Shows
Elora Fergus PodcastEXCLUSIVE Preview of the Elora Centre for the Arts with Lianne CarterThe stunning Elora Centre for the Arts has a new 3500 sq. ft. addition! Hear the surprising origin story, the 'ghost hunters' that visited, and the exciting grand reveal dates! Join Barbara Lustgarten-Evoy and Ryan Joyce as they chat with Lianne Carter, the Executive Director of the Elora Centre for the Arts, for an exclusive look at the massive progress on their expansion project . Lianne reveals that the project, which has been underway for years, surprisingly started with the simple, yet critical, need for accessible washrooms. This catalyst quickly steamrolled into a much bigger dream, fueled...
2025-11-1114 min
Elora Fergus PodcastInside the Fergus Legion and New Riverside Events Center with Randy GrahamBeyond the Poppy: Learn the proper protocol, what the Fergus Legion does year-round, and how its new Riverside Events Center serves Centre Wellington! Join hosts Ryan Joyce and Barb Evoy as they sit down with Randy Graham, President of the Fergus Legion Branch 275. With the Poppy Campaign (starting the last Friday in October) and Remembrance Day fast approaching, Randy highlights the Legion's central role in honouring our veterans. Learn the proper protocol for wearing the poppy: it should be worn on the left side over your heart and taken off at sundown on November 11th.
2025-11-0411 min
Elora Fergus PodcastBeyond the Pumpkins: What's happening in Centre Wellington in November that YOU need to know!The costumes are packed away, but the community spirit is just warming up! This week, we're swapping spooky scares for steaming soup as we wrap up one of Centre Wellington's biggest-ever events and look ahead at a November packed with community connection, giving back, and great films. Join us as we share our personal, behind-the-scenes highlights from Monster Month and give you your essential guide to all the local happenings in Elora and Fergus this month. In this episode, you will discover: Our top three personal highlights from Monster Month, including the biggest...
2025-10-2815 min
Elora Fergus PodcastThe Scariest Ride in Centre Wellington! Behind the Screams with Salem Frights Creator Darryl MagierowskiStep right up for the final terrifying ride! We chat with Darryl Magierowski, the mastermind behind Salem Frights, about 11 years of scares, the terrifying new "Hell Ride" attraction, and why this might be their last season! Join Barbara Lustgarten-Evoy and Ryan Joyce as they welcome the creator of the legendary Salem Frights, Darryl Magierowski, to the podcast! Darryl pulls back the curtain on over a decade of dedication to frights and reveals the intense details of this year's haunted attraction—which might be the most intimate and terrifying experience yet! In this spine-tingling episode, you'll hea...
2025-10-1412 min
Elora Fergus PodcastMayor Shawn Watters view of PASSIONATE Elora Town HallThe October 7th Centre Wellington Town Hall was a deeply passionate affair, highlighting the struggle between a "close-knit" community's concerns and the realities of immense tourism pressure. We go inside the packed Jefferson Elora community hall, where residents gathered to confront polarizing issues like rapid growth and infrastructure strain. Mayor Shawn Watters addressed significant resident frustration and the surge in tourism. The biggest news confirmed at the meeting? Reiterating the paid parking system for tourists to manage the impact of over 750,000 annual visitors. Plus, we discuss the Mayor's biggest surprise and his call...
2025-10-0716 min
Elora Fergus PodcastThe Man Behind the Monsters: Tim Murton's Creative Journey Join us for a fascinating conversation with Tim Murton, the acclaimed artist and "monster maker" behind Elora's legendary Monster Month. This annual event, which Murton started 28 years ago, has become a beloved tradition in Centre Wellington. In this episode, we sit down with Tim right in the heart of downtown Elora, coffee in hand, to explore his journey from a sought-after scenic designer in the movie industry to the creative force behind our local Halloween spectacle . In Our Chat with Tim Murton: From Film to Monsters: Tim worked as a scenic designer for...
