The Bayfield BreezeIssue 890 Week 31 Vol 18
July 29, 2026
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RACE FOR PIONEER PARK MARKS FORTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF FUN
The annual Pioneer Park 5 km Fun Race is happening on Monday, Aug. 3rd and this year marks the event’s 40th anniversary! Everyone is welcome across all ages and experience levels and encouraged to participate or just hang out and cheer on the racers and dogs. There are five categories to take part in: walking, running, biking, some kind of wheeling and the popular first or best dog. (Photo by Melody Falconer-Pounder)
The annual Pioneer Park 5 km Fun Race is happening on Monday, Aug. 3rd and this year marks the event’s 40th anniversary!
“So, if you haven’t already, get your bike tires pumped, your sneakers ready or maybe some wheels oiled and come out to join in and celebrate our 40th!” said organizer Ann Laudenbach.
Everyone is welcome across all ages and experience levels and encouraged to participate or just hang out and cheer on the racers and dogs. There are five categories to take part in: walking, running, biking, some kind of wheeling and the popular first or best dog.
“This year is very special as our 5K OG Michael Yuhasz will be on site and on the course. Michael has been a part of this event consistently since he dreamed up the idea for a 5 km run and it grew from there,” said Laudenbach. “It is also a special milestone for me personally marking my 32nd year of involvement.”
Laudenback went on to explain that means a lot of the crew that help orchestrate and execute this event have also been helping for around or over three decades.
“Thank you to all my current and past crew for helping bring the 5K to life and for all of the prize donors, I appreciate you all,” Laudenbach said.
Registration will be held in the park from 8:45-9:30 a.m on Civic Holiday Monday. Walkers will depart from the starting line at 9:30 a.m. Cyclists, wheelers and runners will leave within a space of five minutes after each other starting at 10 a.m. Dogs on leash are most welcomed and will also be entered as a separate category. Please remember that helmets for cyclists under the age of 18 years is an Ontario legal requirement.
The rather retro entry fee of $5 per participant remains. Donations are welcomed and appreciated with all proceeds going to help with the general maintenance of the tremendously unique and beautiful Pioneer Park.
Anyone with questions or who may wish to donate a prize is asked to please call Laudenbach at 416 527-5898.
STORIES OF COMMUNITY SERVICE WELCOME BY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Members of The Bayfield Tree Project Committee and people from a variety of service groups and organizations gathered on the morning of May 16, 2011 to watch the first trees in The Bayfield Tree Project be planted on Louisa Street. (Photo by Melody Falconer-Pounder)
Behind every good deed is a story that deserves sharing!
In 2009, while walking through the village, Sondra Buchner, and a friend, noticed that many of the trees along Main Street and other areas of the village were either dead or dying. Upon discovering that the Municipality had no plan to replace the trees, they felt compelled to act. This led to the creation of the Bayfield Tree Project.
Buchner, along with a group of concerned friends and residents, wasted no time getting to work. They successfully secured initial funding from TD Bank Greenspaces and began replacing some of the trees in 2011. They diligently pursued additional funding, receiving annual contributions from the Municipality and significant support from residents.
Their hard work has paid off. Since the project began, Buchner and her team have planted over a thousand trees, many of which are native to the region, contributing to Bayfield’s beautiful green canopy.
People can read Buchner’s story at the Bayfield Story Project. The members of the Bayfield Historical Society (BHS) thank her for sharing her story.
Living in a small town fosters a unique sense of belonging, as the community supports one another. Community development is essential in helping small towns like Bayfield thrive and improve the quality of life for everyone.
Whether providing hot meals, organizing cultural or artistic activities, or offering other services for the greater good, the BHS invites people to share their story! The Bayfield Story Project is an online community scrapbook created to commemorate the village’s 150th anniversary. It also serves as a platform to acknowledge and celebrate the acts of kindness and good deeds that happen in this community every day.
Whether small or large, these endeavors bring the community together and strengthen the village as a place of camaraderie and connection, making it a great way to mark this milestone year.
Stories can be submitted to the Bayfield Story Project by visiting: Story Submissions Form.
BAYFIELD SCULPTURE PROJECT TO BE UNVEILED MID-SEPTEMBER
The Bayfield Centre for the Arts is pleased to share that its Bayfield Sculpture Project is entering its final stages, with installation tentatively planned for early September.
Created to commemorate Bayfield’s 150th anniversary, the sculpture will stand as a lasting legacy celebrating the village’s rich history and strong relationship to Lake Huron.
The project has been made possible through the generosity of donors, volunteers, community partners, and supporters who embraced the vision of creating a permanent work of public art for Bayfield.
Once installed in Clan Gregor Square the sculpture will become a welcoming landmark for residents and visitors alike, inviting reflection on Bayfield’s past while celebrating its future.
The community is warmly invited to attend the official unveiling on Saturday, Sept. 19. This special event will mark the completion of a significant legacy project and offer an opportunity for everyone to gather in celebration of this historic milestone. Details of the unveiling ceremony will be announced in the coming weeks.
The first of its kind in the Municipality of Bluewater, Bayfield Centre for the Arts encourages residents to come out, celebrate this exciting addition to our community, and help mark Bayfield’s sesquicentennial with an artwork that will be enjoyed for generations to come.
BAYFIELD WRITERS SERIES IS BACK WITH CHAPTER THREE
On Sept. 25-26, the Bayfield Writers Series will bring together four bestselling authors to share secrets behind their latest novels and the craft of turning facts into fiction. Emma Donoghue, Heather Marshall, Genevieve Graham and Molly Fader will take the stage at the Bayfield Town Hall to talk about their diverse fictional characters, suspenseful plots and masterfully researched stories.
On the evening of Friday, Sept. 25, the weekend will kick off with a cocktail hour followed by an interview with Fader, a USA Today bestselling American-Canadian author known for emotionally-rich women’s fiction, contemporary romance and historical dramas. Fader also hosts the podcast, “Day Drinking with Authors”. Fader’s interview will highlight her latest novel, “Lady X”, a fast paced story of female resistance and rage that sweeps from contemporary L.A. to the gritty 1970s New York, uncovering the secret of three generations of women.
Then on Saturday morning, Sept. 26, three dynamic interviews will be showcased featuring Donoghue, Marshall and Graham.
Donoghue is an internationally known bestselling Canadian novelist, screenwriter and playwright who has published 20 works of fiction across a variety of genres. Some of Donoghue’s works have been adapted into film, with “The Room” being nominated for an Academy award. Donoghue’s latest book, “The Paris Express”, is a historical thriller that reimagines the 1895 Montparnasse Railway disaster.
Marshall is a bestselling Canadian author of three gripping historical fiction novels. Her work showcases intense research that uncovers the hidden and often overlooked experiences of women. Marshall’s latest release, “Liberty Street”, focuses on the real-life 1960s Andrew Mercer Reformatory for Women and includes a riveting dual-timeline that is partly set right here in Bayfield.
Graham is a number-one Globe and Mail, Toronto Star, and USA Today bestselling Canadian author widely celebrated for her meticulously researched fiction. Graham is dedicated to illuminating forgotten, neglected and sometimes dark chapters of Canadian history. Graham’s recent release, “The Chambermaid’s Key”, is a dazzling dual-timeline story set in Toronto’s Ward district and is enmeshed in a mystery that takes almost a century to solve.
Saturday afternoon features an insightful conversation with Fader, Marshall and Graham, as they discuss their craft and their journey as writers. This conversation will be recorded live and will be included as one of Fader’s Day Drinking with Authors podcasts.
On Sunday, Sept. 27, the Bayfield Writers Series will host a separate interactive workshop for writers who are working on their own novel or memoir. Fader will facilitate “Ten Tips for Tighter Tension”. No matter what the genre, tension is critical to keep the reader engaged. More details to follow in a separate Bayfield Breeze article.
