UA-38809021-1 Niagara region Written Rock

literacy tours and charitable events

The heart of our Gallery is inspired by our Literacy Tours, which have successfully connected us with avid readers and budding writers in the community. Over time, these tours have attracted hundreds of thousands, each bringing their unique tales and thrilling escapades. Our team makes its presence felt at summer festivals, charity events, garbage clean-ups, conventions, and other specialized gatherings, advocating the essence of literacy in today's world through engaging and lively activities. A highlight at our booths is the Sentence by Sentence Anthologies. Here, within minutes, attendees get the chance to wear the author's hat by contributing their imaginative touch to our stories. We lay the groundwork with an introductory paragraph, and then the storytelling relay begins with the first participant, followed by the next, and so on. Concurrently, at these events, we've been crafting a strategy to shatter a world record and delight audiences. We aim to secure the title for the 'Most People to Write a Story in 24 Hours,' targeting participation from over 1,000 enthusiasts.

The journey towards this record has been as exhilarating as clinching it. Dive deeper to discover more details below.

our first event as a company was trash!!!

Our first event as a company was during the BBIA's "Earth day clean-up" where we bagged up trash all over Bridgeburg.
In the picture: Corey LeBlanc on the left, Adam Doyle in the middle, and Andrew Aitken on the right.

our gallery (in no particular order)

We had a seat at the Sport and Recreation Fair in Niagara Falls and made a cool story called

"Sock and Bomb" Read it below.

Sock and Bomb
Sock is an enthusiastic bird looking for a new hobby. During the Sports and Recreation Fair in Niagara Falls, a dog named Striker convinces him to try Soccer. The short story follows Sock as he embarks on a soccer adventure, He'll face setbacks and doubts. However, he never loses sight of his passion for the game and his unwavering determination to succeed, but he can't win the game alone. He has found a best friend in Bomb.

Bomb is a spunky and energetic ladybug with a passion for soccer. She is known for her lightning-fast speed and agility on the field, making her a formidable opponent. She has a confident and outgoing personality, always ready to take on new challenges with a determined attitude. Bomb is also a supportive teammate, always looking out for Sock and encouraging him to push his limits. She brings a sense of excitement and humour to the story, often coming up with creative plays and ideas to help their team succeed. Despite her small size, Bomb's determination, skill, and unwavering spirit make her an integral part of Sock and Bomb's soccer adventures.

But then there's the rough and tough Coach Tigerly, who's all but given up on winning the championship until he saw Sock and Bomb and how they work together... Will they be able to win? Will they lose but learn a lesson? See what the people of the Sport and Recreation Fair chose.

Church on the Beach
We start every Sunday Morning with our feet in the sands of Crystal Beach and there's no place we'd rather be.
Church on the Beach has became a staple in our schedule and we're proud to represent the Holy Rollers.
What's a Holy Roller? Well we help push a special wheelchair for anyone that may struggle to get across the sand and in this way, everyone can enjoy the service. Here's an example of one on the right.

something special happened last year.

Ava and I got Baptized!!! And honestly, we couldn't think of more important people to do it. Alex and Monique are the reason we're involved with Church on the Beach in the first place. This is a moment we'll remember for the rest of our lives.

Worship in the Wild

"Worship in the Wild" was a spiritual festival at Safari Niagara in Fort Erie, orchestrated by WDCX Radio. This event was graced by numerous outstanding performances. Naturally, Church on the Beach was present with a booth, allowing us to connect with a diverse group of attendees during the event. Yet, we weren’t just tethered to our spot; we ventured out to experience the festival in its entirety. Alex, Monique, Brenda, and a few other dedicated souls held the fort at our table, crafting numerous bracelets. Bless their hearts and dedication.
We managed to capture a photo of the entire stage setup early on. However, we didn't get a chance to return for another snapshot. Prioritizing our time, we ensured a visit to the animals - after all, a trip to the Safari is incomplete without greeting its iconic inhabitants.

* The road to the record *

Our goal is to BREAK THE WORLD RECORD for MOST PEOPLE TO WRITE A STORY IN 24 HOURS.

