WINDY NIGHT CREATES GREAT AMBIENCE FOR DARK SIDE OF THE MOON

STORY AND PHOTOS BY MELODY FALCONER-POUNDER

A large crowd gathered on the grounds of the Bayfield Town Hall on the evening of Sunday, Aug. 6 for a performance by “The Crazy Diamonds”, a Pink Floyd Tribute Band from Kitchener, ON.

Those gathered were ready to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the release of Pink Floyd’s “Dark Side of the Moon” album which the band performed in its entirety after warming up with a few other Pink Floyd classics such as, “The Wall”.

As darkness fell, the classic film, “The Wizard of Oz” was projected on the side of the Bayfield Town Hall, diehard Pink Floyd fans will likely be familiar with the urban legend surrounding both the Dark Side of the Moon album and the film claiming that the two have an incredible synchronicity even though band members and the album’s producer have denied any connection.

The Crazy Diamonds are generally a nine member band, although on the Bayfield outdoor stage they were eight – it was announced during the show that three of their members had contracted COVID and as a result they had to call in a couple of talents to fill in. These two extraordinary talents proved to mix nicely with the band’s regulars who all demonstrated their strong musicianship playing without benefit of intermission as storm clouds loomed overhead.  It was shared that the guest guitarist came in from Quebec while the keyboardist had recently performed as part of the Dave Gilmour Tour – a few in the crowd may have heard of Gilmour who is a guitarist with the one and only Pink Floyd.

At the end of the show the group was brought back on stage for an encore and they performed four more songs while the wind gusted around those who enthusiastically danced on the lawn. At the start of the encore one particularly strong gust, perhaps in an homage to Dorothy and Toto, upended the tent covering the sound technicians but members of the crowd came to their rescue and acted as tent pole guards until the final bows.

The Crazy Diamonds aren’t in Bayfield anymore but they did allude to the fact they would like to come back and play again next summer and with a Pink Floyd discography 15 albums deep the possibilities are endless.

POPULAR POULTRY SHOW RETURNS

This Tumbler Pigeon was just one of the many birds on display at the Poultry Show in 2022. (Photo by Melody Falconer-Pounder)

For the second consecutive year, the Bayfield Community Fair will feature a Poultry Show on Saturday, Aug. 19.

The show will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Lions’ Display Building behind the Bayfield Arena. Exhibitors from throughout Huron County and beyond will be participating in this unique show.

Fairgoers will be given a rare opportunity to see exhibits of more than 100 different breeds of Large Fowl, Bantams, Waterfowl, Turkeys, Pigeons, and Rabbits. The show will include many heritage breeds such as Rhode Island Reds, Leghorns, and Cochins to name a few.

There is also a Junior section, open to exhibitors 16 years of age and under. Several first-time Junior exhibitors went home last year with quite an impressive array of prize ribbons. Organizers of the Poultry Show are looking forward to some friendly competition among Junior exhibitors this year.

Exhibitors are reminded to carefully read the: Poultry Show Rules and Regulations for entering. All poultry exhibits must be in cages and in place in the Lions’ Display Building before 9 a.m. on Aug 19. The judging will begin at 9:30 a.m.

In the past, poultry shows were more common at agricultural fairs in Ontario, but there are fewer shows now. The Bayfield Community Fair and Clinton Spring Fair are now the only fairs in Huron County that feature a poultry show. The Bayfield Fair Poultry Show is a tribute to Barry Cleave and Cliff Pepper who originally started the poultry shows about 40 years ago in Bayfield and in other locations throughout Huron County.

All fairgoers are encouraged to visit the Poultry Show and view the interesting breeds that will be on exhibit. It’s sure to be a hit with breeders and everyone attending the Fair, both young and old.

Join in the fun – visit the Poultry Show!

DANCELAND BAND GIVING SUMMER A HARMONIOUS SEND OFF

Jale and Joe Ferland released their first album, “Pink Lem” as the jam band known as “Danceland” in the summer of 2022. The group name as well as two songs on the record were locally inspired. (Photo by Kateryna Topol)

“Danceland” is coming to the Bayfield Town Hall for their end of summer 2023 celebration!

This afternoon outdoor concert will begin at 4 p.m. with the grounds opening at 3:30 p.m.

