DONOR MATCHING ANNOUNCED FOR PENHALE CARRIAGE BARN RAISER

This original Penhale landau carriage returned to the village in August of 2022. Plans are currently underway to construct a display barn for it but fundraising is required. (Submitted photo)

The Bayfield Lions Club and Bayfield Historical Society (BHS) are delighted to announce the launch of the “Penhale Carriage Barn Raiser,” a community-driven campaign, aimed at honoring the historical significance of Tom Penhale’s Horse-Drawn Wagons and Carriages to the village.

The goal of this fundraiser is to construct a reproduction of a Bayfield two-cow barn as a permanent home for an original Penhale Landau carriage. This new structure will be situated behind the Archive Building, the home of the BHS, located at 20 Main Street North.

In a show of tremendous generosity, an anonymous donor has pledged to match all donations made to the “Penhale Carriage Barn Raiser” fundraiser up to a maximum of $15,000 through July 1st. This incredible opportunity allows community members to double the impact of their contributions and make an even greater difference in preserving the rich heritage of Bayfield.

To commemorate the launch and express gratitude to the community, the Bayfield Lions Club is sponsoring a “Wine and Cheese” evening. It has been planned for tonight (May 31) at the Bayfield Town Hall from 5-7 p.m. Please note there is a cash bar. All fundraising costs for this project are being borne by the local Lions Club.  Every donated dollar will go to the acquisition of the carriage and the construction of the barn.

During this special event attendees will have the opportunity to explore the captivating history of the Penhale Landau, a magnificent carriage crafted by Bayfield Wagon & Carriage Works. Organizers are thrilled to share that local dignitaries as well as members of Tom’s family – his wife, Carol, and their son, Rick, will be in attendance

The “Penhale Carriage Barn Raiser” welcomes anyone interested in learning more about this project and supporting the cause. Attendees can contribute through their presence at the event or make a direct donation online at bayfieldcarriage.ca. Donations of $25 and above will be eligible for a tax receipt, while contributions of $1,000 or more will be honored with a commemorative plaque prominently displayed on the building.

Tom Penhale, a native of Huron County, cultivated his skills on a farm, becoming adept at constructing and repairing his own equipment. These skills eventually led him to create some of the most magnificent horse-drawn carriages in North America, garnering recognition from renowned clients such as Disney, the Rose Bowl Parade Grand Marshall, Westin Hotel, Kauai, Hawaii; and Wells Fargo. The “Penhale Carriage Barn Raiser” seeks to pay homage to his legacy and the significant impact he had on the village of Bayfield.

For further updates on this project, stay tuned to the Bayfield Lions Club, Bayfield Historical Society, and Bayfield Chamber of Commerce social media pages. More historical information can be found at bayfieldhistorical.ca.

Working together the community can preserve this rich part of Bayfield’s heritage for generations to come.

BAYFIELD PACC INVITES OTHERS TO SUPPORT  LIONS WALK FOR Dog Guides

Millie is excited for the Walk for Dog Guides this Sunday, June 4th. (Photo by Suzan Johnson)

The Bayfield Lions Walk for Dog Guides will take place on Sunday June 4th .  Dog guides play a crucial role in the lives of Canadians with disabilities by guiding their handlers through their daily lives and by getting help when it’s needed most. The local Lion’s organization have planned a number of events for this day including guest speakers, a visit from Bayfield’s own Essex, an agility demonstration and a hot dog stand!

Bayfield People and Canine Community (PACC) believe this event to be a most worthy endeavor and they would like to encourage residents and visitors alike to support this cause. The Lions have invited folks to set up team, or individual, on-line donation links and Bayfield PACC has now been added to this list of supporters.

People can visit the Bayfield PACC link and join their team effort at Bayfield PACC Walk for Dog Guides.  

As outlined on the Lions Foundation website, a donation to this cause enables the foundation to fulfil their mission to empower Canadians with disabilities to navigate their world with confidence and independence by providing Dog Guides at no cost to them and supporting each pair in their journey together.   Bayfield PACC members look forward to seeing others in Clan Gregor Square on Saturday, the location for the start and conclusion of the walk!