However, due to the intrusive certification process and the associated costs, we understand that it will take time and precise coordination. Despite these setbacks, we've developed a revolutionary way to process participants while maintaining a comprehensible and publishable story. Our ultimate goal is to bring the world record to Canada by 2025. In the meantime, we are excited to engage with thousands of people to create captivating and imaginative stories together. Together, we can make storytelling history!  
But let's not get ahead of ourselves.

Today, let's take a moment to reflect on how we got here and the incredible journey that lies ahead.

Our first attempt was on June 29, 2013 during the Friendship Festival in Fort Erie, Canada.
The Friendship Festival celebrated the lasting camaraderie between Canada and the United States every year. Taking place in both Buffalo, NY and Fort Erie, ON, this festival resonated deeply with us because it's closely tied to our origin story. Initially, our tour was meant to consist of a few modest literacy events. Yet, the massive turnout in 2013 hinted that we were tapping into something much grander.
The first attempt attracted more than 1/4 the projected attendees and created an awesome story called
"The Bookshelf King" that we continued into a Book-e-sode series.
Season 2 is coming soon.

The Friendship Festival

After a night of heavy rain, we were hopeful for sunny weather on Saturday, and our prayers were answered.
Although the day was a bit cloudy, it still proved to be a beautiful one.
Even with the rain, there was good attendance, marked by a vintage car display, dynamic performances, and delightful rides. Choosing a location for this event, the Friendship Festival in our home base of Fort Erie, seemed like the natural choice. Breaking the record where our journey began just felt right.

Our devoted volunteer team was instrumental in drawing attendees and compiling their contributions. Their efforts were indispensable, and we're deeply grateful. A big thanks to everyone who participated that day, adding their sentence to the narrative. Your involvement made this experience truly memorable.
Keep in mind that we've been part of numerous Friendship Festivals over time, yet we aimed for the record just once. The images showcased are an amalgamation from various years, highlighting our best moments. Take, for instance, the photos below. Corey collaborated with a comedy group that year, delivering a humorous performance. That particular year also saw Written Rock standing in solidarity with the Arts and Culture Alliance of Fort Erie.

Year after year, familiar faces like Fluffy the Clown, pictured above, grace the event. She's an iconic figure in Fort Erie's entertainment landscape. The reptile display is another constant, and we relish moments interacting with them, like with the snake showcased below.

The Friendship Festival consistently ranks as one of our annual highlights.
From 2001 onwards, our involvement with the Friendship Festival has been consistent in various roles. Each year, it's uplifting to recognize many familiar faces, some of whom have been part of our journey from the outset. Promoting literature-focused entertainment in the community has been immensely fulfilling. While the Friendship Festival took a hiatus in 2019, we're optimistic about breathing life back into it, with an aim to make it grander than before. This festival resonates deeply with many, and our ambition is to elevate its success once more. By 2025, we're hopeful to gather the necessary resources to turn this dream into a reality.
Our second attempt was at the Canal Days Festival in Port Colborne, Ontario on August 3, 2013.

canal days festival
Every Civic Holiday weekend is a four-day celebration of the history and heritage along the Welland Canal.

The Canal Days Marine Heritage Festival is a vibrant celebration that spans across the community. The Vale Health & Wellness Centre proudly presents Ontario's premier outdoor Classic Car Show, alongside an indoor Craft Show. Over at Seaway Park, a dedicated kids' zone offers an array of games, entertainment, and engaging activities. The Port Colborne Historical & Marine Museum showcases the rich history of the Welland Canal and features artisans diligently practicing their heritage crafts. Historic West Street becomes a bustling hub with local businesses, festival cuisines, shopping stalls, the Empire Sandy Tall Ship, other marine vessels, and a dedicated recreation area. The Canal Days Concert Series, set in the H.H. Knoll Lakeview Park, boasts top-tier performances every night. Situated where the Welland Canal meets Lake Erie's northern shoreline, Port Colborne is not just a marine hub but also carries a deep nautical heritage, paired with warm hospitality. During peak summer, the entire town comes alive to commemorate its picturesque evolution and prosperity. Every year, the festival draws over 300,000 visitors across its four-day span.
Canal Days stands out as a must-attend festival on any tour roster, primarily because of its consistent evolution, becoming more magnificent with each passing year. The scenic backdrop it offers is truly a feast for the eyes. The grandeur of the vessels, complemented by the serene waterfront, ranks high on our list of favorite spots to engage in. The festival's organizers exhibit a commendable commitment to fostering literacy, consistently ensuring that our location is positioned for maximum visibility and footfall. Beyond just the physical beauty and organization, there's an undeniable charm and warmth that permeates Canal Days, making it an event we genuinely cherish and eagerly anticipate each year.

