organically-grown
• preserves, jams, honey and apple cider
• breads and baked goods
• flowers and plants
• meats and cheeses
• ethnic and specialty foods
• crafts and pottery

While at the market you can also enjoy some sizzling back bacon on a bun and a cold drink or a hot coffee at the Chamber’s Scholarship Café where your purchase contributes to six $1000 scholarships that are awarded to local high school students every year. In fact, we sell, on average, more than 400 bacon-on-a-bun sandwiches every market day!

Add to all this, the special events being promoted by local not-for-profit organizations, the local musicians and artists who set up at the market and, of course, the many Downtown shops that open early for Market days…and you have a great shopping experience for the whole family

History of the Milton Farmers’ Market

The market has made its home in several locations over the past 43 years from its beginning in the Town Hall parking lot to the Carriage Square (former Sunoco Service Station) parking lot to the present Main Street location. We moved to Main Street in June 1990 and have enjoyed the downtown atmosphere since that time. Our vendors work in a spirit of cooperation with downtown merchants and together are responsible for attracting thousands of shoppers every year!

The Milton Farmers’ Market is one of the only Ontario Farmers’ Markets where the street is closed down and pedestrians are free to stroll and visit with local vendors and businesses. The Farmers’ Market gives people a real sense of community and is a great meeting place for friends, family and neighbours. People from the community are able to purchase fresh produce directly from the local farmers and help to support the community in which they live in.

The Scholarship Café

The most popular spot at the market is the Chamber Scholarship Café, home of the “bacon-on-a-bun” the café sells this delectable treat to all visitors to the market. The café is also operated by the Chamber and generates funds for the Chamber Scholarship Fund which offers annual scholarships to all local high schools. A great breakfast for a great cause!

Since 1990, the Milton Chamber of Commerce has offered $1,000 scholarships to students attending their first year of post-secondary education; one for a student from each Milton high school including E.C. Drury for the Deaf, one for a high school student registered in an Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program and one for a child of a Chamber member.

The Chamber Scholarship Program is also funded through  the Annual Sports Celebrity Dinner & Auction. Proceeds from these initiatives allow the Chamber to ensure an ongoing endowment fund for advancing post-secondary education in our community.

Double Layer Pumpkin Cheesecake

Ingredients

• 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 eggs
• 1 (9 inch) prepared graham cracker crust

• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 pinch ground cloves
• 1 pinch ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup frozen whipped topping, thawed

Directions:  Bake at 325

In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, sugar and vanilla. Beat until smooth. Blend in eggs one at a time. Remove 1 cup of batter and spread into bottom of crust; set aside. Add pumpkin, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg to the remaining batter and stir gently until well blended. Carefully spread over the batter in the crust. Bake in preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until center is almost set. Allow to cool, then refrigerate for 3 hours or overnight. Cover with whipped topping before serving

Thanksgiving Day in Canada

Thanksgiving Day in Canada has been a holiday on the second Monday of October since 1957. It is a chance for people to give thanks for a good harvest and other fortunes in the past year.

What do people do?

Many people have a day off work on the second Monday of October. They often use the three-day Thanksgiving weekend to visit family or friends who live far away, or to receive them in their own homes. Many people also prepare a special meal to eat at some point during the long weekend. Traditionally, this included roast turkey and seasonal produce, such as pumpkin, corn ears and pecan nuts. Now, the meal may consist of other foods, particularly if the family is of non-European descent.

The Thanksgiving weekend is also a popular time to take a short autumn vacation. This may be the last chance in a while for some people to use cottages or holiday homes before winter sets in. Other popular activities include: outdoor breaks to admire the spectacular colors of the Canadian autumn; hiking; and fishing. Fans of the teams in the Canadian Football League may spend part of the weekend watching the Thanksgiving Day Classic matches.

Public life

Thanksgiving Day is national public holiday in Canada. Many people have the day off work and all schools and post offices are closed. Many stores and other businesses and organizations are also closed. Public transport services may run to a reduced timetable or may not run at all.

Background

The native peoples of the Americas held ceremonies and festivals to celebrate the completion and bounty of the harvest long before European explorers and settlers arrived in what is now Canada. Early European thanksgivings were held to give thanks for some special fortune. An early example is the ceremony the explorer Martin Frobisher held in 1578 after he had survived the long journey in his quest to find a northern passage from Europe to Asia.