2025-10-0712 min
Elora Fergus PodcastOctober 2025: Your Complete Guide to Events, Monster Month & Fun in Elora & FergusGet ready for the biggest month of the year! This episode is your definitive guide to all the ghoulish fun happening for Monster Month in Elora and Fergus . 🎃 The month is packed with family fun: from the Monster Month kick-off at "The Awakening", Magic Show Matinee and Comedy Hypnosis to the thrilling Salem Frights hell ride, Pumpkin Day, Monster March and more! Don't miss a single scare! Here's a look at the events in October: OCT 3: The Awakening! OCT 4: Magic Festival – Family Magic Show Matinee: An Afternoon of Fun OCT 4...
2025-09-3011 min
Elora Fergus PodcastMonster Month: A Celebration of Spooky FunStep into the world of spooky fun! Join us as we explore the magic behind Sensational Elora's Monster Month, from its monstrous origins to the community spirit that brings it to life. This episode features an exclusive interview with Barbara Lee from Sensational Elora, the organization behind Monster Month. She explains how this month-long event celebrates all things Halloween and the "dark side with a sense of humour". The episode also includes a rare, exclusive interview with a Monster from Monster Month. In this episode, you'll learn: The History of Monster Month...
2025-09-2317 min
Elora Fergus PodcastMagic, Community, and Giving Back: Your Essential Guide to the Next TWO Weeks in Elora & FergusGet ready for a jam-packed episode! Elora Fergus Podcast hosts Barbara Lustgarten-Evoy and Ryan Joyce dive into a couple of major events coming to our community this week and next! First, Barbara shares all the details about the inaugural Zehrs All Clubs Day—a unique new event uniting local service groups to combat food insecurity and bring our community closer together. Then, Ryan takes us into the world of illusion as he talks about the fifth annual Ontario Magic Festival, celebrating our area's magical history with two incredible shows for both kids and adults ...
2025-09-1616 min
Elora Fergus PodcastForest Transformed: The Enchanta ExperienceWhat if you could walk straight into a fairytale? That's exactly what Enchanta delivers right here in Centre Wellington—and this episode takes you behind the scenes of this one-of-a-kind experience. Here's what you'll discover in this episode: 🌲 How Enchanta transforms the forest behind the Sportsplex into a glowing, multi-sensory fantasy realm. 🧚 The inspiring origin story—born out of lockdown as a way to bring imagination and wonder to life. 🎭 What's new for 2024: two immersive paths, a kids' zone with face painting and puppetry, and the "Scrolls of the In-Between" literary exhibit....
2025-09-0908 min
Elora Fergus PodcastPumpkins, Parades & 188 Years of Tradition: Inside the Fergus Fall FairStep right up—it's almost fair time! 🍂🎡 The Fergus Fall Fair is back, celebrating 188 years of agriculture, community, and family fun. In this special episode, Ryan and Barb sit down with Russell Gammon, one of the region's most passionate voices in agriculture, to uncover why this fair is more than just rides and cotton candy—it's a living tradition. Here's what you'll learn in this episode: 🎃 The fascinating history of the Fergus Fall Fair dating back to 1837. 🐑 What makes this fair unique, from sheep-shearing demos to wildlife rescue showcases. 🌱 How 4-H builds lead...
2025-09-0208 min
Elora Fergus PodcastYour Guide to September 2025 in Elora & FergusFall is almost here, and there's a ton happening in Elora, Fergus and the surrounding areas! Tune in as we give you a rundown of all the can't-miss events coming to Elora and Fergus in September 2025. From antique cars to steampunk costumes, and goats to family fun, we've got your social calendar covered. We'll also tell you about a few free events you can attend and give a special shout-out to the people and organizations who make these things happen. In this episode: Dates and details for the Antique Classic Car Show an...
