April Festivals & Events

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• ONGOING: Talk Is Free Theatre Presents 'Great Expectations'

  Date: March 29 - April 14, 2012
  Location: Mady Centre for the Performing Arts, 1 Dunlop Street West, Barrie
  Contact: (705) 792-1949; www.tift.ca  
  
  Description:
  When Charles Dickens wrote Great Expectation in 1860, it dealt with a world where owning property defined one's success. But how has that changed in 150 years? Richard Ouzounian's special musical adaptation of his work deals with how the times we live in have changed and that the way we measure triumph has transformed as well.
  
  Show Times: See website for show times.
  Admission: Single Ticket: $27.00 + HST

• ONGOING: Spring Tonic 2012

  Date: March 31 - April 1, 2012
  Location: Tiffin Centre, 8195 8th Line, Utopia
  Contact: (705) 424-1479; www.nvca.on.ca
  
  Description:
  This is a fantastic weekend for the whole family! Highlights include:
  - Breakfast with sausage and pancakes and maple syrup, served each day until 2 pm
  - Learn how maple syrup was made by early Canadians and how its made at Tiffin today
  - Horse-drawn wagon rides
  - Live music
  - Kids crafts and face painting
  - Zoo to You animal show
  
  Event Times: 9:00am - 3:00pm
  Admission: Adults $10; Children 12 & Under $5.00; Infants are Free

• ONGOING: Spring Festival 2012

  Date: March 31 - April 1, 6-8, 2012
  Location: Chappell Farms, 617 Penetanguishene Road, Barrie
  Contact: (705) 721-1547; www.chappellfarms.ca
  
  Description:
  The ultimate way to enjoy Spring! Event features candy hunt, magic shows, wagon rides, animals, jumping castle, food and more!
  
  Event Time: 10:00am - 4:00pm
  Admission: $11 plus HST

• ONGOING: Annual Easter Egg Hunt

  Date: March 31 - April 1, 6-7, 2012
  Location: Rounds Ranch, 1922 County Road 92, Elmvale
  Contact: (705) 322-6293; www.roundsranch.com 
  
  Description:
  Easter activities for the whole family!
  
  Event Time: 11:00am - 5:00pm
  Admission: $9.95 plus HST per person

• 4: Screen One Presents 'Monsieur Lazhar'

  Date: April 4, 2012
  Location: Uptown Theatre, 55 Dunlop Street West
  Contact: www.barriefilmfestival.ca 
  
  Description:
  Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Philippe Falardeau (CONGORAMA, IT'S NOT ME, I SWEAR!) and from the producers of 2010® Academy Award–nominated INCENDIES, MONSIEUR LAZHAR is one of the most gripping Québécois films of the last decade. The film has already received extraordinary attention, including Best Canadian Feature Film at the 2011 Toronto International Film Festival® as well as being named as Canada's submission for Best Foreign Language Film at the 84th Academy Awards. Following the tragic and shocking death of a Montreal schoolteacher, Bachir Lazhar (Fellag) – a middle-aged Algerian immigrant seeking political refuge in Quebec - swiftly pursues the opportunity to fill the sudden vacancy and come to the aid of the overworked principal and students affected by this tragedy. To these children in shock, Lazhar's traditional teaching methods may well provide the structure they need. The fine performances reflect the authenticity of the characters, and the story illustrates how adult hypocrisy and little white lies about death can turn a child's world upside down when fate strikes. Bachir has much to gain from his pupils, and so do we. A complex character study of loss, innocence and imposture, MONSIEUR LAZHAR is a resplendent and tender tale about the lessons we learn from one another, regardless of age.
  
  Show Time: 4pm, 7pm and 9pm
  Admission: Adults: $9.00; Seniors/Students: $7.00

• 6: Easter Egg Hunt

  Date: Friday April 6, 2012
  Location: Bradford Greenhouses, Hwy 90 and Hwy 27, Barrie
  Contact: (705) 725-9913 ext. 313, www.bradfordgreenhouses.com 
  
  Description:
  Join the fun and hop on into our Easter Egg Hunt! Children under 8 years of age are welcome to join and gathering bags will be provided. A contribution of a non-perishable food item for our local food bank would be appreciated. Hurry in, while the eggs last!
  