Many thanksgivings were held following noteworthy events during the 18th century. Refugees fleeing the civil war in the United States brought the custom of an annual thanksgiving festival to Canada. From 1879, Thanksgiving Day was held every year but the date varied and there was a special theme each year. The theme was the "Blessings of an abundant harvest" for many years. However, Queen Victoria's golden and diamond jubilees and King Edward VII's coronation formed the theme in later years.

From the end of the First World War until 1930, both Armistice Day and Thanksgiving Day were celebrated on the Monday closest to November 11, the anniversary of the official end of hostilities in World War I. In 1931, Armistice Day was renamed Remembrance Day and Thanksgiving Day was moved to a Monday in October. Since 1957, Thanksgiving Day has always been held on the second Monday in October.

Symbols

Thanksgiving Day in Canada is linked to the European tradition of harvest festivals. A common image seen at this time of year is a cornucopia, or horn, filled with seasonal fruit and vegetables. The cornucopia, which means "Horn of Plenty" in Latin, was a symbol of bounty and plenty in ancient Greece. Turkeys, pumpkins, ears of corn and large displays of food are also used to symbolize Thanksgiving Day.

 Hope everyone has a safe and fun filled Thanksgiving weekend!!

Springridge Farm

Harvest Festival

Harvest Festival at Springridge Farm

2015 Dates: Weekends September 19, 20, 26, 27 and every weekend in October including Thanksgiving Monday and Halloween Saturday, 10am-4pm

Admission for Harvest Festival: $12.00 per person (including HST), ages 2-92!
There is no charge to visit the farm market, bakery, gift shop.

Harvest Festival activities include:
A Professional Puppet Show  (Show Times: 11, 12, 1, 2:30 & 4)
Wagon Ride to the 5-acre Corn Trail
Spooky Boo Barn
Spider Web Climber
Farm Yard Pipe Slides
Access to The Fun Farm Yard: Animal Barn, Giant Sandbox, Corn Trail, Tube Slides, Straw Bale Jumping and Escarpment Lookout
Singing Chicken Show
Goat Mountain

Pony Rides are available for an additional $4 per ride.  Maximum weight 80lbs.

The Springridge Farm BBQ Barn is open for Harvest Festival. Menu items include grilled-to-perfection hotdogs, sausages, corn on the cob, apple chips and the Little Farmer Lunch combo for kids.

Visit the Barn Market for fall décor, farm fresh baking, apples and apple cider.

The Story of Springridge Farm

The Hughes family has been fruit farming for six generations (over 100 years).  Farmer John’s parents, Leslie and Isobel Jane Hughes, purchased this farm in 1960 when their farm in Mississauga was sold for development.  They purchased Springridge from the Hartley family.  The Hartley’s were fruit farmers as well and they had been here since the turn of the century.  There are many seniors in Milton with fond memories of picking fruit as a youngster on the “old Hartley farm”.

When the Hughes family moved to Springridge they grew 50 acres of sour cherries.  The fruit was grown, picked, and shipped to canneries to be sold as frozen pitted cherries.  Here at Springridge, cherries were pitted downstairs in the barn until Farmer John’s Father passed away in 1968.  After their father’s passing, Farmer John and his brother found it difficult to make a living growing and selling sour cherries.  In 1971, the marketing board set the price at $0.07/lb while it cost $0.10/lb to grow and pick them.

When John and Laura got married and moved to Springridge it seemed there was no future in growing and selling wholesale sour cherries.  John, a graduate of Horticulture at the University of Guelph, began working in the flower industry with the Ministry of Agriculture.

In 1974 and 1975, Sarah and Amy were born. Laura left her career in social work to take care of the babies.  As a summer project, Laura thought she would open the farm to the public with pick-your-own cherries.  People came and picked, but mostly wanted to see inside the 19th century bank barn.  Since then, Springridge has listened to what customers are interested in experiencing and have gradually added to the business.   

John, Laura and their children Amy and Tom all work at Springridge full time. Sarah still helps part-time on busy weekends!

Most of the knowledge about baking and preserving was taught to Laura by Jane Hughes (John’s mom).  Many of the recipes used in the bakery today were originally from Jane.

The farm is open daily 9-5 from springtime until Christmas.

Springridge Pumpkin Soup Recipe

1 pie pumpkin peeled and cut into cubes (approx. 3 1/2 cups)

6 cups chicken stock

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon fresh parsley

1 cup chopped onion

1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme

1 clove garlic, minced

1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

5 whole black peppercorns

Directions: Cut pumpkin into 1/2 inch cubes.

Heat stock, salt, pumpkin, onion, thyme, garlic and peppercorns. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes uncovered.

Puree the soup in small batches (1 cup at a time) using a food processor or blender.

