MAPLETON – Every autumn, both here and across Canada, a range of “Culture Days” events celebrate arts and culture in local communities.
This year, Mapleton’s Culture Days take place between Sept. 20 and Oct. 13, beginning with a busy few days of lavender mocktail tasting, flower cutting and line dancing.
Mapleton manager of community services Amy Grose said the township tries to offer new experiences for each year’s Culture Days.
This year, she said the emphasis is on “partnerships with community groups and businesses to bring more events to Mapleton” – something she said people often ask for from the township.
All events are free to attend, but registration is required.
“Some of our events are already filling up,” Grose said, so she recommends registering “sooner rather than later.”
Grose said township staff are seeing an overall increase in people attending and participating in events across the municipality.
Lavender mocktails
The township’s Culture Days days kick off with lavender mocktail tasting at Tullamore Lavender Co. on Sept. 20 from 5pm to 7:30pm.
Attendees will sample three handcrafted drinks with lavender and other locally sourced ingredients, “while viewing a harvest moon sunset,” organizers state.
“Stephanie and Steve, the farmers behind Tullamore, will walk you through each recipe” during this casual, come-and-go style event.
The on-farm shop will also be open.
Tullamore is located at 7595 Wellington Road 109.
Flower cutting
On Sept. 22 from 9:30am to 2:30pm, Mapleton Acres will be offering a “cut your own flowers” experience.
“With a pair of snips and a custom Mapleton Acres u-pick cup, you’ll wander through rows of blooming flowers to craft your perfect bouquet,” officials say.
Attendees will learn flower cutting techniques to increase how long the bouquets last.
This event is for 18 years and up. Mapleton Acres is located at 7352 16th Line.
Line dancing
Bonnie Frey will be at the PMD Arena on Sept. 24 from 5 to 7pm to teach a line dancing class for all levels.
“Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or a complete beginner, our class is designed to be enjoyable for everyone,” officials state.
“Get ready to grove to a variety of upbeat tunes while learning the latest dance steps in a lively, welcoming environment.”
Library events
Also on Sept. 24 will be a Cooking Around the World event at the Drayton branch of the Wellington County library.
Grose said she is “really excited about” the township’s partnership with the library for Culture Days events this year.
The Drayton library will also host Hand Painted Autumn Candles class for ages 13 to adult on Sept. 25 from 6 to 7:30pm.
On Oct. 5, children are welcome to drop in to the library for an Australian Aboriginal Dot Painting workshop (time to be announced). Registration is not required for this one.
To register for the candle or cooking events at the library, visit wellington.libnet.info/events.
To register for a any other Mapleton Culture Days event, visit eventbrite.ca/o/township-of-mapleton-66755378373.
For more information about Culture Days and other events in Mapleton visit mapleton.ca/living-here/events.