Here, you're viewing snapshots from two distinct Canal Days events: one from 2013 and another from 2014.
Our World Record attempt was specifically during the 2013 event, the pictures above show our table.
Both times, we managed to obtain prime locations. For the 2013 event, this strategic placement drew an
impressive crowd of 500 attendees in just 12 hours.
It's worth noting that this was only our second shot at the record, and we achieved half the target.
Surprisingly, a school in China was also aiming for the same record and managed to surpass it.
We can't help but speculate on the outcome had we had the resources for an official adjudicator.
Regardless, we crafted a memorable narrative and surpassed our own projections.

As for the 2014 event, our main goal was to weave a captivating story and enjoy the process - and that's exactly what we did, engaging 279 individuals in the process.
During the event, we had the pleasure of meeting many interesting and delightful people,
but none were as memorable as "Chipper" - a parrot that made a cameo appearance in our story, "Captain Terry and the Sailor's Dream." more information below.

Captain Terry and the Sailor's Dream
"Captain Terry and the Sailor's Dream" blossomed from the 2013 Canal Days Festival in Port Colborne, Ontario. At the festival, we rallied over 500 individuals with an ambitious aim: to shatter the world record for the Most People to Write a Story in 24 Hours. This collective effort birthed a delightful narrative. Delve into the pages and be transported into Terry's realm, navigating through his thrilling escapades and occasional mishaps. Embark on this literary voyage and relish the wonders of "Captain Terry and the Sailor's Dream."

Note: We attempted this record the next year and made Benny's Dreamland at the 2014 Canal Days Festival.
Immerse yourself in a captivating short story crafted by 279 individuals during the Canal Days Festival in Port Colborne, ON. Within this tale, we are introduced to Benny, the endearing and perplexed Panda bear, as we embark on a delightful adventure alongside him during his day off. As the story unfolds, Benny's circle of friends enters the spotlight, introducing a universe brimming with distinctive and uplifting characters. Inspired by this enchanting cast, we have transformed their stories into a Limited Series, ensuring you can fully immerse yourself in the magical world they inhabit. Prepare to enjoy this unique and fulfilling universe, brought to life in a truly remarkable way.
Our third attempt was at the Niagara Falls Busker Festival on August 31, 2013.
Buskerfest, a global fiesta of art and music, stands out as an enchanting street festival brimming with lively performances. Elevating its charm, this event primarily supports arts programs aimed at young minds.
In Niagara Falls, the festivities unfolded along Queen Street in the heart of the city. The icing on the cake?
It was an open, all-day extravaganza that welcomed everyone without an entry fee.

Clifton hill turns to Queen st.

Originally, our vision was to chase the world record on Clifton Hill, bolstered by the endorsement of the Guinness World Records Museum. Yet, a twist awaited as Guinness withdrew their support mere days ahead of the occasion. In this challenging moment, both the Museum and the City of Niagara Falls graciously intervened to assist us. Although Clifton Hill was no longer our stage, we still got our chance in Niagara Falls during the same weekend, thanks to Buskerfest. The festival resonated globally, celebrating art, music, and entertainment, all while championing arts programs for the younger generation. In the face of unexpected shifts, Buskerfest stood as a vibrant beacon, exceeding expectations.
At Buskerfest we created a pretty cool story called...
Buskerfest
I know, I know but the crowd voted on the name.
Buskerfest showcased some of the most refined character development we've seen in any anthology to date.
It was truly astounding to witness the number of participants who could seamlessly contribute,
helping craft a cohesive and engaging narrative.
In the midst of a bustling busker festival in Niagara Falls, an intriguing tale emerged from the collective creativity of 437 individuals. Picture a narrative shaped by onlookers captivated by unicyclists juggling chainsaws and acrobats challenging the very laws of gravity. Dive into this tale where our protagonist, Colin, confronts his fear of flying, encountering a host of new friends during his journey. Enjoy the adventure!
Our final attempt (to date) was at the 2017 Comic Con in Niagara Falls, Ontario.