Return to pan and bring to a boil again. Reduce heat to low and simmer for another 30 minutes, uncovered. Stir in heavy cream. Pour into soup bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.

 Amreek Bhullar – Living His Vision as Casa Americo’s Owner

Restaurateur Amreek Bhullar’s desire to nurture his talents in customer service and knowledge of the restaurant industry motivated him to start Casa Americo . A people-person, Amreek cheerfully engages customersin good-natured life conversations, enjoys meeting new people and keenly observes people’s moods and preferences and therefore maintains sensitivity to their needs and appetites for meals especially made for them.

For Amreek, owning a restaurant is a dream come true. A dream he worked hard for. Highly independent and family-oriented, he gradually saved for his starting capital and his motivation to have a place to call his own drove him closer to his dream. When an opportunity for a good location came, he seized it. He knew that as long as he remained genuine in serving the needs of customers, satisfying them in every way through their dining experience, the business would thrive. His background in financial services helped him a lot to navigate the business and come up with sound decisions.

Understanding the needs of his customer base takes priority in his business. So, Amreek incessantly looks for ways to improve and gives emphasis on satisfying the needs of the customers. Having worked in fine dining Italian restaurants, he has a keen sense of the kind of food, wine and ambience customers enjoy. He ensures that Casa Americo revolves around providing an excellent dining experience to his customers.

Designed as a warm, welcoming place that would cater to the confident and candid palate of Miltonians and being at the heart of the growing town, Casa Americo strives to hold its service ethic and culinary delights to the highest standards. At the helm of a dynamic team, Amreek sustains the energy of the downtown core, by being a welcoming owner, offering a relaxing ambience and hearty meals for Casa Americo’s clientele.

Salvatore – Providing Bon Service

Salvatore serves as Casa Americo’s Floor Manager. His service expertise is a result of over 40 years of experience as a server in numerous restaurants and within the hospitality industry. Born and bred in Milton, Salvatore’s roots originate from Sicily, Italy. His parents took brave steps to move to Canada and faced life’s struggles through hard work.

Salvatore’s love for fun, food, entertainment is reflected in the way he deals with customers. His travel adventures and work experiences covering both the Canadian East and West contribute to the quality of service he provides to customers. He understands people’s hospitality needs. His passion for customer service and pride in what he does clearly show when he provides service to customers.  He shares customer’s want for quality food, relaxing and cheerful environment and therefore takes every effort to make customers take with them good memories from their dining experiences.

Fun-loving, jovial and entertaining, Salvatore helps provide the kind of service that puts Casa Americo’s customers at ease and at home. He belongs to the team that makes it easier for people to come back and cheerfully extend a Bon giorno!

Casa Americo is located in heart of downtown Milton, Ontario.

Casa Americo Italian Bistro & Restaurant

144 Main Street East
Milton, Ontario
L9T 1N6

tel : (289) 878-4948
fax : (289) 878-5311
email : info@casaamerico.com

Some people put a lot of effort into decorating their homes, yards and drives. They may even construct life-size replica graveyards or dungeons and invite people from the neighborhood to view their creations or hold a themed party. Other people may organize fancy dress parties for adults or children. Popular activities at parties include watching horror films and trying to make fellow guests jump in fright.

Many children go out to play trick-or-treat. They dress up as ghosts, witches, skeletons or other characters and visit homes in their neighborhood. They ring doorbells and, when someone answers, they call out "trick-or-treat". This means that they hope to receive a gift of candy or other snacks and that they are threatening to play a trick if they do not get anything. Usually, they receive a treat and tricks are rarely carried out.

There are special types of food associated with Halloween. These include candies in packets decorated with symbols of Halloween, toffee apples made by coating real apples with a boiled sugar solution, roasted corn, popcorn and pumpkin pie or bread. Halloween beer, which is made by adding pumpkin and spices to the mash before fermenting it, is also available in specialist stores.

Children also take part in a long-standing Canadian tradition of "Trick-or-Treat for Unicef". Pumpkin-carving contests, pumpkin art tours, a reading marathon, and symbolic Walks for Water are just a few examples of the educational and fundraising activities schools and children develop to help provide thousands of children developing countries with basic quality education.

What's open or closed?

October 31 is not a public holiday. Schools, organizations, businesses, stores and post offices are open as usual. Some organizations may arrange Halloween parties, but these do not usually disrupt normal affairs. Public transport services run on their regular timetables. If people are driving around the neighborhood in the late afternoon or evening, it is important to be particularly aware of children, especially those wearing dark costumes, who may be unfamiliar with traffic conditions.