Tickets are limited. To purchase tickets, go to bayfield-writers-series.ca. For more information about the Bayfield Writers Series, future events, and early tickets sales notices, follow along on Facebook and Instagram @bayfieldwritersseries and sign up for their newsletters.
The Bayfield Writers Series is sponsored by the Village Bookshop, who generously supports literary arts in Bayfield and Huron County. The Bayfield Writers Series goal is to connect community to celebrate the power of story.
BAYFIELD FAIR PARADE ORGANIZERS ENCOURAGE ENTRIES AND SEEK VOLUNTEERS
Organizers have been busy working on the parade lineup and hope to welcome some new entries for this year’s parade that will be held on Saturday, Aug. 15 at 11 a.m. (Submitted photo)
Planning is well underway for the 2026 Bayfield Community Fair parade. With the participation of community members, businesses and organizations, it just keeps getting better and better!
The parade will take place on Bayfield’s Main Street on Saturday, Aug. 15, starting at 11 a.m. The dates for this year’s Fair are August 14 – 16. The Fair theme is “Apple Pies & Harvest Skies”.
Many generations of Bayfield families and visitors have enjoyed the parade and the Fair over the years. The Bayfield Agricultural Society is celebrating its 170th anniversary, and the Village of Bayfield is celebrating 150 years, so this year will be extra special!
Organizers have been busy working on the parade lineup and hope to welcome some new entries for this year’s parade. Members of the community are encouraged to enter a float or group to represent their organization, business, community group, or neighborhood. This is a great opportunity to get exposure for a business or organization. Musicians, dance groups, kids on bikes, vintage tractors and implements, campgrounds all are invited to come and march in the parade!
The Bayfield Area Food Bank will be collecting donations along the parade route. Those attending the parade are asked to remember non-perishable food items, personal toiletries, or cash donations.
Parade Chair Kate Fischer adds, “A parade is more than the sum of its participants. Our marchers, spectators, and volunteers combine to make a fabulous celebration of our agricultural heritage. This year is even more special as the Bayfield Agricultural Society is celebrating 170 years. See you at the parade!”
Additional information about this year’s parade can be found on the page: Bayfield Agricultural Society’s Parade. Anyone interested in entering a float or being part of the parade is asked to email info@bayfieldfair.ca with a few details. Parade organizers are also looking for extra volunteers to help out on the day of the parade. People who can spare a few hours on Aug. 15 in the morning are asked to send a message to the same address or complete the form: Volunteer Signup.
In the remaining weeks leading up to the Fair, there will be regular announcements made through the Bayfield Breeze and on social media. Lots of fun events and activities are in the works, so check back often and stay tuned! To learn more, please visit bayfieldfair.ca. Celebrating 170 years in the community!
MISTAKEN IDENTITY LEADS TO POTENTIAL FOR BETTER LIFE
Peter Parker (Submitted photo)
It may have been a case of mistaken identity but a fortunate case nonetheless as this recently trapped feline will no longer have to swing through the community in survival mode.
The Adopt a BFF cat of the week is Peter Parker.
“Peter Parker was brought to the rescue after he was trapped because someone had lost their cat and they initially thought this was him,” said Deb Penhale, representing BFF. “Alas for poor Peter Parker he was not there missing cat. And although they thought he was adorable they decided not to keep him as they are still looking for their own kitty to return home.”
Peter Parker is a young male. He may have some Maine Coon traits as he is a big boy and will fill out once he has gained some weight.
According to Penhale, while not the cat the woman who trapped him was looking for, she surrendered him to the rescue in hopes that if he is lost he might be returned to his family. And as he appeared to be in very poor condition she felt she couldn’t just release him.
“Peter Parker had been surviving by eating grass,” said Penhale. “When he was fed some actual food it caused some pretty severe gastro issues. We had to implement a slow feeding process to get him back on track. Over feeding a starving cat can cause problems.”
Penhale reported that since coming to the Rescue, Peter Parker is on the road to recovery.
“He’s a beautiful, energetic, sweet boy. He’s a superhero in the fact that he was able to survive and still be so lovable. He’s quite playful and is looking forward to being able to come out and hang out with the other kitties.”
In fact, as he’s pretty close to being able to move on to a life off the streets, volunteers are casting a web for his forever family this week. Anyone who thinks they could provide a good home for Peter Parker is asked to reach out to bayfieldsforgottenfelines@gmail.com. Can’t adopt at this time? Consider donating for medical care and food to the email address listed above via E-transfer or mail financial donations to P.O. Box 33, Bayfield, ON, N0M 1G0.
BFF held their first “Kittenpalooza” mid-July and while a lot of people came out to visit the kittens – which is wonderful as it helps with their socialization and raises awareness of their plight – there were only a handful of adoptions. So, volunteers are working hard to organize their second Kittenpalooza of the season!
This Kittenpalooza will be held on Aug. 8-9 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 16 Keith Crescent in Bayfield. There are still over 40 kittens looking for their forever homes. And once again all are welcome to come out to meet this season’s crop of furry little wonders.
Even people who can’t adopt right now are welcome to visit and get some kitten cuddles and purchase some kitten themed swag to help with the financial needs ensuring the health and safety of these young babies.
IN MEMORIAM
PAL BELIEVED WORLD WAS MEANT TO BE EXPLORED
Pat Pal (Photo by Jack Pal)
The community will no doubt be saddened to learn of the recent death of a very active Bayfield resident.
Pat Pal passed away peacefully on July 27, surrounded by her family, with compassion, dignity, and love.
Born in Canada on Nov. 2nd, 1944, Pat moved with her family to Rochester, New York, at the age of six, where she was raised alongside her brother, Jim, who predeceased her. She built a successful career in human resources with PwC and was a certified Myers-Briggs facilitator, helping others better understand themselves and those around them.
Pat and her beloved husband, Jack, shared 33 wonderful years of marriage filled with adventure, friendship, and discovery. A lifelong advocate for health and wellness, she worked as a fitness and yoga instructor, ran a marathon with her dear friend Alma, briefly baked for a health food store, and was making her own yogurt long before it became fashionable.
Travel was one of Pat’s greatest passions. Whether wintering in Arizona with Jack and their dogs, visiting family in Australia, hiking in New Zealand, or exploring Europe, she believed travel was about learning, understanding, and experiencing places as explorers rather than tourists. Although pulmonary fibrosis eventually curtailed those adventures, her curiosity and love of learning never faded.
Pat also found joy in reading and being read to, watching tennis, enjoying a strong cup of black coffee, and faithfully following her favorite television series, “Grey’s Anatomy”. Her greatest non-human companions were her therapy dogs – Thatcher, Bailey, and Brady – whose work touched countless lives and whose memory is honored in the Bayfield Lions portable stage photo collage. She also gave generously of her time as a member of the Board of Directors of the Bayfield Town Hall Heritage Society.
Pat was predeceased by her son, Noel, and is lovingly remembered by her daughter, Holly and her husband Colin; grandchildren Theo and Tristan; Jack’s children, son Dennis with grandchildren Naomi and Liam; and daughter Jen with grandchildren Callam and Josh with partner Karly Gooch and great grandchildren Vinnie and Dakota; as well as many dear friends whose lives were enriched by her warmth, wisdom, kindness, and quiet strength.
In keeping with her lifelong commitment to caring for both people and the environment, Pat chose aquamation through McCormack Funeral Home in Sarnia, ON, as a gentle, environmentally responsible alternative to cremation.
The family extends its deepest appreciation to the staff of Huronview for their empathy and devoted care, and especially to the staff at Clinton Public Hospital, whose exceptional kindness, compassion, and professionalism ensured that Pat’s final hours were marked by comfort, dignity, and peace.
