One of many charming illustrations from Once Upon a Forest, this playful portrait features the Orangeville Farmers' Market and introduces three of Orangeville's most recognized characters; Larry Kurtz, Founder and Artistic Director of the Orangeville Blues and Jazz Festival; Wayne Townsend, local historian and author; David Nairn, Artistic Director of Theatre Orangeville.

Once Upon a Forest: Celebrating Orangeville's Early Years

Once Upon a Forest is a new and beautifully illustrated heritage book by local author Nancy Early and Canadian award-winning artist Kasia Charko. With trees as a guiding theme, the book highlights historic periods and stories from Orangeville's past. The reader journeys through time, exploring ice-covered land where woolly mammoths once roamed, meeting Indigenous families and early settlers, experiencing Orangeville's prosperous years, and reveling in our present day. There are even reminders about what we can do to ensure a bright tomorrow.

The book is ideal for readers of all ages and makes a great gift for anyone with a connection to Orangeville. You can purchase your copy of Once Upon a Forest at BookLore and Sproule's Emporium.

About the Author

Nancy Early was born in Alton and attended Orangeville District Secondary School. Her first book, Once Upon a River, was published in 2020 to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Alton Village. Nancy has contributed to In the Hills Magazine, Metroland’s Passport to Discovery, and Nelvana’s Care Bear TV show. She was also a travel writer and producer for On Top of the World Too and her musical adaption of Little Women hit the Theatre Orangeville stage in 2019. She is currently working for Caledon Public Library.

Joy and Lights

November 17, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., Downtown Orangeville

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Santa Claus Parade

November 18, 5 p.m., South on First Street, then east on Broadway

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Christmas in the Park

December 1 to 31, Kay Cee Gardens

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Monday Night at the Movies

November 20, Galaxy Theatres

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Cinderella... if the Shoe Fits

Presented by Theatre Orangeville

November 30 to December 23, Orangeville Opera House

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Toronto Welsh Male Voice Choir

December 9, 2 to 4:30 p.m., Westminster United Church

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Orangeville Community Band

December 9, 3 to 5 p.m., New Hope Community Church

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Orangeville Winter Farmers' Market

Saturdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Town Hall Atrium

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Downtown Orangeville's holiday shopping Joy Book

November 17 to December 31, participating businesses in downtown Orangeville

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Orangeville Christmas Market

November 18, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Orangeville Agricultural Society Event Centre

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Holiday Treasures Arts and Crafts Sale

November 29 to December 10, Museum of Dufferin

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Orangeville Mystic Market

December 9 to 10, Orangeville Curling Club

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Shop Local and Spread Holiday Joy

Downtown Orangeville is the place to shop, stamp, and win this holiday season. The popular Joy Book is back for 2023 and gives you another reason to shop locally. Here's how it works:

• Starting November 17, pick up your Joy Book from any participating downtown business.
• Collect a stamp or initial for every $10 you spend at participating businesses. 
• Once your Joy Book is full, drop it in the little red holiday drop box outside of Readers’ Choice for a chance to win Downtown Dollars.

The more you shop, the more chances you have to win! There is no limit on the number of completed Joy Books you can enter.