Sundridge, Ontario is known for many things, from its hockey players to its picturesque lakeside setting. This year, another symbol of the little village in the heart of Almaguin is set to make a reappearance, as the annual Sunflower Festival returns after a decade-long hiatus.

According to festival chair Sue Ayotte, the idea to revive the festival was first discussed among members of the Sundridge-Strong Recreation Committee last summer.

“There was a belief that it was not something the recreation committee should be doing, so some of the members got together with members of the community to form a festival committee,” said Ayotte.

The sunflower is the official flower of Sundridge, chosen many years ago. It is a fitting symbol for the vacation town known to many as “Sunny Sundridge.”

Beginning with three core members, Ayotte, Betty MacLaren and Darlene Leggett, the festival committee has grown five-fold since the first call went out for volunteers last fall. Local citizens and service groups were quick to come on board, including the Sundridge Harmony Guild, the Sundridge Lions Club, the local horticultural society, the Strong Agricultural Society (marking their 125^th anniversary this year), Burk's Falls Arts and Crafts, the Almaguin Highlands Council for the Arts, and a number of local churches and businesses.

Much brainstorming and planning has taken place in recent months, and this revitalized festival promises to be better than ever, with such attractions as live music, a street dance, an outdoor movie night, food, vendors, contests, art exhibits and even a triathlon. These events and their organizers will be profiled on this website over the coming months.

The Sundridge Sunflower Festival will run from August 12 to 14, 2011, in the village of Sunny Sundridge on the shores of beautiful Lake Bernard. See you there.

The Village of Sundridge, on the shore of beautiful Lake Bernard, truly is at the heart of Ontario's Near North.

Located at the junction of Hwy. 11 and Hwy. 124, Sundridge is less than an hour from Huntsville, Parry Sound and North Bay, and just a short hop from Algonquin Park. If road travel is too slow, we are also served by the South River-Sundridge Airport, offering affordable fuel and tie-down fees.

Visitors to our community will appreciate a range of amenities, including our parks, beach and boat launch, several restaurants, internet cafe, bar, supermarket, liquor store and hardware stores, fishing and outdoor supplies, hotel and B&B accommodations, rental cottages, and nearby campgrounds.

Sundridge is a popular summer and winter destination. Whether you are looking for a place to swim in the summer or ride your snowmobile in the winter, or a place to fish in either season, we have you covered.

We are a vibrant community, full of friendly people and blessed with many hardworking volunteers in our service clubs, churches, business sector and the community at large. It is through the efforts of these people that Sundridge can boast a range of community events throughout the year, including the Sunflower Festival.

Whether fishing, boating, swimming, golfing, dining or just enjoying the natural scenic beauty, make sunny Sundridge a part of your Northern Ontario Vacation.

 It is possible to drive right through Sundridge without seeing one of the community's greatest assets.

Sundridge sits at the north end of Lake Bernard, and while it might not be as big as Lake Simcoe, Lake Nipissing or Georgian Bay, it stands out in its own way. At approximately 7km long and 2.5km wide, Lake Bernard holds the record as the largest freshwater lake in the world without a single island.

Historically used for logging, these days the lake is mostly used for recreation and enjoyed for its natural beauty. Sandy and shallow near the shore, Bernard is ideal for family swimming. A short distance from shore, the bottom drops off to a depth suitable for boating, sailing, diving and fishing.

Fish species include lake trout, whitefish, yellow perch, rock bass and smallmouth bass. Due to the lake's depth, the best fishing is for trout and whitefish. Ice fishing is particularly popular, with clusters of shacks dotting the lake like miniature towns.

The lake is shared by cottages, homes, resorts and campgrounds, including the prestigious Glen Bernard girls' camp.

The village provides public boat launching and docking facilities, adjacent to a park, picnic area and beach. The park is one of the primary locations of the Sunflower Festival.

Whether fishing, boating, swimming, golfing, dining or just enjoying the natural scenic beauty, make sunny Sundridge a part of your Northern Ontario Vacation.