BAYFIELD PACC ANNOUNCES NEW EXECUTIVE

The Bayfield PACC is pleased to announce their new officers for 2023 l-r: Janet Deline with Lissie, Jeff Kish with Abby, Peter Brent with Violet and Finnegan, and Susan Easton with Tucker. (Photo by Jack Pal)

The Bayfield PACC (People and Canine Community) Board of Directors have been busy working in the background on possible dog park locations, both with private landowners and the Municipality of Bluewater, and will provide an update in the next few weeks.

While that is percolating, Bayfield PACC is pleased to announce their new officers for 2023: Jeff Kish, president; Peter Brent, vice-president; Susan Easton, treasurer; and Janet Deline, secretary.

PACC thanks Julaine Brent and Sean Taylor for their service as President and Treasurer, respectively, in the start-up of PACC, and are happy to report that they are continuing as Board Members, along with Jack Pal, Dave MacLaren and Suzan Johnson.

PACC’s 2023 membership drive will be kicking off soon, and the membership form and details are on the website at www.bayfieldpacc.com.

Bayfield PACC is looking to grow the “Dog Tales” series from 2021 and 2022, and are interested in hearing from residents that have an interesting story about how they came to acquire their dog.  Whether this pet came from near or far, please contact Bayfield PACC to share the story, at bayfieldpacc@gmail.com, or through the Bayfield PACC website, Facebook or Instagram pages.

Bayfield PACC encourages everyone to join Bayfield Trails on their Ninth Annual Earth Day Village Clean Up.  Please bring family, friends, and on-leash pups to Clan Gregor Square at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Apr. 22, to join in the clean up fun!

Bayfield People and Canine Community, Inc. (Bayfield PACC) is a registered not-for-profit in Ontario with a volunteer board of directors. Bayfield PACC is supported by an active group of responsible dog owners and volunteers in the community and by like-minded friends of Bayfield PACC on Facebook and Instagram. For more information please visit: www.bayfieldpacc.com.

CLOSE TO ONE HUNDRED EXHIBITORS TO ATTEND BAYFIELD HOME AND LEISURE SHOW

Watson’s Home Hardware in Goderich had a cheerful spring display at the Home and Leisure Show in 2022. Close to hundred exhibitors are set to take part in the 2023 show coming up in April. (Photo by Melody Falconer-Pounder)

The annual Bayfield Lions Club Home and Leisure Show is back and better than ever! It is the event of the season for homeowners, buyers, renovators, DIYers and more! And it’s springing up fast this year. People are encouraged to mark their  calendars for Apr. 22- 23.

The show will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.  The Lions Club pride themselves on making this event “free to the public” and although the admission is free, they gratefully accept donations to the local food bank.

Attendees are asked to remember to get their door prize ticket when they enter, then proceed to “Open Expo” located on the main floor. Those who work up an appetite strolling the booths can grab a bite at the food court upstairs as they stroll by even more exhibitors.

A highlight of this year’s show will be the display of an original Penhale Carriage. It was crafted by the late Tom Penhale of Bayfield who found international fame as the world’s foremost maker of horse-drawn wagons. Snippety the Clown will be on hand to provide free face painting for the kids while the big kids will no doubt enjoy a stroll outside to see an exhibit of fun recreational vehicles.

This is going to be one of the biggest home and leisure shows in the area, not only because it’s the only Home Show in the area, but because it’s a full show of everything needed to get ready for the Spring and Summer seasons be it home, cottage, camper or rental.

Visitors can look forward to seeing close to 100 exhibitors located upstairs and downstairs and outside of the Bayfield Community Centre and Arena, including: park models, trailers, bear chairs, home improvement, electric bikes, and even a hot tub.

“We sold out of our main floor Exhibitor booths very quickly this year,” noted Tony Van Bakel, of the Bayfield Lions Home Show Committee.  “I think it had to do with the earlier start of our marketing this year.”

For anyone interested in signing on as an Exhibitor there are two options left: upstairs booths for $350 and outdoor booths for $150.  This year, the Lions Club Committee is extra excited about a great show with some fascinating exhibitor arrangements for inside and outside the community centre and arena.

This is a great way to celebrate the warmer seasons in Bayfield, as the days will be brighter, the flowers will be starting to blossom and the buds will be popping on the trees!  The Lions invite everyone to help them welcome Spring and come on out and experience this one-of-a-kind show!

For more information visit: bayfieldlions.ca.

