We are into August already, boy is time flying or am I just getting older? It seems time is moving even faster now that restrictions are lifting in so many areas. Did it feel like we were in hold expecting time to stop with us? In the past the Civic Holiday here in Ontario has always marked a flurry of activity for artists. It traditionally held the famed Art in the Park event on August 2nd where for one day hundreds of artists would display their art for buyers in Oakville Ontario in a local park. With the exception of a couple of years I have been a part of the event for over a decade. First being a volunteer at the event, then being an artist doing caricatures at the event, and the last couple of years covering the event for the podcast. Due to Covid the event has been postponed but I am sure it will return.
This year marks a change in the Civic Holiday as I will be drawing at Safari Niagara this year, not sure if it will be animals or kids? I have been hired to draw caricatures launching a late Summer Season start. We take holidays for granted these days and I was curious as to what the August Holiday was called? If you are as confused as I was by the name here is why?
Below is what Wikipedia calls it just in Ontario:
- The Civic Holiday is now known by one of a number of local appellations, including, among others:
- “Founders’ Day” in Brantford (named in 1982): each year, the Brantford Heritage Committee submits a report to City Council with the name or organization that is to be recognized on that day.[13]
- “Joseph Brant Day” in Burlington (): celebrating Joseph Brant, the Mohawk Chief who became known for his treaty negotiations and loyalty to the British.[13]
- “James Cockburn Day” in Cobourg (1999): celebrating James Cockburn, one of the “fathers of Confederation”.[16]
- “John Galt Day” in Guelph (2006): celebrating John Galt, the Scottish novelist and businessman who founded the city.
- “George Hamilton Day” in Hamilton: celebrating George Hamilton, the eponymous founder of the city.[17]
- “McLaughlin Day” in Oshawa (1983): celebrating Robert McLaughlin, who brought General Motors to Oshawa.[13][18]
- “Colonel By Day” in Ottawa (1996): celebrating Colonel John By, who led the construction of the Rideau Canal and founded Bytown, which became the city of Ottawa.[19]
- “Peter Robinson Day” in Peterborough: celebrating Peter Robinson
- “Alexander Mackenzie Day” in Sarnia (1998): celebrating Alexander Mackenzie, the 2nd Prime Minister of Canada[20]
- “Simcoe Day” in Toronto: celebrating John Graves Simcoe, the first Lieutenant-Governor of Upper Canada and the leading proponent of the Act Against Slavery.[21][22][23]
- “Benjamin Vaughan Day” in Vaughan: celebrating the eponymous Benjamin Vaughan[24]
Like I said I always called it “Art in the Park Day” and I guess now that I will be drawing at a new location I may have to come up with a new name. Maybe “Safari Day” or if they have me in a park like setting I can still keep the “Art in the Park” name. Whatever you call the day I hope you have a good day and enjoy it. If you want to learn more about Art in the Park visit http://oakvilleartsociety.com or come see me at Safari Niagara at https://safariniagara.com/parking-directions/ on August 2nd
Have a great day!
About the Artist
Bruce Outridge Productions offers custom illustration and design services specializing in live caricature entertainment. Live caricature entertainment is perfect for weddings, corporate events, and parties. To learn more about caricature artist Bruce Outridge or to book him for your event visit www.bruceoutridgeproductions.com and check out his wedding and corporate event packages
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