street seen - issue 7 - spring 2011

St. Catharines Downtown Association presents

streetseen

classic car show spring fashionyour outdoor oasis

plus arts & culture listings, downtown after dark, S.C.E.N.E. and much more!page 6page 4 page 14

www.mydowntown.ca ISSUE 7 • SPRING 2011

theBOOT SHOP

Larry Morrison of

passing the reins tothe next generation of the Morrison family

page 15

2 www.mydowntown.ca spring 2011

ST. CATHARINES DOWNTOWN ASSOCIATION12 Ontario Street, St. Catharines, ON L2R 7M3Tel: 905-685-8424 • Email: [email protected]

PUBLISHER St. Catharines Downtown Association

EDITORS St. Catharines Downtown Association - Tisha Polocko, Elizabeth Fritshaw • ART DIRECTORS LOUD Advertising - Stan DiFruscio, Darryl Grossi • ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE Ray Mulley ([email protected]) • CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHY

David Haskell • CONTRIBUTING WRITERSMatt Bresee, Elizabeth Fritshaw, David Haskell, Courtney Meyer, Megan Pasche,Jennifer Wallace • COVER PHOTOHannah DiFruscio

ST. CATHARINES’ GUIDE TO ALL THAT IS DOWNTOWN • ISSUE 7 • SPRING 2011

streetseen is published three times per year. Subscriptions are not available. Free issues available throughout Downtown St. Catharines. The publishers ofstreetseen are not responsible for any loss or damage caused by the contents of the magazine, whether in articles or advertisements. Views expressed mightnot be those of the publisher, editors or the St. Catharines Downtown Association. Please contact us concerning advertising, story ideas, and photography. Yourcomments are welcomed! Letters to the editor may be edited for space and published in the magazine, on the website, or in print materials. All rights reserved;reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without the permission of the copyright holders. Contact the St. Catharines Downtown Association for more information.

streetseen

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spring 2011 www.mydowntown.ca 3

letter fromthe editors

hen I can feel the warmth of the sun and see thegreen grass, leaves and flowers starting to grow,I know that festival season is just around the

corner! Downtown St. Catharines will soon be filled withcrowds of visitors enjoying the various entertainment andfood offerings that these festivals are famous for. It doesn’treally matter what festival it is — they are all good and allowme to participate in one of my favourite pastimes: peoplewatching. These festivals attract thousands and thousandsof people every year from all over Ontario. If you haven’tbeen to one, or any of them for that matter, mark the datesdown on your calendar and make sure you don’t forget!

The Folk Arts Festival weekend in Montebello Park (May 28 & 29) is returning this year, and with expandedentertainment and children’s areas, it’s sure to be a greatweekend! S.C.E.N.E. Music Festival (June 26) returns withclose to two hundred of the best and brightest independentmusical acts performing in over a dozen venues. 500 classicand custom vehicles line the downtown streets, which areclosed to pedestrian traffic for the day, at the DowntownClassic Car Show & Jazz Fest (July 9). Guests are also ableto enjoy over 200 restaurants and shops that will be openfor business during this fantastic event. The newest additionthis year is an International Busker Festival (Aug 12 – 14),sure to be a huge hit with over 100 artists from around theglobe performing on 6 different stages over the three days.There is something for everyone at all of these events so

be sure to get outside and soak up the fun! Check out theArts & Culture listings in the back for more information onthese and many more happenings in Downtown, St.Catharines this summer.

W

Tisha PolockoExecutive Director

St. Catharines Downtown Association

Elizabeth FritshawEvents and Communications St. Catharines Downtown Association

Photography, Jen Semple.


streetseen: event

get thosemotors runningRev-up for the 9th Annual Downtown Classic Car Show. By Courtney Meyer

ummer is coming, and with it brings one of Niagara’s largest automotive events: The Downtown

Classic Car Show. Going into its 9th year,The Downtown Classic Car Show hasgrown considerably in the past eight yearsattracting more participants and guests,every year. On July 9, 2011, up to 500 classic cars will line historic St. Paul Street on this one-day event that attracts automotive enthusiasts and families fromall over Ontario. Guests are invited to attend free of charge, and have the opportunity to take part in a variety of attractions that will be taking place during

S

Photography, Bonna Rouse.

Photography, Danielle Polocko.

HOURS Monday - Wednesday: 10am - 6pm, Thursday and Friday: 10am - 9pm, Saturday: 10am - 5:30pm

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122 St. Paul StreetDowntown, St. Catharines

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the day. What better way to spend a warm July day than totake a leisurely stroll through downtown St. Catharines andexperience up to 500 incredible vintage cars!This year’s Downtown Classic Car Show will feature some

old favourites, as well as new attractions to satisfy guests ofevery age. The immensely popular Low Rider Hop-Off eventwill once again take place during the show, where low-riderswill go head-to-head in a competition to win prize money ofup to $1000. A low rider car is a car which has had its suspension system modified with hydraulic suspension so thatit rides as low as possible. These custom hydraulic systemsallow drivers to alter the ride height at will, and are measuredby the number of hydraulic pumps the car has. These pumpsare then powered by multiple batteries. A skilled switch operator can manipulate his controls to raise or hop one endof the car completely off the ground. The competition willhave two categories, single and double pump, and whichevercar can “hop” the highest wins. This competition is always exciting and is clearly a crowd favourite attracting hundredsof people to the contest. The Downtown Classic Car Show is not just about the cars,