About Halloween

Halloween has Celtic origins. In pre-Christian times, many people believed that spirits from the underworld and ghosts of dead people could visit the world of the living on the night of October 31. These spirits could harm the living or take them back to the underworld. To avoid this, people started dressing up as ghosts and spirits if they left their homes on October 31. They hoped that this would confuse the ghosts and spirits.

Halloween was also a time, when spirits might give messages to people. In some areas, it was traditional for unmarried girls to poor molten lead into water. The shape that the lead took when it hardened was seen as a clue to the professions of their future husbands. Halloween traditions were brought to Canada by Irish and Scottish immigrants. Halloween is now celebrated in a range of other countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland and Australia

How to prepare your home for winter

Join us Downtown Milton for some wonderful family fun and holiday cheer!
Come down for dinner, or grab a coffee, and meander beautiful Downtown Milton. Many shops will be having open houses, special holiday features, and their hosting their own events! 

Every Friday evening before Christmas from 6PM to 9PM come enjoy carollers, horse drawn carriage rides, Beavertails, and a very special visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus!

Brought to you by your Downtown Milton BIA

Have your picture taken with the Grinch!!!!!

Hawthorne Cafe Tree Lighting Ceremony

Start the holiday season with a magical experience bright enough for the whole family. Join Hawthorne Cafe for the 1st annual tree lighting ceremony on December 4th starting at 5:30. Tree lighting to take place at 6:30 on the patio. 

WHAT’S NEW

New sandwiches have been added to the menu: Turkey, Apple & Brie, Caprese, Fire Roasted Red Pepper and Feta, Roasted Turkey Bacon Avacado Club, Fresh Vegi Hummus, Tuna Melt and Roast Beef

Join TERRA @ Home and local farmers at the TERRA @ Home Market! Shop for local farm fresh items, delicious baked goods and artisan crafts at an additional location in Milton, 12800 Britannia Rd.
The winter market will be open on Sundays until Sunday March 24, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The Milton winter market will feature vendors whom sell baked goods, produce and meats from neighbouring farms, The market will also be home to artisans whom have crafted items for consumers and their homes.
The winter market will also provide social opportunities for people to connect with neighbours, friends and acquaintances in a comfortable and fun atmosphere.  

Springridge Farm’s Food Truck Festival

Springridge Farms is excited to announce our 3rd annual Father's Day Food Truck Festival! Join us on June 18 & 19 from 11am-3pm. Surefire fun for dads, families and foodies!

This highly anticipated event has trucks that will appeal to everyone’s tastes including:

Kool Jim's Ice Cream
Urban Express
Dobro Jesti
Luchador Gourmet Streatery
Gourmet Guyz
The Egg Man
Mary MacLeod's Shortbread
Frankie Fettuccine
Wrap-ture
Tony's Corner Streatery
TCS Poutinerie
Dirty South (Sunday only)
Heirloom
MeatVentures Meat Wagon
Curbalicious
The Salted Pig (Sunday only)

*subject to change*

Springridge Farm strawberries are NOW AVAILABLE! Strawberries are freshly picked and ready-to-go in the Barn Market!

Our bakery team is now creating our signature strawberry custard tarts and pies.

We advise calling ahead for our daily strawberry availability.

The Town of Milton has received an application for a proposed zoning change to permit a commercial plaza at the south west corner of Derry Road and Santa Maria Boulevard.  The developer proposal includes two restaurants with a drive-through and three restaurants with a patio and retail centre.   Residents are invited to obtain information, make a verbal presentation and/or written submission, to identify issues of concern and/or express views in support of, or in opposition to, the proposed application at a statutory public meeting hosted by the town at  on Monday august 22, 2016 at 7pm.   Although the town council meeting starts at 7pm the portion of the meeting related to this application and public meeting will likely not start until later.

A copy of the application and associated town planning report will be available on Friday, August 19 in the Clerk’s Division, Executive Services Department at Town Hall at 150 Mary Street.  Planning reports will also be made available online on the council calendar of the town’s website at www.milton.ca

Questions or written submissions relating to this application may be directed to the Town of Milton via the Planning and Development Department by calling 905-878-7252.

If you wish to speak at the public meeting, or submit a formal written submission on the application please do so directly through the Town of Milton (see additional information that will be posted online on the town council calendar at www.milton.ca on August 19th).

Source: http://rick.dilorenzo.com/

Bring the warm colors of fall into your home with these beautiful and simple decorating projects.

