René Trim Arts & Crafts: Five events you can’t afford to miss

Fall and winter are typically the busiest seasons for art and craft shows and this year we’re kicking off early! Here are 5 great events -  which all take place this weekend  - that you can’t afford to miss! ** Harvest Food and Drink Show ** – Sept. 12 (Almonte)

The 3rd Harvest Food and Drink Show, put together by the people behind the popular Handmade Harvest craft shows, will showcase a variety of talented bakers, cooks, brew masters, wine makers, coffee roasters, culinary artists, farmers marketers and foodies. Almonte Agricultural Hall, 195 Water Street, Almonte. (Admission $20 in advance; $25 at the door). ** North Gower/Kars Discovery Tour ** – Sept. 12 & 13

Enjoy the scenery of farms, forests and the Rideau, sample award winning food at restaurants, and learn about the diverse art and farm products that come from the area. Visit artist studios and watch demos, or stroll through a tree farm! The tour consists of 15 stops and the full route can be downloaded off the website . (Free event). ** Fibre Fest ** – Sept. 12 & 13 (Almonte)

The Mississippi Valley Textile Museum’s 20th annual Fibrefest will be held at two Almonte locations: the Museum itself and the Almonte Arena. Visitors will find demonstrations, vendors, and exhibits; a full two-day festival of fibre arts! Local guilds will demonstrate spinning, knitting, weaving, rug hooking, lacemaking, smocking and quilting. Vendors include spinners, weavers, and fibre artists from across the province, as well as quilt shops and alpaca farms. The “That’s My Style,” vintage clothing show and sale will have a large number of vintage clothing dealers, giving patrons the opportunity to enjoy and purchase a variety of vintage fashions in one location. (Admission $5/day). [

](http://ottawastart.com/wp-content/uploads/porch.png) ** 613Flea ** – Sept. 12 (Ottawa)

613flea is a new, not-for-profit marketplace where Ottawa’s creative community along with entrepreneurs and small businesses can showcase their products and creations to shoppers. Artisans, artists, designers, entertainers and makers come together with antiques dealers, independent boutiques, food merchants and vintage clothing vendors to create an amazing market that is fun and free to visit! The event is held at Lansdowne Park and coincides with the Old Ottawa South community wide porch sale. ** Creative Weekend ** – Sept. 12 & 13 (Ottawa)

Lastly, the OVCC Guild is organizing the first of a series of free creative weekends at La Charrette on Hunt Club Road. All creative minds are welcome to join artists and show organizers in a relaxed setting and discuss the upcoming fall and winter season. Guest speakers include Nathalie Thompson from Vibe Shifting who will be talking about the two keys to achieving big goals by turning dreams into reality, and event planner/organizer Cheryl Wells from Wells Garbe Productions who will touch on some issues that vendors face during shows. Visitors can participate in The Memory Dress Project, an art abandonment project that will only go on display once (on October 17th during Art in Fashion 613) before it is taken apart and hidden across town. BlastTheRadio.com will be live on location on Sunday when the serious talking is down and the party starts! Visit the OVCC’s website for details. (Free event).

That’s all, folks – have a creative week and don’t forget to support local!