It’s August long weekend and people in Ottawa are taking advantage of what the city has to offer. Doors Open at Rideau Hall returned Saturday with hundreds of visitors taking the opportunity to walk through the residence of Canada’s Governor General. “I have my family visiting from the States with me today and it was the perfect day to come. I take everyone here when they visit, so it was the perfect opportunity to be able to see not just the residents, but the spots behind it with the garden and the greenhouse,” said Evelyn Douglas, who attended doors open Rideau Hall. Families got to chat with guides about the history of the residence and the role of Canada’s governor general, while exploring State rooms, the Palm greenhouse and private gardens. Over at the Aberdeen Pavilion in Lansdowne Park, many spent their long weekend Saturday shopping at 613Flea. The event features approximately 150 vendors. “613 is a combination. Vintage clothing vendors, antique dealers, food vendors and craft artisans, and that combination has been very popular with the public since 2015,” said Peter Sutherland, co-organizer of 613Flea. Laura Blondin came to 613Flea with an open mind, looking for something new that she’s never seen before. “I actually found this fantastic teak lamp that I’m so excited to set up in my living room. It’s absolutely gorgeous,” said Blondin. “I love brass, so I found two brass cranes and I found a teak candle holder. I actually did really well today.” Blondin loves to travel to other cities to check out their antique warehouses. “I’ve been to the ones in Toronto as well,” said Blondin. “I’ve been to the Hamilton flea market. We went to Burlington a couple of weeks ago. We went to Woodstock a couple of weeks ago as well.” She says she’ll purchase whatever she’s drawn to that is a decent deal. “I’m a collector and I just love vintage,” said Blondin, “I’ve got quite the collection at home.” Blondin says she will spend the rest of her long weekend dusting off all of her new finds and set them up at home.