PANCAKE BRUNCH AND SCHILBE SUGAR BUSH TOUR RETURNS

Snowflakes were in the air when people boarded the hay wagon bound for the Schilbe Sugar Bush on a tractor capably driven by Paul Aldwinkle during the 2018 event. Apr. 1st is the date to save in 2023. (Photo by Melody Falconer-Pounder)

On Saturday, Apr. 1st, no fooling, it will be pancake breakfast time!

Volunteers, with the Bayfield Area Food Bank (BAFB) and Trinity St. James Anglican Church, are joining together to host the 11th Pancake ‘N Sausage Brunch and Schilbe Sugar Bush Tour from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Pine Lake Campground.

On the menu for brunch will be genuine Maple syrup poured over hot pancakes and sausage accompanied by coffee, tea and juice.

For those who can’t get enough of the sweet stuff Rick and Rusty Schilbe’s Maple Syrup will be available for purchase. Folks will also be able to purchase a box or two of Classic Girl Guide Cookies as members of Bayfield Guiding will be in attendance as well.

Before or after partaking in the brunch served in the Campground’s Recreation Hall, people can hop on a wagon for a short tractor ride from the campground through Rick and Rusty Schilbe’s Sugar Bush to the shanty. Once at their destination they will see first hand how Maple Syrup is produced.

Tickets will be sold at the door: $12 for adults, $6 for children under 12; and preschoolers free. All proceeds will be shared between BAFB and Trinity St James. Come and join in this celebration of community, springtime and food security.

Pine Lake Campground is located at 77794 Orchard Line, Bayfield.

FILM CIRCUIT MOVIES COMING TO VILLAGE

The Bayfield Indie Film Series will soon be making its debut!

“You know what Bayfield needs? It needs cool movies!” 

So said a small group of Bayfield residents last summer and they decided to go for it. These residents thought there must be others like themselves who wanted to see independent Canadian and international films in Bayfield, so Bayfield Indie Film Series, a not-for-profit, community-spirited group was born! They talked to Film Circuit, the national film outreach program for the Toronto International Film Festival group (TIFF), and decided to become a part of the Film Circuit community.

Founded in 1989, Film Circuit has partnered with grassroots communities all across Canada to bring the best of Canadian and world cinema across the country. Film Circuit offers filmgoers an opportunity to see films that may not otherwise be available in their region.

The Bayfield Indie Film Series will be debuting three films at the Bayfield Town Hall all on Wednesdays: “Aftersun”, Apr. 12; “Decision to Leave”, May 10; and “Trigger Point”, June 7. The doors will open at 6:30 p.m. and showtime will be 7 p.m. With community at the heart of this venture, organizers plan to include some special additional features people won’t want to miss.

Film enthusiasts can purchase Spring Season Passes at The Village Bookshop, located at 24 Main Street North, for just $30, or tickets will be available to purchase at the door, on the night of the film, for $12 each. Snacks and beverages will be available for purchase, as well.

Bayfield Indie Film Series is excited and proud to begin this new venture and look forward to seeing community members at the films!

For regular updates, follow @bayfieldindiefilmseries on Instagram and FaceBook. For any additional information, please email bayfieldfilms@gmail.com.

The Bayfield Town Hall is located at 11 The Square in the village.

BAYFIELD READS THIS SUNDAY

Residents and book-lovers are invited to come out and cheer for their friends and neighbors at Bayfield Reads this Sunday, March 26 at the Bayfield Town Hall.

Bayfield Reads is the village’s own local version of Canada Reads – every year CBC chooses five Canadian books each defended by a notable Canadian. The theme for 2023 as determined by the CBC is: “One book to shift your perspective.” Local defenders have been charged with articulating why the book they are defending is truly the one to shift people’s perspective. The event will commence at 2 p.m.

Those who attend will be able to vote on the popular “People’s Choice Award” but the panel of local Judges including Abby Armstrong, Rachael Rishworth and Ralph Blasting will have the final say.

Bayfield has its own group of notable defenders. They, along with the books they are defending, are: Dave MacLaren, Ducks by Kate Beaton;  Judy Whittaker, Greenwood by Michael Christie; Tina Bax, Hotline by Dimitri Nasrallah; Kristin Strang, Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia; and Tyler Hessel, Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel.

All the Canada Reads Books for 2023, are available for purchase at The Village Bookshop located at 24 Main Street North in the village or online at villagebookshop.ca.

