Saugeen Shores - Arts, Culture, and Heritage

Arts, Culture, and Heritage

• Pumpkinfest, attracting more than 60,000 visitors, is the premier cultural event held the first weekend of October. http://www.pumpkinfest.org/
• In September, the Canadian Big Band Celebration recalls the Big Band Era. Port Elgin and Southampton band shell concerts entertain music lovers throughout the summer. Concerts are held in various venues year round. http://www.canadianbigband.ca/
• Since 1957, thousands of students have explored their creativity at the Southampton Art School, one of Ontario's oldest, most respected seasonal art schools. From painting to sculpture to jazz and drama, over 900 students attend classes from March to October. http://www.theartschool.org/
• Each summer, the Shoreline Artists' annual Studio Tour provides a tantalizing glimpse into area artists' workspaces. For 40 years, the Annual Southampton Craft Show in July has drawn a wide variety of vendors. Other craft shows occur throughout the summer and the rest of the year. http://www.shorelineartists.com/

• Musicians of all ages participate in the week long Southampton Summer Music Camp http://summermusic.com

• Saugeen Shores houses three public library branches (belonging to the Bruce County Public Library), one in Southampton, a newly renovated one in Port Elgin, and the Bruce County Public Library Headquarters located between the two communities along Highway 21.
• The Municipal Heritage Committee's goal is preserving the community's heritage and has implemented a successful "Heritage Property Plaque Program" and self-guided historic walking tours. The Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre houses the County Archive and artifacts. The Chantry Island keepers' house and gardens have been restored and open seasonally for tours; the island is now a bird sanctuary. Many groups work to preserve the community's heritage, including the Generalogical, Historical, and Marine Heritage Societies.