 SHOP THE BOXES | SUPPORT LOCAL | GIVE BACK TO CATFISH CREEK CONSERVATION
Having to change direction like pretty much everyone else out there this past year, and moving on from in-person events, Relish has been working to forge stronger connections between you and our local farmers and food producers. We have an incredible array of locally made goods in St. Thomas and Elgin County. Goods that come from the land surrounding us and from the hands of passionate locals.
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 Building on the tremendous success of the ‘Track to the Future’ mural project, Railway City Tourism is requesting expressions of interest from artists who would like to design and paint an original mural of an elephant in St. Thomas! This is a rare opportunity to connect one of the key stories in the history and mythology of the community – specifically, the death of Jumbo the Elephant in 1885 – with the future of the city in augmented reality. Indeed, the artwork will serve two purposes: first, each artist selected will paint an elephant mural in St. Thomas; second, select elephant murals will be incorporated into the new ‘Engage’ augmented reality app to be designed by EXAR Studios and launched in summer 2021! Users of the app will be able to see the elephants as avatars that help guide explorations of the city.
 Join us on a culinary adventure! For the month of February 2021, we invite you to download your Global Flavours Passport and experience the world in St. Thomas. Have fun, show some local love, and make February a delectable month for the record books!
Today in the blog we thought we'd highlight some of the most popular cultural locales on the passport and how you can enjoy some authentic cuisine! Learn more about the event here: Global Flavours  Please use the content on this site responsibly. If our region is in a "red or grey zone" it should be used for inspiration and future planning only. Please stay home, stay safe, and limit contact with those outside your immediate household. For updates, please visit the Ontario COVID Resource center. FIND OUT MORE Has anyone ever heard the story of the cow, the buffalo and the storm?
Let's start with the cow. When a storm is brewing a cow can sense it coming in and will start to run in the opposite direction. As one would expect, the cow cannot possibly outrun the storm. What happens as they continue to run, is they end up running along with the storm. They have completely managed to maximize the pain, time and stress brought by that storm.  Many of us love to travel far and wide, exploring new places and thrilling at new experiences. There is value in that type of exploration and learning about different people & places. The flip side is when we spend our energy on this form of travel, we can be too drained or without the time to explore places closer to home.
In the new world we find ourselves in, exploring close to home reaps many many rewards!
 Public art has the power to enrich communities, create captivating spaces, challenge our ideas, provoke discussion or simply add beauty to our day. The “Track to the Future” Mural Project provides an opportunity for artists to create works of art within the downtown of the City of St. Thomas. We are seeking submissions from a variety of artists, with diverse experiences, backgrounds, styles and techniques that reflect our values of creativity, inclusiveness and beauty.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR Expressions of interest to submit and create an original design for a mural on the side of the building at 633 Talbot Street and/or 803 Talbot Street. The designated theme for 633 Talbot is “apothecary” and for 803 Talbot "multicultural food". Designs for the mural should be original and modern while also respecting the history of both buildings. Artists applying to this project are encouraged to consider the context of the local area and the city as a whole. See the documents below for further information on how to apply. 
Just because we can’t travel or get out and explore in the same way right now, doesn’t mean we can’t treat ourselves to an isolation-staycation! Check out our Local Music Love guide below and follow our blog series as we highlight activities and things you can do from your living room or that are safe to do outside that help support our local businesses, musicians, artists, museums and more.
DISCOVER MUSICAL HERITAGE
To start, we wanted to draw your attention to an amazing hidden gem music venue in St. Thomas - the Princess Avenue Playhouse. Due to Covid, they've had to cancel upcoming shows, but we are looking forward to the time when we can head back and enjoy acts like Joel Plaskett, Sloan, and the Mudmen!
Follow the Elgin Theatre Guild to stay tuned for when performances will return. FOLLOW LOCAL MUSICIANS
Follow the links to find some local musicians who are sharing live music! We can watch from our living rooms and support local at the same time.
MORE WAYS TO LOVE LOCAL!
There are some excellent local businesses and organizations that support the musical arts here in St. Thomas, and even during our Covid times, continue to do so:
THE STUCK AT HOME SONG
Our current Covid-times have allowed some musicians to embrace the circumstances and create some isolation inspired tunes! Check out this number from Dennis Kalichuk!
All activities ideas are suggestions you can do while staying safe during Covid-19. Please practice physical distancing of 2 metres and use common sense when out and about. If you are feeling unwell please stay home
 Just because we can’t travel or get out and explore right now, doesn’t mean we can’t treat ourselves to an isolation-staycation! Check out our Local Nature Love guide below and follow our blog series as we highlight activities and things you can do from your living room or that are safe to do outside that help support our local businesses, musicians, artists, museums and more. DISCOVER TRAILS Walking along the St. Thomas trails at Waterworks Park. Follow the trail networks and weave your way through St. Thomas! For a more rustic experience, head over to Dalewood Conservation Area and try out their reservoir loop trail. Or why not step onto The Great Trail and cross over the St. Thomas Elevated Park for some spectacular views? USEFUL RESOURCE Kettle Creek Conservation Authority Guide to Hiking during Covid-19 LEARN Wild ferns along the Elgin Hiking Trail Follow along with TimberNook Elgin as they youthfully explore our regional forests. TimberNook is an outdoor enrichment program that integrates free play, imagination and nature for all children. Even though their programs are on hold, you can follow along with some fun videos! ACTIVITY IDEA Serenity in the City at the forest by Lake Margaret and Pinafore. Ever heard of Forest Bathing? Forest bathing is not just for the wilderness-lover; anyone can participate! The idea is that when humans spend time in a natural setting, especially under the canopy of a forest, they experience rejuvenating benefits to the mind, body and spirit. So how do you do it? Follow a trail into the forest. Once you are completely surrounded by nature stop, close your eyes, and engage your senses. Notice the smell of the earth, the sound of the birds, and the air moving across your skin. As little as 5 minutes is all it takes to feel rejuvenated! Read more about Forest Bathing from Ontario Parks here. All activities ideas are suggestions you can do while staying safe during Covid-19. Please practice physical distancing of 2 metres and use common sense when out and about. If you are feeling unwell please stay home.
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