FAIR BOOK READY FOR EXHIBITORS

The Bayfield Community Fair is 166 years young and organizers invite everyone to “put the Fair in your summer plans”! (Photo courtesy Pixabay)

Fair Book now available. (Submitted photo)

The launching of the Fair Book, a reimagined parade and a Poultry Show are just a few of the highlights to be shared this issue by the Bayfield Agricultural Society (BAS) with regards to the 166th Bayfield Community Fair.

The Fair Book is now available for the event to be held Aug 19-21. All exhibitors are encouraged to carefully read the Fair Book for information on entry deadlines, forms, fees, special category requirements, judging criteria, and prizes.

The online version of the book can be downloaded here: 2022 Fair Book. Hard copies are also available at the Bayfield Public Library, the Bayfield Convenience Store, craft and quilt shops in the area, and the Goderich Public Library, as well as Elizabeth’s Art Gallery and Peavey Mart in Goderich.

With Main Street still under construction, the parade that residents and visitors are accustomed to will not be possible this year. In its place, the BAS is resurrecting an old tradition that dates back to the 1940s and 1950s when school children marched to the fairgrounds led by a band. With that in mind, the “parade reimagined” for this year will form up at Clan Gregor Square by 10:45 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 20. Children with their parents and grandparents are invited to join the walking procession led by a pipe band as they make their way to the fairgrounds at 11 a.m.. The BAS encourages kids – and those young at heart – to dress up in costumes. Strollers and wagons can be decorated for the occasion too. The “Blossoms, Butterflies & Bees” theme of this year’s Fair should provide lots of ideas for costumes and decorations. This is a great opportunity for the community to have some fun with the occasion!

New things to look for at the fair this year: honey and maple syrup are new categories. There is sure to be some good competition to find out who has the best products in the area. This is the first year in a long while for a Poultry Show. Exhibitors across the County and beyond will be bringing their large fowl, bantams, waterfowl, turkeys, pigeons, and rabbits. There will be over 100 classes! The Poultry Show will include a Junior section open to exhibitors 16 years of age and under. A new display this year will demonstrate how the raw fur of alpacas can be turned into a saleable product. The Huron County Museum will be bringing objects for the “What Is It?” tent this year.

The Fair organizers are pleased to report that some volunteers have started to come forward, but more are needed for the work of putting on a fair of this size. Anyone who can spare a few hours to help out is kindly asked to email info@bayfieldfair.ca. Please include dates and times of availability. High school students who need extra hours to complete their volunteer service requirements for graduation are most welcome.

DO FENCE ME IN

The Bayfield Agricultural Society (BAS) held an old-fashioned work bee on Thursday, July 14 to remove and replace the damaged fencing along the Victoria Street boundary of the agricultural grounds. New fencing was needed to contain and prevent injury to any potential runaway horses at the Bayfield Community Fair. In these images: Surveyor Preston Jamieson and BAS President Vicky Culbert mark posthole positions and BAS Secretary Doug Yeo tightens T-post fence supports. (Submitted photos)

DONATION DATES FOR BOOK SALE ANNOUNCED

The Friends of Bayfield Library (FOBL) annual book sale at the Bayfield Public Library is a “Go” this year! Aug. 18-20 are the dates for one of the largest and best curated book sales in Huron County, offering books for all age groups and reading preferences, ensuring something for everyone!

The book sale dates and times are as follows: Thursday, Aug. 18,  4-6:30 p.m.; Friday, Aug. 19 and Saturday, Aug. 20, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. both days.

Weather permitting, some of the tables will be outside to help relieve any congestion inside the library. Social distancing measures will be in effect during the sale.

As in past years, FOBL depends on the generous donations of gently used books, games, puzzles, DVDs, and CDs from the community to make the sale a success. The donation drop-off dates and times are listed below. Please note, FOBL has new donation restrictions on what can and cannot be accepted. Anyone wishing to donate items for the sale should visit www.FOBL.ca to view or download the Donation Guidelines. Paper copies of the Donation Guidelines are also available at the library.

The donation drop-off dates and times are: Saturday, Aug. 13, Monday, Aug. 15 and Wednesday, Aug. 17, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; and Tuesday, Aug. 16,  4-7 p.m.

People are kindly asked to store books and other donation items at home until the drop-off dates. Please do not drop off or leave boxes of donation items outside the library as there is no space to store them.

Volunteers are needed! Anyone with an hour or two available to help with receiving and sorting books before the book sale or on the book sale dates is most welcome. Please email FOBL at contact@fobl.ca.

FOBL looks forward to welcoming everyone back to the book sale after a two-year absence!