Pat approached life with curiosity, courage, and an open heart. She believed the world was meant to be explored, people were meant to be understood, and kindness was something to be practised every day. Her love, wisdom, and gentle spirit will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know her.
Donations may be made to the Canadian Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation.
PIONEER PARK CONCERT
Members of the Lakeview Mennonite Church invite everyone who wishes to come and listen to them sing in Pioneer Park on Friday, July 31st.
Their performance will begin at 8:30 p.m. In the event of rain, the date will be changed to Saturday, Aug. 1st at the same time.
MEN’S BREAKFAST
The next Men’s Breakfast is scheduled for this Saturday, Aug. 1st. All men in the community are invited for a fabulous meal and camaraderie served up at the TSJ Hall.
Coffee will be served at 9 a.m. with breakfast following at about 9:30 a.m. This is a pay what you are able event. To ensure enough food is available anyone planning to attend is asked to please email John Pounder at bvilego@gmail.com by July 30th at noon.
The TSJ Hall is located at 10 Keith Crescent in Bayfield (formerly Trinity St James Parish Hall).
BOOK SALES
Friends of Bayfield Library (FOBL) would like to remind all book lovers that they can enjoy the benefits of browsing the Red Cart and Red Table during regular hours at the Bayfield Branch Library as they are now both stocked with titles worth purchasing!
In addition, people are encouraged to mark the remaining scheduled FOBL Summer Book Sales on their calendars. These will be held on Aug. 1st and Aug. 15.
All proceeds from these book sales support the Bayfield Library and FOBL thanks everyone in advance for their support.
The Bayfield Branch Library is located at 18 Main Street in the village.
BAYFIELD TRAILS
The Bayfield River Valley Trails Association (BRVTA) has two special events upcoming in the month of August from an annual local clean up day to a guided hike in a neighboring community!
Saturday, Aug. 8 is “Love Your Greats” Clean-up Day! This will be the 11th year for this event which involves picking up trash along the shoreline and river banks and in the water. All are welcome to join the BRVTA team in cleaning up along the river shoreline. Participants are asked to meet at the Bayfield River Flats parking lot just east of Highway 21 and south of the bridge at 10 a.m. People are encouraged to bring gloves and a pail, if possible.
Then on Saturday, Aug. 22, there will be a guided tour of Hullett Marsh at the Hullett Provincial Wildlife Area, east of Clinton. This is a major wetland habitat with a variety of unique flora and fauna. The guide will be Ally Gibson of the Friends of Hullett Marsh. The hike will begin at 11 a.m. Participants are asked to meet at the Main Viewing Stand Parking Lot, located at 40905 Summerhill Road near Clinton.
UNITED CHURCH
On Sunday, Aug. 23, the members of St. Andrew’s United Church will celebrate their 124th Anniversary! They are delighted to welcome Julia Armstrong, archivist of the Bayfield Historical Society, who will speak on “A Brief History of St. Andrew’s from the Bayfield Historical Society Archives”.
Rev. Sheila Macgregor will lead the worship service beginning at 10 a.m. There will be special music, Kids’ Club during worship, and light refreshments following the service in celebration of the anniversary. All are welcome!
JOINT CHURCH PICNIC
Kathleen Siertsema and Laurie Dykstra, are the first people to have their names placed on the highly prized “Bayfield Church Picnic Cup” as they emerged as the winning team following a round of games held on Sunday, July 19. (Submitted photo)
On Sunday, July 19, the congregations of St. Andrew’s United Church and Knox Presbyterian Church, both in Bayfield, had a joint service and picnic in Clan Gregor Square.
The morning began with a Hymn Sing at 10 a.m., followed by a Sunday Service, lead by Rev. Sheila MacGregor, of St. Andrew’s, and Rev. John Bannerman, of Knox starting at 10:30 a.m.
Those who attended confirmed that it was a great experience to sit in their lawn chairs on a lovely Summer day for this service. Following worship, those in attendance shared a tasty potluck lunch of sandwiches and fingerfoods. After lunch those who wished were encouraged to play games such as, crokinole, corn hole and ladder golf. All agreed that the joint church service and picnic had been a great success!
BACC SECRETARY NEEDED
The Bayfield and Area Chamber of Commerce (BACC) is on the hunt for a new Secretary – and before everyone pictures mountains of paperwork and dusty filing cabinets, don’t worry… it’s much more about keeping the Chamber connected and running smoothly.
As Secretary, this person will help support the day-to-day communication, governance, and member service functions of the BACC. They’ll keep members, board directors, and community partners in the loop, help prepare agendas, organize board meetings and the Annual General Meeting, respond to emails, prepare a monthly newsletter and help the BACC maintain strong relationships with local businesses, municipal partners, and community organizations.
Think of it as being the friendly glue that helps hold the Chamber together without actually getting stuck to anything! There is also a small stipend in compensation.
Applicants need to own a member business or be employed by a current member of the BACC. The secretary is a member of the executive and a voting member of the Board of Directors.
The BACC Board would love to hear from anyone who is organized, enjoys working with great people, and would like to play a meaningful role in supporting the local business community.
Anyone who is Interested or has questions is invited to email villageofbayfield@gmail.com to learn more.
The Bayfield & Area Chamber of Commerce Board would like to thank people in advance for considering the position – they promise the coffee is better than the paperwork!
GARDEN CLUB
The Garden Club members are pleased to announce that their specially designed gardening aprons commemorating Bayfield 1-5-0 are now available at two businesses on the village’s Main Street: Nabit and The Village Book Shop.
The aprons are selling for $30 with all proceeds going to Huron Hospice.
Aprons can also be purchased by contacting Lori Hill at 519 532-5274. The membership attests that they would make a nice gift for any gardener!
BAYFIELD ARTIST GUILD
The Bayfield Community Fair is one of Ontario’s oldest continuously operating agricultural fairs at 170 years young! And this year the village is also celebrating a milestone marking 150 years since incorporation.
The fair was created by farmers to celebrate the region’s booming agrarian output, such as its massive wheat and apple harvests. While roots remain firmly planted in agriculture, the event has evolved into a vibrant community celebration.
From 1920 to the 1960s, local country schools organized students to enter academic, and arts and crafts displays into the fair competition categories. Today children continue to be encouraged to be part of the fair by entering exhibits. The indoor Homecraft show allows opportunities for all ages to enter art, crafts and photography.
The Bayfield Artist Guild (BAG) is challenging all children in the community to participate and celebrate Bayfield’s 1-5-0 by entering an exhibit to the fair. On Aug. 8 from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Bayfield Branch Library, BAG members will assist children in art projects specifically designed to meet fair criteria in certain age categories. Registration is required by contacting Bayfieldkidspopup@gmail.com Space is limited, so register early. All supplies will be provided free of charge.
Many family events and activities are planned for times throughout the fair weekend, Aug. 14-16. For instance, there will be a co-lead Kids Pop Up Arts and Crafts Table on Aug. 15 beginning at noon. Check out the schedule of events by going to bayfieldfair.ca and/or pick up an “Apple Pies & Harvest Skies” Fair Book at the Bayfield Library.
The Bayfield Branch Library is located at 18 Main Street North in the village.
FAIR CONCERT
Cory James Mitchell Band (Submitted photo)
Once again, the Bayfield Town Hall Heritage Society and the Bayfield Agricultural Society are collaborating to present the Saturday evening concert event during the annual Bayfield Community Fair. On the evening of Aug. 15, they will be celebrating the Fair’s 170th anniversary with Southwestern Ontario’s best country rock.
