Editing Orillia (section)

==Recreation and culture==
Orillia is known as the "Sunshine City", taking the moniker from its role as the fictional "Mariposa" in the book ''[[Sunshine Sketches of a Little Town]]'' by [[Stephen Leacock]]. Many local businesses also use "Mariposa" in their names.

The city council has actively restricted the construction of large buildings downtown and seeks to maintain a certain "small town" look with regard to signs and decorations. However, in 2017, plans were further discussed to redevelop the waterfront district and other areas underdeveloped or otherwise vacant. A 3D model was developed at the local Royal Canadian Legion to reflect the possible future and is to be on display in city hall.
[[Image:Stephen Leacock House Orillia.jpg|thumb|left|Leacock Museum and National Historic Site]]

Orillia's "Arts District" is located on Peter St. S., between Mississauga St. E. and Colborne St. E., and is home to a variety of [[art galleries]], fine dining and shops. At its centre is the Orillia Museum of Art & History, considered the hub of art and culture for the city, playing an instrumental role in municipal cultural events.

The museum occupies all four floors of the historic Sir Sam Steele Building, a landmark destination for both residents and visitors. A collection of over 10,000 artefacts of regional historical significance features in a rotating exhibits schedule. On a separate floor is contemporary art space with exhibits featuring regional and international artists. The museum also features a designated education space and hosts activities including art-making and interpretive programming for children, artists, artisans, historians, etc.

Many tourists and boaters are attracted to the city each year because of its waterfront park Couchiching Beach Park/Centennial Park/Port of Orillia and its position as a gateway to Lake Country, cottage country in [[District Municipality of Muskoka|Muskoka]], [[Algonquin Provincial Park]], the [[Trent–Severn Waterway]], and other natural attractions. The city's waterfront has an extensive lakeshore boardwalk, a large park with two beaches, several playgrounds, an outdoor theatre, a touring ferry, and a children's train.

The city of Orillia also is home to a large number of retirement homes (currently{{when|date=May 2023}} nine, with four more under construction). As such, it is often characterized as a "retirement community", although less than 18% of the city's population is actually over 65 (see below).

Orillia is home to an annual Perch Fishing Festival. [[Perch]] are netted, tagged, and released into the local lake, to be caught for prize money. This event also includes a large social gathering consisting of a "perch fry". Other popular annual festivals include the Leacock Festival, Blues Festival, Jazz Festival, Scottish Festival, and Beatles Festival.

The Port of Orillia holds an annual "Christmas in June", which includes a boat decorating contest and turkey buffet. Boat and cottage shows are held in June and August.

Orillia also hosts an annual Canada Day event at Couchiching Beach Park.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://orilliacanadaday.ca/|title=Orillia Canada Day|access-date= 10 August 2019}}</ref> The day begins with a traditional pancake breakfast served by the Mayor and Council, and ends with a large fireworks display at dusk.

Orillia is the original site of the popular [[Mariposa Folk Festival]]. Beginning in 1961, it is (as of 2024) the longest-running folk festival in Canada.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.mariposafolk.com/the-foundation/history/|title=History - Mariposa Folk Foundation|work=Mariposa Folk Foundation|access-date=2018-05-30|language=en-US|archive-date=2018-05-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180524101328/http://www.mariposafolk.com/the-foundation/history/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The Stephen Leacock Associates have honoured former Orillia resident and humourist [[Stephen Leacock]]'s memory since 1947 with the annual [[Stephen Leacock Memorial Medal for Humour]], awarded to the best Canadian humorous book published the previous year. The Leacock Medal Gala and Award ceremony is held each June at nearby Geneva Park, with tickets for sale to the public.

The [[Royal Canadian Legion]] sponsors a yearly Scottish Festival at Couchiching Beach Park and Centennial Park in July each year. Marching bands from around the country participate.

Since 1963, the [[Webers]] hamburger restaurant has been approximately 1&nbsp;km north of Orillia,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.google.com/maps/place/Webers+Restaurant/@44.6940158,-79.3988699,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x4d2aa6784cfe299f:0x759e8003df69dd60|title=Webers Location Google Maps|publisher=Google Maps|access-date=19 August 2015}}</ref> next to [[Ontario Highway 11]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.readersdigest.ca/food/bbq/canadas-8-greatest-burger-restaurants?id=2|title=Canada's 8 Greatest Burger Restaurants|last=Sue Campbell & Jen McMorran|work=[[Reader's Digest]]|access-date=19 October 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thestar.com/living/article/1236157--the-dish-on-cottage-country-s-famous-foodie-treats-burgers-to-butter-tarts|title=The dish on cottage country's famous foodie treats: burgers to butter tarts|last=Ogilvie|first=Megan|date=3 August 2012|work=[[Toronto Star]]|access-date=19 October 2012}}</ref>
[[Image:Webers hamburger (cropped).jpg|thumb|right|[[Webers]] hamburger restaurant ]]

[[Lake St. George Golf Club]] is ten minutes north of Orillia.