In Ontario, the first Monday in August is the Civic Holiday. Despite some attempts to rename it Simcoe Day, it has stayed simply Civic Holiday since it was first adopted across most of Canada. While some retail businesses will remain open, most offices will be closed for the day.
In Barrie, the Civic Holiday weekend always means Kempenfest. This is one of the largest arts and crafts festivals in Canada, and has been going on for over forty years along the shores of Kempenfelt Bay. If you are free today, you should definitely check it out. The booths will be open until 6pm.
Enjoy the holiday!
