NEWS: A highlight week for 20 on the Trestle

Experience Nuit Blanche, stars, songs and more!

The Grand Trunk Trail and trestle are the place to be this week, as the 20 on the Trestle celebration reaches new heights.

The highlight of this week’s events is Saturday, Aug. 10. From 8 to 11 p.m., enjoy a unique and spectacular installation of light and colour, inspired by the worldwide Nuit Blanche movement which celebrates the arts and culture by night and by light. Buskers, glow sticks and furniture from which to take it all in will complete the experience.

“This will be a magical evening,” Town of St. Marys Events Coordinator Andrea Macko says. “I hope people will linger and enjoy the night and the installation, interacting with the displays and with others who attend.”

The only entry point for this event will be at the Wellington Street North trail access, and all ages and leashed pets are welcome. The Grand Trunk Trail will close at noon on Saturday, Aug. 10 from Salina to Wellington to allow for set-up of this spectacular evening, which is free for all to enjoy thanks to Thames Crest Farms and its partner builders: Bickell Built Homes, Heritage Homes, Larry Otten Contracting, and Teahen Homes.

Facebook users can join the “Nuit Blanche St. Marys” event page for sneak peeks of the installation; find it by liking the Town’s official page, @stmarysontario. Twitter and Instagram users can follow @townofstmarys on either platform to see these sneak peeks.

Prior to Saturday, there are two terrific trestle experiences. On Thursday, Aug. 8 at 6:30 p.m., Thorn and Roses will play a free concert on the trestle, sponsored by the Army, Navy Air Force Veterans Club. Enjoy three-part harmonies and unique arrangements of country, classic rock and pop hits. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets for this one-hour show. In the event of inclement weather, an alternate location will be posted on social media.

On Friday, Aug. 9, astronomy buffs will have another opportunity to see the moon and stars with the volunteers of the Stratford Astronomy Group. Gather at 9 p.m. at the Wellington Street North trail head and keep your fingers crossed for clear skies! Personal telescopes are welcome.

Next week, fitness and friends dominate the trestle. Try a Zumba dance fitness class on Tuesday, Aug. 13 at 7 p.m., Friendship Centre Fitness on Tuesday, Aug. 13 at 9 a.m., or yoga on Thursday, Aug. 15 at 7:15 p.m. The St. Marys Public Library’s popular Story Time will take over the trestle at 10 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 16.

On Wednesday, Aug. 21, the Stratford Perth Chamber of Commerce will host its popular “Business After 5” networking cocktail events on the trestle, from 5:15 to 7 p.m. Chamber members attend for free; non-members fee is $10. For more information, contact the Chamber at info@stratfordchamber.com or 519-273-5250.

The 20 on the Trestle celebration continues into October! See the full list of events at www.townofstmarys.com/20onthetrestle or on the mural in the Andrews Buildings windows at 135 Queen St. E.

- 30 -

Contact

Andrea Macko | Events Coordinator
519-284-2340, ext. 249 | amacko@town.stmarys.on.ca