Motorcycle Festival Niagara Falls, Airshow in Waterloo...Father's Day weekend!

I try to mention things happening all over the place, but it's good to focus a bit on local travel as well. So here are a couple things you can keep an eye on for Father's Day weekend.

It's not my thing, but the Niagara Falls Motorcycle Weekend is June 18-20, with more than 50,000 Harley's, Yamaha's, Kawasaki's, etc.... expected to descend on the Canadian side of the falls in support of Women's Place of South Niagara.

“Although this will be the first time Niagara Falls will host a Motorcycle Rally of this size, we’re confident bikers from across North America will make the trek here to take part in this weekend event in support of a great cause,” said Sue McDowell, Executive Director of the Fallsview BIA.“We’re home to one of the most beautiful and picturesque Parkways in the world, and with Niagara Falls as our backdrop, we think we have the perfect mix for bikers and motorcycle enthusiasts alike to take part in an event that will create memories for many years to come,” she added.

The three-day extravaganza will end June 20 with what organizers hope to be the largest motorcycle parade in North America.

For information, go to www.niagarafallsbikers.com.

Meanwhile, in Waterloo, the Canadian Forces Snowbirds will headline this year's Waterlook Aviation Expo and Air Show, which combines ground and flying displays. Also on tap at Waterloo International Airport are the B-17 "Memphis Belle: Flying Fortress from WWII, a Navy corsair and a Russian MiG, as well as Harvards and Tiger Moths.

The show runs June 19-20 and costs $18 for adults and $10 for kids six and over. They also have family packages and discounts for tickets purchased in advance versus a walk-up ticket. Tickets can be purchased online at www.waterlooairshow.ca. They also have a Facebook Fan Page: Waterloo Aviation Expo & Air Show 2010, and have a Twitter account under WaterlooAirShow.

JEKYLL ISLAND GEORGIA IMPROVEMENTS?

I had the good fortune to spend a couple days on Jekyll Island a couple years ago for the Star's golf magazine. There was talk at the time of some major changes, as some of the hotels along the Atlantic side of the island had gone under and things were in need of some changes.

It's a controversial plan, of course, as most of these things are, but I see that the island's governing board the other day approved $75 million in private development for two hotels and a 1.6-hectare beach. Many are happy, but Mindy Egan of the Initiative to Protect Jekyll Island said the proposals is too upscale for a state park that is supposed to be accessible to average Georgia folks. Apparently an earlier plan called for an economy hotel, but the new one does not.

The state is spending $50 million for a new convention centre.

I witnessed one of the prettiest sunsets of my life when I was there, as you can see by my photo here. I also had the good luck to stay at the wonderful, old-time Jekyll Island Club Hotel. A real gem, it is.

(Did I see, by the way, that Councillor George Mammoliti, who's running for mayor of Toronto, wants to build a hotel and convention centre on Toronto Island? Is he nuts? We have tons of hotels and a convention centre or six already on the mainland. The LAST THING we need is commercial enterprises ruining the island, which is possibly our best tourist attraction.)

WESTJET/CANADIAN TOURISM DEAL

Interesting program launched by WestJet and the Canadian Tourism Commission the other day. As part of the CTC's Locals Know campaign to promote Canadian travel, folks can save 10 per cent off WestJet's fares by booking and flying together. There are savings of 15 per cent for three people and 20 per cent, quite sizable, for four people.

The savings are valid on all fares, including trips already on sale. Travel must be booked by June 15 (11:59 p.m. MDT) for travel until Dec. 15, and blackout dates apply Oct. 7, 8, 9, 11 and 12. But it's still a great deal.

For information, go to www.westjet.com or call 1-877-WESTJET.

McCARTNEY MEATLESS MENU in HAWAII

I see where the CanoeHouse restaurant at the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows on the lovely island of Hawaii is supporting Sir Paul McCartney's call for "Meat Free Monday."

McCartney, along with daughters Stella and Mary, are pushing the campaign as part of their concern about the fair treatment of animals. The CanoeHouse will offer alternative vegan and vegetarian menus each Monday to show thier support.

There's no indication they'll drop teriyaki steaks of fresh mahi mahi from the menu, but it's a start that Sir Paul would likely approve of.