Tickets to Bayfield Reads will be $5 at the door and refreshments are included.

CANDLELIGHT WALK TWO WEEKS AWAY

Weather permitting on Apr. 1 along the Taylor Trail in Varna, volunteers will place hundreds of candle-lit lanterns, lighting the pine forest path for the Second Annual Candlelight Memorial Walk. (Submitted photo)

There are just two weeks remaining until the Second Annual Candlelight Memorial Walk will be held on the Taylor Trail in Varna. On Apr. 1st the entire trail will be lit by hundreds of candle-lit lanterns, making the experience for walkers magical.

This event is being organized by volunteers from Huron Hospice and the Bayfield River Valley Trails Association (BRVTA) to raise funds for the hospice. The walk will begin at 7 p.m. In case of inclement weather, the event will be postponed until Apr. 2nd.

Participants have the opportunity to make a tax-deductible donation to light a candle in memory of a loved one. Memorial names will be read during the dedication service at 8 p.m. while participants warm up with a cup of hot chocolate. This event is suitable for all age groups and the 1 km self-guided walk is on an accessible nature trail.

All proceeds of this event will go towards nursing care at Huron Hospice. Unlike hospitals, hospices in Ontario receive only partial funding for their daily operating costs, while services are free of charge.

For more information or to donate, visit Huron Hospice events or call Roger Mather at 905 630-3571.

CAT THAT VOCALIZES LIKE A BIRD AMONG FEATURED ADOPTEES

Rosemary AKA Pigeon/Cricket (Submitted photos)

Due to rising veterinary and care costs, Bayfield’s Forgotten Felines (BFF) will be raising their adoption fees. The good news is that this will not be happening until April and they currently have many amazing cats and kittens available for adoption at the low fee of $200. Now is the time to add a loving cat or kitten to the family. BFF’s cats are spayed/neutered and vaccinated. They have a cat for everyone’s lifestyle and personality.

The Adopt a BFF cats of the week are Opal, Rosemary and Mia.

Opal is a retired momma, but don’t let her calm demeanor fool you. She can play with the best of them. This beautiful Calico is very affectionate and does well with other cats, dogs and children.

Rosemary is a gorgeous, silver Tabby that the volunteers at the Rescue have nicknamed “Cricket” or “Pigeon” due to her unique twittering vocalization. A retired feral momma, she is looking for someone who has the patience to give her time to settle into her new home. Volunteers believe that it will be well worth it. She has come so far already and often rolls around in her enclosure with her big “come pet me” eyes.

Who said black cats are bad luck? Mia brings joy to everyone she meets. Whether playing, cuddling or just being held, Mia is content. She is a small girl and does well with other cats and children. She would be a wonderful addition to any family. Oh, and Mia has a lovely brother if two is your lucky number.

There are many more lovelies like Opal, Rosemary and Mia ready to go to a home and now is the perfect time for adoption. BFF volunteers look forward to hearing from potential adoptees and helping them find their perfect family member.

To learn more please contact BFF via email at bayfieldsforgottenfelines@gmail.com. The adoption fee remains at  $200 until April. Adopted cats are vetted, shots are up-to-date and they are also spayed or neutered. Not able to adopt but still want to help? Donations are always gratefully accepted and can be e-transferred to the email above.

IN MEMORIAM

WELL RESPECTED DOCTOR LEFT MARK ON WHOLE  OF BLUEWATER

Dr. Charles Wallace was the Parade Marshall for the 2014 Bayfield Fair Parade. He was transported along the route in a convertible driven by Jamie McDougall. Dr. Wallace died on March 18 at the age of 93. (Photo by Melody Falconer-Pounder)

The community will no doubt be saddened to learn of the recent death of a very well respected citizen – Dr. Charles James Wallace.

Peacefully, surrounded by his family at the South Huron Hospital, Exeter on Saturday, March 18 at the age of 93. Long-time resident of Bayfield and formerly of Zurich and Grand Bend.

Loving husband of Moira (Doyle) Wallace for almost 70 years. Beloved father of Andrew Wallace (Taehyun Ahn) of Toronto, and Deirdre Denholm (Gregg) of Michigan. Proud grandfather of Graeme Wallace (Rizaline) of Toronto and Julia Wallace (Matthew Schichter) of Toronto and great-grandfather of his namesake, Charles James Wallace. Fondly remembered by many cousins, nieces and nephews around the world. Predeceased by his parents James and Jean (McCallum) Wallace, and his sister Elisabeth Baur.