however. Jazz enthusiasts will love the live entertainment provided outside of the Silver Spire Church. A variety of jazzacts from all over Ontario will be on hand to entertain the crowd while they take a break from walking around. The Downtown Classic Car Show also features activities for mini-car lovers. An interactive children’s area will be available for children to enjoy complete with a variety of activities to keep them engaged and entertained. Due to thesuccess of last year, children will once again have the opportunity to express their artistic side and paint an actualcar. Guests young and old will also enjoy the variety of streetperformers that will be on hand to entertain the crowds asthey wander the downtown streets. The Downtown Classic Car Show offers the perfect

opportunity for guests to experience all the local businessesand flavours this area has to offer. Businesses will remainopen for the day, allowing guests the opportunity to exploreand enjoy over 200 restaurants and shops that make up thedowntown core of St. Catharines. So on July 9, 2011 grab the family and come downtown for

this fantastic one-day event. Shop, listen to music, grab a biteand stroll through the streets as you peruse hundreds of classic cars on a warm July day.

www.mydowntown.ca

JULY 9th 2011ST. PAUL STREET, DOWNTOWN, ST. CATHARINES • 9AM - 5PM

FREE ADMISSION

Photography, Danielle Polocko.


your very ownoutdoor oasisCreating your own outdoor space of beauty. By Megan Pasche

streetseen: at the core

pring is upon us once again and to the delight of manyoutdoor lovers that means it’s time to get out in theyard, start landscaping and get the gardens in tip top

shape. After all, nothing says Spring quite like the scent offreshly churned soil and flats of flowers just waiting to take root. Lucky for us, businesses in Downtown St. Catharines have all

the expertise needed for flowers, landscaping and floral design,and are a great place to start if you need some new ideas orsome know-how.

S The Watering Can is a European style flower shop located on James Street that always has a beautiful selection. If you need inspiration, take a stroll around thestore, or attend one of their floral workshops.Aura Landscaping has an office on Court Street, and

is committed to creating landscapes that will “illuminate your soul”. They have been creating these awe-inspiring landscapes for the last 15 years, so whether you need a little assistance or a lot of help, Aura Landscaping is up tothe task.BBBlooms is the place to go for floral design. Whether

it’s a large scale event, a wedding or a dinner party, BBBlooms, located on King Street, has some of the mostinnovative and beautiful designs around.

Aura Landscaping18 Court St. - by appointment only905-228-3733www.auralandscaping.com

BBBlooms Flowers & Gifts128 King St. – by appointment only905-682-5525www.bbblooms.ca

The Watering Can Flower Market28 James Street – 905-704-0088www.thewateringcan.ca

Photography, Au

ra Landscaping.

Photography, The Watering Can.

Photography, Au

ra Landscaping.


outdoortrend-setting

streetseen: at the core

e all have our favourite colours, flowers, plantsand arrangements and we tend to use them overand over again, year after year. However, as with

anything, there are always new and trendy ways of doingthings. While you may not want to completely redo yourgarden to keep up with the latest looks, there’s nothingwrong with trying a little something different.One of the biggest garden trends for 2011 is growing your

own vegetables. Whether it’s in a huge garden or a smallpot, more and more people are realizing the benefits ofgrowing their own food. With the amount of chemicals thatoften come into contact with store bought veggies, growingyour own vegetables can not only save you money, but it’sa healthier alternative. Don’t be afraid to mix in yourvegetables with some flowers; doing so can create somebeautiful colour combinations and make your garden reallystand out. In terms of popular colours for Spring 2011, think bright.

The best way to retaliate against a brutal, cold winter?Spring and Summer flowers that pop! Deep reds, vibrantblues, earthy greens and dark purples. If it’s bold and bright,it’s in. Want to add a little whimsy to your garden? How about

a garden gnome? Once seen as kind of tacky, gnomes are enjoying a comeback in 2011 thanks to the recentlyreleased animated feature, Gnomeo & Juliet. Since itsrelease in mid-February, sales of garden gnomes havesignificantly increased.Another emerging trend is to incorporate a little Mother

Nature into your garden. Bird feeders and baths, butterflybushes, and certain plants can attract a wide array of life toyour yard.

LANDSCAPINGWhile the concept of “green” landscaping may seemredundant, what this trend is referring to is environmentallyfriendly landscaping. Many home owners are looking forways to incorporate environmentally friendly trends intotheir landscaping designs, and not only save themselvesmoney, but increase their curb appeal. Whether it’s acomplete re-design, an add-on, or just a different project totry, there are an endless amount of new ideas out there!Ecoscaping is one way to achieve these environmentally

friendly goals. It makes use of green solutions, withoutactually compromising the health of the land. Ecoscapingincludes such things as rainwater harvesting and decorative

W hardscapes like patios, decks and paths which reduce theneed for water and pesticides.Nightlighting is another quickly growing trend. LED lights

are available for outdoor use and can be used to highlightyour house and your landscaping. Not only that, butincreased light will give your home a little bit more security. Vertical gardening, a garden that grows upwards instead

of outwards, is something else that is starting to becomevery popular. These can be made indoors or outdoors, andare often used to provide a sense of tranquility. This is alsoa great alternative if you have limited space, but still want tohave a garden. With so many options and great ideas available to you,

why not head downtown and talk to some of the experts.They can guide you on your way to creating your very ownbeautiful outdoor oasis.