2025-08-2507 min
Elora Fergus PodcastTartan Up! Our Recap of the 80th Fergus Scottish Festival & Highland GamesWere you there for the 80th anniversary of the Fergus Scottish Festival & Highland Games? Join us as we recap our experience at one of the biggest events of the year. We'll take you back to the Friday night Tattoo ceremony, where we celebrated the four pillars: pipes and drums, heavy events, dance, and heritage. We'll also share highlights from our interviews with Outlander star Charles Vandervaart and former soccer player Steven Caldwell, and reveal what it was like to be at the incredible Bay City Rollers concert. Takeaways: A personal tak...
2025-08-2513 min
Elora Fergus PodcastThe Launch of the Elora Fergus Podcast: What? Why? Who?Why is a podcast a must-listen for anyone who loves Elora, Fergus and the surrounding communities? In our very first episode, we're pulling back the curtain to give you the inside scoop on our new show. Hosts Barbara Lustgarten-Evoy and Ryan Joyce explain how they'll provide on-demand community information, behind-the-scenes insights, and local secrets. You'll also get to know a little more about your hosts and how they are a reflection of the community. In our first episode: Discover the purpose of the Elora Fergus Podcast and its focus on on-demand comm...
2025-08-2507 min
Elora Fergus PodcastFergus Fall Fair with Fair Ambassador Dillon BernierThis episode we’re talking with the Fergus Fall Fair Ambassador, Dillon Bernier about this years’ Fair postponement, the local impacts, and how we can stay connected with the Fall Fair and Fergus Agricultural Society. Listen Here. https://bit.ly/33Ee5Kv
2020-09-1800 min
Elora Fergus PodcastBack to School in Centre WellingtonWhat does back to school look like in Centre Wellington during COVID? What are the new procedures and steps our school boards and schools are taking? With huge thanks to Barbara Evoy and Cogeco, we share this interview with Upper Grand District School Board Superintendents Gary Slater and Carlo Zen. Show Links: https://bit.ly/2RfapsN
2020-09-1100 min
Elora Fergus PodcastTalking Wee Digital Ceilidh Highlights with Fergus Scottish Festival! Today is a big episode! Three guests from the Fergus Scottish Festival and Highland Games join us and give their unique perspectives and feedback from this year’s Wee Digital Ceilidh! Show Links: https://bit.ly/2DNNr8O We start the conversation with Elizabeth Bender, the Fergus Scottish Festival Coordinator who shares the online response, feedback from the community and the local events. We discuss Elizabeth’s personal favourite moments, a few special emails, and what it all means for the future of the Fergus Scottish Festival.
2020-08-1200 minElora Fergus PodcastFergus Scottish Festival Coordinator Elizabeth Bender talks Wee Digital CeilidhToday I’m chatting with the Fergus Scottish Festival Coordinator, Elizabeth Bender about the upcoming digital Fergus Scottish Festival & Highland Games. (Show links: https://bit.ly/2Xx0YIB ) This year would have marked 75 years of tradition in Centre Wellington, but Elizabeth calls this year “74.5” :) On this episode, we chat about the recent tough decisions, what it means for the future of the Festival, plus we get insight for what to expect at this year’s digital celebration, the Wee Digital Ceilidh (pronounced “Kay-lee”) If you ask Google “What’s a Scottish Ceilidh?” you discov...
2020-08-0500 minElora Fergus Podcast“Paying Tribute with the Pipes” Peter ‘Piper’ Hummel is on the Elora Fergus PodcastToday on the Elora Fergus Podcast we’re talking with Fergus Bagpiper Extraordinaire, Peter Hummel aka Peter Piper. In this episode, we chat about Peter’s music interests before the bagpipes, his introduction to the pipes and his Greek family upbringing. https://bit.ly/32GzqE5 Since the start of this pandemic, Peter has stepped outside and played his pipes in tribute to healthcare and front-line workers. We talked about where the inspiration came from and one of the biggest surprises that have come from his daily tributes. Peter shares his journey from growing up outside Niagara Fa...
