Stops Along the Way - Fall 2022

Hidden Gems of Huron County

Carnegie Libraries

Huron County Library

Well read in Huron County

BY NANCY FISHER

Itis hard to imagine a world without libraries. Even if you are not a reader, these buildings are an important part of our communities and, at some point in your life, you have likely crossed its threshold.

Across Huron County, we have 12 branches in communities both large and small. The services they offer are wide-ranging and support citizens of all ages. Libraries are ever-evolving and while their image might have been a place of silence and stuffiness; modern libraries are nothing of the sort. As people and technologies have changed, so have the libraries, but at their core they are a space that is open to, and exists for, all people equally to access knowledge and information for free. That in itself is what makes them magical, and important, and unique.

Several of the Huron County

Library buildings are Carnegie libraries, built between 1902 and 1915. The locations in Goderich, Clinton, Seaforth and Brussels remain in use as branch libraries. Additionally, there was a Carnegie library in Exeter. Sadly, it was demolished in 2000 and replaced by a new building in 2002.

Wealthy industrialist Andrew Carnegie was a self-made man who believed in personal improvement and credited much of his own success to the access he had as a young worker to a wealthy man's library. His philanthropic vision was admirably simple, however, the man and his scheme was not without controversy. Some believed he was attempting to buy favour and fame, while others criticized his practices as an employer. However, his legacy still stands, as thousands of buildings across the world that provide what he

hoped for: access to knowledge.

In Canada, 125 communities received grants from the Carnegie Foundation. Funding was supplied on the basis of an application by the community, followed by the satisfactory completion of a questionnaire and much of the administration was done by Carnegie's personal assistant James Bertram. Bertram has a Huron County connection as he married Janet Todd Ewing of Seaforth and upon his death his remains were sent back to Seaforth and he was buried in the Maitlandbank Cemetery in 1934.

As you drive around Huron County, the Carnegie libraries stand out as structures with imposing presence and beauty. This was part of Andrew Carnegie’s original vision and part of the requirements to qualify for the grant. The style of architecture was

Goderich

the everyday lives of people living in the early 20th century, and well worth a browse. From the outside, it is easy to see that there is a third floor. Sadly this is not accessible to the public, but was once the residence of the librarian, and it is hard not to imagine the romance of living in the attic of a library. The building survived the F3 tornado that ripped through the central square of Goderich in August of 2011 with very minor damage. The devastating storm brought many of the contemporary buildings in town to the ground, but although the library was very close to the path, it was spared. For that small mercy we should be grateful.

Living history Libraries

Continued from page 6 not specifically directed, however the buildings were to be grand. They often had steps from ground level to a large front entrance, to signify the elevation of a person seeking knowledge. The ceilings were high and there were often columns. In Huron, all of our examples are built of pressed red brick and still look very stately. It was also true that Bertram, who made many of the final decisions for design, was not a fan of wasted space or too much ornamentation, but the buildings are of the style of their time.

In Goderich, the library is located at 52 Montreal Street, just off The Square. Ten thousand dollars was granted in 1902 and the building was opened with much fanfare in 1905. Due to the unique layout of the Town of Goderich, the building is pieshaped with three towers, including the imposing three-storey round tower that sits at the junction of Montreal and Lighthouse Streets. It is surmounted by a tall conical roof and has three floors of windows that look

Huron County Library Clinton

out towards the Courthouse and The Square. The entrance from the Montreal Street side is less grand than some other designs, but as you walk into the main area, the large windows let copious light into the doublestorey room, which makes it feel very impressive.

A renovation of the original Carnegie structure in 2003 also included an addition that is sympathetically done. You can see parts of the original exterior wall and from the second floor gaze back into the main area through original windows. Not to be missed is the grand reading room in the circular tower. A large table sits in the center of the tower and the room has a hushed feel of a place for quiet contemplation. The original woodwork is still in place and the occasional creak from the old floors adds to the ambiance.