Bayfield People and Canine Community, Inc. (Bayfield PACC) is a registered “not-for-profit” in Ontario with a volunteer executive management team and 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

People are invited to please contact PACC if they have any questions or suggestions for suitable off leash locations.  Individuals can also become an official PACC member by clicking on the membership button on the website!

VILLAGE AS AN ART DESTINATION HIGHLIGHTED IN EXHIBITION AND WORKSHOP

The Bayfield Centre for the Arts (BCA) will be hosting a fantastic art exhibition of images painted of Bayfield as featured in the book published in 2015 titled, “Reflections of Bayfield – Images Across the Decades” compiled by Barbara Brown and Joyce Lambert. (Submitted photo)

The “Reflections of Bayfield” Art Exhibition presented by the Bayfield Centre For The Arts (BCA) and the Bayfield Historical Society (BHS) and Archives is a celebration of the creative essence and beauty found in this village that has made it a destination for artists and art-lovers over many years.

The Art Exhibition will be showcased at the Bayfield Town Hall on June 10-11 – Saturday, 2-7 p.m. and Sunday, noon to 4 p.m.  Admission is free but donations at the door would be appreciated.

This is a one time only, innovative Art Exhibition of sketches and paintings found in the book of the same name…all images are of Bayfield painted by past artists! Included will be important paintings of Bayfield by JW (Jack) McLaren, who was once invited to become a member of the Group of Seven.

Because an amazing exhibition wouldn’t be complete without an opportunity for people to actually pick up a brush…an additional component of the project is a two-day en plein air painting workshop called, “The Tradition Continues”. To be held on June 7 and 8, this workshop will teach artists to paint Main St and the Bayfield Harbour. And some art will be for sale!

The book that is the inspiration for this show is available for purchase at The Village Bookshop for $35 with all proceeds going to the BHS. The Village Bookshop is located at 24 Main Street North.

FOUR TRIBUTE BANDS OFFERING SOUNDS OF  SUMMER

The Bayfield Town Hall Heritage Society (BTHHS) will be hosting several concerts this year to raise funds to continue in their efforts to maintain and enjoy the Bayfield Town Hall. Music lovers can look forward to three concerts this summer with three tribute bands sharing their talents from Canada Day to Bayfield Community Fair weekend.

“The Groove”, a nine-piece disco band based in London, ON, will perform on the outdoor stage at the Bayfield Town Hall on Saturday, July 1st. They are sure to perform people’s favorite hits from the disco era including the “Bee Gees”, “Donna Summer”, “KC and the Sunshine Band”, and more! Attendees are encouraged to represent the 1970s by dressing in their disco finest and to head on up to the “dance floor”.

The gates for this concert open at 6 p.m. with the band getting their groove on starting at 7 p.m. Tickets are available now for $25 per person.

Civic Holiday weekend will bring “Crazy Diamonds”, a Pink Floyd Tribute Band from Kitchener, ON to the outdoor stage at the town hall. This is a great opportunity for Pink Floyd fans to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the release of Pink Floyd’s “Dark Side Of The Moon” album and hear it in its entirety.  The band will also perform other Pink Floyd classics.

The gates for this outdoor concert open at 7 p.m. with the tribute beginning at 8 p.m. Tickets are selling for $40.

For both of these concerts a cash bar selling beer and wine will be available. Those who attend are asked to bring their own chair.

And then on the third weekend in August, the BTHHS and the Bayfield Agricultural Society are joining forces to bring a “Rock Revival” to the Bayfield Community Fair! Two bands – “ZED” and “Southern Fried” – will take over the Bayfield Fairgrounds at Agricultural Park on Saturday, Aug. 19.

ZED will bring Led Zeppelin’s rock to life as this band faithfully recreates the sound of Led Zeppelin’s studio albums to an astonishing level of accuracy while also capturing the magical aura of the Led Zeppelin live experience.

Established in 2003, Southern Fried has been stunning audiences with a true experience of Southern rock music. They have been hailed as simply the most authentic-sounding Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute anywhere!

Tickets are $30. Fairground gates for this Rock Revival will open at 6:30 p.m. while the concert will start at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available now for $30. There will be a cash bar. Attendees are asked to bring their own chair.

Tickets for all the concerts listed in this summer line-up can be purchased online by visiting: www.bayfieldtownhall.com.