There are so many ways to decorate your home in a tasteful and festive way for fall. Pumpkins, gourds, fall foliage, and pinecones are a handful of popular themes that can serve as inspiration. You can mix all of these elements together across your mantle or you can stagger them artfully down your front steps. You can make a fall wreath out of miniature pumpkins. Use all cream for a more modern look or brightly colored orange for more Halloween-centric curb appeal. We love a garland made out of oversized pinecones that incorporates fresh magnolia or greenery secured with florist wire. Take the fresh elements off the pinecone garland before storing during the off season in a plastic tub. When decorating for fall, it is best to get the most bang for your buck and pick one look that will carry you through the Halloween, and Thanksgiving seasons. There's no need to be too holiday specific.

The 25-Minute Centerpiece

A smart mix of green tones, white, and flashes of fall color make this centerpiece feel like a fresh, modern cornucopia.

How To Do It:
Take a round or oval container, and fill it with potting soil. Plant a mix of succulents (such as echeverias) toward the center of the bowl, leaving plenty of room around the edges. Nestle small orange and white pumpkins into the soil. Add seasonal vegetables like kale, radishes, and eggplants. Use bundles of fresh herbs (such as rosemary and sage) to fill in any gaps. Surround with more pumpkins and votives.

Pumpkin Votives

Feel free to skip the container and scatter the votives anywhere that could use a little fall glow.

How To Do It:
Fill a rustic container two-thirds full of water. Use a craft knife to trace circles a little larger than the bottom of a tea light into the orange mini pumpkins. Cut and carve out the circles to allow a candle to fit inside comfortably. Insert tea lights. Float pumpkin votives as well as whole pumpkins in water. Using the photo as a guide, add bright fall leaves and sprigs of herbs for color and texture.

Incorporate White Pumpkins

White pumpkins add an unexpected and elegant twist.

The 25-Minute Wreath:
Start with a store-bought grapevine wreath. Pick an odd number of white mini pumpkins. Attach pumpkins to florist picks, and then work the picks into the wreath, making sure to space them evenly. Secure pumpkins to the wreath with wire. Using additional florist picks, attach seasonal greenery (we used smilax) and bittersweet (available at your local garden center), filling in the spaces between pumpkins. Add an assortment of fall leaves to wreath with picks and wire for a colorful finish.

1. Hilton Falls, located at 4985 Campbellville road is a conservation area known for its spectacular hiking trails, and 10 meter waterfall. Family friendly trails and pet freindly, as long as animals stay on a leash.

2. Rattlesnake Point, located at 7200 Appleby Line has a handful of trails for easy, or more challenging hikes. It also has a great look-out point so make sure to take lots of pictures!

3. Crawford Lake is located on 3115 Conservation Road. Enjoy the beautiful lake, Iroquoian village, and for something extra fun the Hide and Seek trail, with amazing wood carvings along the path to bring awareness to species at risk. 

4. Kelso Conservation Area is located at 5234 Kelso Road. This park has amazing trails for hiking and biking, and a great camping area. If you want to take advantage of the beauty of this park, try to do so before Novemeber 15, since it closes until April.

5. Mount Nemo located at 2596 Brittania Road is definitly a favourite! It has trails and look-outs, rock climbing, and even a little cave exploration. 

The days are officially colder and the nights are getting darker. With the holidays just around the corner, you may be thinking of ways to make your home stand out this winter season, or maybe you are just looking to bring a pop of colour to your regular outdoor decor. Here are some great tips to add some warmth, coziness and colour to your home this winter.

1. Add a red door or red trim. This helps add a nice pop of colour.

2. Get a stand out mail box. Look for one that will get peoples attention, or possibly to match the colour of your freshly painted door.

3. Buy some shiny garden ornaments. Silver and gold balls add colour and shine to otherwise dreary trees and bushes.

4. Extra large house numbers that are easy to see in the dark, and are appealing to the eye.

5. Get some mini trees with clear lights for on the porch. It looks pretty and adds a cozy warm glow.

6. Keep the greenery and winter shrubs neatly trimmed.

7. Look into getting some lamp posts for an added "Wow" factor.

8. Lots of driveway Lighting. In the winter months you can never have enough lighting. It helps people see the house and also see any wintery obsticals they may have to pass over such as ice and snow. 

        Look no further than our very own city! Down town Milton this year sure will look pretty. If you are driving your car, than make sure you park it, for the first time ever Milton is having a huge Christmas Market. With activites and work-shops there will be so much to see. And the best part of all, admission is free!!

