Stratford Pride Weekend October 22-24, 2010

Join us for Stratford’s PRIDE WEEKEND, October 22-24, 2010.
A weekend of live theatre, culinary delights, heritage character and fall fun are planned in Stratford.

Friday Night, October 22 - Join us for a welcome reception at Pazzo Ristorante featuring DJ Shane MacKinnon. Mix and mingle with the locals and members of the Stratford Shakespeare Festival Company overlooking the beautiful parks along the Avon River in the heritage district. Light hors d’oeurves from Pazzo Ristorante , Pass da Pasta and The County Food Co. will be served. Cash bar will be available. Admission $15 includes complimentary food and a beverage upon arrival. Age of Majority. Space is limited. Buy tickets now!

Arrive early to attend the Stratford Symphony Red Carpet Gala Season Opening with World renowned concert violinist Yi-Jia Susanne Houguest artist, referred to as "absolutely phenomenal" by Yehudi Menuhin. Tchaikovsky Vilolin Concerto in D and Shostakovich Symphony No. 5.
Friday October 22, 2010 7:30 Central United Church 194 Avondale Avenue
Enjoy Pride Weekend pricing for the Stratford Symphony Gala Season Opening at 15% off. Quoting code # 32435 tickets are available: On-line at www.stratfordsymphonyorchestra.ca and at:

All weekend long enjoy theatre performances for $49 at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival. Choose Kiss Me Kate, Peter Pan, As You Like It, Evita and Dangerous Liaisons. Quote promotion code #32435 to save. Offer applies to all performances on October 22-24, 2010 inclusive. Applicable taxes and handling fees apply.
Any performance slated between Oct 22 – 24 inclusive, now has the $25 tickets available to Play On members. Play On is free to join, the only restriction being age. You must be between 16-29 to access these sweet savings.

Go behind the scenes of North America’s leading classical theatre on Costume Warehouse tours and Backstage tours Friday, Saturday and Sunday mornings starting at 9:00 a.m. Reserve your space in advance.

During the Day:
Stratford Strolls Saturday, 10:30 a.m. – Take a guided walk through Stratford, renowned for is Ontario cottages, Italianate, Queen Anne and Greek Revival architecture. Walking and gazing, the perfect way to see Stratford. Meet at Stratford Tourism Alliance, 47 Downie Street.  Admission: free. Reserve tickets now!

Edible Stratford Tour Saturday at 2:00 p.m. – Explore the wide world of tastes from savory to sweet with a Stratford culinary connoisseur as your guide.  You will visit the shops, hear local folklore and sample products along the way. Meet your guide at Stratford Tourism Alliance, 47 Downie Street. Wear comfortable shoes. Bring an umbrella if it looks like rain. Admission: $15 per person includes guide, samples and a Bradshaws tote. Maximum of 12 people per guide. Buy tickets now!

BEGINNINGS - Factory Arts String Quartet presented by INNERchamber October 23 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
With special guest, actor Scott Wentworth joining us in an inspiring celebration.  This is the start of our musical journey. There are three string quartets being presented;  the first works of this genre by Britten, Barber and Tchaikovsky.  Coinciding with the first ever Stratford Pride Weekend, we are interweaving poetry readings by writers that reflect the era of the music and the theme of the weekend.  Food provided by the County Food Company. Please visit our website for more programming details, and to learn more about the INNERchamber experience. Tickets for Feast and Concert for $30 available at the www.innerchamber.ca website, or in person at Anything Grows and Fanfare Books.  Tickets for Concert only, available at the door $30. Factory 163, 163 King Street, Stratford

Saturday Night October 23 starting at 9:00 p.m. – Start your Halloween celebrations early this year with a costume party in grand style at Hughson Hall. Finger foods will be served and a cash bar is available. Age of majority. Space is limited, advance registration a must! Reserve your space now!

Sunday Morning October 24 – Sunday brunch at The Church Restaurant, one of Stratford’s fine dining experiences,  will be perfect way to celebrate your weekend in Stratford. A special seasonal brunch menu will be offered in addition to their regular menu. Call 519-273-3424 to reserve. $35 Prix Fixe

The Stratford Pride Brunch Menu
Includes Your Choice of Appetizer, Main, Dessert and Coffee or Tea

Appetizers
Roasted Corn Soup
Apple Beignet, and Sage Oil

Warm Parmesan Tart
Baby Arugula Salad with Black Olive Caramel

Veal and Sweetbread Terrine
Pumpernickel Baguette, Ice Wine Gastrique with Radish Seedlings

Mains
Trio of Eggs Benedict
Crab, Black Pudding and Cured Pork Belly with Hollandaise Variations

Citrus Crusted Arctic Char
Church Garden Herb Velouté, French Beans and Potato Galette

Guinness Braised Beef Short Rib
Roasted Fingerling Potatoes, Chorizo and Pingue’s Pancetta Jus

Desserts
Maralumi Chocolate Mousse
Sorrel Ice Cream, Salted Caramel

Goat’s Yoghurt Panna Cotta
Whipped Local Honey, Pecan Granola

Sunday Night Stratford Proud Music Night  October 24 – Enjoy the music of local and area queer performers Nicole Pointer, Charmaine Brooks, Lindsay Burns, Kate Hollet and Miranda Grieve of Stratford. Sarah Smith of the Joys,  Kitchener will perform along with Rae Spoon and Hunter Valentine, both of Toronto. Buy tickets now! Tickets also available at the door.