Picking up the Pen

Kingston is always a book lover’s paradise, but never so much as in September when the annual WritersFest comes to town! Only a few years old, this festival showcases some of the biggest literary names around, and over 4,000 people attend to bask in the readings and workshops offered over four days.
his year WritersFest (September 22-25) has another spectacular line-up of nearly seventy writers – a combination of prize-winning authors and exciting new voices of tomorrow. One highlight will be the South African-born Nobel Laureate J.M.Coetzee in conversation with American novelist, screenwriter and translator, Paul Auster.
And if you are wondering if it is ever too late to start writing, this year’s festival has a new event called In Praise of Older Women which discusses creativity and aging, and there is a debut memoir by a woman who is over 80. As well, the Kingston WritersFest Writers Studio offers Master classes led by writers at the top of their game. So of course it is never too late!
Readers and writers alike are welcome. Come with a pen and paper or come with just your curiosity. Take a workshop or just take a listen. As the Artistic Director says, “For every avid reader in the audience, we simply want to put on the best show possible – an hour and a half of reading or discussion that will make them leave seeing the world in a slightly different way.”

Hotel Highlight - Best Western Plus

Best Western Fireside Inn is conveniently located at the city centre, only minutes from Highway 401, and shopping. It is renowned for its fireplace guest rooms, incredible fantasy suites, gourmet dining inBistro Stefan and the cozy ambiance of the wood burning fireplace in the lounge, Tom's Place. Although, centrally located, you feel as if you are walking into another world once you've stepped through the doors. Excellent guest service and attention to detail will ensure your stay is pleasant and comfortable

Kingston Poetry Project

The Kingston Poetry Project launches with a celebration of local talent

Kingston is filled with so many talented and enthusiastic citizens who follow their passion as poets and writers. Find out how you can express yourself creatively as well. No experience required! Kingston’s inaugural Poet Laureate, Eric Folsom, welcomes his friends and colleagues – David Helwig, Joanne Page, Carolyn Smart and Daniel David Moses to read selections of their works and encourage the audience to write their own poems to share.

This free event takes place at Kingston City Hall, Memorial Hall from 5 to 7:30 pm on Tuesday, September 20. Light refreshments will be served and the event is open to all ages. Immediately following this event, Folsom will attend the City Council meeting starting at 7:30 pm where he will be introduced to the community by Mayor Gerretsen and read a poem that will become part of the official minutes of the meeting.

This event kicks off the In your own words | Kingston Poetry Project that invites Kingston residents to write about their city through poetry. Join us and help make Kingston a true city of words!

Eric Folsom was selected as Kingston’s inaugural Poet Laureate by a Nominating Committee appointed by the Arts Advisory Committee and approved by Council in January 2011. This appointment was made based on the high quality of Folsom’s writing, his deep familiarity with Kingston's history, his enduring interest in new literary voices, and his demonstrated ability to showcase Kingston as a centre of writing and artistic distinction. Serving a four-year term, Folsom will be the spokesperson for the literary arts in this city - home to Kingston Writersfest and a prodigious number of celebrated poets, authors and playwrights.

Fall Tradition

The 181st Annual Kingston Fall Fair, Thursday Sept. 15th to Sunday Sept. 18th, is a community tradition. This year there are concerts every night, horse shows, dairy shows, lawn tractor racing, celebrity pie baking auction, demolition derby and of course the midway!

How do I say that in Urdu?

I'm going to find out how to say/spell my name in Urdu next weekend. Where you ask? The Kingston Multicultural Arts Festival. Part of the Festival is a Language Village, there will be 8 languages offered including Urdu, Hindi, Arabic, Tagalog, Kiswahili, Portuguese and Spanish. You can learn phrases or even get your name written out.

The main event, on Saturday Sept. 17 is of course the music and dance groups featured on the two main stages set up at Confederation Park with international and local talent. Should be a great family activity!