       There will be vendors and food trucks, craft beer and poutine. A carousel and ice wine, and light displays to be seen. One of a kind gifts you can buy for everyone on your list, and even marshmallow roasting! Now that can't be missed! There will be live music and buskers, and entertainment galore. Click on the link below if you want to know more.

https://www.inhalton.com/massive-holiday-christmas-market-coming-to-milton

So, if you are thinking of coming to this beautiful Christmas scene, it's happening on Main Street, in Milton, December 2, 9 and 16. Bring your family and friends to enjoy all the sights. Have fun and enjoy the Christmas Market on these three awesome nights!!

1. Organize and declutter

Clutter around your home can be a huge cause of stress! It is easy to fall out of love when you feel like everything is out of place. Take some time to re-organize, and get rid of the bits and peices that dont belong, and you will be amazed at how much better you will feel.

2. Light a Scented Candle

Not only do Scented Candles smell good, but they can also make you feel good. There are scents that can relax you, such as Lavander, or scents to make you feel happy such as Lemon. With so many scents to choose, each room of your house will smell so good, you may never want to leave. But if you do leave the room or house, make sure to extinguish all flames for safety.

3. Add some Fresh Flowers

Fresh flower arrangments can brighten up any room, and any mood! In the winter its such a nice sight to see something vibrant and alive. Just like your Sweetheart likes to get flowers, surprise your home with something bright and colourful!

4. Re-Arrange Artwork

It is easy to feel bored with a space when everything is always the same. If you have artwork in storage, or in another room, try mixing it up and changing the art pieces. It can add a new colour scheme, or style to the room which can definitly be a change in pace.

5. Add an Area Rug

If you want to spend a little money to love your home again, invest in an area rug! They look great in any space, and add a pop of colour which you can use to add accent pieces in your decore. 

1. Start Early!

Deep cleaning your home can be a big job, so get started as early as you can to get your home prepared for cleaning every nook and cranny, such as moving furniture, and organizing supplies.

2. Divide your home into sections.

Cleaning the whole house can be daunting, and you may end up rushing though the cleaning trying to get it all done, which would just be a waste of time. Instead, have a plan, divide your home into sections that are most important, and work from top to bottom, so as not to drag dirty items through already clean spaces.

3. Keep, Toss, Donate!

Make a list of stuff you want to keep, toss or donate. It can help clear up a lot of living space, and you will feel good getting rid of the stuff you just dont use. But, if it does mean that much to you, you can always save it in a strorage unit.

4.Be Prepared!

Since this is such a big Job, it is always good to make a list of what you have, and what you think you might need for the clean up. It may be cleaning cloths, gloves or supplies you need to stock up on, or renting a storage unit to put things you dont want to get rid of, but have no space for either.

5.Be realistic of what you can do, and dont forget to have fun! 

We all know the big clean up is challenging, so dont make it harder on yourself by feeling you have to clean every spoon, or dust every book. If it's clean, it's clean! Turn up the music, and try make it fun, and treat yourself when you have finished!!

6. Dont Forget Regular Maintenance.

After all your hard work, make sure to keep up with the regular cleaning to make the job that much easier come next spring. 

Good luck and Have Fun!

First of all The Farmer's Market is back and in full swing! Every Saturday morning from 7am-12pm starting at Main Street East and Martin Street until October 9th. Come on out for Fresh produce, baked goods, and Home made items!

The next exciting event coming up, that everyone is looking forward to is the Mac and Cheese Festival! Thats this weekend, June 8-10 at the Milton fair grounds! Not only will it be celebrating everyone's favourite comfort food, but there will be rides, and bouncy castles for the kids, live music, artisan market, cooking demos (with samples), and outdoor movie theater at 9pm! You can buy tickets in advance, or at the door for only $15.00!

Up next on June 23 is Milton's 38th Annual Strawberry Fair! With all proceeds going to Milton District Hospital. It is a fun event with great benifit to our community. Held at the Milton Fair Grounds, and starting at 8am with a Pancake Breakfast, followed by a ton of activites for the kids, live shows, dog show, local vendors, food and of course STRAWBERRIES! This event has free parking and free addmission All Day!

On July 1, Milton will also be hosting our Annual Canada Day Party! With lots of rides, shows, entertainment, vendors and activites for everyone to enjoy. Don't forget to stay until dark for a fantastic fire work show! Come out and celebrate 151 years of our amazing country, and show your Canadian pride!

Now, for all of you Foodies out there, another event is headed our way! Milton's Rib and Beer Fest on the July 6-8 weekend! With free addmission all weekend, come enjoy your love of BBQ, and wash it down with some tasty craft beers! Live music all weekend, cooking lessons, midway, and bubble soccer to name a few of the activites you can enjoy in between chowing down on BBQ Ribs!

