Blyth, the small village that could. It’s not a blow on Huron County Road 4. Blyth is much more than a small village in Rural Ontario. It is a complete story, passionate artists and which houses the Blyth Festival.
The Blyth Festival is not your average theater festival. Forget to see plays to which you have read the book or those you have seen elsewhere. The Blyth Festival is dedicated to extinguishing the Pure Canadian Theater.
The Blyth Festival
But how did this incredible festival start in this small village? It all started at the end of the Second World War. The Women’s Institute of Blyth has met, collected funds and bought land on the main street of Blyth. It was here that they built the Blyth Memorial Community Hall in tribute to their local soldiers and their sacrifices. But instead of a static monument, they built a theater.
Why a theater? They built a theater to celebrate the life that these men had died to protect. This theater would celebrate their culture. But unfortunately, in the late 1960s, the building was in poor condition. And the theater has closed.
But it was not the end. The persistent people of Blyth have again joined together. They collected funds to repair the building and in turn founded the Blyth Center for the Arts – which now houses the Blyth Festival Theater worldwide.
The Blyth Festival began in 1975 by focusing on the creation of new scripts that turned on the themes of Rural Ontario. And during this period, the last 40 years, the festival has produced more new Canadian plays than almost all other theater in Canada.
It now takes place every summer from the end of May to September. To find out more about the festival and to find out more about the 2019 season, be sure to consult their website here.
1. Purely Canadian
If you are Canadian or not, I urge you to attend the Blyth Festival for a purely Canadian cultural experience. Learn more about the people and the roots of this large country, from its farmers to its entrepreneurs and to all.
Many of these shows are based on real life. For example, during my visit to Blyth, I made two shows. 1837: the revolt of farmers concerns the Rebellions of 1837 It took place at the bottom and the Haut-Canada. The two parties were motivated by the frustrations of the political reform. It was certainly a lesson in Canadian history but remarkable for another reason. The play was literally born in Blyth and even helped to inspire the creation of the festival itself.
The other game I saw was the wing evening at start -up. It’s a funny, fun and endearing story about the history of more than 140 years of the Blyth Inn, its bar – the rubber boot and the people who give it life. Spend a few days to explore the small towns of the county of Huron and you will probably get most of the local jokes.
2. incredible talent
Not only Canadian parts, but most of the actors and the production team are too! And everyone is extremely talented. I was breathtaking when I learned that for Wing Night at the Boot, it was created by the cast and the director after hearing tales of the inhabitants of the crazy and ordinary activities in the boot.
The actors, playwrights and directors of the Blyth Festival worked in rooms across the country. And many are awarded and have been in cinema and television.
3. Enjoy the art gallery
A year after the Blyth Festival began some local artists, with a committee of volunteers, created a public art gallery to support the festival. Like the festival, the art gallery had to focus on regional artists who produce under a variety of forms. And so became the Blyth Festival Art Gallery!
Located right next to the Blyth Memorial Community Hall, where the Blyth Festival Theater is located, you will find the art gallery. Throughout the season, the Blyth Festival Art Gallery offers five different shows. The exhibitions range from those of professionals to others, from students. And a walk through the gallery has a good time before your game.
4. Good food and drinks
What is associated with the great theater? Good food and drinks! And for a small place, Blyth only offers the best when it comes to restaurants, desserts and drinks. Located just opposite the Blyth Festival Theater is part II Bistro. Win after After Award, Part II Bistro serves excellent meals which are prepared with local ingredients.
If you are looking for something different, head to the street at Cowbell Brewing Company. Since the opening in 2017, he has not only been occupied but has obtained complimentary criticism. In addition to craft beer, he offers local wines and cocktails, restaurants and more. Do you have time between games? Remember to visit the ultramodern brewery. Discover the process and how they work to make it as green as possible.
And a day is not complete without dessert! And Blyth has one of the best bakeries in the county of Huron – Queens Bakery. With exposed brick walls covered with pieces of local artists, Queens Bakery serves an excellent coffee and delicious desserts. Try their homemade ice cream or choose from a range of tasty treats.
5. Exploration of the beautiful Blyth
It is easy to spend the day in Blyth. Take a room, visit the art gallery, have a lunch and / or a dinner and a dessert and visit the brasserie. But there is so much more! There are department stores like Maple and Moose who only sell Canadian products – craft food and great gift ideas. And don’t forget to walk around the hill to the wobbly frog for more unique gift ideas for local craftsmen.
And for nature lovers, there is a beautiful river, a butterfly garden and a picturesque hiking trail. Blyth is the G2G railway path which goes from Guelph to Gooderich along the old rail line.
So, whether you are looking for an excellent place for an excursion of a place or a weekend getaway that involves delicious cuisine and a fabulous theater, Blyth is the place to be!
I have associated myself with the Blyth Festival, but as always all opinions and suggestions are mine.
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