The 33rd Dundas Cactus Festival will soon be upon us. This is when we invite the world to enjoy good old hometown hospitality and fun. It's also an opportunity to reconnect with friends and neighbours.

The parade committee chaired by Donna Lavin will host another great parade on the evening of Thursday, Aug. 14 (see www.dundascactusparade.com) and the festival committee chaired by Steve Deighton (see www.dundascactusfest.ca) has a full program of activities beginning at 6 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 15 through Aug. 17 inclusive.

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Next week, nine students and chaperones from Dundas will be off to Kaga, Japan for the student exchange. On Sept 21, 1968, Dundas was twinned with Kaga through the United Nations Mundialization process. This year, we celebrate the 40th anniversary of that event and recognize Dundas as the first municipality to be mundialized in North America and a partner in the longest lasting East-West exchange program.

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I have worked with city staff to keep the Wading Pool open in the Dundas Driving Park until the end of the day on Sunday, Aug. 31, at which time it will be demolished. Be sure to drop by and see how work is proceeding (yes, it's on schedule!) on the multi-function facility in the core of the park. When the city completes its work, the Dundas Valley Sunrise Rotary Club will start construction of its artificial ice skating rink with use to commence in December. To make a donation, contact Carl Fraser at 905-628-2572.

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If you need a break from the heat then wander up to the Dundas Indoor Pool on Market Street South. I am sponsoring a free public swim every Saturday afternoon from 1:15-3:30 p.m. from the beginning of July through Aug. 23 inclusive.

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This year, the Hamilton Conservation Authority celebrates its 50th anniversary with numerous events planned throughout the city. To check out the events that are happening, be sure to visit www.conservationhamilton.ca .

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With construction taking place in the Driving Park, the Dundas Concert Band, a community fixture since 1873 holds their Tuesday evening concert series at the Dundas Lions Memorial Community Centre until Aug. 12 inclusive with a 7:30 p.m. start.

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The Dundas Community Council meetings are now in summer recess until Wednesday, Sept. 17 however special meetings are contemplated to deal with a number of time sensitive issues.