Elora Fergus Podcast

Barbara Lustgarten-Evoy and Ryan Joyce
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Welcome to the Elora Fergus Podcast! Want to feel more connected to the place you call home? This is our essential source for on-demand community information in Fergus, Elora, and the surrounding areas. Each short episode is packed with local stories, things to do, behind-the-scenes insights, and need-to-know news. We're here to keep you connected to the people and events that make our towns special, from the biggest festivals to the hidden gems only a local would know.

  1. FEB 10

    Valentine Episode: Stolen Kisses and Roller Coaster Wishes

    Love is in the air (along with a bit of "Love Boat" nostalgia) as Ryan Joyce and Barbara Lustgarten-Evoy celebrate Valentine's Day on the Elora Fergus Podcast . Whether you're celebrating a 76-year marriage or just trying to survive a first date, Valentine's Day is almost here! In this episode: Sweet Memories: We talk about the "worst candies on the planet"—those chalky conversation hearts—and the childhood thrill of handing out Care Bears cards in the classroom . The Cinnamon Heart Tradition: Barb shares a heartwarming memory of the plastic hearts her mother filled with tiny cinnamon treats every single year . Memorable Dating Disasters: * Barb recounts a date with a Porsche salesman that ended with both of them "feeling sick" only to run into each other at the bar an hour later . Ryan shares a "romantic" (and slightly startling) story involving a Spanish accent and a broken glass. Join the Fun: What is your most memorable date story? Tell us on Facebook or Instagram! Barb might even dig out some 30-year-old cinnamon hearts for the best story (don't worry, they never change form!) .

    8 min

  2. FEB 3

    Saving the Tooth of Time: The Wild True Story Behind Elora's Most Iconic Landmark

    What if one of Elora's most famous natural landmarks almost disappeared forever—and was saved by an Italian explosives expert who refused to blow it up? In this episode, Pat Mestern returns to unveil the dramatic, little-known history behind the Tooth of Time. What You'll Learn The surprising tale of TWO "Teeth of Time"—one in Fergus and one in Elora (and what happened to each). Why the Elora Tooth of Time was nearly destroyed in 1903, and the unlikely hero who stepped in to save it. The dangerous, high-stakes repair job completed in just two weeks using ropes, aging trees, and daring crews. How First Nations peoples used the area as a traditional meeting place long before settlers arrived. The Tooth's ongoing legacy, from early repairs through major reinforcements in 1927 and 1980. Rare stories of people climbing and standing on the Tooth when water levels were low. Why this landmark remains one of the most photographed and beloved symbols of Elora today. If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe, share, and leave your feedback at eloraferguspodcast.com. Your support helps us keep celebrating the stories that shape our community!

    9 min

  3. JAN 20

    Medicine, Mystery & Local Lore: The Life of Dr. Groves

    What if one of Fergus' most respected doctors also had one of its most shocking secrets? In this episode of the Elora Fergus Podcast, Ryan and Barb sit down with beloved local historian Pat Mestern, who brings to life the remarkable — and sometimes unbelievable — story of Dr. Abraham Groves, one of Canada's early medical pioneers and one of Fergus' most unforgettable characters. Join us as Pat shares rich memories, family stories, and firsthand historical details you won't hear anywhere else. Biggest Takeaways Who is Pat Mestern? How Fergus' most celebrated historian was destined for this work since childhood — and the mentor who set her on the path. What Fergus looked like decades ago - Pat paints a vivid picture of the town before restaurants, developments, and even paved roads. The extraordinary career of Dr. Groves - Including his role in one of the first appendectomies in North America, his innovations in hygiene, and his surprising approach to transportation. Fergus' own medical pioneer - His mill, his private hospital, and his early experiments with electricity. The controversial side of history - The truth about body snatching, autopsies at the poor house, and the local story many still whisper about. Personal stories from Pat's family - How her grandmother's friendship with Dr. Groves offers rare insight into his personality, compassion, and tragedies. Unexpected quirks - From a pet alligator to his unforgettable wagon — the details that make Dr. Groves larger than life. 👉 Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and share your thoughts at eloraferguspodcast.com.

    13 min

  4. JAN 8

    Addie's Legacy: Love, Loss, and the Fight for a Sarcoma Cure

    What does it look like to turn unimaginable loss into lasting impact? In this deeply moving episode of the Elora Fergus Podcast, Ryan and Barb sit down with Jessica Hill — mother, community advocate, and founder of Team Addy — to honour the life of her daughter Addison (Addie) and share the powerful journey that followed her diagnosis with a rare childhood cancer. This conversation is filled with love, grief, resilience, and hope — and it's one you won't soon forget. In this episode, you'll hear about:  • Addie's incredible spirit, compassion, and strength during her nine-month battle with angiosarcoma • How a missed diagnosis led Jessica to become a fierce advocate for biopsies and early detection • What sarcoma is — and why awareness and funding are still urgently needed • How Team Addy has raised over $800,000 in just three years to support childhood cancer research • The community events, concerts, and grassroots efforts powering real change • Why "no one fights alone" is more than a saying — it's a movement This episode is a tribute to a remarkable young person and a reminder of what's possible when love fuels action.   💛 Enjoying the show? Subscribe, share, and leave your feedback at eloraferguspodcast.com — your support helps us continue telling the stories that matter most in our community.