“Serving Niagara for 50 Years”

261 St. Paul Street, St. Catharines, ON • 905-685-0122Hours: Mon. to Thurs. and Sat. 9am-5:30pm, Fri. 9am-9pm

www.georgecoppel.com

Rings To FallIn Love With

Gardening & Landscaping trends for 2011. By Megan Pasche

Photography, Aura Landscaping.


ne of the best ways to spruce up a patio or deck forspringtime is with a beautiful hanging basket. Whilethey can be expensive to purchase, once you get the

knack of it, making one of these displays can be fairly easy.STEP ONE: Choose a hanging basket which will

complement the surroundings. Generally, the baskets are either going to be wire baskets or solid baskets. Wire basketswill probably need to be lined with something, but the advantage to these types of baskets is that you will be able toadd plants to the basket from all angles. Solid baskets are usually plastic and come in all different colours. These will retain water much better than the wire baskets.STEP TWO: Purchase quality potting soil and some

fertilizer. It’s important to fertilize hanging baskets because somuch water drains out the bottom of the container when theyare watered. There is potting soil that is specially made forhanging baskets, or you can always mix your own.

STEP THREE: Decide what type of plants you want toput in your hanging basket. When choosing your plants, tryto group them based on their growing requirements. Forexample, all sun worshippers should go together in one

basket while all shade lovers should be grouped togetherin their own basket as well. You’ll want to choose a good combination of trailing vines, bushy plants and plants thatwill add height to your basket. STEP FOUR: Begin your basket. If you’ve gone with the

wire baskets and want to have plants on the sides as well asthe top, you should start from the bottom up. Add a little bitof soil to the bottom of the basket. Insert your plant throughthe outside, and gently pull the roots from the inside of thebasket. Add whichever plants you want for the first layer,followed by some soil to cover up the roots. Repeat this untilyou’ve reached the top of your basket. You’ll want to arrange your plants so that any dangling

vines are near the edges and the taller plants are closer tothe centre. Once you’ve filled your basket, make sure towater it thoroughly.STEP FIVE:Maintaining your hanging basket. Every two

or three days make sure to remove any dead flower bloomsand pinch back leaves and leggy runners. You will soonhave a beautiful, personalized hanging basket made for afraction of the cost!

a touch of personalityCreating your own hanging basket and spring wreath adds that personal touch. By Megan Pasche

O

streetseen: do-it-yourself

Photography,The Watering Ca

n.


SPRING WREATHSSpring wreaths are a great way to spruce up the front of

your house, but they can be quite expensive to purchase ina store. The good news is if you have all the right materials,they can actually be really easy to make by yourself at home.Things you will need to create your own wreath are:

scissors or wire cutters, brown or green floral tape to matchthe stems, hot glue gun, twist tie for hanging the wreath, andthe wreath base itself. Grape vines or straw wreaths are themost common. You’ll also need to purchase silk flowers togo on the wreath.

STEP ONE:Choose the main colour you want your wreathto be, or the main type of flower you want to use, and thenpick some other flowers that will complement the otherswell. Varied shapes and sizes work well together.

STEP TWO: In terms of how many flowers to buy, it is really a personal preference. If you want to cover the entirewreath base, you’ll need considerably more flowers than ifyou just want to add some colour to it. Other things youmay want to consider purchasing for extra decoration include ribbons, bows and other such items. You can get ascreative as you want!

STEP THREE: Once you are ready to start your wreath,lay it down on a table as you would like it to hang on yourdoor. Add the twist tie to the top back, so you have a spotto hang the wreath from.

STEP FOUR: Next you’ll want to prepare all your flowers. Remove the tags, and cut the stems to a length ofabout 4 to 6 inches. Once the flowers are prepared, you can

start by grouping them together by color or type. Start withone group of flowers and secure them to the wreath on at atime by twisting the stems or by gluing them. Repeat theprocess for all the different groups of flowers. After all the flowers are on, you can add any finishing

touches. Decoration like bows and ribbons can be added onwith hot glue or with the floral tape. Now you can take a step back and see how the wreath

looks, and make any adjustments you see fit before hanging it on your door.

Phot

ogra

phy,

BBBl

oom

s.

30 JAMES STREET, DOWNTOWN ST. CATHARINES (905) 684-3953www.sandercottandevansopticians.com

50%OFF*

Our entire selection of fashion frames. Valid until May 31, 2011. All vision care plans accepted!*With the purchase of lenses and frames.Maximum discount $100 per pair.

ArrivalsSingEYE FASHION WEAR


ictim Services Niagara is an organization dedicated to providing short-term emotional andpractical support to victims of crime and tragedy.

VSN works in conjunction with Niagara Emergency Services, and provides help, hope and healing when youneed it most. Some of the services offered include safety programs that

arm victims with the knowledge to plan for their future, andon-scene crisis intervention. VSN has expanded their services to provide emergency financial assistance to victims of violent crimes. Everyone faces a crisis at onepoint in their lives. Victim Services Niagara is there to help. If you have some available time and are a caring and

committed individual who wants to give back to your community, visit www.victimservicesniagara.on.ca to fill outan application.