ON LOCATION FILMING FOR “TRIGGER POINT” FONDLY RECALLED BY MANY

Anyone who was in Bayfield in late October 2020 will remember Bayfield native and Director Brad Turner and his film crew coming to the village to shoot “Trigger Point”. In advance of the film’s sold-out village debut on June 7 Bayfield Indie Film Series thought it would be fun to reminisce with a few residents about that time.

Sandy Wallace and Clare Brenner of the Bayfield Garage both agreed it was a great, once in a lifetime experience. They also couldn’t get over how friendly and down-to-earth the actors and the crew were.

Wallace loved seeing the behind the scenes movie magic.

“It was a lot more involved than I would have thought,” she said.

And Brenner was amazed with the attention to detail. Every scene was shot more than once and much time was spent choosing the best version. At one point in the filming, Brenner was tasked with making some background noise with a drill and had to watch carefully as Turner signalled for the exact time for him to begin.

Don McIlwain, owner of the Bayfield Garage, went to school with Turner. Turner explained to McIlwain that one of the reasons he wanted to have Bayfield Garage in the film was because his dad had been a partner in the garage in the 50s. McIlwain also enjoyed the experience of how a film is made.

“Impressive…amazing what it took to shoot a two-minute scene. There were so many people and they were so well organized,” he recalled.

McIlwain was also thrilled to meet Barry Pepper, a real professional. He remembered being impressed with Pepper as he watched him give advice to another actor and the garage owner smiled when he remembered seeing Pepper doing push-ups in front of the garage so that he would look winded as he came in from the car chase scene.

Bayfield Indie Film Series suggests that when visiting the Bayfield Garage, people should take a look at the front wall. McIlwain has the NY State licence plate used on one of the cars in the film displayed on the wall, signed by all the actors as a memento. It’s difficult to notice at first glance, but the fake licence plates were all made of cardboard!

Wayne McDougall and Paula Foley, co-owners of Renegades Diner also have fond memories of the film shooting. Both enjoyed seeing the “nuts and bolts” of movie making! They also commented that all the actors and members of the production crew were incredibly warm and kind.

They also couldn’t believe that it took almost a full day to shoot one very short scene. They watched the filming of the scene where Colm Feore filled up his car at the gas pumps and were later surprised when they watched the movie to see that a cityscape of tall buildings had been computer generated and placed behind the the former Cheese Nook, so that it looked like a cityscape instead of a small town.

At the former The Lake House of Bayfield, Bayfield Indie Film Series was offered a peek at the Lake Home Diner menu that had been created for the film. It was definitely a far cry from the Lake House menu!

And finally, Bayfield Indie Film Series spoke with Christina Hudson from The Little Inn of Bayfield who said to watch for the scene with the sniper shots. This scene was filmed at the corner of the upper veranda of this historic accommodation.

As mentioned earlier Bayfield Indie Film Series is thrilled to offer the first public showing of Trigger Point in the village to a sold-out crowd! For those lucky enough to secure tickets there will be a short Q & A with Turner and Executive Producer, Jessica Petelle at 7p.m., with the film beginning after that. The doors of the Bayfield Town Hall will open at 6:30 p.m.

Please email bayfieldfilms@gmail.com if more information is required.

RUMMAGE SALE KICKS OFF THE SUMMER

Save the date for the 74th annual Rummage Sale and Silent Auction presented by the Pioneer Park Association upcoming on Friday, July 14  at the Bayfield Arena and Community Centre.

Not only is the Rummage Sale the largest revenue generating event to support and maintain Pioneer Park, it is also the event that pulls the Bayfield community together and kicks off the summer season.

A large part of the success of the Rummage Sale is the Silent Auction. Every year Pioneer Park members and the Bayfield community generously donate specialty items, gift baskets, gift certificates and experiences unique to the Silent Auction tables. Popular ideas for fun experiences are Blue Jay tickets or tickets to a play or performance, a private weekend cottage getaway, or an afternoon boat cruise on Lake Huron. New ideas for enjoyable experiences are always welcome. Other items of interest include rare antiques, framed artwork, silver-plate, fine china and crystal and other collectibles.

The Silent Auction team has begun gathering items for this year’s event. To donate something special for the silent auction table, please reach out to info@pioneerpark.ca with “Silent Auction” in the subject line.

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.

