DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard NORTH DURHAM: Cyclists, looking to explore the countryside this summer, have plenty of reasons to head north, as Durham Region is highlighting a collection of scenic cycling routes, through Brock, Scugog, and Uxbridge as part of its Shift Into Scenic Durham Region campaign. The initiative encourages residents and visitors to discover North Durham's picturesque landscapes, historic downtowns, and rural communi

UXBRIDGE: The sights and sounds of Ontario's agricultural past came to life on Sunday, July 19, as visitors gathered at the Lewis Family farm for the annual Lewis Family Threshing Day. The popular event showcased antique farm equipment, vintage tractors and traditional farming demonstrations, giving families an opportunity to experience how crops were harvested and processed before modern machinery transformed agriculture. One of the highlights included horse-drawn plowing de

By Patricia Dawson Bring the whole family out to the Uxbridge Scottish Festival! For 30 years, Scottish culture has been celebrated in Elgin Park, bringing together tradition, music, and community. Join us Friday, July 24th, and Saturday, July 25th, as the Uxbridge Scottish Festival continues this proud tradition with a multi-day event of Scottish Heritage for all ages. Visitors can experience the excitement of the Highland dance competition and the sound of bagpipe performan

by Pat Asling It’s been another strange week weather-wise with the three days of yellow air and terrible air quality. It is hard to imagine what it could be like closer to the fires. Here we are thousands of miles from our burning forests, and it can still be deadly to some people. And what would it have been like for those people whose communities were in the path of the fire and they had to flee, some by boat, some walking from communities with no road access, leaving their

by Patricia Dawson The annual beloved Kite Day returns to Uxbridge Historical Center this July 18th! Bring your own kite, purchase or make one at this exciting event on Quaker Hill while enjoying the best view of Uxbridge. Saturday, July 18th, from noon to 4 p.m., at 7239 Concession 6, in Uxbridge. This is a free event. For more information, call 905-852-5854. Concerts in the park in Bobcaygeon are back. Catch open-air live music at the locks on Wednesday, July 22nd, from 6 t

by Pat Asling Well, it is already the middle of July and, as the old song says”the corn is as high as an elephant's eye, or in another case, as high as the waist of the farmer in his field. Other crops are doing well, it seems, and most farmers are bringing in second-cutting hay crops. Rain has been sporadic among the number of very hot days we are experiencing, and I guess it is all good, but when I go out a day later, thinking my pots will not need watering, I find they and

by Linda Story UXBRIDGE: With a beaming smile, Kathryn Sunn graciously accepted the Marion Cassie Memorial Scholarship at the Uxbridge Secondary School (USS) Commencement ceremony, on June 25th, at Uxbridge Arena. Ms. Sunn received her award in front of a standing-room-only audience who witnessed more than 250 graduates receive their diplomas. In order to receive the Marion Cassie Memorial Scholarship, applicants must have a successful skating career with the Uxbridge Skating

UXBRIDGE: Drivers in the Township of Uxbridge are being advised of a significant upcoming road closure on Zephyr Road as Durham Region prepares to begin a major reconstruction project this summer. The Region of Durham says Zephyr Road (Regional Road 13) will be fully closed between Concession Road 3 and Concession Road 4, starting July 13th, with the closure expected to remain in place until October 7th. Following the full closure, lane restrictions will continue through the

By Patricia Dawson Bring the kids to Carissa Settlers Village, where they will be showing movies on July 5th and July 22nd. Join us every Wednesday at 7 p.m., beginning July 8th, for a fun evening under the beams of the barn. Bring your own lawn chairs, blankets, or anything else you need to create the perfect cozy movie spot. Admission is by donation, and our Snack Shack will be open with your favourite movie-theatre treats: popcorn, candy, and drinks. We can't wait to see y

by Pat Asling Well, it’s July, and the celebrations are over! I understand there was plenty to do in Uxbridge to celebrate July 1st, though the storms likely cancelled many of the planned events. Out in the country, the only fireworks came from the sudden, widespread wind, thunder, and lightning storm, which took out a great number of trees and caused many power outages. The whole of Sandford Road, the village and other areas were without power for hours. The Sandford Road ou

BRANDON CLARK The Standard NORTH DURHAM: The Townships of Scugog and Uxbridge are warning residents about an unauthorized third party, who is selling products with the Uxbridge-Scugog Animal Shelter's logo. The animal shelter is aware of online advertisements, giving out clothing and hats which have the Uxbridge-Scugog Animal Shelter logo on them. Neither of these are associated with the animal shelter or Uxbridge Township. The issue was brought forward by a community member,

by Pat Asling “Summer time, and the living is easy,” says an old song. Well, for some, like a lot of kids, now school is out, that is true, but certainly not for most people, farmers especially. Haying in many versions is keeping them busy, trying to interpret the weather forecast, about which there are many complaints; they get it wrong. Well, rain was forecast, some got it, others didn’t, and we didn’t, and surprisingly, the ground is very dry. Wasn’t that a banger the othe

By Patricia Dawson For the week of July 5th, families in Lindsay can enjoy free outdoor concerts in the park series at the Frank Banks gazebo, in Victoria Park. Pack a lawn chair or blanket and catch light performances by local artists throughout the summer. Catch a performance by Ge's on Sunday, July 5th, from 2 to 4 p.m. Later in the week, the Brian Ride Trio plays on Wednesday, July 8th, from 6 to 8 p.m. Bring the family to a pet and paint event. Head to Silver Huron Farm

BRANDON CLARK The Standard PORT PERRY: Residents of Port Perry, Ontario, Canada are invited to take part in a full slate of Canada Day festivities this year, with events taking place throughout Historic Downtown Port Perry and at the Scugog Shores Museum Village. The celebration features a packed schedule of entertainment, family activities, food, and fireworks. Festivities begin early in the morning with the Canada Day Parade at 10:30 a.m. The parade, featuring “Vettes-for-V

COLLEEN GREEN The Standard Summer has arrived, and with it comes one of Ontario's most beloved seasonal traditions—strawberry picking. Across Kawartha Lakes and Durham Region, local farms are welcoming visitors to their fields, offering families a chance to enjoy fresh air, beautiful countryside, and baskets full of ripe, juicy strawberries. Pick-your-own strawberry farms provide a fun and affordable family outing. Children enjoy searching for the biggest berries, while adult

by Pat Asling Sunday was also the first day of summer. We hailed the first day of spring not long ago and now it’s gone, not having lived up to its promise so we can only hope that summer brings a bit more of the things we think of as summer. My friends in Belize are suffering through days of 97 degree heat and humidity. We don’t want that, believe me. Sunday, June 21st, had a multiplicity of special days assigned to it, but Father's Day is the one most people know. I hope al