Born Nov. 3, 1929, on an army base in Sialkot, then British-occupied India, he spent his early childhood in Burma (now Myanmar). This was sadly interrupted by the outbreak of war which saw Charles and Elisabeth moved to the safety and care of their maternal grandparents (“Grits and Grumps” McCallum) in Ardrishaig, Scotland. Here they would learn in 1943 of the tragic death of their father, James, a Lieutenant-Colonel in the Indian Army, in the defence of the Burma Road.

Charles completed his medical training at Guy’s Hospital, London during the 1950s, where he was active in the boxing club, receiving more than a few black eyes. He was also active in the local London jazz scene and became a competent clarinetist. There he met Moira and many of his life-long friends. He did well as a student and won a prize for cardiology. He was convinced that it was important to thoroughly examine patients, as that was the best way to learn. He was certainly gifted at diagnosis.

After beginning his medical career in Cardiff, Wales, he joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1961 on a three year commission and was stationed in Centralia. At the end of his service period, he was approached by a delegation from the local village of Zurich who asked if he would consider working there. He thought it over and decided to give it a try, and the rest is history. Charles served the medical needs of the local community for the next 50-odd years, earning their love and respect. Notable was his work to establish the Bluewater Rest Home in Zurich, of which he was the first Chairman (and a later resident) and becoming one of the first doctors in Ontario to employ a nurse practitioner, Margaret (Maggie) Visscher.

Charles was grateful to the community for the wonderful send-off he received following his retirement in 2014.

Friends are invited to gather at the Coach House at Hessenland Inn, 72981 Bluewater Highway, Zurich on Saturday, June 17  from 1-5 p.m.  To RSVP please send an email to drwallacememorial@gmail.com. A private family interment will be held at the Bayfield Cemetery.

Donations in his memory may be directed to the Bluewater Rest Home Zurich or Covenant House. Haskett Funeral Home in Zurich has been entrusted with arrangements.

WINNER OF STOCKHOLM JUNIOR WATER PRIZE PRESENTS RESEARCH AT ABCA EVENT

Sarnia secondary school student Annabelle Rayson, who in 2022, received the Stockholm Junior Water Prize, in person, from HRH Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden, was the keynote speaker at the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Partner Appreciation Evening held on March 16 at Ironwood Golf Club east of Exeter. (Submitted photo)

Close to 60 people attended Ausable Bayfield Conservation’s Partner Appreciation Evening on March 16 and heard a presentation by Annabelle Rayson, winner of the 2022 Stockholm Junior Water Prize.

The Sarnia student provided the keynote presentation about “Algae Blooms and Research on How to Treat Them and Prevent Them in the Great Lakes”. Annabelle discussed her award-winning research on how distinct genotypes of Daphnia magna (a type of Zooplankton, a tiny organism that eats algae, and a naturally occurring keystone species to the Great Lakes), might be used to eat algae and reduce algal blooms. Annabelle told the crowd about five experiments and 195 tests she performed in her research. She conducted tests that included different species of Daphnia magna and algae to determine which genotype would work best at consuming the more toxic forms of algae. In her tests, she found a genotype that she said is a promising candidate for the treatment of harmful algae blooms.

Annabelle is hoping to continue and further test her research and, upon successful testing, obtain the approvals necessary to employ zooplankton enhancement to reduce algae blooms.

“I am hoping to continue my research at university to eventually have it tested and approved… so I can implement it as a solution for harmful algae bloom treatment and prevention,” she said.

The proposed strategy of increasing the presence of this naturally-occurring zooplankton in the Great Lakes would be, she said, “ … a sustainable method that can actually prevent algae blooms.” It could also prevent exposing lakes to toxic algaecides and other harmful chemicals.

“The future sustainable algae bloom prevention will be much cleaner, which will help to ensure clean water access and healthy lakes for all,” she said.

Annabelle is a Grade 12 student from St. Patrick’s Catholic High School in Sarnia. She received the Stockholm Junior Water Prize, in person, from HRH Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden. Annabelle has attended three national, Canada-wide Science Fair competitions, including 2022, and has been an award winner. Annabelle took part (2022), in the Netherlands, in the European Union Contest for Young Scientists.

The annual early-evening event, to honor community conservation partners and to present the Conservationist of the Year Award, was held in person for the first time since 2019. It took place at Ironwood Golf Club east of Exeter.