FIFTY-TWO KITTENS AND COUNTING

PHOTOS SUBMITTED

According to volunteers with Bayfield’s Forgotten Felines (BFF) they know Spring has truly arrived when kitten season hits.

“We currently have 52 kittens in foster care with more expectant mothers in the wings. Get your name in early for the kitten of your dreams,” said Mary Pounder, representing BFF.

Little darlings, Henry, Jasper, Tippy and Austen are the Adopt a BFF kittens of the week. They, plus many more, will shortly be looking for their forever homes.

In the meantime, BFF is desperate for supplies, funds and people.

“If you should stop in at Pet Valu in Goderich, you can purchase some soft Performatrin Kitten food for all these little mouths. Just have them earmark it for BFF,” explained Pounder.

Of course monetary donations are always appreciated to offset the cost of all the medical expenses. Donations can be e-transferred to the email below. Currently, there is a Go Fund Me campaign being run to encourage more donations for BFF. For more information visit: Go Fund Me – BFF.

“We are also seeking people to help out with a shift cleaning and feeding at our shelter or, perhaps you would like to temporarily take in a cat or kittens to foster until they find their forever homes,” she added.

Anyone who has questions about any of their volunteer positions, should not hesitate to contact them at bayfieldsforgottenfelines@gmail.com.

“We’d love to welcome you to the team,” said Pounder.

The adoption fee is now $250. Adopted cats are vetted, shots are up-to-date and they are also spayed or neutered.

WALKING TO END ALZHEIMERS

Barry Detenbeck is a Bayfielder now living with Alzheimer’s Disease. For the second year in a row, his wife Gayle organized a local walk in his honor and invited the community to join her. The “BarryStrong Walk for Alzheimer’s” was held on Saturday, May 27 with participants departing from the Clan Gregor Square gazebo. The response was terrific and Gayle would like to thank everyone who participated in the BarryStrong team walk and fundraiser to end Alzheimer’s. (Photo by Gary Lloyd-Rees)

BUTTERNUT ARCHIVE ORCHARD PLANTED AT TRIEBNER TRACT

The Forest Gene Conservation Association (FGCA) and Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) are creating a five-acre Butternut Archive Orchard at ABCA’s Triebner Tract northwest of Exeter. The FGCA and ABCA have entered a 15-year agreement for the establishment, ongoing maintenance and monitoring of the orchard, to help to protect the endangered Butternut tree species. FGCA is funding the orchard with help from species at risk funding from the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP).

“Butternut has historically been an important part of our local forests but it has been almost decimated by Butternut canker,” said Ian Jean, ABCA Forestry and Land Stewardship specialist. “Thanks to the work and funding from the Forest Gene Conservation Association we are taking an important step towards Butternut recovery.”

Butternut is a species at risk throughout its natural range in Canada and the United States. Butternut is impacted by Butternut Canker (Ophiognomonia clavigignenti-juglandacearum) which is a fungus that affects the cambial layer of Butternut usually causing tree mortality. Once a common tree throughout eastern North America, Butternut is now uncommon and is listed as endangered under the Ontario’s provincial Endangered Species Act (ESA). Healthy Butternut are very rare and now considered too few and too far apart for natural recovery.

Heather Zurbrigg is Manager of Species Conservation with the FGCA. She thanked ABCA for being a partner on the Butternut Archive Orchard project.

“Ausable Bayfield Conservation is an important partner of ours and we are very excited to be embarking on the creation of this orchard with them,” she said. “This is the sixth and, most likely, final orchard in our butternut archiving program.  We are lucky to be partnering on this project with such enthusiastic and capable people who understand the importance of the recovery of this endangered species.”

FGCA has established five Butternut Archive Orchards across Ontario to facilitate Butternut Recovery. Upper Thames River Conservation Authority also has had an existing partnership agreement and Butternut archive orchard at Pittock Conservation Area since 2016. Butternut trees on the landscape throughout the natural range of Butternut that are showing tolerance to the Butternut Canker are the foundation of the FGCA archiving recovery efforts. Archive orchards are planted with grafted trees grown from scions (twigs) collected from these healthy Butternut. Establishing archive orchards will enable cross-pollination and future seed production between tolerant trees to aid in the re-introduction of healthy Butternut on the landscape and recovery of Butternut in Ontario.