Victim Services Niagara is here to help.By Courtney Meyer

communitycorner

V

streetseen: community


Anyone who receives crisis care is able to receive a teddybear which are generously donated at events throughoutthe year such as the the Niagara IceDogs’ Annual TeddyBear toss held in December. For more information or to donate, please contact the

VSN office at 905-688-4111 ext. 5084, or visit the websiteat www.victimservicesniagara.on.ca.

streetseen: community


he weather is warming up and you find yourselfbored on a Sunday afternoon itching to get outdoors and take advantage of the warmth you

have been waiting for all winter. What better way to spenda sunny spring day than to take a walk in historic Downtown St. Catharines. Kick-off your Sunday with brunch at Dom’s Pasta & Grill

or get your groove on with a typical bacon & eggs atChristina’s newly remodelled diner!For something fun and different to do, SUD Skates is

open every Sunday afternoon with Niagara’s only indoorskate park and retail shop for patrons to browse around5000 sq.ft. of skateboards, footwear and apparel.Sunday evenings offer a variety of restaurants and cafés

to satisfy every craving and taste. With so many restaurantscatering to exotic tastes, there is something for everyone.

Many downtown businesses are openingtheir doors on Sundays. By Courtney Meyer

sundaysdowntown

T

streetseen: out and about

50 JAMES STREET, ST. CATHARINES • 905-685-0452

Mon & Tues: 7am - 4pmWed to Fri: 7am - 5pmSaturday: 8am - 3pmSunday: CLOSED*closed on all statutory holidays

HOURS OF OPERATION

WWW.HELENSDELI.COM

MOTHER’S DAY SPECIALTY BOXES ARE NOW IN STOCK!

152 ST. PAUL STREET, DOWNTOWN, ST. CATHARINES • 905-685-9801

FINE BRITISH IMPORTS

CHEEKYPRODUCTS

YOUR UK CONNECTION

• British Foods & Sweets • Coronation Street• Celtic Jewellery• Guinness Memorabilia & Clothing...

PLUS! Tons of Other Odds & Sods!

MARKS & SPENCER PRODUCTS NOW IN STOCK!

50 Russell Avenue, St. Catharines • 905-685-9075www.nickersonappliances.com


If you are in the mood for sushi, there are four ‘all you caneat’ Japanese restaurants open on a Sunday or maybe try alittle Middle Eastern cuisine at Nights of Damascus. Downtown St. Catharines boasts a variety of restaurantsspecializing in exotic fare such as Mexican, Indian, Italianand more. If it is a coffee or cappuccino you are craving, there are

a variety of cafés open to serve you. Stop by Coffee Cultureand sit outside on one of their many patio tables, or visitFine Grind Café and enjoy a variety of books, games, people and music. If it is nightlife that you seek, come byCity Lights open Sunday nights until 2 am, and have a drinkwith some friends. If you’re looking for something different on a Sunday,

Downtown St. Catharines is the place to be.

Carlos’ Cantina(12p-8p) 204 St. Paul St. Christina’s Eatery (8a-4p) 52 St. Paul St. City Lights (2p-2a) 67 St. Paul St.Coffee Culture(7a-10p)196 St. Paul St.Dom’s Downtown (10:30a–9p)22 Academy St.

East (12p–10p)129 King St.Fine Grind Café (12p-close)37 James St.La Scala Ristorante (5p-close)26 Church St. Mai Vi Restaurant (5p–10p) 55 St. Paul St. Nights of Damascus (12p–10p)131 King St.

Real Sushi (12p-10p) 259 St. Paul St.Sahla Thai (5p–10p)270 St. Paul St.Strega Café (11a–5p)19 King St.SUD Skates (12p–5p)26 St. Paul Cres. Sushi Jade (11a–10p)219 St. Paul St. Sushi Ai (12p–10p)75 St. Paul St.


etire those long winter coats

and put those boots away;

spring is finally here. After a

particularly harsh winter, there is

something so satisfying about being

able to finally pack away those heavy

wool sweaters in favour of something

lighter and more appropriate for the

balmy temperatures. However, as

you take inventory of your spring and

summer clothing, you may realize

that your wardrobe is lacking.

bright sideof springShake off the winter blues and say a big,bright hello to spring... with your wardrobe!By Courtney Meyer

streetseen: feature

continued on Page 16

R


or the Morrison family, shoes are not just somethingthey sell; shoes are a passion. In fact, shoes havebeen a passion for the entire family since the store

opened 69 years ago in 1942. The Boot Shop is now on itsthird generation of ownership with Carrie, Amy and TimMorrison, preparing to take the reins from their fatherLarry. Having literally grown up in The Boot Shop, they already know the business inside and out, and are excitedfor what the future holds.