  Event Time: 9:00am
  Admission: Canned or non-perishable food item for the food bank

• 7: Spring 'Easter' Pancake Breakfast

  Date: April 7, 2012
  Location: Barrie City Hall, Downtown Barrie, 70 Collier Street
  Contact: (705) 734-1414
  
  Description:
  Downtown Barrie and the Barrie Farmers’ Market present the annual Spring ‘Easter’ Pancake Breakfast at City Hall on Saturday April 7th, 2012 from 8 am - Noon. Come down for a horse drawn wagon ride and face painting. Get a picture taken with cute little bunnies from the Bunny Hutch and enjoy free pancakes courtesy of Downtown Barrie...oh yeah and a visit from the Easter Bunny has been booked for 10am! Enjoy a great Easter weekend!
  
  Event Time: 8:00am - Noon
  Admission: Free

• 14: The Body Show

  Date: Saturday April 14, 2012
  Location: Mapleview Community Campus, 300 Mapleview Drive, Barrie
  Contact: (705) 734-1728; www.mbmshows.com
  
  Description:
  6th Annual Body Show is dedicated to all women who want to look and feel great. this one day event will be chock full of fabulous vendors showcasing everything from gorgeous jewelry, top salon makeovers, gourmet and organic food and health products, and fitness training, to exciting seminars and demonstrations on our main stage.
  
  Event Time: 9am - 5pm
  Admission: 13 years and Older: $5.00

• 21: Elmvale Maple Syrup Festival

  Date: April 21, 2012
  Location: Elmvale Main Street
  Contact: (705) 322-6613; emsf011@bell.net; www.elmvalemaplesyrup.ca

  Description:
  Every year the sleepy town of Elmvale explodes in a celebration of Nature's rites of Spring - the running of liquid gold - Ontario Pure Maple Syrup. The town transforms into a shoppers' mall. Vendors line the streets with offerings of maple syrup, food galore, book sales, collectible sales among other country treasures. Don't miss the Sugar Shack at the east end of town where you can get information, directions, tickets for the bus to the sugarbush tours.

  See website for event times and admission rates.

• 21-22: Better Living Expo

  Date: April 21 - 22, 2012
  Location: Holly Community Centre, 171 Mapleton Avenue
  Contact: (705) 999-0909; info@barriebetterlivingexpo.ca; www.barriebetterlivingexpo.ca
  
  Description:
  The Better Living Expo is 'four events in one' spread over the two arenas at Barrie's newest recreational facility. This weekend expo is expected to feature over 150 selected participants in a blend of health & fitness, activities & leisure, recreation & travel, lifestyle & décor; plus consumer products, professional services and community groups.
  
  Event Time: Saturday: 10am - 6pm - Sunday: 10am - 5pm|
  Admission: $8 per person
   

• 23-May 6: The Gem Food & Wine Festival

  Date: Monday April 23 - Sunday May 6, 2012
  Location: Various Restaurants in Barrie, Click here for Participating Restaurants
  Contact: (705) 721-4513; www.thegemfoodfestival.ca 
  
  Description:
  The GEM is a unique food & wine festival. Restaurants participating are unique & special. These are restaurants that will incorporate local and fresh ingredients as much as possible. For people in the Barrie and surrounding cities. The Gem wants you to enjoy great restaurant's and service!
  Let's showcase our talents and give our guests our best performance. These restaurants will pair up some nice wine's with very tasty, delicious food.
  
  $30/$40/$50 menu's will be available along with other choices to choose from.
  
  
  

• 28-29: Barrie Spring Art Tour

  Date: April 28 - 29, 2012
  Locations: Various venues throughout Barrie - See Website
  Contact: (705) 727-4086; www.barriespringarttour.ca 
  
  Description:
  Visit studios and galleries open for the public to view and purchase unique art and hand crafted items from local artists.
  
  Event Time: 10:00am - 5:00pm
  Admission: Free