HURON COUNTY’S ORIGINAL BEVERAGE AND FOOD FESTIVAL THIS SATURDAY

Huron County’s original beverage and food festival is set for this Saturday, May 13 on the floor of the Bayfield Arena. Tickets will not be available at the door so now is the time to purchase them! (Photo by Melody Falconer-Pounder)

Bayfield Arena Community Partners Association (BACPA) and the Bayfield Community Centre Team (BCCT) are gearing up for the return of Huron County’s original and largest beverage and food Festival this Saturday, May 13.

Twenty-two beverage and food vendors will be showcased at this most highly anticipated spring event returning for its seventh year at the Bayfield Community Centre and Arena.

Tickets are going fast for the Festival that includes entertainment provided by three bands, “Steph & the Roadhounds”; “Side Road Reunion”; and solo, acoustic performer, Darryl Romphf.

“This is our major fundraiser and 100 percent of the proceeds go back into both youth sports and senior programs for equipment and subsidies at our facility so everyone can play and stay fit,” said Bill Whetstone, co-event chair.

The event will run from 2-9 p.m. Tickets are $45 per person and will include eight food sample tickets and eight drink tickets. Designated Driver tickets are also available for $30 and include eight food sample tickets. Please note tickets will not be available at the door.

Limited tickets are available now via: Eventbrite – Bayfield Beer & Food Festival or at these Bayfield Main Street locations: Shop Bike Coffee Roasters, Bayfield Brewing Company, and The Albion Hotel. They are also available at River Road Brewing and Hops, 35449 Bayfield River Road; or by calling Whetstone at 519 955-06

OPTIMISTS DUCKS SELLING QUICKLY

Volunteers were busy conducting some dry-land training exercises with the ducks last week at the Bayfield Arena. Well, actually they were sorting to ensure every duck was accounted for prior to race day, May 21st! (Photo by Melody Falconer-Pounder)

The ducks are selling quickly! The Club will be holding their annual Rubber Duck Race on May 21.

The race can be best viewed at the South Pier of the Bayfield Harbour – the plastic waterfowl will be set free at 1 p.m.

A limited number of tickets are now available from club members and are selling for $5 each or five chances for $20. Only 1,250 ducks will be “sold”. This event is always a sell out so to avoid disappointment at the pier don’t wait until the last minute to purchase.

This year the first six ducks that cross the finish line will win prizes. First prize is a gas barbecue valued at $450 and donated by Lake Huron Realty. Second prize is a television set, donated by Brian Coombs’ Remax Reliable Realty. It is valued at $250. Third prize is an Amazon 8”’ Fire Tablet 32 GB valued at $140 and donated by Lighthouse Money Management. Fourth prize is a $100 gift certificate for Rona donated by Meinen Custom Homes. Fifth prize is a $100 gift certificate donated for and by Gold Coast Landscaping. Sixth prize is a $50 gift certificate donated for and by The Albion Hotel.

Tickets are available at Brandon’s Hardware, 15 The Square in the village; and from club members.

Money raised from the race will go toward the Optimist Club’s many “friends of youth” projects. Licence #M800587

SAILS CAN BE VIEWED THIS WEEKEND

The Bayfield Sails Project initiated by the Bayfield Centre for the Arts (BCA) in 2022 is about to culminate in a special viewing of the completed sailboat sculptures at an event in Clan Gregor Square this coming weekend May 13-14.

The Bayfield Sails Project is intended to honor the marine history of Bayfield and Lake Huron. The completed project consists of six sailboat sculptures, made of iron and powder coated, with “sails” made of lexan. Late last year the call was put out for artists to apply to be chosen to hand paint the sails and now it is time to preview the results.

“People are invited to come out to see the six fabulous iron sailboat sculptures before they are installed on municipal land in Bayfield this spring,” said Leslee Squirrell, president of the BCA.

The sailboats were designed and handmade by blacksmith Jim Wallace of Sharpes Creek Forge near Goderich. The design of the hulls replicates specific boats such as the locally renowned “Helen McLeod” as well as the sailboats manufactured by Bayfield Boat Works.

Those who attend the event will also have an opportunity to meet all six of the artists chosen to paint a unique “sail” for the sailboats.

The sailboats will be a permanent installation within the village changing “sails” every one to two years. Each boat will sport a  QR code that will take the viewer to a page of local historical information as well as information about the artist and their website if they have one.

The sailboats will be displayed under a tent in Clan Gregor Square from Noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

The artists involved in the project will be present on Saturday and an opening ceremony with remarks by dignitaries will be held at 12:30 p.m. On Sunday visitors to the installation will not only get to see the works but pick up a free potted Petunia or Geranium courtesy of the BCA in recognition of it being Mother’s Day. There are a limited number of plants available so visitors are encouraged to come early.