2020-07-2200 minElora Fergus PodcastBarbara Lustgarten-Evoy on Elora Fergus Podcast!Today on the Elora Fergus Podcast we’re chatting with the one and only, Barbara Evoy! She is the host of her own TV program on Cogeco and radio show on the Grand 101.1. She is also of not one, but two books and she’s involved in all corners of our community. https://bit.ly/390yH1v Barbara is a self-proclaimed performer at heart. She’s ambitious and hardworking. She is also the victim of abuse and Barbara uses her experiences to help inspire others. As a kid, Barbara moved around to various Canadian cities before eventu...
2020-07-1500 minElora Fergus PodcastMary Lloyd is on Elora Fergus Podcast! Today on the Elora Fergus Podcast, I'm talking with Mary Lloyd! She is a Wellington County Councillor and local business owner. Mary Lloyd is the owner of Sensational You located downtown Fergus and Wellington County Councillor for Ward Five. She is a well-known leader who has dedicated a lifetime to the betterment of our community. So, where does her spark come from? Mary suspects it might be a trait passed onto her from her a father and mother. Listen now to hear why! I really enjoyed this chat with Mary Lloyd and I know you will too! Show Links: https://bit...
2020-07-0800 minElora Fergus PodcastJackie Ranahan Talks Groves Hospital, Owning a Local Business & Advice for Female EntrepreneursToday on the Elora Fergus Podcast, we’re talking with Jackie Ranahan and if you’re interested in Groves Community Hospital, impacts of the new hospital, operating a local business, female entrepreneurship or strong community leadership, I think you’re really going to enjoy this episode. If you are a local business owner, Jackie has some great thoughts and advice that’s to Centre Wellington. She is the owner of Mach One Communications, a design and branding firm and also runs Centre Wellington Ball Hockey and Royal City Ball Hockey with her husband. Jackie is a mover and...
2020-07-0100 minElora Fergus PodcastGroves Hospital Foundation Executive Chair, Lori ArsenaultIn this episode, host Ryan Joyce chats with Lori Arsenault, Groves Hospital Foundation Executive Director. They discuss exceeding $20 million dollar goal, how that money is spent, Aug 9 hospital opening, local impacts and more. Subscribe to the Elora Fergus Podcast and listen now!
2020-06-2400 minElora Fergus PodcastPatti Boutin, Elora Mercantile discusses downtown reopeningOn this episode, host Ryan Joyce talks with Patti Boutin owner of the Elora Mercantile. We discuss here families origins from a tiny Quebec village famous for whales and how she ended up in Elora, plus reopening and the feedback, changes to the store, Jennifer Lopez trivia, and so much more. http://EloraFergusPodcast.com
2020-06-1700 minElora Fergus PodcastPeter Mohr (Shoetopia, SaniMist) Insight into local businesses reopeningHost Ryan Joyce chats with Peter Mohr, owner of multiple local area businesses including Shoetopia and SaniMist. He is also the owner of Entrepreneur Counsel which provides business and development coaching for entrepreneurs and he’s a member of the Centre Wellington Economic Development Task Force. They discuss reopening and feedback from customers, changes for local businesses, new cleaning procedures, and will all these change last?
2020-06-1500 minElora Fergus PodcastDeb Dalziel, Tourism & Destination CoordinatorIn this episode, host Ryan Joyce talks with Deb Dalziel, Tourism & Destination Coordinator for the Township of Centre Wellington. They talk about Elora & Fergus re-opening during the pandemic, movies and TV shows filmed in Centre Wellington, two big wins at Festivals & Events Ontario, and so much more! http://EloraFergusPodcast.com
2020-06-1000 minElora Fergus PodcastKatie Giddy, Grand River RacewayIn this episode, host Ryan Joyce chats with Director of Hospitality, Sales & Marketing at Grand River Raceway, Katie Giddy. They discuss the local COVID-19 impacts to Elora and Fergus, how Grand River Raceway and Grand River Agricultural Society have been supporting Centre Wellington businesses, plus Katie shares insight into the new six million dollar entertainment facility and more. Listen here!