FEEL GOOD REGGAE COMING TO TOWN HALL

Lazo (Submitted photo)

The Bayfield Town Hall Heritage Society has two more concerts remaining this summer sure to ignite some excitement among music lovers of all genres!

Lazo will take to the outdoor stage at the Bayfield Town Hall on Saturday, July 30. This Juno award winning artist exudes a “feel-good” Reggae vibe whenever he hits the stage with his “Exodus Show tribute to Bob Marley”.  With his combination of reggae rhythms, beautiful melodies, and conscious lyrics, audience goers say he has the uncanny ability to connect with any crowd.

The Bayfield Town Hall and the Bayfield Agricultural Society are joining forces to host a Rock Revival at the Bayfield Fairgrounds during the Bayfield Community Fair on Saturday, Aug. 20th.  This concert will feature two bands. The Stones Tribute Show will bring to life favorite Rolling Stones songs and Thunderstruck will take the stage in tribute to AC/DC.

For both of these outdoor shows, tickets cost $30 and participants are asked to bring their own chair. The gates will open at 6 pm. and the performers will take to the stage at 7 p.m. Please note Lazo is performing at the town hall while the tribute bands will play in Agricultural Park.

There will be a cash bar at both of the shows and tickets for both  are available now online at www.bayfieldtownhall.com. Please note there are no additional surcharges.

GENTLE GIANT IN NEED OF A HOME

Moose (Submitted photo)

Bayfield’s Forgotten Felines (BFF) has helped hundreds and hundreds of feral and abandoned cats find their forever homes but many are still waiting.

Moose is the Adopt a BFF cat of the week.

Deb Penhale, representing the BFF, says that many people ask for updates about Moose and so she is excited to let everyone know that he is ready for his forever home!

Moose is a big guy who was trapped by a person trying to catch a raccoon. They brought him to the Rescue. When he first arrived he was very shut down and quite timid. Fortunately, BFF was able to get him to the vet quickly for his neuter, at which time they discovered his tail was broken in at least seven places. The pain Moose must have been in! As a result of this discovery his tail was amputated.

Penhale noted that “even with everything he went through and all the pain he was in it didn’t take him long to warm up and now he has become the biggest cuddle bug.”

She shared that he loves attention and adores being petted. He is super easy-going with other cats. He is truly a gentle giant.

Anyone who would like to meet Moose is asked to please email bayfieldsforgottenfelines@gmail.com for more information.

The adoption fee is now $200. Adopted cats are vetted, shots are up-to-date and they are also spayed or neutered. Donations are also always appreciated. E-transfers can be sent to the Rescue’s email or email to arrange for a drop off or pick up of donations. Cheques can be mailed to Bayfield’s Forgotten Felines, P.O. Box 33, Bayfield, ON, N0M 1G0.

LIONS HOST SUMMER BINGO

PHOTOS BY MELODY FALCONER-POUNDER

Known best for their fabulous Turkey Bingo events in December the Bayfield Lions Club is added to their repertoire by hosting a Summer Bingo on Saturday, July 16 downstairs in the Bayfield Arena.

In celebration of their 75th anniversary, this event featured both regular and share-the-wealth games – sorry, there wasn’t any poultry this time around!

RESERVE A BUTTERFLY BY AUGUST 5TH

The Sixth Annual Huron Hospice Butterfly Release is scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 28. The butterfly is a universal symbol of transformation and the release is a much anticipated event by families and children across Huron County. It is a beautiful way to honor and remember losses in the community and r

ecognize the important work being done at the Hospice. It is also an important annual fundraiser for Huron Hospice.

“For the first time in a few years we will be able to have the butterfly release as a live, in-person event. It is remarkable to watch butterflies spread their wings and migrate south with other butterflies. The butterfly release will take place in the garden behind the Huron Hospice Bender House,” said Executive Director of Huron Hospice, Willy Van Klooster. “We will hold the release at Huron Hospice Bender House so families and their loved ones can join in the event.”

Families are encouraged to remember a loved one or a family friend by releasing a butterfly in a special place. It could be on the Lake Huron shoreline or in a favorite park or garden. Make it a special day to feel closer to loved ones. Children will gain an appreciation for the meaning of transformation and the life cycle of migrating butterflies. In a way, it is representative of howHuron Hospice brings together members of the community who are going through similar experiences and have the same passion to support the cause.

Butterflies are important pollinators for flower gardens and fields. Gardeners, farmers, winemakers and brewers all rely on pollinators. The International Butterfly Breeders Association (IBBA) has done thorough research on butterfly releases and demonstrates that these events are safe. Butterflies that are released, retain their instinct to migrate. When they join the annual migration they can find the food and shelter they need as they have for hundreds of years. In addition, butterfly releases decrease the need for the use of insecticides and increase opportunities to educate schools and other organizations.

