Residents from Elora are planning a new 11-day event with music, art, drama, film, food, breathtaking scenery, and heritage architecture for which the village is renowned.
Sensational Elora is having its inaugural event from Oct. 3 to 13.
The title of the event is a bit of a misnomer, laughed Rhoda Lipton, one of the organizers.
“Sensational Centre Wellington really doesn’t make it,” she said.
But, she is hoping to involve everyone from the township, and not just the village.
“It’s going to be basically here, but it’s going to be in Fergus, and it’s going to be in Belwood,” she said, adding that groups from everywhere in the township are welcome.
Lipton said there is so much that the community has to offer, and the goal is an event that can bring it all into sharp focus for everyone – residents and visitors.
October is already a busy time in Elora, with Monster Month becoming a mainstay attraction leading up to Halloween. As well, that is the month that the popular annual studio tour runs, and it attracts many people to the area.
The festival is being designed to showcase the gifts that Elora has:
– beautiful scenery, heritage, and intriguing history;
– artisans and artists;
– music;
– delectable foods; and
– a warm, varied and hospitable community.
Lipton said anything to do with the senses is welcome to be part of Sensational Elora.
Organizers are working hard now for the fall event, and are looking for people to become involved. They are hoping to attract businesses and groups to put on events during the 11-day event.
Everyone is invited to participate by creating and scheduling an event or activity under the aegis of Sensational Elora.
Organizers stated the only restriction is events must be compatible with the theme of the festival and each event must commit to a specific date and time.
Its organizers are responsible for obtaining the venue, volunteers and event insurance.
The steering committee of Sensational Elora (a not for profit group) is comprised of community members of various artistic, culinary and business backgrounds who will coordinate, promote and market the Sensational Elora Festival. The committee will provide infrastructure, including a web site, email addresses and links, telephone, office, and staff.
Lipton said as word of the event spread, a large number of enthusiasts have already come forward to help with the organization.
In addition, it will coordinate, promote, and market the festival, print the tickets, pro-vide packaging opportunities, and offer assistance in developing events.
A fundraising gala will highlight participating groups and organizations and will offer a taste of what each has in store for the rest of the eleven days.
If anyone is interested in becoming involved with Sensational Elora, phone 519-846-5638 or email sensationalelora@gmail.com.