ORGANIZATION AND RURAL PLACE AS A PROCESS EXPLAINED DURING LECTURE

Partricipants in the most recent virtual lecture series hosted by Gateway Centre of Excellence in Rural Health were clockwise from top left: Scott Brown, PhD, Research associate for Gateway; Jay McFarlan, Board member and Research chair of Rural Nutrition and Exercise for Gateway; Paul Nichol, General manager, Community Futures Huron; and Peter Smith, Executive and Creative director, Canadian Centre for Rural Creativity. (Submitted photo)

On Tuesday, March 7, Gateway Centre of Excellence in Rural Health (Gateway) hosted their 22nd Virtual Lecture Series Event with the topic “Gateway: At the Intersection of Organization & Place”.

“A good way to describe Gateway is to simply refer to its name, Gateway (Portal), it’s been very appropriately named. Essentially Gateway is a portal for rural health research that aims to build up the research capacity in the area,” said Dr. Scott Brown

The lecture was hosted by Nancy Simpson, Board secretary for Gateway;  and featured keynote speaker, Scott Brown, PhD, Research associate for Gateway. Additionally, the event featured panelists: Peter Smith, Executive and Creative director, Canadian Centre for Rural Creativity; Paul Nichol, General manager, Community Futures Huron; and Jay McFarlan, Board member and Research chair of Rural Nutrition and Exercise for Gateway.

Brown is a recent PhD graduate from the University of Guelph and has a passion for rural geography, capacity development, organizational development, organizational studies, and process philosophy.

Brown began his presentation by explaining the quick theories of rural place as a process and organization as a process. Soon after, he elaborated on these theories by speaking to Gateway’s organizational endurance and contribution or “rural place-making”. Brown spoke to a model produced by Keith Halfacree based on rural space that aligns real practices, concepts and discourses, and subjective experience, goals and meaning. Relating this model to practice, Brown references Gateway activities including community-based research which involves passionate board members, research chairs, and students.

After the presentation, Brown led the panelist discussion. McFarlan shared his experience with Gateway and expressed the value of having key individuals to lead and drive the organization. Smith told a story regarding his time as Artistic Director at the Blyth Festival and explained that the voice of the community has had a huge impact on the movement and revitalization of the Blyth Memorial Community Hall. Finally, Nichol gave insight into the importance of place-making in relation to Huron County and those who are working towards making change in this area.

All are invited to attend the next Gateway Rural Health Lecture on Tuesday, Apr. 4, by registering on their website: Gateway Lecture Series. In this lecture, Sheila Schuehlein and Sarah Versteeg will highlight two successful and locally conducted examples (Lonely No More Program and Connectedness Coaching) of transforming research into community-based action. Their presentation is entitled, “Enhancing the Resilience of Our Rural Communities: Moving Knowledge into Practice”.

Gateway recognizes their generous donors for their support of this lecture series.

GODERICH LIONS HOST INSPIRATIONAL TALKS

Brian O’Reilly (Submitted photo)

The Goderich Lions are thrilled to announce their upcoming series of wellness talks featuring Brian O’Reilly of Human Potential Plus. With over 40 years of experience as a high-performance life coach, O’Reilly is set to deliver a series of four insightful and inspiring talks entitled, “Creating a Caring Community”.

The talks will be held every Monday evening in April and will be hosted at the Mackay Center in Goderich. Doors will open at 6:45 p.m. to allow attendees to get settled before the talks begin.

As a community organization committed to promoting wellness, the Goderich Lions are proud to offer this event free of charge to anyone interested in attending. While donations are welcome, the primary goal is to provide access to invaluable information and insights from a seasoned expert.

“We’re excited to bring Brian O’Reilly to our community,” said John Maaskant, the vice-president of the Goderich Lions. “His wealth of knowledge and experience as a high-performance life coach is exactly what many of us need during these challenging times. We’re proud to be able to offer this series of talks to everyone who wants to learn and grow.”

The Goderich Lions encourage anyone interested in attending to mark their calendars and plan to attend all four talks. With each session building upon the last, attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of what it means to live a well-rounded and fulfilling life.

The session topics and dates are as follows: Apr. 3rd, “Living into Being a Good Human”;  Apr. 10, “Understanding Conditioned Unhappiness”; Apr. 17, “Reading your Own Book – The Within and Without”; Apr. 24, “The Deep Conditioning of Fear, Depression and Anger”.

For more information on the series of wellness talks, please visit the Goderich Lions’ Facebook Page.

