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ART ON THE ROCKS© began in 1991 on “Aunt Edna’s Island/Artists Island” in the Hangdog Channel in Cognashene. The year after a very windy show day, in 1997 it was moved to Maxwell/Whalen Island on the main Muskoka landing Channel. (M42 on CCA map or GPS 44o55’17.7”N 79o55’00.1”W).
ART ON THE ROCKS© is the Cognashene Community's summer art gallery this year showcasing the work of local artists. It's the perfect opportunity for the community to get together with talented artists and artisans who express their love of Georgian Bay. The exhibition is generally held on the last Sunday in July, a week before Simcoe Day weekend.
The Cognashene Cottagers Association last sponsored the 29th annual Art-on-the-Rocks© on July 28, 2019. In 2020 and 2021, the CCA board decided against holding the event. and in 2022, for the first time in 30 years, we canceled due to predicted all day thunderstorms. Hopefully, this year the weather and the pandemic cooperate and the 30th Art on the Rocks© can make a comeback on July 30, 2023.
The organizers and the board have proposed a modified show this year emphasizing local artists who can transport themselves to and from the event. If you're interested in exhibiting in this year's ART ON THE ROCKS© the cost to participate is $75. If you are interested in participating or know someone is who is a talented artist, please contact Catherine Gillespie 716.517.0855 or 705.756.1621 (summer) or communityevents@cognashene.com.
Annual Cognashene REGATTA
"The Regatta", started in 1925, is held by the Cognashene Cottagers' Association (CCA) on the Civic Holiday long weekend. The Family Event is open to everyone, with an emphasis on events for youth. Children and teenagers, from ages 2 to 16, are welcome to participate in swimming, canoeing, and rowing races, cheered on by enthusiastic spectators. Trophies and medals are awarded to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd placed CCA girls and boys, in three age categories: 7-9, 10-13, and 14-16 and includes an Overall Girl and Boy Award. Open and Master's events invite older cottagers to prove they've "still got it". Towards the end of the day, Novelty Events mix younger and older participants in fun races that entertain all.
In recent years, a very popular Raffle has been held concurrent with the Regatta, with cottaging items donated by community sponsors and CCA members. Proceeds from the Raffle fund the Regatta and any surplus is directed to the CCA Rec Program.
An additional community event, the LONG DISTANCE SWIM, is held on the Saturday one week before the Regatta. This event is for all ages, just for fun, the one unbreakable rule being that every swimmer must be accompanied by a spotter in a non-motorized watercraft. Otherwise, swimmers may use any floatation device to help complete their swim, and many participants complete multiple crossings.
The location and start time of the Regatta and Long Distance Swim are announced each year in the Summer Newsletter. The Regatta and Raffle involve multiple tasks, run by a group of highly social and skilled volunteers, who will cheerfully welcome anyone interested in participating.
To learn more, please contact regatta@cognashene.com
Stay tuned. There are more pictures and stories to come »
Stay tuned. There are more pictures and stories to come »
Once a week (usually), during the summer months (generally), the "Ladies of Cognashene" get together for a bit of informal socializing. The location changes weekly, the crew showing up at the dock is never the same, and in true "Mother Nature" style, you just never know what kind of weather you may need to boat through to reach this weekly destination. One thing you can always be sure of though...you will have fun!
These gatherings has been evolving over many years and quite often the invitations reach further afield. Friends have been hosted from Go Home Bay as well as Honey Harbour, and once in a while a wonderful vender will show up selling their wares...jewelry, clothing, beauty products, accessories.
Many may consider an island, or water access only, cottage community to be one of solitude and seclusion. Cognashene is anything but. With all the activities that get planned over the summer (and a few winter) months, as well at these weekly parties, there is always something going on. That said, if a bit of quiet is what you are after... just raise your glass instead of clink!
Check out the accompanying photos of gatherings small and large, some from years ago and others taken just this past summer. For more information, feel free to email Nancy Bennett.
Summer Event Calendar
There is something for everyone: from swimming lessons to sailing to crafts for all ages.
Rec Program
Each summer, we provide the Red Cross "Learn to Swim" Program and the Lifesaving Society Bronze program for all interested children.
Community Links
Learn more about our community through the links below.