The jam band is composed of Jale and Joe Ferland as well as drummer Brad Park along with guest keyboard players and bassists.The Ferlands may already be known to many locals as their Grateful Dead/Jerry Garcia Band cover band, “Cherry Garcia Band” has played Bayfield Volkfest and at the River Road Brewery in the past.

Danceland is rooted in a timeless psychedelic Americana tradition, replete with fine, storyteller songcraft; sunny harmonies; lonesome pedal steel; stratospheric lead guitar passages; and a touch of Eastern mysticism. This band evolved during the pandemic when Joe began writing original tunes with additional lyric contributions provided by Jale.

The name Danceland comes from Danceland Road located just south of Bayfield in the Municipality of Bluewater – those who attend the concert will be treated to such locally inspired songs as, “Daneland Road” and “Bluewater Sky”. They will also delight in performances of music by the Grateful Dead and Bob Dylan, selections from the Motown era as well as a mix of Reggae. It sounds like there may be no more appropriate way to say, “Goodbye to summer!”

Tickets for Danceland at the Bayfield Town Hall are $20 each at Tickets.  Cash bar. Please bring a lawn 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! In addition to Lynyrd Skinner tunes, Southern Fried plays southern classics by such groups as the Allman Brothers, ZZ Top and more.

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 this double-header can be purchased at the link listed above.

ART LOVERS TICKETS INCLUDE THE SELECTION OF AN ART PIECE OFF THE WALL

The Bayfield Centre for the Arts (BCA) will be holding their second  “Off the Wall” fundraising event on Saturday, Aug. 26 at the Bayfield Town Hall.

“We invite you to light up your Saturday and be a part of this delightful summer art event!” said Leslee Squirrell, president of the BCA.

More than 45 artists answered the call to explore the theme, “Year of Land or Lakes” and the results will be open to the public for a free exhibition from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and then in the evening from 4-7:30 p.m. those with tickets will have the opportunity to take home a piece of art right off the wall!

Ticket purchasers will be treated to delightful hor d’oeuvres and adult beverages (beer/wine) as well as an opportunity to bid on both live and silent auction items while waiting for their opportunity to choose a painting…off the wall.

There are three ticket types available for purchase: Golden Ticket, Art Lovers Ticket and Social Butterfly Ticket.

The one and only Golden Ticket is $500 and gives two guests “front of the line” access to choose their painting first from all the works available.

The cost of the Art Lovers Ticket has been set at $175 for two guests and includes one painting. They will have the opportunity to pick a single painting from the wall when their ticket is drawn at random.

Social Butterfly Tickets are available for $45 each. These tickets are for those guests who want to experience all the evening has to offer, including the food, beverages and bidding on the auction items but without the art to take home.

To purchase tickets for the BCA Off the Wall fundraising event please visit: Year of Land or Lakes Tickets.

The premier sponsor for this event is Diane Snell of Royal LePage Heartland Realty.

SECONDARY PLAN OPEN HOUSE UPCOMING

The Bayfield Secondary Plan was approved by Bluewater Council in February of this year and included several ‘Implementation Actions’. Two of these actions are underway with proposed amendments to the Bluewater Official Plan and Zoning Bylaw to formally integrate the policy direction of the Secondary Plan.

The Plan included specific policy recommendations for various sections of the Official Plan including Urban Settlement Area, Natural Environment, Heritage and Community Design. A series of changes to the Zoning Bylaw are recommended to provide more specific direction for land uses and lot development requirements in Bayfield. The entire amendment is available on the Municipal website.

The implementing amendments will set out the policy framework for future residential and commercial development with the understanding that the majority of development will not proceed until capacity is available within the Bayfield Wastewater Treatment Plant. Further, the amendment will achieve compliance with recent Provincial legislation (e.g. Bills 23 and 97) and will consider the draft Provincial Planning Statement (2023).

A small number of property-specific zone changes have been included in the amendment; these changes are minor, address errors or facilitate improved development options.

Staff completed public consultation as part of the Secondary Plan development including an Open House (50 attendees) and Public Meeting (100 attendees) in November of 2023. Feedback from both sessions was incorporated into the draft document prior to Council approval.