All are invited to please join Huron Hospice and participate in their Sixth Annual Butterfly Release. Butterflies can be purchased for $40. They are available on eventbrite.ca or by email at chris.walker@huronhospice.ca. The deadline for orders is Aug. 5th! Visit the Huron Hospice website at www.huronhospice.ca for purchasing and pick up times.

NEW BUSINESS

PRETTY STORE FOR PET PARENTS OPENS

PHOTOS AND STORY BY MELODY FALCONER-POUNDER

People who take a stroll along the streets in Bayfield will no doubt notice a village phenomenon – lots of residents out for a walk with their dogs in tow – or being towed by their dogs – depending on the breed.

Therefore the addition of a new business on Main Street should be cause for some wagging tails and happy barks from the canine community as Bayfield Pet Corner has opened at 19 Bayfield Main Street.  Access to the store can be found off The Village Guild Shoppes courtyard. (Follow the signs!) Of course, Bayfield Pet Corner is not just for dogs – cats are loved equally here too.

Mariana Gamez, of Seaforth, opened the business on the Victoria Day weekend and received a welcoming reception.

“We had a good opening weekend and it was very exciting,” said Gamez. “Customers were commenting that ‘Bayfield needed this’ and that they were happy I came to town. I do hope that people come in and make suggestions as to what they would like to see in the store, specific toys or foods. I will do my best to help or get them something similar. I like to be knowledgeable about my products so that I can pass this information on to my customers.”

Gamez noted that her family has a background in animal care and this combined with her love for animals and customer service inspired her to open the store.

The family moved to Seaforth from Mississauga, ON three years ago. Her husband, Roy Alvarez, owns and operates RYM General Construction in Seaforth.  The couple have three children, Roy, 10; Rebecca, 9: and Regina (pronounced Rejina), 6. And of course, they have two French Bulldogs, Luna and Rocky. When Gamez first moved to Seaforth she worked at the Foodland grocery store there.

“It was a great way for a newcomer to get to know the community,” she said. “But I always wanted to own my own business. It was a friend that suggested I open a pet store.”

Bayfield Pet Corner may be in a small space (formerly Huron Fireplaces) but it is packed with all kinds of unique, interesting items as well as quality pet food and treats.

Gamez carries two brands of dog food, FROMM Family and Pulsar.   FROMM Family products are made by a fifth-generation family-owned-and-operated pet food company based in Wisconsin while Pulsar is a Canadian brand.

“Dogs deserve to eat healthy food that offers complete nutrition,” she said. “It was a local resident that asked if I could stock FROMM Family  products and I am happy to be able to carry them.”

Gamez also hopes to promote other entrepreneurs by carrying their unique products in the store as well as highlighting Mexican artisans. Gamez came to Canada with her family at the age of eight and has familial connections to the country.

She carries dog collars and harnesses for large dogs that are handcrafted in Mexico as well as an assortment of exquisitely beaded clay-sculpted canines that are sure to brighten any dog-lover’s home decor.

She also carries an assortment of cookies just for dogs from The Barkery in Stratford and harnesses and leashes by Fluffy Pooch.

And in keeping with the seasonal needs of the community the store sells specialty life jackets in all sizes so that  pooches can enjoy time on the water safely with their humans.

After the summer, Gamez is planning to create an online store to allow customers even more opportunities to shop for all their pet needs but for now she can be found on Instragram @bayfieldpetcorner or on Facebook at Bayfield Pet Corner. Currently, Bayfield Pet Corner is open weekdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and weekends 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

HELP PROTECT GREAT LAKES DURING PLASTIC FREE JULY

STORY BY RAY LETHEREN AND BETTY DURST

Many people will watch the sunset over majestic Lake Huron over the course of the summer. It is likely that during those times little thought is given to what is below the surface of the lake, a body of water that supplies 45 million people with fresh water for consumption. Countless aquatic species also depend on these waters for their survival.

The Great Lakes are also a reservoir for waste, beneath the surface, unseen by those admiring the sunset, a crisis of significant magnitude exists.  Some 35 threats to the waters have been identified in multiple studies; not the least of which is plastic.

Some 10,000 tonnes or 22 million pounds (60 single use bottles weigh one pound) of plastic enter the lakes every year and this unwelcomed contribution has been accumulating for well over 50 years.  This plastic comes from industrial production and human carelessness.  Every bottle, fishing line, plastic bag, beer can holder, straw or coffee cup lid adds to the problem. And plastic is making its way into our water, food, and the air we breathe. It is in our fish, wildlife, and our bodies.

By year’s end, the Federal government will impose restrictions on some single-use plastic products. However, many products such as single-use water bottles are not on the list.