The headlining act based out of Sarnia, ON, will be the “Cory James Mitchell Band” whose speciality is blue collar country. They bring a unique sound to the Canadian music scene that can’t help but catch folk’s attention. Their music is gritty, genuine and full of emotion, a barebones style of country blues mixed with a life long influence of Detroit’s Motor City and southern style rock ‘n roll. After finding success being named to SiriusXM’s Top of the Country in its inaugural year and playing the main stage at “Boots and Hearts” as the top finalist in the Emerging Artist Showcase, the band has released several successful singles and continues to grow their following. The Cory James Mitchell Band have played to packed crowds at the Canadian National Exhibition, The Kee To Bala, Havelock Jamboree, 2025 Kincardine Canada Day Festival, 2025 Ram Stampede Rodeo Tour; toured across Canada with “Blackberry Smoke” and opened for artists such as “The Reklaws”, Jade Eagleson, “April Wine” and “Big Sugar”.
Graham Bedard, will be a special guest performer, who is a rising Canadian country-rock artist from Exeter, ON. He is known for raw, powerhouse vocals and a captivating stage presence. Honing his craft for nearly 20 years, his sound blends the grit of ‘90s rock and the heart of modern country. Bedard has shared stages with Canadian icons like David Wilcox, Kim Mitchell and “The Washboard Union”. In 2019, Bedard won the Boothill Jamboree Rising Star Award and debuted on SiriusXM’s “Top of the Country” with “The Right Time”. In August 2025, he won the Emerging Artist Showdown at Lucknow’s “Music in the Fields” where he opened for Tenille Townes and Jordan Davis debuting his single, “Worse Than The Whiskey” – named one of the “Top 25 Best Songs of 2025” by CMA Ontario!
Attendees are invited to bring their lawn chairs for music under the stars at Agricultural Park during the Bayfield Community Fair. Tickets are $40 per person and are available now at bayfieldtownhall.com.
TOWN HALL CONCERT
Haggis X-1 will perform at an outdoor concert at the Bayfield Town Hall on Aug. 1st. (Submitted photo)
The Bayfield Town Hall Heritage Society will celebrate Summer vibes with an exciting outdoor concert on Aug. 1st as “Haggis X-1” is set to take centre stage at this holiday weekend lawn party! And tickets are already 50 per cent sold!
This high-energy Celtic rock band will perform on the grounds of the Bayfield Town Hall starting at 7 p.m.
Haggis X-1 has been built around veteran members of acclaimed Canadian group “Enter the Haggis”. Over a 30-year career, Enter the Haggis toured extensively across North America, performing on national television programs including “Regis and Kelly”, on the A&E and PBS networks and on prestigious stages such as the “Kennedy Center for the Arts”. Their songs “One Last Drink” and “Down With The Ship” have become modern Celtic pub anthems, keeping audiences raising a pint and singing along wherever they’re played.
Carrying that legacy forward, Haggis X-1 blends driving rhythms, pipes, fiddle, and memorable songs into a powerful live show that connects equally with longtime Celtic music fans and brand-new listeners. The band delivers a mix of beloved Enter the Haggis favorites and fresh material, all rooted in strong melodies, big choruses, and a sense of celebration.
In addition to Craig Downie, Trevor Lewington and Tom Barraco of Enter the Haggis, Haggis X-1’s lineup features virtuoso fiddler and multi-instrumentalist Jesse Grandmont, on fiddle and mandolin; guitarist Will Earley adding rhythmic punch and melodic flair; vocalist/keyboardist, Charlotte Roth bringing dynamic lead vocals and rich textures to the band’s sound; and Anthony Candullo on bass.
Grandmont is known for appearances on “America’s Got Talent”, performances with “Barrage” and “Ben Harper”, and for the acclaimed musical variety show “Fiddler On The Loose” featured at Huron County Playhouse in 2019.
All together, these seven musicians will create an engaging, contemporary take on Celtic rock.
Attendees are asked to bring their own lawn chair or blanket for a Summer evening of fun on the lovely grounds of the Bayfield Town Hall. Tickets are available at bayfieldtownhall.com.
HISTORY REVISITED
Thanks to the generosity of Dave and Lynne Gillians and friends, “The Village of Bayfield History: 1876–1985” is hot off the press and available for purchase through the Bayfield Historical Society (BHS).
The contents of this book were first published by the BHS in 1987 in a grey hardcover limited edition. Members of the society and others had been collecting stories about local people, properties, businesses, and societies for a decade, focusing on material dating from the year of incorporation. The reeve of the town, Ed Oddleifson, and a group of volunteers realized the need for a history book and formed a committee to oversee its production.
Since the book is such a rich resource, the Gillians felt that these stories needed to be made available again – and that the 150th anniversary year was the ideal time for such a project. Last Fall they and other volunteers began work to create, on behalf of the BHS, a softcover re-edition of the original.
The book is $25 and all proceeds benefit the BHS. The board of directors wishes to express its deep gratitude to the Gillians and friends for producing this new edition.
To order or arrange onsite purchase/pickup, email bhsmembers@gmail.com.
BAYFIELD 150 – THE SONG
ATLIS has created a song to celebrate Bayfield’s 150th anniversary. Inspired by the heart of this community and the natural beauty of the lakeside village, “Bayfield150” captures the feeling residents and visitors know so well – canopy-covered streets, open skies, vibrant Lake Huron blues and unforgettable sunsets.
It’s the sound of home for some, and the sound of discovery for others.
The vibe of the song features warm pads, marimba-style synth leads, and a relaxed 100-115 BPM groove blended seamlessly with gentle guitars, airy textures, and subtle coastal trumpet accents. The result is uplifting but calm.
This track is more than music. It’s a reflection of Bayfield’s spirit: welcoming, warm-hearted people; creative, artistic energy; tranquility by the lake; connection, celebration, and community; peaceful progress and forward motion
Feel It. Then Live It. Listen on Spotify. Search for “Bayfield150” by ATLIS.
MAHJONG
Exciting news for players of Mahjong! For the first time ever the group is going to play through the Summer months instead of taking a hiatus from the end of May to early September! Mahjong will continue to be held on Wednesdays at the Bayfield Branch Library on a weekly basis.
Anyone who would like to learn this fun tile game are invited to join returning players starting at 1:15 p.m. Instruction will be given to those wanting to learn. Individuals who already know how to play are encouraged to come out to enjoy meeting others in a social setting.
Those who would like to learn more about MahJong are asked to please contact Marlene McDougall by calling 226 441-2075 or emailing marlenemcdougall7@gmail.com.
The Bayfield Branch Library is located at 18 Main Street North in the village.
WEDNESDAY BRIDGE
The Bayfield Bridge Club meets on Wednesday afternoons at St. Andrew’s United Church.
Players do not need to attend with a partner to participate in these “drop-in” sessions. New people are invited to join in this great opportunity to make new friends as partners are switched after every four hands. There are weekly reviews on bidding responses at the beginning of each session for example, responses to a No Trump open etc. Snacks are served mid-session.
The cost to take part is $4 per player. The cards are shuffled at 1 p.m. All levels of players are welcome to take part in these games that are played year-round.
St Andrew’s United Church is located at 6 The Square in the village.
PEARSON RETURNS AS SOURCE PROTECTION COMMITTEE CHAIR
Matt Pearson (Submitted photo)
The Province of Ontario has reappointed Matt Pearson as the Chair of the Ausable Bayfield Maitland Valley (ABMV) Drinking Water Source Protection Committee (SPC).
“It is an honor to be reappointed Chair of the committee,” he said. “Over the years I have had the privilege of working with many members experienced in environmental protection who have a passion for the natural environment. My role as Chair is to focus their collective wisdom on protecting our drinking water sources by developing policies that are sensible and successful.”
Pearson has served on the committee (the first one in Ontario) since it was first formed in 2007. He began as a committee member and representative of the environmental sector. He later assumed the Chair’s role in an interim capacity in 2016 and took over the job on a longer-term basis in 2017.
