By : Meredith Mackeen

Leave winter behind. Socialize outdoors. There is always someone to chat with — and fresh air, too.

Farmers’ markets

If you’re looking for a direct connection with local food producers, the Saturday farmers’ markets are opening up. Lac Brome’s is at 46 Maple St. from June 6 to Oct. 10 from 8:30 am to 1 pm. You can purchase fresh garden vegetables, meat, coffee and baked goods. The public market in Bolton-Est is operated by Rucher Boltonnois at Terrio Park. It is a “pop-up” affair, running from mid-June to mid-October, beginning at 9:30 am.

Gardening and workshops

For those who would like to grow their own veggies, community gardens and information about gardening is available. In Bolton-Est, a workshop, Introduction to Eco-friendly Housing (l’habitation écologique), will be presented at Rucher Boltonnois at 2616 Nicolas Austin Road on June 1 at 7 pm. In Town of Brome Lake, community gardens open May 1. For further information contact Claire Citeau 450-242-2020 #306.

Cycling and outdoor activity

If you are looking for cardio activity, pedal along the bike trails, such as the Coldbrook-Lac-Brome path that begins at Victoria Street opposite Coderre’s Co-op, past Douglass Beach and along the east shore of the lake and eventually to Waterloo. There are new rules governing the paths and speed limits so check them out before you tear off. Others bike paths that follow various secondary routes can be found on tourist maps.

History and walking tours

If you’re inclined toward history, visit the Musée Lac-Brome Museum, whose permanent exhibits open May 16. Or, venture forth on a self-guided walking tour of historic buildings in Knowlton. On less formal basis, walking along Knowlton streets you can observe many lovely homes and beautiful gardens. Stroll the magical Coldbrook Fairy and Gnome Path, which begins near the bridge on Lakeside St. and continues to Knowlton Academy and Ecole St. Edouard.

Community events and garage sale

The Knowlton Lions Club’s 21 st annual garage sale takes place May 24 from 8 am to 2 pm at the Brome Fair Grounds. Organizers request you bring your own bags. Ahead of the sale, donations can be brought to the fair grounds between from 4 and 8 pm on Friday, May 16, and from 10 am to 4 pm on Saturday May 17, Sunday May 18, Thursday May 22 and Friday May 23. Note that televisions, ski equipment, skates, mattresses, clothing, books, suitcases and large electric appliances are not accepted.

Antiques, crafts and museum events

Shopping for antique treasures? The annual Antiques and Crafts Markets take place on four occasions on the grounds of the Musée Lac-Brome Museum. May 24, June 21, July 19 and Aug. 16, from 9 am to 3pm. The Museum is holding its summer michoui BBQ on June 7, from 3 to 5 pm. Tickets will be on sale soon; consult www.lacbromemuseum.ca..

Tour des Arts

The 37 th annual Tour des Arts is July 11-19, with 38 artists and artisans in Brome Lake, West Bolton, Bolton-Est, Brome, Abercorn, Sutton and Potton showing their work daily from 10 am to 5 pm. For information, visit www.tourdesarts.com..

Music and performances

Music is in the air, and not just because of the concerts organized by Theatre Lac-Brome. CIDI 99.1 radio station is planning new Friday night live concerts at the corner of Lakeside and Victoria starting in May. The Knowlton Harmony Band will be performing at Lac Brome Community Centre on June 7 at 2 p.m. Then on June 27 at Lions Park, a number of bands will celebrate Canada Day.

Sports and recreation

Municipal pickleball and tennis courts are available at Lion’s Park. All courts are available at no charge on a first-come, first-served basis, but are often busy with times pre-reserved by the local pickleball club. Supervised swimming at Douglas Beach begins in late June depending on the weather.

If all this business tires you, why not sit in Coldbrook Park and relax with the sounds of water spilling over the dam.