It’s not just that long-standing expertise that keeps the company growing and changing, it’s a culmination of a number of factors. Amy notes that the combination of “knowledgeable staff with years of experience, great quality footwear and a comfortable, family environment”,has allowed The Boot Shop to get to where it is today —where exactly is that? Well, in addition to the DowntownJames Street location, there are two other stores: one in theGrantham Plaza that serves as a clearance store, and one inThe Pen Centre, which is their busiest location. The Downtown store was once located on St. Paul Street,

but made the move to James Street several years ago. Amy

says that the move to 46 James Street has opened up “awhole new world”. The move saw the combination of threestores into one, with the James Street location now sellingathletic, specially fitted and high fashion shoes all in one location. Every single pair of shoes you see displayed at TheBoot Shop is handpicked by a member of the Morrison family, and thus they stand behind all their products. Rightnow is the perfect time to go check out that handpicked selection as the Spring 2011 line is in stock, on display andis just waiting to be worn.This is the kind of store where you shop once and are

remembered from then on. That’s the great thing aboutdowntown shopping; you get unparalleled customer service.When a business is family run, the passion for it and knowledge of the products is evident to all customers whowalk through the door. As Amy puts it, “as customers, wecrave customer service.”The Boot Shop is one of the only places you’ll find that

still measures your feet when you go shoe shopping and is one of the only shoe stores in the area that has served several generations of customers. Customers who frequented the store in 1942 and have sent their kids andthen their grandkids there as well. The customer base hasgrown up right alongside the Morrison family.Shoe styles may change by the season, but one thing that

won’t change at The Boot Shop, not now, and not anytime inthe future; is the way they treat their customers. Amy saysthat “customer service is our business. When you come toThe Boot Shop, we want you to feel not only that you arebuying great quality shoes, but that you are getting the kindof service that everyone deserves.”

heart & sole of a family

streetseen: profile

The Boot Shop is on its third generation of family ownership with Carrie, Amy and Tim Morrison, preparing to embrace the reins from their father Larry. By Megan Pasche

F


hose trucker hats and cut-off shorts that once seemedso stylish are suddenly outdated and inappropriate. Itsoon becomes apparent that you need to update your

wardrobe to accommodate the temperature and the times.Thankfully, Downtown St. Catharines offers a variety of fashionable shops and boutiques to satisfy every taste.The key to any spring wardrobe this year is colour, and

every shopper’s spring mantra should be “the brighter the better”. Take a walk through any downtown shop such asHoney’s and Audrey Rose, and it soon becomes apparent thatbright is what is in this spring. Key colours this year mimic thenewly growing flowers outside, especially coral, bright orange,yellow and tropical blue. Look for pieces with splashes ofcolour, or pick one piece with a vibrant colour to liven up youroutfit. If you are really bold, hang up that little black dress andgo for a little red dress. Forget those drab winter colours; anew season demands a new colour palette. It comes as no surprise that florals are everywhere this

spring in Downtown St. Catharines. It seems that every

spring season, clothing stores are filled with pieces adornedwith flowers and floral prints. This spring is no exception.The floral trend comes straight off of the runway and is featured heavily in shops downtown this year. Honey’s suggests trying a floral print in a top or dress; however thelook is not limited just to clothing. As you stroll throughKLOZ etc., it soon becomes apparent that the trend alsoapplies to accessories such as shoes, earrings and evenpurses. This year’s floral trend is brighter and bolder. Toavoid looking outdated, try florals that are bigger andbrighter, and remember to keep in mind the “in” coloursfor the spring. Hesitant about wearing a floral print? Try a sandal with a floral decal, or a floral handbag to keep upwith the trend. Every spring season sees some repeating trends, and

Spring 2011 is no different. Lace is making a comeback thisspring and summer and although lace isn’t exactly new, thestyle has evolved for 2011. To rock this look for spring, lookfor pieces that are classic and have an antiquated look to

AND FASHION...jewellery, shoes, and all accessories

are no exception to quality and diversity here.

YOU CAN BE WILD,CONSERVATIVE,AND A DESIGNER,

ALL WHILE 'BEING' DOWNTOWN.”

— David Haskell, photographer and downtowner.

“AS IT HAS BEEN SINCE I CAN REMEMBER, THAT

MAGICAL TIMEOF THE YEAR

HAS COME.That time when we step out of the shadows of winter intothe light and warmth of spring's transition into summer.

OUR DOWNTOWN BOUTIQUES HAVEEVERYTHING TO OFFER.

Everything from decorating trends, to one-of-a-kind gift giving ideas.

The word ‘SPECIALTY’may be soft in its use here, but so many of my peers travel far andwide to ensure the products and services you seek are

unique. Not just a "box store" purchase.

T


them. This trend is less about doing all-over lace, but looking for pieces with lace accents that are feminine andsubtle. Try a dress with lace cut-outs, or pair a simple blacktop with a lacy skirt. Remember that with this trend; a little goes a long way. Another repeating trend this spring isstripes with a twist. This year’s stripes are bigger, bolder andmore nautical. To pull off this look for the spring make thestripes the focal point of your outfit. Try lighter accessoriesand let the pattern demand all of the attention. To fuse thisstyle with another spring trend, try a long maxi dress in astriped pattern.