A major role of the committee is to provide ongoing information and education to the public, Pearson said.
“Over the past few years this committee has engaged in the production of a series of videos that were well-received in our watershed areas and across Ontario,” he said. He also commended the committee for championing well water sampling by private well owners and well water testing by public health.
Pearson is a Senior Planner at B. M. Ross and Associates Limited. He is a founding member and a Past Chair of the Board for the Lake Huron Centre for Coastal Conservation. He is also a member and past officer of the Ontario Professional Planners Institute, and a former member of the Huron County Water Coalition, Huron Stewardship Council, and Friends of the Bayfield River.
The SPC helps to reduce risk to municipal drinking water sources, including groundwater underneath the ground in aquifers and drawn for treatment from municipal wells; and surface water (from Lake Huron) drawn, for treatment, through municipal intakes. The committee does this through the creation and implementation of policies in locally-developed, provincially approved source protection plans. To learn more about the work of the committee, visit Source Water Information – the committee.
The appointment of Pearson as Chair took effect on June 19, 2026 and will continue until June 18, 2028.
MONTHLY PASS PRICE INCREASE COMING SOON
Huron Shores Area Transit (HSAT) will increase the price of its Monthly Pass, effective Sept. 1st, as part of its ongoing commitment to maintaining a financially sustainable rural transit system while continuing to provide affordable transportation throughout the region.
The monthly pass will increase to $160 from $140.
Since its launch, HSAT has expanded service, introduced new routes and seasonal services, improved bus stop infrastructure, and increased service frequency to better meet the needs of residents, workers, students, and visitors. As operating costs continue to rise, periodic fare adjustments are necessary to help support the long-term sustainability of the transit system.
Even with the increase, the Monthly Pass continues to provide exceptional value for passengers who travel regularly. Passengers making two long-distance return trips each week would pay $192 in regular fares over a four-week month, while the $160 Monthly Pass provides a savings of $32 (16.7 per cent). Passengers making frequent local trips will also continue to benefit from significant savings compared with paying individual fares. HSAT’s Monthly Pass remains one of the most affordable among comparable rural transit systems in Ontario.
HSAT continues to provide more service than many comparable rural transit systems, operating seven days a week, including weekends and statutory holidays and operating more service hours per day, while connecting communities throughout Lambton Shores, Kettle & Stony Point First Nation, South Huron, Bluewater, Plympton-Wyoming, Sarnia, London, and Goderich.
For more information about fares and transit services, call 1-888-465-0783 or visit www.HuronShoresAreaTransit.ca.
HSAT is partially funded by the Government of Ontario.
CMHA HURON PERTH RECEIVES FUNDING FOR BUILDING UPGRADES
The Ontario government is investing $570,053 between 2026 and 2028 to complete upgrades and repairs at the Canadian Mental Health Association Huron Perth – Addiction and Mental Health Services, creating a safer, more comfortable space for people and their families to connect to care and services, close to home.
This funding is part of Ontario’s broader investment of nearly $15 million through the Community Infrastructure Renewal Fund (CIRF) to support infrastructure upgrades, maintenance and repairs at 67 community health service providers across the province.
“Investing in community healthcare infrastructure is an investment in the people who depend on these services every day,” said Lisa Thompson, MPP for Huron-Bruce. “By supporting important upgrades at the Canadian Mental Health Association Huron-Perth – Addiction and Mental Health Services, we are helping create a safer, more accessible space where individuals and families in Huron County can receive the care they need, when they need it most.”
The Community Infrastructure Renewal Fund enables healthcare system partners to address their urgent infrastructure needs including upgrading or replacing roofs, windows, security systems, fire alarms and emergency generators. Since 2018, the Ontario government has doubled its investment through the Community Infrastructure Renewal Fund, allowing more community-based health service providers to repair and modernize their infrastructure and preserve their operational capacity.
“Our government is making historic investments to protect Ontario’s healthcare system, ensuring that more people in Huron and Perth counties can connect to the care they need, where and when they need it,” said Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, Sylvia Jones. “This investment will enable the Canadian Mental Health Association Huron Perth – Addiction and Mental Health Services to address priority infrastructure needs so patients and their families can continue to access vital services and care in their community.”
Over the next 10 years, Ontario is investing approximately $64 billion in major health infrastructure. This is part of the government’s plan to get shovels in the ground on more than 50 major hospital projects across the province, which will deliver approximately 3,000 new hospital beds to enhance access to quality care and build a connected, people-first healthcare system.
Through “Your Health: A Plan for Connected and Convenient Care”, Ontario is expanding and modernizing hospitals and building new healthcare facilities, making it faster and easier for people of all ages to connect to the high-quality care they need, where and when they need it.
BENDER HOUSE LOCATION OF ANNUAL BUTTERFLY RELEASE
Huron Hospice is excited to welcome the community to its 10th Annual Butterfly Release on Sunday, Aug. 30th, in the beautiful gardens at Bender House.
The Butterfly Release has become a meaningful tradition for families and friends across Huron County to honor and remember their loved ones through the symbolic release of butterflies. Representing hope, transformation, and renewal, the butterfly provides participants with a special way to celebrate the lives of those they have lost while sharing a moment of reflection and remembrance.
The afternoon event, which will be held from 2-4 p.m., will feature a commemorative ceremony where the names of loved ones will be read aloud in tribute. Following the ceremony, participants have the option of releasing their butterfly into the gardens at the hospice, or they may choose to release it in a place that holds special meaning to them.
Huron Hospice Executive Director, Willy Van Klooster, said, “When people hold a butterfly in their hand and begin to feel its wings fluttering, it brings joy. The event is a wonderful way to honor loved ones.”
Funds raised through the Butterfly Release will support Huron Hospice’s palliative care, grief, and bereavement services for families across Huron County. This is one of the Hospice’s signature annual fundraising events, providing both essential financial support and a space for healing and remembrance.
Those wishing to participate can purchase a butterfly in memory of a loved one and join Huron Hospice on Aug. 30th for an afternoon dedicated to honoring lives, sharing memories, and celebrating the lasting impact of those they hold dear.
Butterflies can be purchased for $40 each by visiting: Butterfly Release 2026.
Follow Huron Hospice on Facebook and Instagram for updates and additional information about the Butterfly Release.
Bender House is located at 37857 Huron Road near Clinton, ON.
HEALTH UNITS EXPRESS CONCERN OVER HOUSEHOLD FOOD INSECURITY
Public health units across the region are concerned about the growing number of households struggling to afford basic needs, including food. In 2024, one in four households in the Southwestern Ontario region experienced household food insecurity, meaning they did not have reliable access to enough food due to financial challenges, rising housing and living costs are forcing many individuals and families to make difficult choices between paying rent and buying groceries.
Household food insecurity is linked to poorer physical and mental health, higher risk of chronic disease, and increased pressure on the healthcare system. Among children and youth, it impacts concentration, memory, mood, and motor skills, making it harder to succeed in school. Many households are relying on emergency food programs or facing impossible trade-offs, such as skipping meals. While many low and modest-income households face challenges after covering housing and other essential costs, individuals on social assistance programs like Ontario Works (OW) often cannot afford both rent and food, even with careful spending.
Ontario public health units monitor food affordability by comparing the costs of food and rent to various household income scenarios. In 2024, these scenarios showed that a single adult receiving OW in the southwestern Ontario region cannot afford both food and rent, facing a monthly deficit ranging from $301 to $859, depending on location (Huron Perth Public Health, 2024). Many other households with low and modest incomes face similar challenges, with little or no income remaining after covering rent and other essential expenses such as transportation, utilities, childcare, clothing, and medications.
