Festival Updates and News
News about Ottawa Festivals and our Member festivals, special events and fairs.
It’s cold, but tulip festival goes on: Forecast for coming days at least promising
Ottawa Citizen
… the first full day of the Canadian Tulip Festival. “It’s comfortably cold,” said Sai Medaravrpu, who is visiting Ottawa for the first time from India. …
Read more: It’s cold, but tulip festival goes on
Tulip time again in Ottawa: Festival to feature recreation of street party marking end of WWII
TRACEY TONG, METRO OTTAWA
With hundreds of tulips already in bloom in Ottawa and Gatineau, the Canadian Tulip Festival will make it abundantly clear that it’s tulip time in the nation’s capital.
The stars of the festival, of course, are the one to two million tulips, which have or will come up over the next few weeks.
“There are some beautiful flowers right now,” said Berry. “We’re encouraging people to come out right now to get the full effect of it.”
Ontario Tourism estimates that the festival will have a $100-million impact for Ottawa.
Full story: Tulip time again in Ottawa
Children’s Festival inspiring and just plain fun
Performers ‘respect imagination and critical instincts’ of children
Read more:
LA CCN EST RAVIE D’ACCUEILLIR LE FESTIVAL CANADIEN DES TULIPES DANS LES PARCS DE LA CAPITALE
Visitez l’exposition Les tulipes de l’amitié présentée par la CCN aux parcs des Commissaires et Major’s Hill
La Commission de la capitale nationale (CCN) a le plaisir d’accueillir le Festival canadien des tulipes aux parcs des Commissaires et Major’s Hill du 7 au 24 mai prochain, et d’aménager de jardins colorés et massifs de tulipes dans la région de la capitale.
EXPOSITION LES TULIPES DE L’AMITIÉ
Parc des Commissaires, du 7 au 24 mai 2010
Parc Major’s Hill, du 14 au 24 mai 2010
Présentée par la CCN, l’exposition Les tulipes de l’amitié raconte l’histoire du refuge de la famille royale hollandaise au Canada lors de la Deuxième Guerre mondiale, et la contribution des soldats canadiens à la libération des Pays-Bas en 1944-45. Par l’entremise de panneaux d’interprétation, de photographies et d’un chariot de la découverte*, des guides-interprètes de la CCN permettront aux visiteurs de découvrir comment la tulipe est devenue un symbole de paix et de liberté pour le Canada et les Pays-Bas. (*chariot de la découverte disponible du parc des Commissaires du lundi au jeudi, de 9 h à 17 h, et du vendredi au dimanche, de 9 h à 20 h)
65e ANNIVERSAIRE DE LA LIBÉRATION DES PAYS-BAS
Cette année, 22 000 tulipes, un don de l’ambassade du Royaume des Pays-Bas, fleuriront dans une platebande commémorative au parc des Commissaires pour rendre hommage au 65e anniversaire de la libération des Pays-Bas. Le concept du massif, composé de tulipes rouges et blanches, représente les deux pays — le Canada et les Pays-Bas —, et les hyacinthes bleues rappellent le drapeau des Pays-Bas et l’océan qui nous unit.
Au cours de leur tournée au capitale, les visiteurs peuvent se procurer un exemplaire gratuit du guide intitulé « Quelle beauté! Les massifs de tulipes aménagés par la Commission de la capitale nationale », qui raconte l’histoire des tulipes de l’amitié, et qui trace les sites de photo recommandés, et recommande circuits pédestres et cyclistes, avec des distances, pour mieux profiter des plus belles platebandes.
TULIPES À L’INFOCENTRE DE LA CAPITALE DE LA CCN
Du 7 au 14 mai 2010, de 9 h à 17 h, et du 15 au 24 mai 2010, de 9 h à 21 h
Les amateurs de tulipes voudront visiter l’Infocentre de la capitale de la CCN, un des sites officiels du Festival, situé en face de la colline du Parlement. La galerie au deuxième étage offre une vue splendide sur les 28 000 tulipes rouges plantées chaque année par la CCN sur les parterres de la colline du Parlement.
TULIPES – DOMAINE MACKENZIE-KING DE LA CCN, AU PARC DE LA GATINEAU
Dès le 15 mai 2010, de 11 h à 17 h, en semaine, et de 10 h à 17 h, le week-end et les jours fériés
William Lyon Mackenzie King était premier ministre du Canada lorsque la princesse Juliana des Pays-Bas a fait don de milliers de tulipes au peuple canadien afin qu’elles soient plantées dans la capitale. Chaque printemps, des tulipes fleurissent également au domaine Mackenzie-King, situé au cœur du parc de la Gatineau. Entourés d’une collection de ruines unique et de magnifiques jardins, les bâtiments historiques du Domaine seront ouverts au public à compter du 15 mai prochain.