Additional public consultation is required as per the Planning Act process and will include much of the same information.

This next Open House will be held at the Bayfield Branch Library on Friday, Aug. 25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The formal Public Meeting will be held at a regular Council meeting on Monday, Oct. 2nd at 6:30 p.m.

Have a question? Get in touch with Denise Van Amersfoort, manager of Planning and Staff Lead for the Bayfield Secondary Plan at planning@huroncounty.ca or call 1-888-524-8394 Ext. 3.

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EMERGENCY SURGERY EXPENSIVE BUT NECESSARY FOR BABY GAGA

Every week the volunteers at Bayfield’s Forgotten Felines encounter seemingly unimaginable challenges in protecting the cats and kittens that come into their care. The stories of two of these wee, defenseless creatures compose Adopt a BFF this issue.

“Domino” a tiny little tabby was found as an abandoned orphan with his umbilical cord still attached. BFF has a wonderful volunteer who takes on babies that need to be bottle fed and has great success. Domino is in her care right now, and considering his very rocky start has gained weight every day so far. Without this volunteer’s nurturing care and regularly feeding this baby every two hours, Domino would not have had a chance at life.

And then there is Baby Gaga, who was trapped when someone realized something was eating from their garbage bin. This tiny female dilute calico was caught and brought to the Rescue.

“It was discovered that she had a horrific injury along her jawline. We don’t know how it happened, but the skin had been pulled back and exposed her complete jaw to the bone. We were fortunate enough to be able to get her into the vet on an emergency basis and she had surgery that day,” said Deb Penhale, representing BFF. “It’s always concerning when a kitten that small has to be put under anaesthetic.”

Penhale reports that Baby Gaga came through the surgery and although she has had a few setbacks, for example she had to be put on an IV drip to keep her hydrated, she has started to eat on her own.

“Fingers crossed that this interest in food is a turning point and she begins to thrive,” she said.  “As you can imagine this surgery was very expensive but absolutely necessary to ensure Baby Gaga’s survival.”

Penhale added, “These are the ones that we were able to bring in. We receive countless calls each week from people wanting to surrender their cats, to people finding litters of kittens, and just recently someone called who had 11 cats that they wanted us to come and get because they were becoming too much to deal with.”

Anyone interested in adopting Domino or Baby Gaga are asked to reach out to BFF through Facebook or email bayfieldsforgottenfelines@gmail.com.

In addition to accepting monetary donations, BFF now has an Amazon wish list. This list contains items they need for the day-to-day care of their cats and kittens as well as some truly “wish” items. Items are marked as to their priority, number needed, and many explain what their use will be. There is a wide variety of prices and BFF appreciates whatever you can supply. Items need not be purchased through Amazon, the list is merely a guideline.

To view the items on the list please visit:  BFF Wish List.

Financial donations may also be sent via E-transfer to the email listed above or mailed to P.O. Box 33, Bayfield, ON, N0M 1G0. The adoption fee is $250. Adopted cats are vetted, shots are up-to-date and they are also spayed or neutered. Adoption inquiries may also be made to the BFF’s email address above.

FISH SAMPLING AT BAYFIELD RIVER FLATS PROVIDES WATER QUALITY INFORMATION

STORY AND PHOTOS BY ROGER LEWINGTON

Last month, members of the Bayfield River Valley Trail Association (BRVTA) had a great day assisting the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) staff as they sampled fish in the Bayfield River Flats.

At that site, they found Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Yellow Perch and numerous types of minnows, sunfishes and suckers. They also found an invasive, non-native Round Goby.

At four sampling sites in Bayfield River watersheds, including the Bayfield River Flats, ABCA staff found the above species as well as Rainbow Trout, Northern Pike, and a species at risk (the Northern Sunfish) near the outlet to Lake Huron.

The ABCA’s Aquatic Biologist, Kari Jean, and her crew, will sample other locations in the Bayfield River for fish and freshwater mussels later this summer.

The funding for the monitoring comes from ABCA leveraging the support from local municipalities and the Canada Nature Fund for Aquatic Species at Risk.

Tracking changes in fish populations and habitat, over time, tells people about the quality of the Bayfield River. The work also provides a way to evaluate the effectiveness of inland efforts to reduce the amount of water, containing excess sediment and nutrients, running off the land and entering the river.