“It is hoped that this project will  bring further vitality and prosperity to this unique and beautiful village and public marina,” concluded Squirrell.

THEMED HIKES UPCOMING FOR BAYFIELD TRAILS

The Bayfield River Valley Trail Association (BRVTA) will be hosting three specially themed hikes over the next few weeks.

To start things off a Birdwatching Hike will be held on May 20 at Windmill Farm with George Ebers as the guide. The hike will begin at 8:30 a.m. and is open to BRVTA members only.

There is a limit of 20 participants, and interested individuals are asked to pre-register by emailing Hike Coordinator Ralph Blasting at rjblastingjr@gmail.com. Anyone who would like to become a member of the BRVTA can register at: Memberships. Please leave canine friends at home for this hike.

On Saturday, June 10 at 10 a.m. the BRVTA is proud to host their First Annual Pride Hike in recognition of Pride Month. All are welcome with a special invitation to members of the LGBTQAI2S+ community. The hike will be on the Woodland Trail but participants will meet at the gazebo in Clan Gregor Square in the village.  The hike from there is 5 km and will last about 90 minutes.  Dogs on leash welcome. For more info please go to bayfieldtrails.com/events or contact Blasting at the email listed above or by calling 519 525-3205.

This hike is being offered in association with the first Huron County Pride Festival to be held in the Courthouse Square in Goderich also on June 10. This full day of Pride fun and community will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.  More information is available at huroncountypride.ca.

The annual National Indigenous Peoples Day hike will take place on Saturday, June 17 at 10 a.m. at the Varna Nature Trails on Mill Road, 1 km west of Varna. Organizers will welcome Jordan George as their special guest. Jordan is a Kettle and Stony Point member who specializes in Indigenous research. He will share the history of Indigenous peoples in the Bayfield area. He has recently collaborated with the Bayfield Historical Society. To learn more about the First Nations on the Huron Tract and to meet Jordan, go to www.bayfieldhistorical.ca/. All are welcome for the hike including canine companions.

The schedule is subject to change, so always check for updates in the Bayfield Breeze, the BRVTA Facebook page and the Municipality of Bluewater events calendar, or contact the hike coordinator. His contact info is listed above.

“DECISION TO LEAVE” SHOWING TONIGHT

Tonight, May 9,  Bayfield Indie Film Series presents the much anticipated murder-mystery film “Decision to Leave”, showing at the Bayfield Town Hall.

The doors will open at 6:30 p.m.  and showtime is 7 p.m.

To add to the excitement, there will be a short trivia challenge prior to the film. The audience is encouraged to brush up on their knowledge of murder-mystery films. Prizes will be awarded to the first person to call out the correct answer.

Decision to Leave received an eight-minute standing ovation from the audience after its Cannes Film Festival premier. It is one of the best films of the year according to The New York Times, Rolling Stone, Indiewire, The Guardian, and former U.S. President Barack Obama.

The film is described as a seductively twisted, romantic, Hitchcockian thriller. Detective Hae-joon investigates a man’s mysterious death. Did he jump or was he pushed from the mountain peak? As the investigation continues, he begins to suspect the victim’s wife. Decision to Leave is a timeless story of romantic obsession, a detective who falls for his suspect and is trapped in a web of deception and desire.

This film is in Korean with English subtitles.

There are only a few Bayfield Indie Film Series – Season One Passes available to purchase for the two remaining films. Cost is $20 for a pass to both films. Please contact bayfieldfilms@gmail.com to purchase and pick up at the door. If there are seats remaining, single tickets may be purchased at the door for $12.

For more info, be sure to follow @bayfieldindiefilmseries on Facebook and Instagram.

PIONEER PARK OFFERS MORE THAN SUNSETS

Spring cleaning alert!! Once again, it is that time of year to prepare cottages or homes for another summer season of fun. The organizers of the annual Rummage Sale, set for Friday, July 14 at the Bayfield Community Centre and Arena, encourage everyone to save their no longer needed, clean, complete and in good working order items for this community fundraiser in support of Pioneer Park.

Pioneer Park is a privately owned public space, first established in 1945 by Lucy Woods who appealed to friends to contribute funds to raise the $2,000 needed to purchase the land and to preserve it as parkland.  The annual Rummage Sale is now in its 74th year. It is the largest revenue generating event to support and maintain Pioneer Park and would not be possible without the efforts of many volunteers, a dedicated board of directors and generous donors.