LIGHT UP THE COMMUNITY WITH LOVE FOR HEALTHCARE WORKERS

Hearts in the two sizes pictured, but in Neon Blue, are now available from Wuerth’s Shoes on The Square in Goderich as a fundraiser for the Alexandra Marine and General Hospital Foundation. (Submitted photo)

The Alexandra Marine & General Hospital Foundation (AMGHF) is launching a new campaign in support of their treasured healthcare team.

The AMGHF is undertaking a new fundraiser and they hope that as a community people will join with them and show their love for their frontline workers with the purchase of a ‘Hero Heart’.  The AMGHF wants to help the community recognize their Healthcare/Frontline workers in a tangible and visible form. The AMGHF knows firsthand how hard they have worked and continue to work, and they are tired.

“As we reflect on the struggles and challenges brought on by this pandemic, there is also much to be grateful for. Many thanks go out to all the staff and physicians involved in the pandemic response. Thank you to our community and partners for supporting us and each other as we navigated through this once in a lifetime global event,”  said Jimmy Trieu, CEO and president, Huron Health System. “Let us be reminded that when we work together, we can tackle challenges that come our way.  The fight continues and we are prepared to care for the most vulnerable.”

Let’s light up the community with love for them.

“We have partnered with Our Glowing Hearts and we want to see a Neon Blue Heart in as many windows as possible. The hearts can remain in your window as long as you like, all year – even better!” said Sherry Marshall, Board chair, AMGHF. “Drop by Wuerth’s Shoes downtown Goderich (142 The Square) for a look at how beautiful these hearts are, and look around the community to see how many of our local businesses and residents are joining in. Join us and light up our community with love.”

This beautifully crafted LED neon heart is dedicated to the healthcare heroes who have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic. The heart is designed so that people can give it to a healthcare hero or place it in their front window to spread love to anyone passing by. Every heart comes with a baseplate and a screw for securely attaching it to the base plate. The base plate provides a sturdy base to place on a window sill. The frame is routered out of 3/4″ laminated hardwood, hand sanded, and assembled in Canada.  Each heart is unique and variations should be expected and treasured as a unique element. There are two sizes: Large – 12’x10’ and The Mini Heart – 7’x7’.

“We are so grateful for our healthcare team at Alexandra Marine and General Hospital. We have so many dedicated people at AMGH, they make it all work everyday, all day and all night. They are here for all of you,” said Kimberley Payne,  Executive director, AMGHF.  “We can show them in this beautiful, visible way how much we appreciate them. Let’s light up the community with love.”

For more information or to place an order for a Hero Heart please contact Kimberley Payne at kimberley.payne@amgh.ca or call 519 524-8508.

The AMGHF works in partnership with AMGH to ensure that quality health care is available to all residents of Huron County and neighboring communities. The AMGHF has been helping to enhance patient care and safety since 1993.

EASTER MAKERS MARKET RAISES FUNDS FOR KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS

Cindy Scholten, owner of Edge Wood Decor, hosted the first annual Easter Makers Market last Saturday, March 18 at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Goderich.

“Everything I do is community minded, and in support of small business ,” said Scholten. “This event really showcased our local small business owners and artists. For many of them, these types of events are the only avenue for them to get the facetime they need with their customers.”

The event consisted of artists, crafters and small business owners. On hand to show his support of the event and its vendors was Central Huron Mayor Jim Ginn.

Highlighting the importance of the entrepreneurial spirit, Mayor Ginn said in his greetings “…often booths like this grow into amazing, amazing businesses, these things (events) are really important for our communities. My thanks go to Cindy for organizing this, she does a great job and definitely has the entrepreneurial spirit we need around here.”

Scholten also hosted the Farmers Market Christmas Craft Sale last November at the Knights of Columbus Hall.

“We raised over $1000 at that event,” said Scholten. “Thanks to the generosity of the community I’m happy to report we raised another $1,132.05 for the Knights and the good charities they support here in Huron County.

“It was a fun day for everyone. Families enjoyed the live music by Kim Ladd as well as the Easter Bunny on stage. We did have a few snags and were unable to produce the live bunnies, but I promise we are working on that for next time. Thanks to all who came out to have fun and support our community.”

The winner of the “Most Loved Booth” went to Mardelle King, owner of Cakes, Cookies and Coffee.

Vendors looking for information on future Edge Wood Decor events can contact Scholten by emailing cindy.scholten007@gmail.com.