To find out more about the Bayfield watershed aquatic species monitoring project, or for funding for a stewardship project that people can do on their property, or to volunteer to help with sampling, contact Kari Jean by emailing kjean@abca.ca or by calling 519 235-2610 Ext. 244.

The Bayfield River Flats is owned by the Huron Tract Land Trust Conservancy (HTLTC) and managed by BRVTA in partnership with HTLTC.

GARDENING PROJECT AT HARBOUR HILLS CULTIVATES SUCCESS

Take part in the Cultivating Memories Garden Party were l-r: Alexa Harrison, Karla Green, Ronda DeBoer, Ruby DeBrower, Nancy Simpson, Jennifer Black, Marie, and Sage Milne.

On Thursday, July 27, Gateway Centre of Excellence in Rural Health (Gateway) hosted a garden party at Harbour Hills Retirement Community in Goderich.

The garden party was held in celebration of the six raised accessible garden beds introduced to Braemar Retirement Centre, Wingham as well as at Harbour Hills. The aim of this project, known as, “Cultivating Memories”, is to re-establish the connection between food production and activities that many residents in Huron County have done all their lives.

The transition from a property with a garden to a retirement residence or a Long-Term Care Facility can be difficult.

One of the residents spoke about the challenges of moving to a retirement residence after losing her husband and losing her house and losing her garden. This project allowed her to continue doing the activity that she had always loved doing, gardening.

The event began with a tour of the three thriving raised garden beds that Harbour Hills residents tirelessly cultivated over the past few months. Snapdragons, Strawberries, Brown-eyed Susans and many other plants have flourished.

During the event, greetings were brought from Gateway, The Town of Goderich, Huron County Council, and Cultivating Memories project leads, Sage Milne and Alexa Harrison.

Thanks were given to the staff member Ronda DeBoer of Braemer as well as Ruby DeBrower of Harbour Hill, to Steve Moran who built the garden boxes, Pam Somers from the Goderich Horticultural Society and local TD Representative, Karla Green whose funding made this project possible.

One staff member commented on how many men with their facility who were former farmers routinely came out to tend to their “crops”.

“It has been an inspiring experience being able to see the enormous growth that has taken place at each of these facilities. In discussion with the residents for which plants they wanted to grow, I had an overwhelming number of ideas for what plants as well as valuable information about how the plants should be arranged among the three garden boxes,” said Milne.

This project was made possible by funding from the TD Friends of the Environment Foundation.

TURTLE RELEASE TEACHES PUBLIC HOW TO PROTECT SPECIES AT RISK

On Thursday, Aug. 31, is the date set for the Annual Hatchling Turtle Release now in its eighth year. (Submitted photo)

On Thursday, Aug. 31, the Huron Stewardship Council (HSC), in partnership with Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA), is bringing back the Annual Hatchling Turtle Release for the eighth year.

This event, to release turtle hatchlings back into the wild and to show the public how to protect Ontario’s at-risk freshwater turtle species, will take place at Morrison Dam Conservation Area, 71108 Morrison Line, 2 km east of Exeter, from 1-4 p.m.

The turtle release will take place rain or shine. Admission is free but the organizers encourage donations. The afternoon will include live reptiles, family-friendly activities, educational displays, a bake sale and merchandise for sale. Proceeds from the turtle event support Ontario turtle conservation.

Sheldon Paul is a HSC Fieldwork Coordinator. He said the turtle event draws crowds every year and is a great way to educate people of all ages about the need to protect Ontario’s eight turtle species.

“It’s fun, it’s free and we look forward to seeing everyone there,” he said.

Hope Brock is ABCA Healthy Watersheds Technician. She said turtles help to control aquatic vegetation and to clean creeks and wetlands by eating algae and dead and decaying fish and other organisms. People can protect turtles, she said, by watching for turtles on roads when driving, helping them safely cross roads in the way they are headed, protecting nests from predators, and reporting turtle sightings to community monitoring projects. Enhancing turtle habitat is also vital.