Pioneer Park is host to free, bi-weekly yoga classes throughout the summer held in the open air and regularly attended by over 50 yogis. The public is invited to capture the sunset on canvas with free guided painting classes taking place on weekends in the summer or they can simply enjoy free musical performances. Stay connected to pioneerpark.ca for more updates and events.

Want to meet new people? Pioneer Park is the place where the Bayfield community gathers each evening for the best views of the sunset over Lake Huron.

Donation drop-off dates for the Rummage Sale are June 10, June 17 and June 24 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Quonset Hut on Hwy 21, just north of Bayfield – 76614 Bluewater Highway.

The following items are always very popular and in great demand: indoor and outdoor furniture (nothing too heavy); tables and chairs; linens, towels, draperies; antiques and collectibles; housewares including, dishes, glasses, pots and pans; baskets; purses and jewellery; garden decor and garden tools; tools of all sorts; decorative items including figurines, vases, framed mirrors and art prints; festive decorations; adult and children’s games, books and puzzles; DVD’s, record albums and stereo equipment; floor lamps and table lamps; sporting goods are very popular; all recreational items including bicycles; home electronics and small appliances.

The following items are not acceptable: mattresses of any size; sofas and sofa beds along with any large, heavy furniture; children’s furniture, strollers, damaged or soiled toys; no large appliances or televisions; monitors, printers or fax machines; Christmas trees, strings of lights; clothing, shoes or hats; Tupperware, plastic utensils, water bottles, lone coffee mugs; plastic garden pots; life jackets or bike helmets; window blinds with pull strings; unframed mirrors and no used candles.

FOSTERS DESPERATELY NEEDED

It’s raining kittens at Bayfield’s Forgotten Felines (BFF).

There are currently 31 kittens in the care of Bayfield’s Forgotten Felines all under the age of two months. (Submitted photos)

There are currently 31 kittens in the Rescue’s care all under the age of two months.

“We know that there are at least four more Mamas with kittens and three more pregnant cats on our radar,” said Deb Penhale, representing BFF. “We desperately need people who are willing to help by fostering some of these babies and their Mamas, at least until the kittens are weaned. At that time everyone will need to be vetted, spayed and neutered, and they will then be looking for their forever homes.”

Penhale added that there is a huge amount of satisfaction and joy that can be derived by taking these little nuggets home and watching them grow and develop.

“They’ll make your heart smile every day,” concluded Penhale.

To learn more please contact BFF via email at bayfieldsforgottenfelines@gmail.com. The adoption fee is now $250. 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.

Right now there is a Go Fund Me campaign being run to encourage more donations for BFF. For more information visit: Go Fund Me – BFF.

VIRTUAL HIGH SCHOOL STAFF CLEAN UP

PHOTOS COURTESY VIRTUAL HIGH SCHOOL

On Monday, Apr. 24 staff from the Virtual High School, 27 Main Street North, held their own clean up event with several staff members heading out to such areas as Short Hill Road and Long Hill Road to collect trash.

WIND PHONE HELPS PEOPLE DEAL WITH GRIEF WHILE RECHARGING IN NATURE

This is a Wind Phone that people can use to remember deceased loved ones by speaking to them in a nature setting It was recently installed at Ausable River Cut Conservation Area by Lambton Shores Nature Trails. (Submitted photo)

Lambton Shores Nature Trails (LSNT) has installed a Wind Phone, on the Ausable River Cut Conservation Area (ARCA) trail, in partnership with Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA). The ARCA is located west of Hwy 21, between Port Franks and Grand Bend.

What is a wind phone? A wind phone (also called Phone of the Wind) is an idea that began in Japan. The phone is not connected and there is no dial tone but it is located in nature for people who want to speak to loved ones who have died. A wind phone is a chance to deal with their grief by speaking words meant for their loved ones. To learn more visit mywindphone.com.

Nathan Schoelier is ABCA Stewardship and Lands Manager. Connecting with nature is something many people find benefits their mental health, and it can help when dealing with grief, he said.

“I was not familiar with the Wind Phone when Lambton Shores Nature Trails approached us with this inspirational idea,” he said. “Community partnerships help bring new perspectives to our conservation areas. The Wind Phone is a great example of how these partnerships benefit the needs of the community.”

The wind phone is a distinctive opportunity for people to become aware of some of the mental health benefits nature provides to them, according to Schoelier.

Since the phone was installed this spring, there has been a great deal of interest by the public and by the media, he said.

“The positive public response to the wind phone has really been exceptional,” he said.

The Ontario Conservation Areas website, at ontarioconservationareas.ca/, helps people locate conservation areas to visit.

