EXCLUSIVE Preview of the Elora Centre for the Arts with Lianne Carter
Release Date: 11/11/2025
Valentine Episode: Stolen Kisses and Roller Coaster Wishes
Elora Fergus Podcast
Love is in the air (along with a bit of "Love Boat" nostalgia) as Ryan Joyce and Barbara Lustgarten-Evoy celebrate Valentine’s Day on the Elora Fergus Podcast . Whether you’re celebrating a 76-year marriage or just trying to survive a first date, Valentine's Day is almost here! In this episode: Sweet Memories: We talk about the "worst candies on the planet"—those chalky conversation hearts—and the childhood thrill of handing out Care Bears cards in the classroom . The Cinnamon Heart Tradition: Barb shares a heartwarming memory of the plastic hearts her mother filled with tiny...
info_outline
Saving the Tooth of Time: The Wild True Story Behind Elora’s Most Iconic Landmark
Elora Fergus Podcast
What if one of Elora’s most famous natural landmarks almost disappeared forever—and was saved by an Italian explosives expert who refused to blow it up? In this episode, Pat Mestern returns to unveil the dramatic, little-known history behind the Tooth of Time. What You’ll Learn The surprising tale of TWO “Teeth of Time”—one in Fergus and one in Elora (and what happened to each). Why the Elora Tooth of Time was nearly destroyed in 1903, and the unlikely hero who stepped in to save it. The dangerous, high-stakes repair job completed in just two weeks using ropes, aging trees,...
info_outline
Medicine, Mystery & Local Lore: The Life of Dr. Groves
Elora Fergus Podcast
What if one of Fergus’ most respected doctors also had one of its most shocking secrets? In this episode of the Elora Fergus Podcast, Ryan and Barb sit down with beloved local historian Pat Mestern, who brings to life the remarkable — and sometimes unbelievable — story of Dr. Abraham Groves, one of Canada’s early medical pioneers and one of Fergus’ most unforgettable characters. Join us as Pat shares rich memories, family stories, and firsthand historical details you won’t hear anywhere else. Biggest Takeaways Who is Pat Mestern? How Fergus’ most celebrated historian was...
info_outline
Addie’s Legacy: Love, Loss, and the Fight for a Sarcoma Cure
Elora Fergus Podcast
What does it look like to turn unimaginable loss into lasting impact? In this deeply moving episode of the Elora Fergus Podcast, Ryan and Barb sit down with Jessica Hill — mother, community advocate, and founder of Team Addy — to honour the life of her daughter Addison (Addie) and share the powerful journey that followed her diagnosis with a rare childhood cancer. This conversation is filled with love, grief, resilience, and hope — and it’s one you won’t soon forget. In this episode, you’ll hear about: • Addie’s incredible spirit, compassion, and strength during her...
info_outline
The Lost Mammoth of Fergus: Pat Mestern Unearths a Local Mystery
Elora Fergus Podcast
What if a nearly complete mammoth skeleton was discovered in Fergus… and then deliberately reburied — its location still unknown today? Local historian Pat Mestern joins Ryan and Barb for a jaw-dropping journey into one of the region’s most mysterious and fascinating historical tales. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: The unbelievable story of the mammoth (or mastodon!) skeleton discovered on the Allerdice farm Why the bones were secretly reburied — and why no one can find them today How a bottomless bog, vanishing deer, and an ancient gorge tie into the mystery Why crucial...
info_outline
Elora & Fergus BIAs Light Up the Towns
Elora Fergus Podcast
Elora's 'Star-burst' lights & Fergus's Riverwalk are ready! Get all the holiday event dates, from Sip & Shops to the Santa Claus Parade! Hosts Ryan Joyce and Barb Eveleigh sit down with Melinda from the Fergus BIA and Maclean from the Elora BIA to wrap up the spooky season and jump straight into the magic of the holidays in Centre Wellington. Following the success of "Monster Month" in Elora and the "Witch Folk Pantry Market" in Fergus , the focus shifts to shopping, lights, and community cheer! In this episode, you’ll learn about: Elora's Holiday Events: The Starlite...
info_outline
The Final Curtain: Why Riverfest Is Ending After 15 Years
Elora Fergus Podcast
What really brought 15 years of Riverfest to an end? In this special episode, Ryan and Barb sit down with Spencer Shewan and Mayor Shawn Watters for an open, behind-the-scenes conversation about the sudden and emotional decision to close the chapter on one of Elora’s most beloved events. In this episode, you’ll learn: The real economic pressures—from rising costs to shifting public spending—made the festival unsustainable. How post-COVID audience habits have changed, and why mid-sized festivals everywhere are struggling. The surprising surge in volunteer support—and why even...
info_outline
EXCLUSIVE Preview of the Elora Centre for the Arts with Lianne Carter
Elora Fergus Podcast
The 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,...
info_outline
Inside the Fergus Legion and New Riverside Events Center with Randy Graham
Elora Fergus Podcast
Beyond 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. In this episode,...
info_outline
Beyond the Pumpkins: What's happening in Centre Wellington in November that YOU need to know!
Elora Fergus Podcast
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 surprises at the...
info_outlineThe 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 by grants and a partnership with architect Edward Thomas of SRM.
In this episode, you'll discover:
-
The initial challenge of carrying kids in wheelchairs up to the second-floor classroom .
-
How the dream evolved to include a beautiful atrium, servery kitchen, and community use space, driven by the need to stop turning away inquiries.
- Details about the impressive 3500 square feet of new space, including the accessible washrooms, kitchen, and event areas.
-
The history of the circa 1856 building—which used to be a school—and the upcoming Heritage Canada-funded display telling stories about its history, the river, and local figures like David Boyle and the Group of Seven .
-
A fun What the F segment where Lianne confirms: Yes, the Elora Centre for the Arts is haunted!
-
Details on the current matching donation challenge (ending November 15th) to reach the funding finish line.
-
The date for the first public opening in the renovated gallery space: November 16th, 2-4 p.m..
Don't miss this insightful conversation about community, history, and the future of the arts in Centre Wellington. Find out how you can contribute or visit the space at the Elora Centre for the Arts website.