    12 min

  5. 12/09/2025

    The Lost Mammoth of Fergus: Pat Mestern Unearths a Local Mystery

    What if a nearly complete mammoth skeleton was discovered in Fergus… and then deliberately reburied — its location still unknown today? Local historian Pat Mestern joins Ryan and Barb for a jaw-dropping journey into one of the region's most mysterious and fascinating historical tales. In This Episode, You'll Learn: The unbelievable story of the mammoth (or mastodon!) skeleton discovered on the Allerdice farm Why the bones were secretly reburied — and why no one can find them today How a bottomless bog, vanishing deer, and an ancient gorge tie into the mystery Why crucial family journals and letters holding the story disappeared What Pat uncovered while researching James Webster, Thomas Young, and early Fergus history The strange connections between kettle lakes, shifting soil, and prehistoric creatures If you love local lore, historical puzzles, or tales that make you say "Wait… WHAT?" — this episode is for you.   Enjoying the show? Subscribe, rate, and share your thoughts at eloraferguspodcast.com — your feedback helps us uncover even more local stories!

    10 min

  6. 11/28/2025

    Elora & Fergus BIAs Light Up the Towns

    Elora's 'Star-burst' lights & Fergus's Riverwalk are ready! Get all the holiday event dates, from Sip & Shops to the Santa Claus Parade! Hosts Ryan Joyce and Barb Eveleigh sit down with Melinda from the Fergus BIA and Maclean from the Elora BIA to wrap up the spooky season and jump straight into the magic of the holidays in Centre Wellington. Following the success of "Monster Month" in Elora and the "Witch Folk Pantry Market" in Fergus , the focus shifts to shopping, lights, and community cheer! In this episode, you'll learn about: Elora's Holiday Events: The Starlite Shopping event is spread over four nights—Thursday, November 20th, 21st, 27th, and 28th . The town will be lit up with new starburst lights that create the feeling of "walking under the stars". Fergus's Holiday Events: The season kicks off with the tree lighting on the Riverwalk, followed by the Late Night Sip and Shop on the first two Fridays in December (5th and 12th). The shops are open from 6 to 9 PM and feature carolers, the Beavertail food truck, horse and carriage rides, and Santa at the Red Door. Santa Claus Parade: The popular Lions Club Santa Claus Parade brings thousands of people to downtown Elora on November 29th. Community Spirit: Maclean and Melinda discuss their BIA's new collaborative goal to work together, embracing the spirit of "one township" and moving past the old Elora vs. Fergus rivalry . Local Businesses Spotlight: Melinda shares a word about her store, The One and Only, which features Canadian-made artisans and products , and Maclean reveals the origin of his restaurant's name, The Evelyn (named after his wife's grandmother and middle name). Don't miss two pop-up holiday segments of What the EF and more!

    17 min

  7. 11/25/2025

    The Final Curtain: Why Riverfest Is Ending After 15 Years

    What really brought 15 years of Riverfest to an end? In this special episode, Ryan and Barb sit down with Spencer Shewan and Mayor Shawn Watters for an open, behind-the-scenes conversation about the sudden and emotional decision to close the chapter on one of Elora's most beloved events. In this episode, you'll learn: The real economic pressures—from rising costs to shifting public spending—made the festival unsustainable. How post-COVID audience habits have changed, and why mid-sized festivals everywhere are struggling. The surprising surge in volunteer support—and why even that wasn't enough to keep Riverfest afloat. The lasting legacy of unforgettable performances, community moments, and the people who built Riverfest from the ground up. What this means for other local festivals across Elora, Fergus, and the region. Heartfelt reflections from the founders and organizers on standout memories and the festival's evolution. 💬 Enjoyed this episode? Have thoughts to share? Subscribe and send us your feedback at eloraferguspodcast.com — we'd love to hear from you!

    19 min
  8. EXCLUSIVE Preview of the Elora Centre for the Arts with Lianne Carter

    11/11/2025

    EXCLUSIVE Preview of the Elora Centre for the Arts with Lianne Carter

    The stunning Elora Centre for the Arts has a new 3500 sq. ft. addition! Hear the surprising origin story, the 'ghost hunters' that visited, and the exciting grand reveal dates! Join Barbara Lustgarten-Evoy and Ryan Joyce as they chat with Lianne Carter, the Executive Director of the Elora Centre for the Arts, for an exclusive look at the massive progress on their expansion project . Lianne reveals that the project, which has been underway for years, surprisingly started with the simple, yet critical, need for accessible washrooms. This catalyst quickly steamrolled into a much bigger dream, fueled by grants and a partnership with architect Edward Thomas of SRM. In this episode, you'll discover: The initial challenge of carrying kids in wheelchairs up to the second-floor classroom . How the dream evolved to include a beautiful atrium, servery kitchen, and community use space, driven by the need to stop turning away inquiries. Details about the impressive 3500 square feet of new space, including the accessible washrooms, kitchen, and event areas. The history of the circa 1856 building—which used to be a school—and the upcoming Heritage Canada-funded display telling stories about its history, the river, and local figures like David Boyle and the Group of Seven . A fun What the F segment where Lianne confirms: Yes, the Elora Centre for the Arts is haunted!  Details on the current matching donation challenge (ending November 15th) to reach the funding finish line. The date for the first public opening in the renovated gallery space: November 16th, 2-4 p.m.. Don't miss this insightful conversation about community, history, and the future of the arts in Centre Wellington. Find out how you can contribute or visit the space at the Elora Centre for the Arts website.

    15 min
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About

Welcome to the Elora Fergus Podcast! Want to feel more connected to the place you call home? This is our essential source for on-demand community information in Fergus, Elora, and the surrounding areas. Each short episode is packed with local stories, things to do, behind-the-scenes insights, and need-to-know news. We're here to keep you connected to the people and events that make our towns special, from the biggest festivals to the hidden gems only a local would know.

Information

  • Creator
    Barbara Lustgarten-Evoy and Ryan Joyce
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    21
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Theatrix International Inc.
  • Show Website
    Elora Fergus Podcast