The recent passing in August of guitarist/songwriter Robbie Robertson isa chance to queue up one of his most enduring songs. It’s also the arrival of harvest time in the Niagara region and an important hospital fund-raiser.
“Dry summer, then comes fall
Which I depend on most of all
Hey, rainmaker, can’t you hear the call?
Please let these crops grow tall”
The lyrics of King Harvest (Has Surely Come) are among the most poignant in the history of rock. Written by Toronto native Robbie Robertson and sung with heartbreaking urgency by Stratford’s Richard Manuel, it constitutes a brilliant anthem for the onset of fall.
Robertson spent his childhood summers with his mother’s family in Ohsweken, near Brantford, on the Six Nations Reserve. It’s a short drive from Burlington where we celebrate the great Mohawk leader Joseph Brant with street signs and local institutions, including a hospital, and namesake museum.
We see the value in having a Robertson exhibit to showcase the musical fruits of his connection to this land, and shared ancestry with one of our city’s most famous figures.
Here at the Molinaro Group we look forward to cooler days if only for the benefit of our crews busily at work on the final phase of Paradigm Grand. We’re thrilled to see the foundation of two street-facing towers gradually take shape at Midtown right next to the Go Station.
The fulfillment of our original vision for this condominium community will allow more prospective investors and home seekers to enjoy the many benefits of this beautiful mid-size city by the lake.
Ride into Fall at HorsePower for Hospital
As proud civic supporters of Joseph Brant Hospital, we’re just as excited about an important fund-raising event on September 23rd. Horsepower 4 Hospital is a public exhibition of rare and high-performance automobiles. An avid car buff, Molinaro Group President, Vince Molinaro, indulges two of his passions in helping to coordinate the event with Angelo Paletta of TNG Exotics & Limited Editions.
The public is invited to follow the procession of vehicles from the hospital parking lot to the Art Gallery of Burlington. Admission is free so you can get a closer look at the cars and enjoy a marketplace atmosphere including live music and food vendors. Click here for more info on how to participate.
More highlights on the local events calendar
Autumn in Burlington means an uptick in activity because the weather is more conducive to physical activity. Orchards, farmer’s markets, Niagara wineries, and hiking trails see their highest visitor counts after Labour Day. The fall foliage extravaganza typically occurs around mid-month. Lucky for us, the Niagara Escarpment offers exceptional views from numerous vantage points. In Burlington, we’re surrounded by beauty.
- Canada’s Largest Ribfest, Spencer Smith Park: September 1-4, 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm.
“Scarecrow and a yellow moon… And pretty soon a carnival on the edge of town… King Harvest has surely come”
You can call it the unofficial start of fall; we call it a hot, sticky mess of fun. Some of the best ribbers on the continent come to town for a Labor Day Weekend showcase of smoked meat, sweet and savoury sauces, and all the trimmings. Tuck into award-winning but casual cuisine while enjoying live music on the waterfront. Wardrobe advisory: do NOT wear white. Organized by Rotary Burlington Lakeshore, proceeds of admission fees go back into the community (while your t-shirt goes directly into the washing machine). Click here for more details. - The Royal Botanical Gardens is a can’t miss late-summer destination for leisurely strolls on well-marked, groomed trails and a host of special events, workshops and special exhibits.
- Burlington Centre Lions Farmer’s Market. Now is the time to sample the best of the local harvest including locally-grown produce and a wide array of artisanal food items. Open every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday throughout the month from 8:00 am until early/mid-afternoon.
- 2023 Walk’n Roll, Spencer Smith Park: September 23, 10:00 am. It’s the 43rd edition of an event staged by Community Living Burlington. The goal is to raise $75,000 for a Wellness Centre at Mainway, dedicated to helping those with developmental disabilities. Register as a individual or team entry for a gentle 1 km or 2 km walk. Stick around afterward for a BBQ and live entertainment. Click here for more info.
- Terry Fox Run: September 17, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm. Register here to participate in the Burlington leg of the annual event in memory of the inspirational young Canadian who galvanized the nation in support of cancer research before succumbing to the disease himself. You can also sign-in, on site, an hour before the runners start at 9:00 am. The 5 km loop begins and ends in front of the Waterfront Hotel on Brant Street.
- Telling Tales Festival, Hendrie Park: September 16-17, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm. A two-day, ticketed event for families, it features more than 30 presenters on five stages drawing (sometimes literally) the connection between the natural world and various forms of artistic expression. Authors, artists and storytellers will delight children and adults alike with their unique perspectives via organized tours, displays and interactive workshops. Click here for more.
Simply put, Autumn is Better in Burlington!