Maddy Gordon, Author at Niagara Now

NOTLers share what makes them proud to be Canadian at Legion party

A variety of reasons to celebrate brought guests to the festivities at the Legion, but one sentiment united the party-goers: “I’m proud to be Canadian.”

Jazz Crawl hits all the right notes across Niagara-on-the-Lake

From vineyard sunsets to waterfront views, Niagara-on-the-Lake became one big jazz stage last weekend as music lovers travelled from venue to venue as part of the Niagara Jazz Festival’s annual Jazz Crawl.

Ready, aim, fire: Dads step behind the gun at Fort George for Father’s Day

For some, the idea of igniting a 19th-century-style weapon may be intimidating. But for Baird Tucker, it’s a “once-in-a-lifetime experience” he couldn’t pass up — especially in front of his son.

PHOTOS: NOTL Soccer Club wraps up its season with energy and enthusiasm

Niagara-on-the-Lake’s young soccer players laced up their cleats and took to the field at the Virgil Sports Park for their final games of the season last weekend.

Artist Nancy Wardle shows off her talent in real time at Queenston Pottery

Nancy Wardle will be at the Queenston Pottery in Niagara-on-the-Lake until Sept. 1 as part of the shop’s visiting artist program, showing visitors the ins and outs of her craft.

Niagara-on-the-Lake’s U.S. visitors, in their own words

U.S. travellers are still visiting Niagara-on-the-Lake in high numbers, despite a sharp decline in traffic from Canada to the States. We asked some of them what brought them to town, how they travelled and how they enjoyed their stay.

By kids, for kids: Art contest brings young creatives off devices, into community

The student-run Nature, Play and Mind Club is encouraging fellow young people to ditch their devices and enjoy what the outside world has to offer.

High volume of markets may create challenges for vendors and organizers, says organizer

The abundance of local vendors, businesses and venues allows Niagara to host many farmers’ market-style events, but one organizer says it may come at the expense of quality experiences.

Bake sale in Virgil supports reuniting lost pets and their owners

Helping out never tasted sweeter, as treats ranging from s’mores bars, butter tarts and cookies were on sale at the Meridian Credit Union Arena this past weekend to support animal rescue efforts.

PHOTOS: From fifes to firepower, Fort George ends summer with a bang

One demonstration, the perfect volley, attracted the largest crowd. Its firing includes a line of soldiers shooting their muskets at the same time to create one loud and simultaneous shot.

New Pumphouse art exhibit is out of this world

The latest works of Marilyn Cochrane speak to the mystery of the universe and bring together the beauty of interstellar objects with life on Earth, says the Niagara-on-the-Lake-based artist.

Hundreds of hot rods roll up for Kinsmen’s 25th car show

Despite the heat, over 1,500 visitors drove in for the event, where 381 vintage rides were on display for the crowds to explore.

A peachy keen celebration: NOTL’s peach festivals bring flavour and fun together

The Peach Pit in Simcoe Park was the place to be for live music, kids’ activities and a calmer environment to enjoy peach treats in. The shopping took place on Queen Street, where dozens of vendors showed off their peachy products.

PHOTO GALLERY: Garden tour draws crowds to hidden gems across NOTL

From lush native landscapes to tiny but stunning backyards, nine Niagara-on-the-Lake residents opened their private gardens to the public for the NOTL Horticultural Society’s annual garden tour.

St. David’s vet clinic celebrates pet-loving community with annual barbecue

St. David’s Veterinary Clinic hosted its annual community appreciation barbecue to celebrate the close bonds between pet owners, their animals and clinic staff.

‘Disc golf is for everyone’: Tournament raises $1.2K for Pride in Niagara

The disc golf tournament held at the NOTL Community Centre raised more than $1,200 for PFLAG (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) and Positive Living Niagara.

Army of 200 historical re-enactors bring Battle of Fort George back to life

Historical storyteller Daryl Learn said he hopes to continue spreading awareness through events like Fort George’s — an attitude expressed by other re-enactors involved in the U.S. sneak attack demonstration.

UPDATED: One sign is not enough: Swimmers unaware of E. coli in water at NOTL beach

On Friday, July 4, the latest test results by Niagara Region’s public health department gave Queen’s Royal Beach a passing grade for the first time in two weeks.

Breakthrough T1D Walk raises $28k for Type 1 diabetes cure research

Kenny Bradford’s five-year-old daughter, Laina, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes last year. Bradford said that while life with diabetes has its challenges, such as monitoring and balancing insulin, the newfound community has been the silver lining.

First World War returns at Fort George’s weekend re-enactment

“It’s fascinating to me what Canada did in both world wars, particularly the Great War,” said Richard Moncrief, a re-enactor who travelled from Virginia to take part in the weekend’s event. “It’s worth the trek.”

Artist Barbara Polc makes Queenston Pottery temporary home for her paintings

The Visiting Artist Program launched last December for Queenston Pottery’s holiday show, and the success of that collaboration inspired its permanent place at the studio.

Ironwood Cider House celebrates ‘rainbow registration’ certification this Pride Month

The cider house has joined more than 400 Canadian businesses that are “rainbow registered” — a certification signalling a location is a safe space for the LGBTQIA+ community.

‘She gave her all to softball’: Memorial tournament honours late softball coach

Adults who grew up playing softball in Niagara-on-the-Lake returned to the diamond last weekend to celebrate Tina Pollak, the late softball coach whose loved ones say did everything she could to help aspiring young players be able to play the game.

Music Niagara opens its season with Father’s Day choir concert

The Laura Secord choir is recognized nationally through MusicFest Canada and the CBC Canadian Music Class Challenge, but choir leader Katryna Sacco said getting to perform for the community is a uniquely special experience: “It’s really nice to extend our reach throughout the community.”

Butterflies released to remember loved ones lost last year

Merri-Lee Culbert, a bereavement coordinator at NOTL Palliative Care, shared how grief is a cyclical process. For this reason, the butterfly is a popular symbol for learning how to coexist with grief.

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