Great shopping, good food and entertainment by the Bay!

  It’s Dockside Festival time in Gravenhurst so get ready to load up the family and join in the fun at Sagamo Park on August 15 – 17.

  Now in its 12^th year, Dockside Festival or ‘Shop the Dock’ as it is affectionately called, is known as one of the best outdoor craft and entertainment festivals on the circuit.

“We are very excited to introduce a new show to Muskoka. It’s called The Meeks Family Circus, an act that originates from Vancouver, British Columbia,” said Ann Curley, executive director of the Gravenhurst Chamber of Commerce.

  The Meeks Family Circus presents never-before-seen feats to visitors. Watch Meeks the Clown perform his death-defying hand stand on top of three stacked chairs! Or catch the “How does he do that?!” bottle walk.

  The Meeks Circus will perform daily on stage at 2 p.m. Strolling performances on Friday August 15 will go at 3:30 p.m. and 5 p.m.; Saturday August 16 and Sunday August 17 at 12 noon and 3:30 p.m.

  Each of the four family members has performed with their Dad since before they can remember. Now, they have developed a tight juggling repertoire with unicycling, balancing and comedy.

  Although Meeks is a first generation Clown, he has historic influences such as Bill Cody, Buster Keaton and Bugs Bunny. “I’ m inspired by just about every two year old I meet!”

The fact that Dockside has been selected as one of the Top 50 festivals in Ontario for a second year is proof that the Chamber is moving in the right direction. More than 12,000 people are expected at the 2003 show.

  “We have found that providing good entertainment for children allows parents time to shop at the crafter booths at their leisure,” Curley said.

  We have 134 one-of-a-kind artisans and almost half of those are new to the show. Shoppers will be able to buy everything from stained glass, jewellery and puppets to homemade cookies and candles. Prices are affordable and the variety is staggering!”

  Returning for 2003 is the popular Dockside Scratch n’ Win ticket that will be given out with each admission!

“Come early though as we only have a few hundred for each day! Prizes for the draws have been donated by the artisans themselves so for a $3 admission, visitors can leave the show with a handmade item,” Curley said.

All this and refreshments too!

“We are inviting families to come and spend the day and you can’t do that without food! Hence, the creation of our Dockside Bistro. The Chamber is pleased to welcome back Gravenhurst Rotary with bratwurst, hot dogs and burgers. Silver Pines Resort will be here too with their Cabin in the Woods offering everything from wraps and salads to fish and chips. There will be plenty of choices for all.”

  New to the line-up are the Ontario Corn Roasters, a vendor selling fresh roaster corn, yams and freshly-squeezed lemonade.

  Like so many community festivals, Dockside would not be as successful without support from sponsors. “We’re pleased to welcome returning sponsors on site for 2003 with Casino Rama, Chamberlain Tim-Br Mart Muskoka Springs and Woodmill of Muskoka already confirmed. We certainly appreciate their presence here.” Curley said.

  Admission to the show has not increased since the festival was founded 11 years ago. “We’re still the best deal in town!” Curley said with a smile. Admission is set at $3 for adults, $2 for seniors and students and $5 weekend pass. Children under 12 are free but must be accompanied by an adult.

  Dockside Festival opens to the public on Friday August 15 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday August 16 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday August 17 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.