The partners in the Butternut Archive Orchard project at Triebner Tract are planning a ground-breaking ceremony for later this summer for the Triebner Tract site.

The 100-acre Triebner Tract property was purchased by ABCA from the Triebner family in 2009. The property protects 60 acres of mature swamp forest within the Hay Swamp Provincially Significant Wetland Complex.  The conservation authority has restored a mix of wetlands and forests on about 40 acres of the property to enhance the existing natural habitat. ABCA completed initial planting and wetland restoration work on 10 acres in 2011 and has been restoring the remaining 30 acres in 2022 and 2023. The Butternut Archive Orchard will complement the naturalization efforts on the property.

Benefits of ABCAs partnership with FGCA include:

• Opportunity for ABCA to contribute to Butternut Recovery in Ontario. Butternut was an important tree for wildlife. Historically, the nuts were a food source for First Nations peoples and settlers.
• Future partnership and promotional opportunities associated with Butternut recovery efforts.

The FGCA is a not-for-profit organization in Ontario. FGCA’s goal is to assist forest practitioners to conserve and augment the genetic diversity of forests through Species Conservation, Seed Management Expertise, Climate Change Adaptation, and Education and Advocacy. FGCA partners with the government, forestry sector, not-for-profit organizations, landowners, conservation authorities and other groups on projects across southern Ontario.

MUNICIPAL DRAIN TOUR EXPLORES INNOVATIVE PRACTICES

Close to 50 drainage engineers and municipal drainage superintendents, from southwestern Ontario, toured municipal drains in Huron and Lambton counties on Wednesday, May 17 to learn about rural green infrastructure and best practices for municipal drains. Attendees visited a number of sites with examples of innovative practices.

Lambton Shores Drainage Superintendent Ryan Griffin provided a tour of a pump drain system and pump house in the Thedford-Klondyke Marsh Area. This low-lying area has no natural outlet for the drained lands so water must be pumped up into the Ausable River and Parkhill Creek. This highly valuable farmland requires effective drainage and it must also meet the demands of water irrigation for crops. This balance is achieved by working with property owners to ensure their needs can be met.

At the Steenstra Drain, Geoff King, Drainage superintendent for the Municipalities of Bluewater and Central Huron, led discussions on innovative drainage design. Participants learned how integrating nature-based solutions, such as wetlands, and off-line sediment traps, can improve the movement of sediment and water within a watershed. The next stop was the Scott Drain north of Blyth where Maitland Conservation and local landowners have spearheaded several innovative approaches that demonstrate the potential of municipal drainage design. Under the Drainage Act, the definition of a drain is “…a drain constructed by any means.” King, with help from Professional Engineer Jeff Dickson, of R.J. Burnside & Associates Limited (Burnside), fully utilized that definition and incorporated a number of green infrastructure projects at the site that met the needs of the drainage community and the health of the watershed.

Christopher Pfohl, Senior Aquatic ecologist, from Burnside, demonstrated natural channel design at the Scott Drain. The project design considers the movement of water and sediment utilizing natural channel concepts and providing fish habitat opportunities in the drain design. Watershed Biologist Sarah Snetsinger, of St. Clair Region Conservation Authority, spoke on tile outlet design and the impact it can have on erosion and maintenance needs. Davin Heinbuck, Water Resources coordinator with Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA), spoke on sinkholes, buffers, and two-stage ditches.

Partners from the Healthy Lake Huron initiative hosted the municipal drainage tour. To learn more about Healthy Lake Huron visit the website at healthylakehuron.ca.

Funding for the tour of the municipal drainage innovation project is gratefully acknowledged from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs of the Province of Ontario.

CHICKEN DONATED TO HURON COUNTY FOOD BANK DISTRIBUTION CENTRE

On May 23, the Huron County Food Bank Distribution Centre was the recipient of a generous supply of chicken and many involved with the project joined politicians from both the federal and provincial levels in acknowledging the donation. (Submitted photo)

On May 23, Member of Parliament for Huron-Bruce, Ben Lobb and the Honourable Lisa Thompson, Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs, and Member of Provincial Parliament for Huron-Bruce, joined Chicken Farmers of Ontario (CFO) and Yorkshire Valley Farms for a donation showcase event of safe, healthy, locally-grown chicken to the Huron County Food Bank Distribution Centre (HCFBDC).