“Preserving and creating habitat for turtles and other species is one of the most important things we can do to sustain our turtle species,” she said. “Planting native trees and shrubs, restoring and enhancing wetlands, and growing natural areas all help to protect turtles locally and across Ontario.”

The turtle hatchling release event has taken place since 2016 (it was held as a virtual event in 2020 and 2021).

People attending will not be able to hold the turtles. This is to protect the animals and reduce their stress. Those attending will be able to see the turtles as they are released. The HSC staff releasing the hatchlings are trained and authorized to release them. (Organizers would like to remind the public to never release species, especially non-native species, into the wild.)

Ontario’s native freshwater turtles face many threats including habitat loss and road mortality (death by cars and other vehicles). Hundreds of turtles in Ontario are hit by cars each year in the spring, summer and autumn. These could be gravid (pregnant) females looking for a place to lay eggs, or males and females looking for new ponds and mates. People can help turtles by creating nesting habitat on their properties, stopping to help turtles cross the road in the direction they are heading (when it is safe to do so), and working with their local municipalities and communities to erect turtle crossing signs and build safe passages. People can also arrange for transport of injured turtles to the turtle hospital. People can also act to protect, create, and enhance the natural areas that provide the habitat for turtle hatchlings to eat, drink, reproduce, and grow and become the adult turtles of tomorrow.

To learn more visit: Huron Stewardship Council  and the ABCA’s Turtles Page or email the HSC at huronstewardship@gmail.com.

HURON HOSPICE BUTTERFLY RELEASE AND TELETHON CONCERT RETURN

Huron Hospice is pleased to announce the return of two of their most popular events as they were meant to be experienced. The Seventh Annual Butterfly Release will be back at Bender House and the “No Place Like Home” Telethon will be live.

The Telethon Concert is set for Saturday, Sept. 23 starting at 6:30 p.m. This year the Telethon Concert will be broadcast live from the Kingsbridge Centre. Set to perform are headliners:Amanda McClure and Tom Burke, from Seaforth; Josh Geddis, Steve Dawe and Jess Langan, from Bayfield and Clinton, and Clinton’s own Grant McMillan.

Artistic Director of the Blyth Festival, Gil Garratt and Member of Parliament, Ben Lobb, will join Huron County Coordinator of Tourism and Local Food, Alecia Anderson as celebrity emcees.

“We are pleased to have the three of them join us again. Each brings a deep understanding of Huron County and the arts scene. The fact that Alecia, Ben and Gil are making time for Huron Hospice shows how important the Hospice is for everyone across the County.” said Christopher Walker, Huron Hospice manager of Fund Development.

Walker also thanked the creative team at Faux Pop Studios in Goderich for their dedication to the event.

“Faux Pop helps us put together a wonderful show. It will be an entertaining evening,” he said.

For those who wish to attend the concert live and in-person, tickets are selling for $50 each. This ticket price includes a complimentary Concert Shuttle. Guests must reserve their shuttle seats when they buy their tickets on a first-come, first-serve basis. The event will have cash bar service and beef-on-a-bun. A vegetarian option and cookies will also be available. Goodwill donations will cover food costs.

The annual butterfly release is scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 27, at 2 p.m., in the Huron Hospice Bender House garden.

“Butterflies are an important symbol of transformation for families at Huron Hospice. People gather and release butterflies each year as they remember loved ones who are no longer with them. Children marvel at the butterflies they release to begin their migration south,” said Walker.

He announced some changes to the event this year, “we always release ethically raised butterflies. We know that our pollinating friends, the butterflies and the bees, need us now more than ever. They are losing their habitat and their feeding grounds. Just as you have done in the past, you can purchase a butterfly for the commemorative release or you can do more for these remarkable butterflies. You can also buy a Butterfly Bush or a Black-eyed Susan for your garden.”

Please note these plants will be made available for planting next Spring.

Butterflies are $40 again this year. Butterfly bushes cost $35, and Black-eyed Susans are $20 and can be ordered at Butterfly Release.

Anyone who would prefer to order butterflies in-person are asked to email jilliansimmons@huronhospice.ca or Ben.Matlovich@huronhospice.ca for more information.

In case of rain, the release will be held on Monday, Aug. 28.

Huron Hospice Bender House is located at 37857 Huron Road in Clinton.