Public health units across Southwestern Ontario support solutions that acknowledge that the root cause of household food insecurity is inadequate income by proposing the following measures:
- Increasing social assistance rates, including Ontario Works
- Improving income supports for low and modest-income households
- Implementing policies that reduce the cost of housing and essential living expenses
In June 2026, the Association of Local Public Health Agencies (alPHa) passed a resolution recommending that the Ontario Government enhance the OW Benefit, for example by aligning the OW earned income exemption with the higher earned income exemption for the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP).
Household food insecurity is a serious but preventable public health issue. Addressing it requires coordinated action at the municipal, provincial, and federal levels.
“Food insecurity impacts people at every stage of life in Huron Perth. Local trends show that affordability is becoming more of a challenge, leaving many households struggling to keep up. Long-term solutions will require a focus on income and financial stability, said Medical Officer of Health, Huron Perth Public Health, Dr. Miriam Klassen.
Everyone has a role to play in addressing household food insecurity:
- Engage local elected officials in discussions around income-based solutions
- Support community organizations (e.g., volunteering, donations), while recognizing that food programs alone cannot solve this issue
- Learn more about how income impacts access to food through
For more information, contact: Huron Perth Public Health.
To learn more consider reading: Public Health Ontario, 2025 and/or Call to Action on Household Food Insecurity 2026.
INVASIVE PLANTS CAN DAMAGE PROPERTY AND INFRASTRUCTURE
EDITOR’S NOTE: Throughout 2025, Renee Sandelowsky and Helen Varekamp, volunteers with the Canadian Coalition for Invasive Plant Regulation, shared their knowledge on invasive plant species that can be found in many area gardens. In 2026, they are looking to “dig a little deeper”.
Many of these monthly articles have been inspired by questions and feedback they received from readers, and as they continue on their journey of learning and sharing about native, non-native, and invasive plants, they are both most appreciative of the community support.
BY RENEE SANDELOSKY AND HELEN VAREKAMP
Knotweed roots are so strong that they can damage such things as building foundations. (Photo by Invasive Weed Management in UK)
By now regular readers are well aware of the damage invasive plants can cause and the costs associated with eradication. As a country, Canada has pledged to reduce the spread and introduction of invasive species by half by 2030. Since gardening is the primary pathway for their introduction, individuals can take responsibility and provide support by choosing not to buy invasive plants, to remove them from gardens and to learn more about their impacts.
This month, the focus will be on risks invasive plants pose to infrastructure, such as fire, erosion, drainage systems and property values. Invasive plants, such as: Knotweed, Japanese Honey Suckle, Chinese Silvergrass, Callery Pear and Yellow Flag Iris, can damage property and infrastructure while increasing the risk of fire and erosion and even reducing property values.
Knotweed roots are so strong that they can damage pavement, building foundations and drainage systems by growing through existing cracks and expansion joints, forcing them wider over time and potentially compromising structural integrity. Their dieback in winter also leaves streambanks and slopes bare, increasing erosion.
Japanese Honeysuckle can smother groundcover vegetation, reducing root mass that holds soil in place and making slopes more prone to erosion.
Some invasive plants sold as ornamentals pose a fire hazard. For example, Chinese Silvergrass forms dense, dry stands late in the season that can ignite easily. The same is true for Phragmites.
Callery Pear forms dense thorny thickets, has brittle branches prone to breakage, and produces foul-smelling flowers.
While in Canada invasive plants are not yet widely recognized by the public as a property deterrent, some buyers may be discouraged by the cost and effort required to remove species such as Knotweed or Buckthorn once they understand the scale of the problem. In the U.K. people are legally required to disclose the presence of Knotweed on their property when selling.
Invasive plants can also damage green infrastructure —which is the vegetation and soils that naturally manage stormwater, filter pollutants, and maintain air quality—by displacing deep-rooted native plants, reducing soil stability, and altering water flow and nutrient cycles.
Other invasives, such as Yellow Flag Iris spread so rapidly and have such a dense root system that it may obstruct waterflow in drainage systems.
The above is only a fraction of the documented impacts. Whether or not this feels personally relevant, the evidence is clear that invasive plants from the horticultural trade impose significant costs on nature and on the economy. As a gardener, please choose plants wisely and consider becoming a supporter of the Canadian Coalition for Invasive Plant Regulation by visiting www.ccipr.ca. It’s free!
CANADIAN TIRE SUPPORTS MOMENTS MATTER
Canadian Tire in Goderich presented the Magnetic Moments campaign with a cheque for $15,000 following their “top up the till” event during the opening of their garden centre for the season. Campaign organizers would like to pass on a huge thank you to the friendly staff for making the ask and spreading awareness during the in-store campaign and store owners Shaun and Tracy Telfer for topping up the till as well! Taking part in the cheque presentation were from l-r: Sara Hebert, Kimberley Payne, executive director of the Alexandra Marine and General Hospital; Tracy Telfer, Heather Fagel, Dr. Tiffaney Kittmer, chair of the Magnetic Moments campaign; Kevin Carapanta, and Pam Crawford. (Submitted photo)
COMPRESSED AIR ENERGY PROJECT
A Community Information Session with regards to a proposed compressed air energy project in the Municipality of Bluewater will be held tomorrow (July 30) at the Zurich Community Centre and Arena.
An afternoon session will be held from 2-4 p.m. followed by an evening session from 6-8 p.m.
Ontario’s electricity sector is seeing growing demand and the province, through the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO), is planning to undertake large-scale resource acquisition, with a diverse set of new electricity resources, to ensure sufficient supply will be available into the 2030s and beyond.
Bedrock Energy Corp and Capstone Infrastructure Corporation are pleased to invite the public to a Community Information Session to learn about their companies and the project proposed in Bluewater.
This is a follow-up session to that held in 2023, to provide additional project information with the recently announced, upcoming IESO Long Lead Time (LLT) Request For Proposals (RFP) planned for November 2026. They are seeking to engage in meaningful consultation with the community in advance of securing a contract with the IESO and permit approvals to advance the project.
People are encouraged to contact Bedrock or Capstone directly. Tanya Mackie, director of Project Management, Bedrock Energy Corp, can be reached via email at media@bedrockenergycorp.com; and Clark Trivers, Project manager, Capstone Infrastructure Corporation, can be contacted via email at info@capstoneinfra.com or toll-free by calling 1-833-747-1323.
The Zurich Community Centre and Arena is located at 15 East Street, Zurich, ON.
READERS DONATE TO MAGNETIC MOMENTS
The Goderich Reads Book Club meets every two weeks as part of Cafe 109 at the Goderich Legion and their members recently donated $500 to the Magnetic Moments campaign. Shari Goldstein, Holly Smith and Marlene Hodgins posed with the big cheque representing the club’s donation on July 21 outside the legion. (Submitted photo)
NEW STUDENT RESEARCH ASSISTANT
Kaleigh McCallum is a member of the Gateway Centre of Excellence in Rural Health Student Research Assistant Summer Team for 2026. (Submitted photo)
Gateway Centre of Excellence in Rural Health (CERH) is pleased to welcome a new Student Research Assistant to its Summer 2026 team.
Kaleigh McCallum will be entering her first year at the University of Toronto Mississauga in the Fall, where she will be studying Linguistics. Over the course of the Summer, she will support Gateway CERH’s impactful community projects and initiatives that promote research, community engagement, and rural health innovation across local regions.
McCallum is a dedicated softball player who has spent the past four years playing at the rep level. In her free time, she enjoys reading novels that challenge her perspectives, build her character, and strengthen her core values. She is especially excited to begin her journey with Gateway CERH as a Student Research Assistant, where she aims to build her research skills and contribute positively to the community in which she was raised. She looks forward to expanding her knowledge, and learning about the many ways she can support rural communities.