“This event is an important recognition of the collaboration that takes place within our agri-food sector. The support from Chicken Farmers of Ontario and Yorkshire Valley Farms to provide this significant donation is admirable and I want to thank both organizations for setting such a positive example in the community, while looking out for people when they are experiencing difficult times. CFO certainly cares!” commented Thompson.

Chicken farmers, in partnership with Yorkshire Valley Farms, announced a donation of 1,400 kilograms of chicken, which will contribute to over 12,000 meals for families and individuals in need, through the HCFBDC.

The donation of chicken was made through the “CFO Cares: Farmers to Food Banks” program, which enables chicken farmers to donate their chicken to food banks across Ontario. The CFO Cares: Farmers to Food Banks program contributes over 1 million meals a year to local food banks.

“I would like to thank the Chicken Farmers of Ontario for continuing to show their community spirit and willingness to give back to those across the Province and particularly here in Huron-Bruce. The contribution through the CFO Cares: Farmers to Food Bank program will make a difference to our neighbors who are struggling with the rising cost of living by providing healthy, nourishing, local poultry to tables across Huron County,” said Lobb.

Chicken Farmers of Ontario represent 1,300 family-run farms, in over 330 communities across the province. Ontario’s chicken farmers are an integral part of the value chain that supports 23,000 jobs and contributes over $5 billion in economic activity each year. The CFO Cares: Farmers to Food Banks program helps fight hunger in Ontario by enabling farmers to donate their chicken to food banks in their community — and across Ontario. This program facilitates a donation of 300 chickens (700 kg) from each participating chicken farmer, each year, to local food banks.

“Thanks to the continued support of the Ontario chicken farming community, since 2015, the CFO Cares: Farmers to Food Banks program has donated over eight million chicken meals. Proteins, like chicken, are among some of the most-needed items at food banks and we want to ensure that every Ontarian can access safe, healthy, nutritious, locally-grown chicken,” said Board Director for CFO Cares and District 4, Andrea Veldhuizen.

Farmer-founded in 2010 with the goal to make food matter more, Yorkshire Valley Farms has grown to become Canada’s leading organic poultry brand, offering a range of fresh and frozen organic chicken, turkey and egg products. Guided by the desire to build a stable, fair and thriving food system, Yorkshire Valley Farms strives to deliver great tasting organic food products that promote equitable supply chains, leverage environmentally sound regenerative practices, and build resilient communities.

“We believe everyone thrives on good food. So, we are pleased to work with the CFO Cares program to help more nutritious meals reach more people. The product being distributed today through the Huron County Food Bank will support communities where some of our farmers and employees live. Initiatives like this are an important part of how Yorkshire Valley Farms works towards our mission to ‘Make Food Matter More’,” said President and CEO for Yorkshire Valley Farms, James Sculthorpe.

“The Huron County Food Bank Distribution Centre is most grateful to the local farmers who are part of the CFO donation program, for the gifts of chicken we receive. The Distribution Centre delivers the chicken along with other healthy foods to the regional food banks, aid agencies and our mobile food truck program. So many families, including two parent working families, are finding it hard to feed their families. Seniors struggle as well to eat three meals a day as their pension cheques cannot keep up with the cost of living. On behalf of the clients who receive the gifts of meat, thank you for your care and compassion. Your support will accomplish amazing things! Together we can eliminate hunger!” commented Mary Ellen Zielman, Executive director of the HCFBDC.

CHILDREN FROM ACROSS REGION PERFORM IN WIZARD OF OZ: THE PANTO

Toto, we’re not in Kansas anymore… we’re in Grand Bend! This June, follow the Yellow Brick Road to the Huron Country Playhouse, where one of the greatest tales ever told will touch down – with a brand new twist. The beloved family panto tradition returns with an unforgettable take on the popular story Wizard of Oz, on the South Huron Stage June 7-25.

“‘Wizard of Oz: The Panto’ is pure family fun – it’s packed with outrageous characters, extravagant costumes, and lots of music and dancing that make it wildly entertaining for everyone, from kids to parents to grandparents,” said Artistic Director of Drayton Entertainment, Alex Mustakas “We love seeing three generations of theatregoers enjoying the magic of live theatre together.”