Our last exciting event in July is the Downtown Milton Classic Car Show on July 20th from 6-10 pm. 150 classic cars will line the streets of Downtown Milton. There will be live music, extended patios, shopping and prizes! A fun event you won't want to miss!

1) Ride the rails at Halton County Radial Railway (HCRR)!! Located at 13629 Guelph Line in Milton, the Radial Railway is a full-size operating electric railway and museum, featuring historic electric railcars operating on 2 kilometers of scenic track. This Mother's Day, from 10am-5pm Mom's are free with the purchase of a youth ticket.

2) If your Mom is the out-doorsy type, spend the day hiking at Rattle Snake Point located at 7200 Appleby Line in Milton. They have trails for all levels of hiking, breathtaking views, and great look out points to take the perfect selfie with Mom.

3) Enjoy a Hearty breakfast or brunch at Grill Daddy's located at 140 Main St. E in Milton. The food is delicious, whether you have the Eggs Benedict, 5 Egg Omelettes, or Club Sandwich, everything is tasty and full of flavour!

4) If you are looking for a relaxing day, and getting pampered is what mom deserves, plan an outing to Enhance Cosmetic Center and Spa at 238 Main St East in Milton. They have Spa Manicures and Pedicures, Facial Treatments and Peels. Also many more services to have Mom feeling beautiful and refreshed. 

5) For the artsy Mom, swing by Crock-A-Doodle Studio at 1040 Kennedy Circle in Milton. Here you can enjoy the fun of pottery painting and spend the afternoon making a plate, mug, tea-pot or sculpture you can use and remember forever. Once baked and glazed items are safe to eat and drink from. The perfect gift and activity all in one!

Happy Mother's Day!!

1. Do a test of your Smoke Detectors and your Carbon Monoxide Detectors. Replace the batteries if needed.

2. Consider getting your Air Conditioning System serviced. Proper air conditioner maintenance can help your A.C last longer and prevent air conditioner fires. Also on those super hot days, you don't want to be without your A.C, so its best to get it checked out early on. 

 3. Get your chimney cleaned. Yes, you might not use your fireplace again until fall or winter but thats exactly why this is the perfect time to call a chimney cleaning service. They wont be as busy!

4. Reverse the direction of your ceiling fans. If your fans spin counter-clockwise they will push the air straight down so your home will stay nice and cool.

5. Check your Attic and Basement. look for any signs of dampness, mildew, leaks, holes in the roof, and pests. 

6. Clean the dryer vent and exaust duct. Too much lint build up can lead to fires, so its best to keep these well maintained. 

7. Clean your Grill to prep for summer BBQ's. For Charcoal Grills, empty the grill and wipe away any dust or residue. Use hot water, dish soap, and a scrub brush or sponge to clean both the outside and the inside of the grill. Be sure to let your grill dry off before using it next. For Gas Grills, close the lid, turn the heat up high and let the grill cook for about half an hour. Let the grill cool. Use a grill brush to sweep the grill. Wipe down the outside with a sponge and cleaner. Then clean out all the drip trays. 

8. Wash down your porch. You should sweep the porch thoroughly, then wash it with cleaner. Remove any embedded dirt by scrubbing with soap and water. 

9.Check for outdoor leaks. Go on a hunt for leaks by checking all outdoor faucets and your hose. You can waste a lot of water with even the tiniest leak, so use electrical tape to repair any small holes. 

10. Repair cracks and holes in your drivway and front steps.

Tips:

• Don’t use gas grill! For a BBQ the smoke is an ingredient, so with gas, you will get the heat but miss out on the flavour.
• Lay down aluminum foil before cooking for easy clean up. Place on the bottom of the grill before you put in your charcoal to make it easier to get rid of the gray coals and ash.
• keep equipment clean. If your BBQ is new, build a large fire and let it rage for about 40 minutes. This helps to seal the pores in the metal and burn off any residue left behind from manufacturing. This is also good to do if the grill has not been used for a while and has built up grease or mold.
• Proper air circulation is key for even cooking. Make sure yor grill is large enough that whatever you are cooking doesn’t touch the sides or top of the grill.
• Don’t check the temperature repeatedly. Every time you open your grill, it cools down and makes it take longer to cook.

tricks:

• Use wood from fruit trees for extra flavour. Just add the wood chips to the charcoals. Fruit tree wood is mild in flavour and high in sap. Use what ever is available (cherry, apple or peach) 

• Soak wood chips in water over night before smoking. Then wrap them in a foil burrito, and put in your grill. The water content creates more smoke which gives much more flavour.