Last but certainly not least, who could forget ruffles? Ruffles seem to be a staple in many different shops downtown, including Honey’s and Lousje & Bean who bothfeature ruffled pieces in their spring collection. Ruffles are afun way to make any outfit look lighter and more feminine.Try pairing a ruffled top with a pair of cropped jeans or cargoshorts. Ruffles are also a great way to create movement, so trythis look in a dress or a skirt to create shape and flow.Accessorizing is vital for any spring outfit. Accessories add

the finishing touches to your outfit and give it that extra boostof style. This spring, keep in mind a few key tips. When accessorizing your new spring wardrobe, remember to alsokeep your accessories bright and bold. What better way tospice up that little black dress than to pair it with a coralclutch and earrings? Colours like yellow and bright blue arealso popular choices for handbags and jewellery. Mixing andmatching colors like yellow and coral is a fresh and fun wayto jazz up any spring outfit. Bright accessories will give anyspring outfit that added pop of colour to make you stand outin the crowd.Wide-brimmed hats are back, so expect to see them all over

downtown this spring. This style has dated back to the Audrey Hepburn days, and celebrities such as Kate Hudsonare frequently spotted sporting this look. Both classic and cool, this look will make any woman feel chic and sophisticated. Wide-brimmed hats look best when paired witha maxi dress or shorts to give your outfit that whimsical andromantic look. When shopping for a wide-brimmed hat, lookfor a soft brim that has movement, and remember that bigger

is better.Now that your outfits are chosen

and properly accessorized, you arestill missing one thing: shoes.Celebrities such as Rihanna andKim Kardashian are frequentlyseen sporting the nude heel look,signalling this spring season’s shoetrend. Nude heels are a vital stapleto any woman’s closet. Not only dothey make this season’s colourspop, but they also give the illusionof a longer leg making women appear taller and leaner. This lookis best when paired with a dress,skirt or shorts, but the versatilecolour means you can wear themwith almost anything.

streetseen: feature

With such a variety of shops in Downtown St. Catharines, shopping for a new spring andsummer wardrobe is easier thanever. Keep in mind all these tipsand trends for the Spring 2011season, and you will be in fashion and look great. Happyshopping!

Audrey Rose - 80 King St. The Boot Shop - 46 James St.Honey’s - 1 St. Paul St.Kloz Etc. - 122 St. Paul St. Lousje & Bean - 39 James St. Verity - 30 St. Paul St.

Haskell Photography ©

Photography, Lousje & Bean De

sign Studio.

Photography, Lousje & Bean De

sign Studio.


ow often are you doing things downtown at night,between the hours of six o’clock and ten? Not sure where to go or what to do on an evening

downtown? Let me help!Did you know that there’s a cemetery in Downtown

St. Catharines? As someone who is familiar with downtown, it was fascinating to learn of a small haunted cemetery tucked away. This discovery is just one of manyyou’ll find on a Full Moon History & Haunts Walk presented by the St. Catharines Downtown Association.In top hat and full-length coat, tour guide Wayne took thegroup on an informative hour-long walk of our beautifuldowntown at night, sharing with us the stories from pastand present of ghostly encounters through the ages at overa half-dozen locations. Some stories are age-old legendsand tales passed down through generations. Others arefact-based with a great historical value to the city. Can youguess which historic downtown sites are haunted? I’llnever tell. You’ll have to take the tour and find out foryourself.It’s true that there are many historic buildings downtown

to explore, appreciate and experience – haunted or not.What’s your favourite? Fortunately, many of the notablestructures are open to the public as businesses or places of worship such as the Cathedral of St. Catherine of Alexandria at the corner of Church St. and Lyman St. whichis one of the only remaining churches with its doors open tothe public 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Stop in and admirethis 1823 architectural gem.

downtownafter darkHistoric Downtown: A haunting of a time! By Jennifer Wallace

H


Photography, Elizabeth Fritshaw.


If you’re looking for a delicious meal in a building circathe 1800’s, then La Scala Ristorante at 26 Church Streetis the place to go. Serving authentic Italian cuisine in arustic setting, Head Chef Bill Horwood presents a dinnermenu, well, good enough to eat. Whether you’re in themood for the finest meats or fresh made pasta, La Scalahas it all. With summer just around the corner, why notventure on to the Tuscan-inspired patio at the back, oneof this patron’s favourite patios downtown! Be sure tokeep your senses heightened while you’re visiting 26Church Street… you never know what you may see. Justdon’t leave without trying the Tiramisu.Although the History & Haunts Walks only happen on

full moons, you can be sure to find something exciting to do on any given evening downtown. As an historic anchor downtown, the Old Courthouse (aka Sullivan Mahoney Courthouse Theatre) currently houses theDowntown Alliance of Performing Artists (DAPA) – oneof downtown’s fine culture clusters. Throughout the season you’ll be able to see performances being presented by one of the now ten theatre groups involvedin DAPA. Dinner and a show – what a great night tospend downtown!As you bring your evening to a close, grab a late night

coffee and snack at one of the many downtown cafés andcoffee shops, and take a stroll through the streets of Downtown St. Catharines. Even at night, there’s much toexperience.

La Scala RistoranteThere is a place you can dine where once inside, Italy comesalive. This is La Scala Ristorante. This 30-seat tiny restaurantout of the renaissance past is the ultimate authentic Italiancuisine and wines. Situated in Downtown St. Catharines in an1800's era building on Church Street that was magnificentlyrestored by owners Joe and Lori Marchese.

Visit their website at www.lascalaristorante.ca for completemenus or call 905-684-5448 to make reservations.

Courthouse Theatre presentationsProfessional theatre and dance companies performing inthe Courthouse are proud be partners of eyeGO to theArts, encouraging high school students to attend live performing arts through an imaginative $5 ticket program.

Visit www.carouselplayers.com and click the “At TheCourthouse” page for listings.

St. Catharines Downtown AssociationThe St. Catharines Downtown Association is focused onthe improvement and beautification of St. Catharines, aswell as the promotion of its downtown core as a great placeto live and conduct business.

Visit www.mydowntown.ca for everything downtown!