À PROPOS DU PROGRAMME FLORAL DE LA CCN
Chaque printemps, plus d’un million de tulipes et 200 000 annuelles plantées par la CCN fleurissent entre autres sur la colline du Parlement, aux parcs Major’s Hill, des Commissaires et Jacques-Cartier, de même que le long du boulevard de la Confédération, du canal Rideau, des promenades panoramiques et sentiers récréatifs de la capitale, et devant les musées et les édifices nationaux. À titre de jardinière officielle de la capitale du Canada, la CCN veille à l’aménagement et l’entretien de plusieurs jardins publics et de 90 platebandes réparties dans la région. Les platebandes de tulipes les plus impressionnantes se retrouvent au parc des Commissaires, où 300 000 bulbes fleurissent chaque année.
Pour de plus amples renseignements à propos des tulipes, le public peut communiquer avec la CCN au 613-239-5000, 1-800-465-1867, 613-239-5090 (ATS) ou 1-866-661-3530 (ATS sans frais), ou consulter le site Web au www.capitaleducanada.gc.ca/tulipes.
Pour obtenir des renseignements au sujet du Festival canadien des tulipes, le public peut consulter le site Web du Festival www.festivaldestulipes.ca.
NCC WELCOMES THE CANADIAN TULIP FESTIVAL TO ITS CAPITAL PARKS
Visit the NCC’s Tulip Legacy Exhibit in Commissioners and Major’s Hill parks
The National Capital Commission (NCC) is pleased to welcome the Canadian Tulip Festival to Commissioners and Major’s Hill parks, from May 7 to 24, 2010, and to provide the colourful displays of tulips found throughout the Capital Region.
NCC’S TULIP LEGACY EXHIBIT
Commissioners Park, May 7 to May 24, 2010
Major’s Hill Park, May 14 to 24, 2010
The NCC’s Tulip Legacy Exhibit recounts the history of the Dutch Royal family’s refuge in Canada during the Second World War and the contribution of Canadian troops in the liberation of the Netherlands in 1944-45. With panels, photographs and a discovery cart*, NCC interpreters can help visitors discover how the tulip has become a symbol of peace and freedom shared by Canada and the Netherlands. (*discovery cart available at Commissioners Park, Monday to Thursday from 9 am to 5 pm, and Friday to Sunday from 9 am to 8 pm)
65th ANNIVERSARY OF THE LIBERATION OF THE NETHERLANDS
This year, 22,000 tulips, donated last fall by the Embassy of the Kingdom of The Netherlands, will bloom in a special commemorative flowerbed at Commissioners Park to pay tribute to the 65th anniversary of the liberation of the Netherlands. The design of the bed represents, in red and white tulips, the two countries – Canada and the Netherlands, and in blue hyacinths both the Netherlands’ flag and the ocean that unites us.
While touring the Capital, visitors can pick-up a free copy of the “Experience the Beauty! The National Capital Commission’s Tulip Beds” brochure, which provides information on the tulip legacy story, maps out the location of key gardens and designated photo sites in some of the Capital’s most beautiful tulip displays, and recommends walking and cycling routes, with distances, to best enjoy the flowerbeds.
TULIPS AT THE NCC’S CAPITAL INFOCENTRE
May 7 to 14, 2010, from 9 am to 5 pm / May 15 to 24, from 9 am to 9 pm
Tulip lovers will also want to visit the NCC’s Capital Infocentre, one of the Festival’s official sites located across from Parliament Hill. The gallery on the second floor offers an impressive view of the 28,000 red tulips planted by the NCC each year on Parliament Hill.
TULIPS AT THE NCC’S HISTORICAL MACKENZIE KING ESTATE IN GATINEAU PARK
Beginning May 15, weekdays from 11 am to 5 pm and weekends and statutory holidays from 10 am to 5 pm
William Lyon Mackenzie King was Prime Minister of Canada when Princess Juliana of the Netherlands sent a gift of thousands of tulip bulbs to the Canadian people to be planted in Canada’s Capital. Each spring, tulips also bloom at Mackenzie King Estate located in the Capital’s Gatineau Park. The historic buildings of the Estate, set among a unique collection of ruins and stunning gardens, will be open to the public beginning May 15, 2010.
ABOUT THE NCC’S FLORAL PROGRAM
Each spring, over one million tulips and 200,000 annuals planted by the NCC bloom on Parliament Hill, in Major’s Hill, Commissioners and Jacques-Cartier parks, as well as along Confederation Boulevard, the historic Rideau Canal, the Capital’s scenic parkways and recreational pathways, and in front of national museums and institutions. As the official gardener of Canada’s Capital, the NCC is responsible for the design and maintenance of many of the public gardens and the 90 flower beds found throughout the region. The most impressive display of tulips is found in Commissioners Park, where some 300,000 tulips bloom each year.
For more information on tulips, the public can contact the NCC at 613-239-5000, 1-800 465-1867, 613-239-5090 (TTY) or 1-866-661-3530 (toll-free TTY), or visit the website at www.canadascapital.gc.ca/tulips.