Working alongside the other students on the Summer 2026 team, she will play an important role in advancing Gateway CERH’s ongoing work. Gateway CERH is proud to support local students and looks forward to the energy, insight, and dedication they bring.
GODERICH ART CLUB SHOW AND SALE
The feature artist for 2026 is Cindy Fisher, a Goderich artist, who enjoys painting in acrylics and water colors. She loves Huron County landscapes and gardens and enjoys interpreting them on the canvas. (Submitted photo)
The Goderich Art Club is holding its Annual Show and Sale on Aug. 7-9 at the MacKay Centre for Seniors in Goderich. This year, there will be 29 artists showing over 300 original works of art, in addition to original art cards!
The Show and Sale hours are Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free, the building is accessible and air conditioned.
The feature artist for 2026 is Cindy Fisher, a Goderich artist, who enjoys painting in acrylics and water colors. She loves Huron County landscapes and gardens and enjoys interpreting them on the canvas. Her favorite subjects are: landscapes, florals and clotheslines…oh my! And pears, collages and abstracts…oh my!
The Goderich Art Club has been in existence for over 70 years, since 1952, and currently has 50 members. It is a great community of artists! Most of the members are from Goderich, and area, while a few people come from the Bayfield and Kincardine regions. They gather to create and share their talents on Wednesday afternoons and Saturday mornings at the MacKay Centre. In partnership with the Centre, they often host workshops led by local and area artists.
The Show and Sale is a community event and there is no pressure to purchase. Each artist pays a fee to be in the show and that fee supports the programming of the Art Club and the MacKay Centre for Seniors, which is a non-profit organization.
The Goderich Art Club and Mackay Centre do not take a commission or percentage of sales from each artist. If a piece of art is sold, the entire amount goes to the artist – cash, cheque, debit, and credit cards are accepted.
The Mackay Centre for Seniors is located at 10 Nelson Street East (at the corner of North Street) in Goderich.
EXPRESS ROUTE DISCONTINUED
Huron Shores Area Transit (HSAT) advises riders that the Route 1 Express service between Sarnia and Grand Bend via Lambton Shores was discontinued effective Monday, July 27.
The seasonal Route 1 Express service was introduced to provide additional capacity during the Summer months in anticipation of increased demand from seasonal workers and other riders travelling between Sarnia and Grand Bend, with limited but historically high usage stops in Lambton Shores. However, ridership has been significantly lower than in previous years or as anticipated, and the additional vehicle is not needed.
The cancellation applies only to the seasonal Express service.
Regular Route 1 service will continue to operate without change, providing three return trips daily, seven days a week, between Sarnia and Grand Bend according to the published schedule.
For current schedules and service information, visit HuronShoresAreaTransit.ca or contact HSAT customer service at 1-888-465-0783.
HURON COUNTY PRIDE
Anyone who would like to try their hand at drag, or get some pointers from professional drag artists will be interested in joining Huron County Pride at the Livery Theatre in Goderich on Saturday, Aug. 15.
From 4-6 p.m., people are invited to bring their costumes, wigs, makeup, and imagination! Organizers will have limited makeup available for those without any.
Those who take part will get some tips and tricks, throw together their look, stomp the runway, and perform their heart out! All are welcome to attend this free event, but registration is required. To register please visit: DIY – Drag
Later that same evening, starting at 7:30 p.m., people are invited to grab their Bingo dabbers and get ready for an awesome night of fun competition and amazing drag performances. The Livery Theatre will also be the location for “Huron County Pride Drag Bingo” and the doors will open at 7 p.m. This age of majority event (19+) will be hosted by some amazing drag friends from Affair Entertainment, and will feature a cash bar and cash prizes! The cost for the evening is $35.
Tickets can be purchased by visiting: Drag Bingo Night. Be there or B(12) square!
The Livery Theatre is located at 35 South Street in Goderich.
ALZHEIMER SOCIETY HURON PERTH
Being a caregiver is a full-time job. Juggling day-to-day responsibilities – cooking, cleaning, home maintenance, and medical appointments—on top of an already busy schedule can feel overwhelming at times. The Alzheimer Society Huron Perth and the MacKay Centre are offering a special day designed to support caregivers.
Caring for the Caregiver Day will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 4th at the MacKay Centre for Seniors in Goderich. This free annual event will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
It will provide caregivers with an opportunity to relax, connect, and learn alongside other caregivers. The day will include presentations from the Ontario Caregiver Organization and Huron County Paramedic Services, as well as opportunities to participate in handcraft activities and harp meditation.
Lunch is included. Registration is required by July 28. To register or for more information, contact the MacKay Centre via email at mackaycentre@hurontel.ca or call 519 524-6660.
The MacKay Centre for Seniors is located at 11 Nelson Street in Goderich.
For more information, contact the Alzheimer Society Huron Perth at 1-800-561-5012.
BETTER TOGETHER GALA
The Huron County Food Bank Distribution Centre (HCFBDC), the recipient of Second Harvest’s 2026 Ontario Front Line Impact Award for Food Rescue, invites the community to its annual “Better Together Gala” on Wednesday, Aug. 19, at the South Huron Recreation Centre in Exeter.
The doors will open at 5 p.m. The evening will feature a catered meal by Pineridge Barbecue Co., the Great Canadian Dueling Pianos, a cash bar, and both a silent and live auction and raffle tables.
HCFBDC has had a record-breaking year. The organization generated $4.7 million in total revenue over the past twelve months, a figure driven largely by the volume of rescued food it sources, sorts, and redistributes to communities in need across Huron and Perth counties and surrounding area. Operating its own fleet of trucks, HCFBDC delivers food to over 40 partner agencies, 36 schools, and six remote rural villages through its Mobile Food Bank program, reaching communities where the nearest grocery store can be more than 30 km away.
The Second Harvest Front Line Impact Award recognized HCFBDC’s vertically integrated approach to food rescue: the organization manages the full chain from sourcing through quality sorting through direct delivery, a model that has allowed it to scale rapidly while maintaining reliability for the agencies and families it serves.
“The demand for food security support across Southwestern Ontario continues to grow, and this gala is both a celebration of what we have accomplished together and an opportunity to ensure we can keep pace with that need,” said Executive Director of HCFBDC, Chris Allan.
Tickets are $100 per person. Tables of eight are available for $800. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. For tickets or sponsorship inquiries, please contact the HCFBDC office at 519 913-2362.
The South Huron Recreation Centre is located at 94 Victoria Street East in Exeter.
Remember This
The Huron County Museum is home to thousands of artifacts that illustrate the history of both the rural and urban populations of the area. Space dictates what wonderful curiosities the public regularly gets to see when they visit the museum located at 110 North Street in Goderich. But where there is wifi, there is an opportunity to time-travel with over 6,700 pieces of the museum’s collection now available to view online at huroncountymuseum.pastperfectonline.com.
“Remember This” highlights items from the collection of the Huron County Museum and Historic Gaol. Items that have shaped the fabric of the county and the people who have lived here since before the county became the county in 1835 up until more recent times.
With just 16 days to go until the 170th Bayfield Community Fair we feature an artifact that might prove helpful to those who enter exhibits in the homecraft section…
SEWING/NEEDLEWORK KIT
This is a wine colored, leather-like covered sewing/needlework kit. The finish is made to have grooves. It has a rectangle shaped top and bottom with slanted sides from top to smaller bottom. The lid opens in the centre with a pull tab on each section of the lid. The handle has two intertwined hooks fixed to long sides. The inside is divided into four compartments, each lined in shiny red finish, the largest section has a silver foil bottom. The sections at the bottom of the lid has a section for needles, the backing is foil and there is a similar leather-like envelope for needles with labels: RUG, CREWEL, DARNING, G.DOWNS, CHENILLE, as well as needle sizes. String, embroidery thread and four spools of thread included: two very small white, one blue and one gold. There is also a small pattern piece of teacup and saucer for embroidery included. Black label with gold lettering; THE “EONE” (NO.49 – NEEDLE COMPANION. W. BARTLETT AND SONS, REDDITCH, ENGLAND).
