June 24-26. Madrid Bluegrass River Festival. This annual musical event has grown into a full weekend of music and other activities, including a half marathon race. The festival is held along the Grasse River in the St. Lawrence County village pronounced “Mad-Rid.” 322-4125.
July 1. Canada Day Celebrations. Where better to celebrate Canada’s independence than in that country’s first capital, Kingston, Ontario? Events take place at Confederation Park/City Hall in downtown Kingston, with a parade, ceremony, live music and fireworks at 10 p.m.; or Grass Creek Park, Highway 2 East, with more family-oriented activities. (613) 546-4291.
July 1-3. Brockville River Fest. Features live entertainment on the bandstand, children’s activities, fireworks, food vendors, and the Great Raft Challenge, on the water in downtown Brockville. (613) 342-8975.
July 4. Fireworks Over Boldt Castle. By boat, by car or by foot, get yourself to the shoreline in Alexandria Bay by dusk to celebrate Independence Day. 482-9531.
July 14-17. Buskers Rendezvous. Street performance festival features buskers eating fire, swallowing swords, and performing comedy and drama throughout downtown Kingston. (613) 542-8677.
July 9-10. Annual French Festival. A fun-filled tribute to the French heritage of the region beginning with French pastries and French berets and flags, and ending with a huge parade led by “Napoleon.” Food, vendors, crafters, block parties and music. 654-2481.
July 12-17. Jefferson County Fair. The Jefferson County Agricultural Society invites everyone to enjoy this old-fashioned county fair, the oldest-running county fair in the country, with midway rides, grandstand entertainment, contests, food and agricultural displays and demonstrations. 650 William T. Field Drive, Watertown. 782-8612.
July 16-17. Can-Am Festival. The 40th version of this craft show features a kite festival, children’s activities, music, food, a parade and fireworks. Events get going at 11 a.m. Sackets Harbor Historic Battlefield, 504 W. Main St., Sackets Harbor. 646-3850.
July 23-24. Founder’s Day. Re-enactors come to Lighthouse Point in downtown Ogdensburg to commemorate the Battle of the Thousand Islands, fought during the French and Indian War. (613) 304-1736.
Aug. 4-7. Brockville Ribfest. Proceeds will benefit the Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring program. Hardy Park, Brockville, Ontario. Admission is free. (613) 258-4440.
Aug. 5-6. Antique Boat Show & Auction. The 47th annual version of the country’s longest-running antique boat show will feature boats designed by John L. Hacker. Antique Boat Museum, 750 Mary St., Clayton.
Aug. 5-7. Kingston Sheep Dog Trials. More than 100 of North America’s top competitors will duke it out for top dog. Daily, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., with canine side attractions, food, arts and crafts, and kids’ activities. Grass Creek Park, Kingston, Ontario.
Aug. 12-21. Bill Johnston’s Pirate Days. Block dances, rowdy pirate invasions and attacks with musket fire and cannons. Villagers succumb to pirate attacks, become pirates themselves and remain in character throughout the week. Family and grown-up entertainment in the village and on the waterfront in Alexandria Bay. (800) 541-2110.
Aug. 13. Summer Arts Festival. Painting, photography, dance, live music, hands-on demonstrations and vendors highlight this event in Watertown’s Thompson Park. 785-9238.
Aug. 28. River Rat Triathlon. The classic three endurance events race mixes things up with either a 600-meter swim or a 3-mile kayak, a 17-mile bike and a 5K run. If you would rather not compete, these events are always worth watching and the athletes appreciate the support. Don’t forget your cowbell. Centennial Park, Clayton. http://tiylo.org.
Aug. 27-28. Juried Art and Craft Show. Sponsored by the Thousand Islands Art Center, the show features a large selection of handmade traditional crafts, with raffles of craft items including quilts and baskets. Recreation Park Arena, 600 E. Line Road, Clayton. 686-4123.