Haskell Photography ©


s someone who has attended, performed at, andeven worked the festival from sunrise to sunset, I will be the first to say that S.C.E.N.E. Music

Festival is a vital part of St. Catharines' culture. The St. Catharines Event for New-Music Entertainment

is still one of a kind and let me tell you, it’s not too oftenthat you can see rock, punk, folk, rap, and a fourteen piecejazz fusion band all in the same day.Through S.C.E.N.E. I've met people from all over the

country, and even some folks from other countries, andeverybody who I’ve encountered along the way was therefor one reason — the love of music.The first S.C.E.N.E. Music Festival, started back in 1995

by Cashmere, lead singer for now defunct Revenge of TheEgg People, a very popular local act, as a way for local unsigned bands to get exposure. It has now become one of"THE" summer destinations for music fans. Past performers include Bedouin Soundclash, City and

Colour, Down With Webster, The Creepshow, Saint Alvia,Alexisonfire, Jason Collett (Broken Social Scene), The Midway State, Billy Talent, Arkells, Constantines, Lights,Teenage Head, illScarlett, Cancer Bats, Shad, Silverstein,and many of the best and brightest talents in independentmusic today.

still a unique S.C.E.N.E.Celebrating its 16th birthday on June 26th, S.C.E.N.E. is still one-of-a-kind. By Matt Bresee.

A

streetseen: event

S.C.E.N.E. presents over 160 acts on numerous indoorand outdoor stages in venues all over the downtown core,within walking distance of each other so you can maximize your festival experience. Use the auto-scheduleron the S.C.E.N.E. website to design your own custom-madeplan for the day. Check out the many artists, vendors andthe numerous booths at the Market Square, and watch outfor artist meet-and-greets. Drink plenty of water, don't forget to eat (there’s a wealth of restaurant choices downtown), plan ahead and pace yourself. If you've doneit before then you know what I'm talking about, and if notthen give it a try! This is your festival.The 16th annual S.C.E.N.E. Music Festival takes place on

Sunday, June 26th, 2011. Doors open at the Market Squareheadquarters at noon the day of the Festival. Tickets will be available at the gate and advance tickets will be available starting May 1st online at Ticketscene.com and at numerous locations across Southern Ontario and beyond.Visit www.scenemusicfestival.com for all things S.C.E.N.E.

Photography, Josh Moody.

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continued on page 22


MAYROUGH COUNT - DEIRDRE LOGUEMAY TO JUNE, 2011During the simple act of countinga bag of confetti – piece by piece –memory thresholds are found andfailures amass. The performer begins each count where she left off last. NAC - 354 St. Paul St.www.nac.org.

THE BIRD IS THE WORDMAY TO JUNE 4, 2011Poets and visual artists from across Canada delving into the conceptual, spatial, and materialpresence of the written word.Showcasing video projection, onsiteinstallation, collage, sculpture, andmicrography. NAC - 354 St. PaulSt. www.nac.org.

OFFENSIVE FOULS BY JASON LONGMAY 7, 2011Christine is mad at Joey, her highschool boyfriend. She suspects heknows something about a racialincident in their neighbourhoodand he’s not telling. For audiences12+. Presented by Carousel Players at the Sullivan Mahoney

Courthouse Theatre, 101 KingStreet. Performances at 11am and 2 pm. Tickets $12, eyeGO $5.Box Office 905-682-8326 x26.

BBBLOOMS WORKSHOP -SPRING PLANTERSMAY 11 & MAY 12, 2011Learn how to create gorgeousplanted designs to spruce up theexterior of your home. All workshops take place at the studiofrom 6:30pm to 9pm. BBBloomsprovides all supplies, as well as refreshments and snacks. Call usat 905-682-5525 or send us an e-mail at [email protected] to register today.

“TRANSFORMATION” MAY 13 TO JUNE 24, 2011Gallery Onefortyfive presentsTransformation - a unique juriedart show of various mediums reflecting the multi-faceted theme of transformation. OpeningReception: Friday, May 13 at 7pm.Free admission. 145 King St.Visit www.onefortyfive.com

artsculture

listingsAlakazam – is the Human Knot!


NIAGARA FOLK ARTS FESTIVALMAY 14 TO 29, 2011Niagara Folk Arts Festivalcelebrates multiculturalism and allows visitors to experience andenjoy unique dances, exhibitionsand live music from various different cultures. Location ofOpening Ceremonies: Front stepsof St. Catharines City Hall. FestivalLocation: Montebello Park.www.folk-arts.ca.

FULL MOON GHOST WALK MAY 17, 2011Take an eerie stroll through downtown exploring history andhaunted tales of some of the city’soldest buildings, under the magicof a full moon. Walk starts at 9pm,tickets $8 pp. Reservations required. 905-685-8424 x21www.mydowntown.ca.

JUNENIAGARA DANCE COMPANYPRESENTS VERITY, AN EVENINGOF CONTEMPORARY DANCE. JUNE 3 TO 5, 2011 Sullivan Mahoney CourthouseTheatre. Performances Friday toSaturday at 8pm, Sunday at 2pm. Tickets $20, Students/Seniors/CADA $16, eyeGO $5. Box Office: Centre for the Arts –Brock University. Call 905-688-5550 ext 3257 or visitwww.niagaradancecompany.com.