People are familiar with the story but they’ve never seen it like this! With its winning combination of incredible music, lively dancing, audience participation, and of course, a dash of theatrical magic, this fractured fairy tale brims with humor, heart, and adventure. A twisted take on the famed children’s story by L. Frank Baum, Wizard of Oz: The Panto follows Dorothy as she journeys over the rainbow and makes her way to Oz with the help of some newfound friends.

Leading this production down the Yellow Brick Road is Director and Choreographer David Connolly, who has helmed past hit productions at Huron Country Playhouse such as:  “Jack and the Beanstalk: The Panto”, “Cinderella: The Panto”, and “Disney’s Newsies”.

Connolly is joined by Music Director Jim Hodgkinson, Set Designer Jean Claude Olivier, Costume Designer Rachel Berchtold, and Lighting Designer Jeff Johnston Collins. The team also includes Stage Manager Amber Archbell, Assistant Stage Manager Nadene Riehl, and Apprentice Stage Manager Kirstyn Keeble.

Lia Luz takes on the role of the headstrong heroine, Dorothy. Luz’s musical theatre résumé includes Janet in “The Rocky Horror Show” at the Stirling Festival Theatre, Princess Slumber-Lee in “Sleeping Beauty: The Panto”, and Little Sally in “Urinetown” with Toronto Musical Concerts.

Dorothy would be lost without her faithful friends, the Lion, Scarecrow, and Tin Man. Recording artist and Season One finalist of “Canada’s Got Talent”, Stacey Kay displays her impeccable vocal range and comic timing as the cowardly Lion. Teddy Moynihan takes on the role of the lovable Scarecrow in search of a brain. Moynihan most recently appeared as the Wizard in the 2022 production of “Wizard of Oz: The Panto” and Drayton Entertainment’s 2022 production of “It Runs In The Family”. Complete with his oil can, Will Jeffs takes on the role of the endearing Tin Man. An award-winning artist, he was part of the London and World Arena Tour of “Jesus Christ Superstar”, and the UK Tours of “Love Me Tender” and “Blues Brothers”.

Others integral to the story are: Justin Bott, as Auntie Em; Tim Porter, as Harry Trotter; Paige Foskett, as Glinda the Good Witch; Bill Lake, as the Wicked Witch; and Will Parry as Toto.

George Absi, Dave Comeau, Kalie Hunter, Jaden Kim, Stephanie Pitsiladis and Ben Skipper, make up an impressive ensemble cast, which also features 24 local youth performers who appear in the show on a rotating schedule throughout the run alongside the professional company.

The children’s chorus performers include: Ocean Wuerth, of Ailsa Craig; Delaney Grover, of Alvinston; Finn Cofell, of Ayr; Miah McIntyre, of Exeter; Evelyn Den Otter, of Hensall; Mya Devereux and Noah Devereux, of Ilderton; Daxton Scurr, E.J. Scurr, and Rowyn Scurr, of Parkhill; Sidney Gingerich, of St. Joseph; Nolan McKee, of Stratford; Junior Van Geffen and Alison Weeks, of Strathroy; Gavin Sitter, of Thedford; Claire Steckle, of Zurich; as well as Dilynn Campbell, Raya Campbell, Madilynn Laidlow, Danica Novo, Tessa Pritchett-White, Taylor Reaume-Cunning, Fiona Smith, and Danielle Trampleasure, all of London.

All traditional pantos include audience participation, and Wizard of Oz: The Panto is no exception. Families and young spectators are encouraged to join in the fun by booing the Wicked Witch and singing along with familiar chart-topping songs by artists such as Lizzo, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, BTS, Alanis Morissette, Sarah Bareilles and many more.

Wizard of Oz: The Panto is proudly sponsored by Best Cooling Systems. The Design Sponsor is The Garden Gate Gifts & Florals.The Media Sponsors are Country 104.9 and AM980. The Season Media Sponsor is CTV.

Regular performance tickets are $55 for adults and $34 for youth under 20 years of age. Tickets for select Discount Dates and groups of 20 or more are $45, and small groups of 10-19 are $50. HST is applicable to all ticket prices. Tickets may be purchased by calling the Box Office at 519 238-6000 or toll free at 1-855-drayton (372-9866), or online at Huron Country Playhouse.