comic-con!!! The perfect venue

Our grand finale of attempts unfolded at the Niagara Falls Comic Con, a setting that was undeniably apt for weaving a comic book narrative. While the world record eluded us, we triumphed in besting our personal record, drawing an impressive 500 participants in merely 3 hours. Granted, we had the potential to engage more, but with our primary focus on entertaining the crowd outside, tracking attendees once they moved inside presented challenges. Though discussions on refined strategies are for another time, our main aim here is to share our experience of the attempt. On this occasion, we also debuted the sequel to our anthology, "Captain Terry and the Flute of Fury." This edition delves into the dynamic world of superheroes, highlighting their epic face-offs with archenemies, and is punctuated with several memorable cameo appearances.
There are so many more pictures but we're adding a "Mega Gallery" soon.

ridgeway summer festival

The Ridgeway Summer Festival, fondly known as Ridgefest, is an event we've had the privilege of joining on multiple occasions. Notably, we were honored to be part of the Canada 150 celebration, marking the country's milestone 150th birthday. This vibrant festival wasn't just about performances; it was an eclectic blend of bouncy houses for the young and young-at-heart, a myriad of booths offering unique items, immersive museum tours delving into history, and even an engaging mini putt course. It was during this jubilant celebration that we crafted the tale of "The Lucky Coin."

heaters heroes

ko for Kids: Charity Boxing

If I could step into the ring daily and know that it directly results in raising funds for those in need, I'd do it in a heartbeat. The sheer thought of amassing over $100,000 for charitable causes brings an indescribable joy. The impact that such contributions can make in transforming lives is profound, and it's a motivation that keeps me driven. Every punch, every move, all become worthwhile when they serve a greater purpose beyond personal gain.

the stairclimb for cancer(s)


The Skylon Tower has been a prominent attraction in Niagara Falls since its opening on October 6, 1965. Rising to a height of 775 feet, it provides a stunning panoramic view of the gorge and both the Canadian and American waterfalls. Despite experiencing the view from the Skywheel, the Maid of the Mist, observation decks, and even the little tower that illuminates the falls at night, I believe that the view from the Skylon Tower offers the best opportunity to see the physical history of the falls and their creation. I realized that I climb stairs every day, often without a specific purpose, whether it's stepping up to my house or onto a curb. So, I decided to use some of those steps for a good cause and participated in a fundraiser for cancer research.


I prepared for the record attempt by cycling the Niagara Blvd route from Fort Erie to Niagara Falls and back. I aimed to beat the existing record of 3:24 minutes, set by the world-class cyclist Gord Singleton in 1984.

During my training, I found motivation in Linkin Park, my favorite band. Their song "Lost in the Echo," which is 3:25 minutes long, became my training theme song. It helped me feel motivated and confident as I prepared for the climb.

"Confidence can help you feel bigger than anything you may be up against."
-Dewdrop
The morning began with Elksaholic blasting "Lost in the Echo," which served as the theme song for the climb.
I couldn't make it to the speeches and cake cutting, but I'm glad I attended the event. Our efforts helped raise over $40,000 for Cancer Research. I also managed to secure the third-best time of the day, finishing at 4:07 and winning the Bronze medal.
During the event, I had the privilege of connecting with remarkable individuals, among them Canadian Olympians and a dedicated team of firefighters who scaled the tower in full gear. A memorable moment was a brief elevator conversation with Martin Reader, during which we entertained the idea of a second tower climb. Engaging in a conversation with Mike Strange about the BoxRun and Tough Mudder was a personal highlight, as he serves as a great source of inspiration. Being part of this fantastic event was truly gratifying, I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to participate again next year.

Include a visit to the summit of the Skylon Tower on your Bucket List if you haven't already. The panoramic view from the top is truly remarkable and is a worthwhile experience throughout the year.

For more event information contact
Angela Daley
 Canadian Cancer Society
[email protected]
905-684-6455 ext. 3151
There are still hundreds of pictures to add.

 

UA-38809021-1 Niagara region Written Rock