The Here and Now

Did you know the Cambridge Dictionary defines Niagara as, "a large amount or number of something"? The example they provide is, "A Niagara of money is flowing into the party." Although I live in Niagara, I didn't realize this! I suppose it's a reference to the grandeur of our magnificent Niagara Falls.

This May has been hot and sunny and it definitely feels like summer is upon us. Warm weather means a plentitude of outdoor events. Though our region has events of all kinds. There are a few beginning this week, and a special one we'll hint about at the end of this issue.

Thorold Library 
We love libraries. They're jewels in our local communities. Places of peace, calm, community, acceptance and a repository of knowledge. The Thorold branch at 14 Ormond Street holds a variety of events, including Movie Matinees. The next showings are:

• May 31 - Good Will Hunting
• June 7 - Kate & Leopold
• June 14 - Bank of Dave
• June 21 - Big
• June 28 - The Cider House Rules

63rd Welland Rose Festival
There are several events comprising this festival, which begins this week and continues to June 16th. Things kick off with the first treasure hunt clue being revealed this Thursday, May 30th. Each Thursday for three weeks, a new clue will be announced to help you locate treasure located somewhere in the city. A few other dates to keep in mind:

• Saturday, June 8th - A Night at the Races (Welland County Motorcycle Club)
• Friday, June 14th to Sunday, June 16th - Days in the Park (Merritt Park )
• Friday, June 14th through Sunday, June 16th there will be street dancing Friday and Saturday evening, and during the day on Sunday

Thorold Spring Bazaar
Saturday, June 1st from 10am to 2pm, the Thorold Senior Citizens Association will be holding their spring bazaar at 8 Carleton Street South. The event will include:

• raffles
• baking
• a penny sale
• crafts
• flea market
• draws
• pop-up market

Niagara Canada International Film Festival
This festival begins this Saturday, June 1st at the Niagara Falls Convention Centre. There will be sessions with filmmakers as well as screening of movies from Canada, India, Norway, France, Ukraine, USA, Switzerland, Argentina, Japan, the UK, Turkey, Germany, Nepal and Romania.

Shaw Festival & Garden Tour
The Shaw Festival season has already begun, and there are a few productions currently showing, including the classic, My Fair Lady, Agatha Christie's Witness for the Prosecution, and The Secret Garden.

The annual Shaw Garden Tour takes place this year on Saturday, June 15th from 10am to 3pm.

Concerts on the Canal
The City of Welland has created a series of evening outdoor concerts along the canal in Merritt Park in partnership with GiantFM and Country89. There are six concerts in total this year, beginning Friday, June 21st. Each event will be held from 7 to 10pm.

TD Niagara Jazz Festival
This year's jazz festival will include an event here in Thorold at the Battle of Beaverdams Park. Save the date - Saturday, June 29th 1 to 10pm. Make an afternoon and evening of it during the Canada Day weekend.

Markets
Many of our local farmers' markets have opened for the season, including Thorold, St. Catharines and Niagara Falls. Others, such as Welland, are open year-round. It's a joy to watch the harvests unfold alongside the time of year. Spring means lettuces, radishes, carrots, asparagus, and spring onions, among other delights. June means strawberry season, which is just about to begin!

At Figg Street Co., we have our own events coming up over the next two to three weeks. Let's just say that a milestone anniversary may be near... join us next week for more details.

Until then, let us know if you check out any of the many happenings in Niagara. Wishing you a sunny, beautiful week!