For information on the Canadian Tulip Festival, the public can visit the Festival’s website at www.tulipfestival.ca.
Time for Tulips: Festival season kicks off Friday with Canadian Tulip Festival
Tony Lofaro, The Ottawa Citizen
Much like May weather in Ottawa, the Canadian Tulip Festival is always evolving. And this year, the festival, which kicks off Friday, may evolve into having few tulips.
Fewer blooms will be just one of the changes to the festival this year. Organizers are restoring a single passport to all events, reducing the Celebridée speaker series, and bringing several Ottawa bands to the stage at Major’s Hill Park, including Amos the Transparent and The Murder Plans. The International Pavilion featuring the culture and cuisine of more than 20 embassies is back at Major’s Hill after a disastrous stint last year at Lansdowne Park. A children’s program has been added, and Waylon, a hot new Dutch artist, will perform in the Mirror Tent May 15.
The festival’s theme is “Liberation,” and things get rolling at noon Friday with a street party on Sparks Street to mark the 65th anniversary of the liberation of The Netherlands at the end of the Second World War.
“We intend to have a huge celebration and throw a street party much as in the spirit of 1945,” says festival spokeswoman Christine Charette.
Read more: Time for Tulips
Festival season kicks off in Ottawa
Tracey tong, Metro Ottawa
With about 50 festivals planned in the capital this year, Ottawa Festivals launched its 2010 season yesterday.
Ottawa Festivals also launched its info and ticket sales centre at 47 William St. yesterday, making it easier to get in on all the action.
“This is a great opportunity for visitors and residents to find out more information about Ottawas events”, said Ottawa Festivals executive director Barbara Stacey. “There are some very unique festivals and events going on in Ottawa that they may not be aware of.”
Full story: Festival season kicks off in Ottawa
Children’s Festival inspiring and just plain fun
Patrick Langston, The Ottawa Citizen
Want to give your children a leg up in the information economy while teaching them to be solid citizens? Take them to the Ottawa International Children’s Festival, May 26-30 at LeBreton Flats Park.
It’ll prime their imaginations, says the festival’s artistic producer Catherine O’Grady — precisely what the tykes will need a couple of decades down the road.
“Teaching kids an arts vocabulary is important, and they’re not getting it in school. Education panders to numeracy and literacy at the early stages, but our kids are going to have to have a role in the creative economy. Theatre teaches you to engage your mind and engage with the community.”
Read more: Children’s Festival inspiring and just plain fun
Swing into summer: The ‘feel-good-Ottawa festival season’ is here
Lynn Saxberg, The Ottawa Citizen
Marc Charron gets a warm fuzzy feeling when he thinks about summertime in Ottawa. That’s peak festival season, of course, and being able to see fantastic concerts outdoors night after night is one of Charron’s favourite things about his hometown.
Published: Thursday, May 06, 2010
RAISE YOUR VOICES: NCC SHOWCASES STUDENT BANNER ARTWORK
Hundreds of entries from NCC’s coast-to-coast classroom contest exhibited during National Youth Week
The National Capital Commission (NCC), in partnership with Classroom Connections, is pleased to showcase the more than 800 pieces of art submitted by youth to the ‘Raise Your Voices!’ National Student Banner Contest. The online gallery, launched during National Youth Week, from May 1 to 7, 2010, features the handiwork of students from coast to coast to coast.
Across Canada, students in Grades 5 through 8 (Elementary 5 through Secondary 2 in Quebec) were asked to create and submit a one-of-a-kind banner design, representing issues and topics of importance to Canadian youth. The inspired designs represent issues and topics of importance to Canadian youth, such as the Olympic Games and sport; war, peace and friendship; Canada’s history and traditions; multiculturalism; and nature and the environment.
Visit canadascapital.gc.ca/bannercontest to see the online gallery of the more than 800 contest entries, and to view the seven winning designs with detailed banner descriptions.
The seven winning banners, announced in April, have been professionally produced by the NCC and will be flown in Canada’s Capital Region from May to October 2010. In addition, the NCC has sent a set of banners to each winning team and their school, to be displayed as part of National Youth Week celebrations.
For more information about the NCC’s youth programs, classroom resources or other NCC programs, the public can contact the NCC at 613-239-5000, 1-800-465-1867 (toll-free), 613-239-5090 (TTY) or 1-866-661-3530 (toll-free TTY), or visit the NCC’s website at www.canadascapital.gc.ca.
About the National Capital Commission
The NCC is a federal Crown corporation whose mandate is to create pride and unity through Canada’s Capital Region by making the Capital a meeting place that communicates Canada to Canadians. Towards this goal, the NCC organizes large-scale events such as Winterlude and Canada Day celebrations. It also takes great pride in developing and planning a capital for future generations.
About Classroom Connections
Classroom Connections is a non-profit organization dedicated to initiating positive societal change by producing progressive educational resources for Canada’s youth. To learn more about its programs and services, visit www.classroomconnections.ca.
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