This sewing/needlework kit belonged to Matilda and Robert McKenzie, who owned a hardware store in Dungannon, ON. They lived through the great fire in Dungannon but never rebuilt, and later moved to Wingham, ON. The fire happened on Apr, 1, 1937 and destroyed five buildings, including the hardware store. The newspaper the Goderich Signal-Star reported on the fire on April 7, 1937 and it is also referenced in the book “Once Upon a Time…In Dungannon” on page 108.
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Interior of Needlework Kit
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Exterior of Needlework Kit
STIRLING SANDS
RIBBON CUT ON NEXT CHAPTER FOR GRAND BEND WINERY
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A large number of guests braved the heat and bright sun to listen to the speeches and watch the ribbon cutting held at the main entrance of Grand Bend Stirling Sands Vineyard on the afternoon of Tuesday, July 14. (Photo by Melody Falconer-Pounder)
PHOTOS AND STORY BY MELODY FALCONER-POUNDER
The ribbon has been officially cut on Grand Bend Stirling Sands Vineyards.
A grand opening celebration was held on the afternoon of Tuesday, July 14 to recognize the next chapter of the former Dark Horse Estate Winery that was established by the Rasenberg family in 2014.
The 93-acre property was purchased by Blyth’s Cowbell Brewing in March of this year after they were first approached by a realtor representing the property about the possible opportunity in the Summer of 2025.
The winery has been open to the public since June 23 so the event on July 14 was a time to thank everyone who has supported the acquisition and changes made at the property as well as an opportunity for tourism, media and dignitaries from surrounding communities to come together and tour the facility.
Customer surveys were conducted to see what improvements or changes could be made to the location to improve the visitor experience and from that input the location of the restaurant was moved from the lower level to a larger space on the main floor. The menu has been expanded and operating hours increased. The business now has a retail space selling everything from branded Turkish towels and tote bags to clothing items in the former restaurant area beside the barrel cellar. The plan is to focus on making Stirling Sands an event space with a particular focus on increasing the usage of the 300 seat ballroom that overlooks the vineyard.
Attention will also be given to the vines themselves with some remediation work being conducted over the next three to four years as well as bringing in some new red varietals to expand the production of their wine palette.
The excitement for the evolution of the vineyard was palpable on opening day with people enjoying samples of the wines currently on offer. A great deal of amusement was provided for guests who chose to ring the bell at the “first pour” booth. Upon hearing the bell tinkle a white gloved hand would magically appear from the opening offering up a tasting experience to the guest who rang.
There were charcuterie style offerings handsomely displayed in the ballroom with music provided by Warren Hargraves of London and opportunities to explore the grounds and have a photo taken in picture perfect areas. The relaxed coastal vibe that is intrinsic to Ontario’s West Coast tourism campaigns was evident everywhere.
This atmosphere lent itself nicely to the more formal portion of the day when a large number of guests braved the heat and bright sun to listen to the speeches and watch the ribbon cutting held at the main entrance to the building. Alecia Anderson, director of Partnership and Experiences for Cowbell Brewing guided the speeches with messages given by Cowbell Brewing President Natasha Fritzley; retired Huron County Economic Development Officer Vicki Lass; and South Huron Chief Administrative Officer Rebekah Msuya-Collison. In addition, Dawson Hallahan, constituency assistant for Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson brought greetings on her behalf.
The ribbon cutting was a joyous affair with Fritzley giving a thumbs up before Lass and Anderson joined her in wielding the gold handled scissors to snip the white ribbon symbolizing the start of an exciting new chapter for not only the vineyard but viticulture and tourism in Huron County as well.
The Grand Bend Stirling Sands Vineyards is located at 70665 B Line in Grand Bend, ON adjacent to the Huron Country Playhouse.
Email your photo in Jpeg format to hello@bayfield-breeze.com with the subject line Subscriber Photo of the Week. or…Upload your photo to Flickr.
I am looking for the Bayfield that is a delight to the eye – please share photos with a touch of whimsy, beauty, humor or a sense of fun. If you are to include people in your photos be sure to have their permission to publish their picture on-line and also send in their names and where they are from. And don’t forget to tell me who took the photo for proper credit to be issue
SUBMISSIONS
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Melody Falconer-Pounder
A Penny Sale prize from 1993. (Photo by Melody Falconer-Pounder)
The Bayfield Story Project is a campaign that the Bayfield Historical Society has organized as a way for their group to mark the sesquicentennial of the incorporation of the village. They are encouraging people to write in and share an anecdote of their memories of village life to be placed in an online scrapbook for all who wish to read. They asked me to contribute something and I’ve been percolating on a suitable topic for a few months now. My thoughts always turn to a regular Summer event that was always the highlight of our family’s July – the Bayfield Lioness Penny Sale.
For a few days near the end of July each year a section of the Bayfield Arena floor was dedicated to tables filled with a variety of prizes to suit all tastes and ages. We’d head in near the start of the event and purchase our tickets and then take them home to properly prepare – filling out the information at the top and gently ripping apart the perforated tickets below. We’d stir the tickets up by hand and seal them in a margarine-style container ready to go! The numbers on each ticket were all painstakingly penned by Lioness members. Their dedication to this fundraiser never failed to amaze! I generally budgeted $10 while my step children would get $5 each as well as some tickets from their Nana as well. So we had lots of little tickets to put in the cardboard tubes that once held Black Velvet Deluxe Whiskey. I won’t speculate on how the Lioness came to collect so many but they were the perfect recyclable for the project.
We each had our system. I’d always go around first and inspect each prize. No matter my level of interest, be it a gift certificate or a sampling of table salt from Windsor-Sifto, I would dutifully put at least one ticket in almost every offering. And then I’d go back round and add more tickets in on the prizes that were of real interest. The children would use up their allotment of tickets faster than I and then they would want to “assist” me. This added to the fun as they would put tickets in amusing items that weren’t necessarily something I’d either want or need and of course invariably these would be the items I would win. The year I was employed with the Clinton News-Record as a reporter I won a subscription to the paper thanks to my stepdaughter. The Lioness had a good laugh about that when I came in to collect my winnings.
Another year I received a call from a Lioness wondering if I would be coming in to collect my prizes which I thought was a rather curious thing for them to do. I had to work so I asked my Mother to go into the arena and pick what I had won up. You can imagine my surprise when it took her three trips to bring things in from her car. I had won 14 items! My stepson was often quite lucky at the sale as well and he would confidently bring a notepad and pen in at collection time to write down his winning numbers.
Time has passed and the Penny Sale fun ended when the Bayfield Lioness dissolved their group in the mid-2000s but a few of the prizes won are still cherished by our family.
Each year when we decorate the Christmas tree we hang on it ornaments that my stepson won at the Penny Sale. And on special occasions I still set our table with “a hot pad table set” donated to the sale in 1993 by The Village Guild, a legendary gift shop that once held pride of place on Bayfield’s Main Street. These “mats” are stored in their original box. The winning Penny Sale slip filled out in a Lioness’s printing still taped inside. These, and other items, bring back memories of the fun our family had on those long ago days at the end of July when you could still have plenty of fun with a few pennies and a little luck. – Melody
P.S. Anyone who has a favorite Summer memory they’d like to share with the Historical Society is invited to do so! Stories can be submitted to the Bayfield Story Project by visiting: Story Submissions Form.
Ideas and contributions to the Bayfield Breeze are always welcome.
Deadlines for submissions are Sundays at 4 p.m.