“I encourage people to visit a conservation area and to explore these incredible natural spaces and take some time to recharge,” said Schoelier.

Mental Health Week in Canada was May 1-7. The theme this year was #MyStory.

Conservation authorities across Ontario are promoting healthy hikes and a step into nature as one way to improve mental health – #HealthyHikes #StepIntoNature.

COUNTY EMPLOYERS INVITED TO LEARN ABOUT HIRING INTERNATIONAL WORKERS

Employers from across Huron County who are experiencing labor shortages are invited to learn about hiring international workers during an upcoming three-hour event.

Hiring International Workers – Huron County is organized by Huron County Immigration Partnership, Huron Chamber of Commerce – Goderich, Central and North Huron; Community Futures Huron and WILL Employment Solutions to help local employers explore what’s involved in hiring international workers.

“Immigration addresses labor shortages in key sectors from health care to technology, sciences to social services, manufacturing to education,” said Mark Nonkes, Local Immigration Partnership manager, Huron County Economic Development.

Employers will be introduced to the Newcomer Talent Retention Network (NTRN) and will learn how to gain access to consultants at no cost. Consultants specialize in: immigration law; intercultural communication; diversity, equity and inclusion in workplaces; relocating international staff to communities; inclusive onboarding strategies; and human resource solutions for international staff.

Some of these consultants will be on site and available during a “speed dating” session during the event.

“We’re pleased to partner with WILL Employment Solutions, which is embarking on this project that brings together strong partnerships and expertise to support employers with their retention strategies,” Nonkes said.

Employers will also get a chance to complete a needs assessment, the first step to building a customized action plan to bring and retain internationally educated and trained workers to business.

“The Chamber is helping to promote this event to employers because we see a diversified labor force as an important key to success in our rural community,” said Heather Boa, Operations manager, Huron Chamber of Commerce – Goderich, Central and North Huron.

NTRN is funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.

This event takes place Thursday, May 25 from noon to 3 p.m. at the White Carnation, Holmesville. Complimentary light lunch provided. For more information and to register, please visit: Hiring International Workers – Huron County. 

HIKE FOR HOSPICE TO BE HELD IN VARNA

Huron Hospice will recognize hiking leader June Robinson at their much-anticipated Hike for Huron Hospice.  June passed away late in 2022 and the board, staff and volunteers unanimously agreed to recognize her impact by renaming the event, The June Robinson Memorial Hike for Huron Hospice. Every year June recruited her family to raise money for the Hospice and hike with her.

According to her granddaughters Heather and Patricia, “The Hike was more about bringing family and friends together. Reaching out to support Huron Hospice on the Hike helped to reinforce the connections that Grams cherished with her family and her community. It brought people together.”

Heather went on to say, “It was not so much about the fundraising, but she did keep track of how much money had been pledged. I think secretly she liked being the top fundraiser every year.”

The June Robinson Memorial Hike will take place Sunday, May 28, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Stanley Community Centre in Varna. The hike will start with a light warm up. After the hike everyone is welcome to join in a barbecue.

“We will walk in person again this year, however, if people are still hesitant, they can continue to hike where they like,” said Christopher Walker, manager of Fund Development “In person or remotely, we want people to spend time with family and to remember June and other loved ones for whom they may be walking. Please join us at the Stanley Community Centre located at 38572 Mill Road Varna and swap stories while enjoying the BBQ. Summer starts with the June Robinson Memorial Hike for Huron Hospice.”

“The hike is an important Huron Hospice fundraising event,” said Willy Van Klooster, hiker and Executive director. “The money raised stays in Huron County and is used to pay for end-of-life care for families. Hikers help pay for day-to-day essential services like nursing, home hospice, and loss and grief support for children, youth and adults. As you can see, donor support is critical to bringing our support to Huron County families.

“This year we are also celebrating the construction of new bedrooms at Huron Hospice. The money is in the bank and the drawings are complete. We are just waiting on final government approval so we can put the shovels in the ground. When you join us at the Hike, you can check out the drawings and plans.”

People can form teams of family members or friends to hike and obtain pledges to support the Hospice. Children could ask parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles to pledge their support by email, mail, or phone.

“Teams can have fun and challenge each other. There will be prizes for the team and the individual who raises the most money,” said Walker.

To register for the hike, go to the Huron Hospice website June Robinson Hike for Huron Hospice.  Just follow the link to pledge or create a team. Please send the link to family, friends and contacts and ask them to join.

For further information, contact: Christopher Walker, manager Fund Development via email at chris.walker@huronhospice.ca or by calling 519 525-7352.