NEW VINTAGE FESTIVALJUNE 18 TO 26, 2011 Internationally acclaimed wines,fresh produce, and a culinary experience unique to Ontario areat the centre of this two weekendwine and culinary extravaganza.

More info at: www.niagarawinefestival.com or by phone 905-688-0212.

FULL MOON GHOST WALK JUNE 15, 2011 Take an eerie stroll through downtown exploring history andhaunted tales of some of the city’soldest buildings, under the magicof a full moon. Walk starts at 9pm,tickets $8 pp. Reservations required. 905-685-8424 x21www.mydowntown.ca.

NEXT COMPANY THEATRE PRESENTS MARCH OF THE FALSETTOS JUNE 23 TO 26, 2011Performances Thursdays to Saturdays at 8pm. Matinees at 2pm on Saturday and Sunday. BoxOffice 905-688-5550 x3257. Visit arts.brocku.ca orwww.nextcompanytheatre.com.

S.C.E.N.E. MUSIC FESTIVAL JUNE 26, 20112011 celebrates the 16th annualS.C.E.N.E. Music Festival.One fullday and night with over 170+ ofthe best and brightest indie musicfrom Niagara and beyond. Over15 stages in over a dozen venues.The festival is one the biggest one-day, all-ages independentmusic festival's in Canada! www.scenemusicfestival.com.

JULYCANADA DAY FAMILY STREET PARTY JULY 1, 2011Taking place at Market Squarefrom 11am to 4pm. Enjoy free entertainment, children’s activities, Citizen Ceremonies, andfree birthday cake. Free admission.www.stcatharines.ca.

KIDS SUMMER CAMP DOWNTOWNEVERY WEEK IN JULY.Physical activities, creative crafts & games. Daily academics based on your child’s educationallevel and trips to the park. St. Catharines Martial Arts Centre, 4 Queen Street, 2nd floor,call 905-688-5071. Ages 5 to 12years old. Beginners welcome! No membership required. The cost is $125 +HST per week. Bring your own lunch.* REGISTER WITH A DEPOSIT BYJUNE 15. SPACE IS LIMITED.


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DOWNTOWN CLASSIC CAR SHOW & JAZZ FESTIVAL JULY 9, 2011The main streets will be filled with hundreds ofclassic cars and a cool jazz festival taking placethroughout the entire day on the lower end ofSt. Paul Street. Fun for the whole family. Freeadmission. 905-685-8424.www.mydowntown.ca.

DRAMA & ARTS PROGRAMSJULY 4 TO 29, 2011Offered by Carousel Players at Sullivan Mahoney Courthouse Theatre. Camps for ages 5-8: July 4 to 8 and July 11 to 15. Shaw Festival camps for ages 10-14: offeredJuly 18 to 22 and July 25 to 29. Registration:905-682-8326 x26.

CONCERTS IN MONTEBELLO PARKJULY 5 TO AUGUST 28, 2011Enjoy free performances every Tuesday andSunday at the Band Shell in Montebello Park.Visit www.stcatharines.ca.

“H2O” JULY 8 TO AUGUST 19, 2011Gallery Onefortyfive presents a summer artexhibit of diverse mediums reflecting a myriadof unique perspectives on H2O. Artist Submission Deadline: July 3, 2011.

Email [email protected] for artist application and/or more information.Opening Reception: Friday, July 8 at 7pm. Free admission.Visit www.onefortyfive.com.

FULL MOON GHOST WALK JULY 15, 2011 Take an eerie stroll through downtown exploring history and haunted tales of some ofthe city’s oldest buildings, under the magic of afull moon. Walk starts at 9pm, tickets $8 pp.Reservations required. 905-685-8424 x21www.mydowntown.ca.

ANNUAL ROTARY RIBFESTJULY 29 TO AUGUST 1, 2011Enjoy Ribs, Blues Band music and family entertainment in Montebello Park. Free admission. (Fee for food & drink).Website: rotaryniagara.org.

AUGUSTDRAMA & ARTS PROGRAMSAUGUST 8 TO 19, 2011Offered by Carousel Players at Sullivan Mahoney Courthouse Theatre. Acting campfor ages 9-12: August 8 to 12. Camp for ages 5 to 8: August 15 to 19. Registration:905-682-8326 x26.

DOWNTOWN DEE-LISHAUGUST 12 TO 21, 2011Downtown restaurants open their doors overthese two weeks offering fabulous fixed price 3 course menus. Make plans to dine out everynight during this mouth watering event. Pricesrange from $10+ lunch menus and $15+ dinnermenus. Menus and prices posted online at:www.mydowntown.ca.

THE ST. CATHARINES INTERNATIONALBUSKER FESTIVALAUGUST 12 TO 14, 2011 Presented by Lyndesfarne Theatre Projects.We are proud to welcome artists from aroundthe globe, with over 100 acts performing on six different stages over three days. Food, drinkand artisan vendors will line the streets as wellas an inflatable playground for children. This isa free community event for all ages.www.stcbuskerfest.com.

FULL MOON GHOST WALK AUGUST 13, 2011 Take an eerie stroll through downtown exploring history and haunted talesof some of the city’s oldest buildings, under the magic of a full moon. Walk starts at 9pm, tickets $8 pp. Reservations required. 905-685-8424 x21 www.mydowntown.ca.


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street seen - issue 7 - spring 2011

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