Today (July 20), as part of Plastic Free July and their social media day of action,  Environmental Defence encourages all of the 45 million residents of the Great Lakes region to contact their elected officials to act to protect the lakes from this major threat known as single-use plastics.  Blue Bayfield supports this initiative.

Plastic does not biodegrade.  The Great Lakes contain twice the plastic per square kilometre than the oceans. Blue Bayfield encourages the  extension of the ban on single-use plastic to include drinking containers. Let’s support reusable packaging.  Elected officials at all levels must know people care: Federal – Minister of the Environment: Steven Guilbeault, email Steven.Guilbeault@parl.gc.ca; Provincial – Huron Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson, email  lisa.thompsonco@pc.ola.org; and Municipal, Mayor of Bluewater, Paul Klopp, email pklopp@municipalityofbluewater.ca.

To the credit of Bayfield, it took the lead in becoming plastic free.  The majority of restaurants and citizens endorsed the efforts to rid the village of unnecessary single use plastics. Bayfield became the first community in North America to be recognized as plastic free.  It received national and international recognition for this endeavor.  To support this effort, Blue Bayfield, and sponsors, installed five stations for refilling bottles with water throughout the village.

Blue Bayfield recently released a book about the threats to the lakes, entitled, “The Great Lakes: A Time of Reckoning”. Print copies of the book are available at The Village Bookshop and online at www.bluebayfield.ca.

Perhaps the philosophy of Indigenous people should be heeded. First Nations recognize the sacredness of water, the interconnectedness of all life and the importance of protecting water from pollution, drought and waste. Water is the giver of all life and without clean water all life will perish.

COVID-19 BOOSTER ELIGIBILITY EXPANDED

On July 13, the Ontario government announced that it is expanding eligibility for second booster doses of COVID-19 vaccine to all Ontarians aged 18 and over.  Those newly eligible individuals were able to make an appointment starting on Thursday, July 14.

A second booster will provide an extra layer of protection to those who choose to be vaccinated and is now also recommended for individuals aged 18 and over who are moderately to severely immunocompromised. Groups who were already eligible and recommended to receive a second booster dose include those aged 60 and over; residents of long-term care homes, retirement homes, and Elder Care Lodges; older adults in congregate living settings; and First Nation, Inuit and Métis individuals and their non-Indigenous household members aged 18 and over.

Second booster doses are being offered at an interval of five months after an individual receives their first booster dose.

Ontario is experiencing a seventh wave of COVID-19, driven by the BA.5 subvariant of Omicron. People who have not yet received their first booster dose are reminded that the first booster dose is especially important as COVID-19 transmission is elevated in Ontario.  Protection after a primary COVID-19 vaccine series (two doses for most people) decreases over time, especially against the Omicron variant. COVID-19 vaccine booster doses help to increase protection against symptomatic infection and severe outcomes at the individual level, and help to reduce transmission at the population level.

Expanded second booster dose eligibility allows people to make a decision based on their personal circumstances. Individuals who are unsure whether a second booster dose is right for them at this time should speak to their healthcare provider.

“COVID-19 vaccines continue to provide the best protection against severe illness, hospitalization and death,” said Medical Officer of Health for Huron Perth, Dr. Miriam Klassen.   “A booster provides additional protection after immunity has decreased, especially for those who are more vulnerable to severe illness.  Stay up to date with your COVID-19 vaccinations by receiving all doses recommended, based on your age and health status.”  See Staying Up to Date with COVID-19 Vaccines: Recommended Doses for more information.

Huron Perth Public Health (HPPH) has scheduled additional COVID-19 vaccination clinics in the next two weeks and will continue to offer clinics over the summer.

People can find dates and locations for HPPH vaccination clinics by clicking here: Get Vaccinated. Clinics are by appointment only.  Pregnant individuals and children ages five to 11 can walk into any HPPH clinic.

Book an appointment for an HPPH clinic online by clicking here: Book Vaccination;  by calling the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900; or by calling the HPPH booking line at 1-833-753-2098 – Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

COVID-19 vaccinations are also still available through some pharmacies and primary care providers.

A reminder that mask use continues in HPPH clinical services and HPPH public areas, including on-site and community vaccine clinics. HPPH staff will be masked, and they ask everyone who attends to wear a mask. Masks will be available for use.

In addition, people are asked to please not attend a vaccine clinic if they are feeling unwell, have a fever or COVID-19 symptoms, are waiting for COVID-19 test results, or  are isolating.

Anyone who has symptoms of COVID-19, or tests positive for the virus, is required to isolate. Visit Ontario.ca/exposed or call the toll-free Provincial Testing and Isolation Information Line at 1-888-777-0730 for more information.