2020-06-0200 minElora Fergus PodcastJanet Etherington, The Cellar Pub & GrillIn this episode, Ryan Joyce chats with Janet Etherington, owner of The Cellar Pub & Grill in Elora. Janet discusses the community support during COVID-19, expected changes, missing swans and kitchen stay home activities for parents.
2020-05-2400 minElora Fergus PodcastWelcome to the Elora Fergus Podcast! Here's what you need to knowWelcome to the Elora Fergus Podcast with your host Ryan Joyce. Learn about the podcast, what you can expect and just little about your host. Listen Now Visit the Elora Fergus Podcast http://eloraferguspodcast.com Learn more about Ryan Joyce https://ryanjoyce.com
2020-05-2000 minElora Fergus PodcastKelly Waterhouse, Wellington AdvertiserIn this episode, Elora Fergus Podcast host Ryan Joyce chats with the award-winning columnist, Kelly Waterhouse. Her weekly column "Write Out Of Her Mind" for the Wellington Advertiser is an honest look into her life here in Centre Wellington. We chat about a range of topics from what her family is looking forward to most after COVID-19, what they are doing during the pandemic and her process for writing. All this and more on this episode of the Elora Fergus Podcast. On this episode with Kelly Waterhouse from Wellington Advertiser Kelly shares what her family is doing during this COVID-19 pan...
2020-05-1900 minElora Fergus PodcastPatrick Anderson, Fergus FreshcoIn this episode, Elora Fergus Podcast host Ryan Joyce chats with the owner of the Fergus FreshCo, Patrick Anderson. We chat about the toilet paper shortage, possible changes to the grocery industry, has shopping habits returned and much more. Listen Now! On this episode with Patrick Anderson from Fergus Frescho Patrick talks about the local toilet paper shortage Has shopping habits returned in Centre Wellington? What impacts might we see on the store and it's layout Will Fergus Frescho return to 24 hours? The things you need to know about purchasing alcohol What Patrick is most looking forward to after COVID im...
2020-05-1900 minElora Fergus PodcastDenis Craddock, Brew House on the GrandIn this episode, Elora Fergus Podcast host Ryan Joyce chats with the owner of the Brew House on the Grand, Denis Craddock. We chat about how the Brew House might change because of the pandemic, he shares what the response has been like from the Elora & Fergus community, and more. Listen Now On this episode with Denis Craddock from Brew House on the Grand Have their been any food availability issues? Who does the signs at the Brew House? Denis' drink of choice to mix and to drink Brew House is famous for trivia, how does Denis with three local tr...
2020-05-1900 minElora Fergus PodcastRachel Luther, Centre Wellington Remedy's RxIn this episode, Elora Fergus Podcast host Ryan Joyce chats with the owner of Centre Wellington Remedy RX, Rachel Luther. Rachel shares two items everyone should have in their medicine cabinet, one thing Rachel would remove from medicine cabinets across Centre Wellington AND which doctor has the worst handwriting she’s ever experienced! On this episode with Rachel Luther from Centre Wellington Remedy's Rx One item Rachel would remove from every medicine cabinet in Elora-Fergus The oddest home remedy Rachel’s ever heard that actually might work What isolated village without road access was Rachel born and raised What doctor’s handwri...
2020-05-1900 minElora Fergus PodcastMargaret Murray, Fergus Lions Club PresidentIn this episode, Elora Fergus Podcast host Ryan Joyce chats with Fergus Lions Club President, Margaret Murray. They talk about 2020 Fergus Home Show cancellation and impacts, what Fergus Lions Club is doing virtually, plus local Scottish culture vs Scotland, haggis and more. Listen here: On this episode with Margaret Murray, President of the Fergus Lions Club "Totally challenging times" and the virtual future of Fergus Lions Club The moments leading up to the cancellation of the 43rd Annual Fergus Lions Club Home Show Has the Fergus Home Show been cancelled before? What Fergus Lions is doing virtually in the community PL...
2020-05-1900 min