Finding Connection and Community in Oshawa This July

One of my favourite things about the summer is the long nights, the beautiful sunsets, and the warm evening walks. This is the time I cherish, as I walk my dog and contemplate on what is next for me. Luckily, some peonies are still in bloom! The moon always gives me comfort, reminds me to slow down, and encourages me to shed what does not serve me. July always leads me to going inward. This year, I find myself thinking of Bawaajigewin, an Ojibway word meaning “the action of taking something that is a dream and making it into something you can see in real life.” My culture also regards dreaming as serious, futuristic, creative, and emotional labour. Bawaajigewin Aboriginal Community Circle (BACC) is an Indigenous-led incorporated non-profit agency located at 863 Glen Street in Oshawa. 

This is a season when fruits are somehow even more delicious. I have strawberries every day. They might be my favourite berry. They remind me of the work of Robin Wall Kimmerer, namely the book The Serviceberry, which I cannot recommend highly enough. The website of the BACC includes a photo of strawberries beside where they state that one of their goals is “To create a place of gathering and belonging; a space that creates opportunities ignites interaction, builds on the inherent strengths of the people, and evokes collective aspirations for a stronger and more prosperous future.” This is the kind of community work, cultural work, spiritual work, that gives Oshawa so much promise, and that gives me so much hope about the future. Check out the Bawaajigewin Aboriginal Community Circle (BACC) throughout the year. Remember, in the words of Wall Kimmerer, “Take only what you need. Take only that which is given.” Remember, also, that Canada is a land that falls under the Dish With One Spoon Treaty, which reminds all of us to be accountable to each other, the land and resources that we have to share, and that keeping the spoon clean is an important and mutual responsibility. “According to the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois), the concept originated many hundreds of years ago and contributed greatly to the creation of the “Great League of Peace” — the Iroquois Confederacy made up of the Seneca, Cayuga, Oneida, Onondaga, and Mohawk nations. The Anishinaabeg (the Ojibwe, Odawa, Potawatomi, Mississauga, Saulteaux and Algonquin nations) refer to ‘a dish with one spoon’ or ‘our dish’ as ‘Gdoo – naaganinaa.’” These are ideas that I consider year-round, but especially on days of memorial such as July 1^st. 

Oshawa always gives me moments to relish, opportunities to find great people, and places to run into old friends or to make new comrades. Especially in the summer months, I find my way to Ed Broadbent Park, a memorial to one of Oshawa’s most stalwart leaders and representatives. The institute erected in Ed’s name has a mission to “champion change through the promotion of democracy, equality, and sustainability and the training of a new generation of leaders.” These are actions more than ideas. Ed Broadbent Park (169 Harbour Road, Oshawa) is one of the most beautiful places that allow me to think and get deep about how to build community. I am so excited for the events happening in the park this summer!

As summer officially kicks off, be the first to check out Oshawa’s newest music festival: Summer Noise Fest! This one-day festival is on Saturday July 11^th at the Biltmore Theatre (39 King Street East). With a lineup including The Wild High, Excuses Excuses, and The Jailbirds, to name a few. The all-ages event has a limited number of Early Bird tickets going for $20, or through the Biltmore’s website for $33.90. Doors are at 6pm and the show gets on the road at 6:30. Show some love to a new festival on the Oshawa music scene, and be sure to invite your out of town friends so they have a taste of what to expect ahead of Oshawa’s Convergence Festival!

Keep showing love to the Biltmore on July 24^th at 10pm for their Shrek rave, and on July 25^th for Emo Night featuring songs from Paramore! I said it before and I will say it again: Oshawa has a music scene that rivals any major city!

And what goes better with live music than amazing beer? Head over to The Torchbearer Taproom (785 Taunton Road East) on July 25^th for Lagerpalooza! Entry is free, and sessions are from 3pm-6pm or 8pm-11pm. There are promises of food, music, and prizes! If you are feeling spendy, a $15 ticket gets you a flight of 4 beers and a snack, as well as a door prize and guaranteed entry to the session of your choosing. I am familiar with Rorschach Brewing Co. and Godspeed Brewery. I cannot wait to taste the crafts from True History Brewing, Aquanova Brewing Co., and Aurum. My friends and I are sure to enjoy! 

After a month of Drag Brunches and tipping the performers all Pride Month long, I am so excited that I get to have more brunch outings in Oshawa! On July 25^th at 1pm, head to Southern Brunch at The Canadian Brewhouse (2710 Simcoe Street North). One of my favourite vacations of all time was when I was in New Orleans. I don’t think they have ever heard of breakfast. All day everyday, there was brunch, bottomless mimosas, and Louis Armstrong. For only $61.66, you can experience something similar without the airfare. As the Eventbrite boasts, “Reality superstar AUSTEN KROLL (Southern Charm) is flying all the way from down south to hang with YOU! He'll be active in the room hosting the party, taking pics, socializing, and doing an open forum Q&A where you get to ask all of your burning questions!” Your ticket includes limited giveaways, special feature cocktails for purchase, a live DJ, and “Brewhouse's delicious brunch menu and cocktail offerings will be available for purchase for the entirety of the event!” From the brunch experiences I have had with Oshawa’s best Drag Queens, and even New Orleans’s best cuisine, I am hotly anticipating what this fusion of brunch and Southern charm can bring to The Canadian Brewhouse! 

Whether you are a guest or a host, there is so much to enjoy in Oshawa this July, remembering that no matter what, we have to be accountable neighbours. I cannot wait to see you all out and about this summer, cooling off with a freshly brewed drink, keeping pupper’s ear’s covered from the noise of fireworks, or dancing well into the night at a Shrek rave, I hope to see you soon!