• Soak skewers in water to avoid burning before making kabobs. You can even soak, and freeze if you know you will be making a lot all summer long.

• Use aluminum foil as a grill brush if you don’t have one. Make a ball out of heavy duty foil around the size of an orange and hold between tongs to scrub off any food residue.

And now, Time for the Treats!

Nothing says summer like S'mores, so why not bring them to the BBQ in these super yummy Grilled S'more Hand pies.

All you need:

• Pie crust, marshmallows, milk/semi sweet chocolate, marshmallow crème, graham crackers.

1. Make sure to grease the grill before hand.
2. Wrap everything in the pie crust and brush with egg white.
3. Start by grilling the top of S’mores Hand Pies for about two minutes over medium heat.
4. Flip the hand pies over and cook the bottoms for two minutes.
5. Finally, move the hand pies to the upper rack to cook for an additional minute in the indirect heat.
6. Top with marshmallow creme and chocolate.

So Yummy! 

1) Glow-In-the-Dark Bowling

Not only is this one super fun, but also very easy! Save used water bottles, fill with water and pop in some glow sticks. You can use a regular ball, or for some added glow-in-the-dark fun, buy a hamster ball and add some glowsticks. 

2) Lawn Twister

Now this version of the classic game has far less limitations. Playing outdoors gives you much more space, and you can alter it depending on who is playing. Make a larger grid for adults, smaller for children, or a massive one for party sizd fun! All you need is water based spray marking paint (or chalk), a box with a hole to create the circles, a spinner, and willing participants to get twisted. 

3) Outdoor Tic-Tac-Toe

When it comes to outdoor Tic-Tac-Toe, the possibilites are endless. You can use marking chalk or paint for the grass and put X's and O's on frizbees, or this cute summer theme with bees and lady-bugs on a slice of wood. You can have large scale, or smaller, but either way it gets everyone outside playing.

4) Backyard Balloon Darts

This fun version of darts can be played in teams or indavidually. Blow up some balloons, tape them to a board and let the fun begin. players can either pop only one colour for their team, or make a point value per colour. A fun alternatiVe is to fill each balloon with paint and place on a white board for some artistic fun as well. 

5) Pool Noodle Ring Toss

Pool Noodles can be tons of fun, in and out of the pool. Duct Tape a few together to make some targets and use straight ones to throw through Javalin style. Another option is Human Ring Toss. Have a few people stand as targets, loop some Pool Noodles to form rings, and see if you can throw them over your human target.

Update: Appliances!

If your kitchen already looks pretty modern, a nice upgrade is high end Appliances that match in colour and brand. This always is a good selling feature, compared to mix match appliances which look to be purchased as the best deal, not the best quality.

Update: Flooring!

Changing up the flooring when outdated can make a big difference in the overall appearance of the kitchen. An inexpensive option that looks good with all style and decor types and also easy to clean and maintain, is Builder grade Hardwood flooring, also may be called rustic hardwood or utility grade. Also Vinal flooring has come a long way, and can be less expensive than slate or some hardwoods. You can find styles that mimic high end finishes for a look thats more modern and cost effective. 

Upgrade: Cabinets!

Instead of replacing your current cabinets, consider painting or refinishing them to give your space a complete fresh new look. If your cabinet faces are too outdated, consider refacing them, or changing up your hardware. Refacing costs more than painting but its much more cost effective than replacing all your cabinetry.

Upgrade: Counters!

A great upgrade for your kitchen is the counters. Changing them up can ad a fresh and modern look to your kitchen. Laminate counters can be inexpensive and mimic high-end counters but are not heat resistant, and may scratch easily. A good option is Quartz counters. They are beautiful and durable, especailly Cambria Quartz which is really popular for kitchen design in 2019, and even stronger than regular Quartz. 

Upgrade: Backsplash!

Adding a Back-Splash to your kitchen is not only practical for keeping the walls around cooking areas clean, but it also helps pull the design of the whole room together. In 2019 you have a lot of options of amazing back-splashes. Subway tiles are quite popular, and are classy and modern. Marble slabs look elegant from counter to celing. Unique patterns and colours are also in, to add that pop of personality and tie in all your kitchen decore. 

Remember to have a detailed plan before you begin, as poor planning can lead to extra stress and extra expense. If you need additional help with your updating, you can always hire a designer that can help you pick out fixtures and finishes to make your ideal kitchen design they way you imagine. They can also help with any necessary permits you might require for gas or electrical.