The Reuben R. Sallows Gallery is also on the second floor in the new addition and houses the largest public collection of the photographer’s work. It is an astonishing glimpse into

The town of Clinton was fortunate to already have a library built with funds from the estate of a local man, James Stavely in 1900. Stavely Hall at 27 Albert Street, was considered the finest example of a library in the region. When the Carnegie funds were being distributed Clinton was the only location in Canada to be granted funds for an addition to an existing building. Looking at the building from Market Square, the Stavely portion is on the left and includes a tall tower with an elaborate roof line on the north west corner. The arched windows are large and several have original stained glass. The red brick exterior is highly decorated with brick banding, and the front entrance is up a few stairs within the open vestibule. There is, however, an accessible entrance to the rear of the building. The Carnegie portion is a single-storey structure attached on the south side. It was designed to complement the existing building with a similar round tower that is still in use as a reading room. The building fell into disrepair and was nearly demolished in 1982, however it was saved and restored, reopening in 1984. Sadly, during the renovation all of the original woodwork was removed. They were able to save much of the tin ceiling and the stained glass, which is a highlight today. The restoration also saw the relocation of the children’s section to the second floor. The ceiling is open to show the huge timbers that serve to support the

STOPS ALONG THE WAY,

Libraries

The gift that keeps on giving

Continued from page 7 roof. The upper part of the Stavely round tower now houses the children's picture book room and has lovely views of the town hall, Library Park and fountain.

The Seaforth Library at 108 Main Street South is a fine example of what we expect a Carnegie Library to look like. A strong square building with two columns on each side of a beautiful set of double wooden doors topped with a stained glass window. It was built in 1912 with a $10,000 Carnegie grant, and one can imagine it held a personal significance for James Betram and his wife Janet, who grew up in the town. Like most of the surviving buildings of that era, changes had to be made to make it accessible to all, so the entrance these days is around to the side and into the bottom floor where much of the collection is shelved. The upper floor is currently used for the children's library and meeting space. While the

front doors are not in use, you can still see them clearly from the interior and happily, the grandeur of the original woodwork and high ceilings remains largely untouched. The landscape around the building is beautifully maintained by the local horticultural society.

The Brussels Carnegie Library is one of only six designed with a corner entrance. Bertram was not a fan of this design, as he believed it wasted space. The choice was a good one for the location as the building sits very prominently at the corner of Turnberry Street and Orchard Line.

Although the front steps have been removed and the door replaced with a large picture window, the flanking columns and stone carved name remain. The entrance is now to the south side and is fully accessible. The addition built in 2013-2014 has enhanced the original structure and added a community program room. The original feel of the library

survives and it has an open and beautiful interior with the classic old library smell. The large windows that are common to most of the Carnegie libraries offer great views of the downtown core of the village. And where the doors used to be is a comfortable reading room.

The Huron County Library system is a thriving group of 12 libraries that are all worth a visit. As a floating collection, you can borrow and return books from any branch with your Huron County Library card. And insider tip: your library card gets you into the Huron County Museum and Historic Gaol for free! Libraries are more than just collections of books. There are online resources, digital and audio books, computers and printing services, and great programs and contests.

Check out the website at www.huroncountylibrary.ca for hours, access to the online catalogue, resources and much more.

Huron County Library Seaforth

Hiking in Huron

Clinton Conservation Area

One of the nicest family playgrounds in the area is located at the Clinton Conservation Area. With a spacious picnic pavilion, a playground and a hiking trail with a footbridge over a shallow portion of the Bayfield River, there is something for people of every age. A recent addition has been a nine-hole disc golf course. Bring a frisbee and try it out!

The hiking trail is a two-kilometre double loop that starts out near the pavilion. One loop stays on the park side of the river and hugs the bank of the river for a pleasant and easy walk after your picnic. The second loop makes it a true hike and starts just across the footbridge and follows the river upstream, over a ridge and circles back to the bridge through a small pine plantation.

In fall and spring there are times where the water tops the footbridge making the back loop of the trail inaccessible.

77960 London Rd. (Located on Highway 4, just south of Clinton, next to the bridge.)

Morrison Dam

Located just outside of Exeter, Morrison Dam Conservation Area has an excellent trail system to enjoy the fall colours. Explore Morrison Dam Conservation Area’s four-kilometre (2.5 mile) of

Continued on page 10

Friendship starts with a few kind words.

It takes all of us to build a feeling of community.

Everyone deserves to feel included. Together, let’s welcome every new neighbour.

Find resources to get started at welcomingweek.ca

Hike in Huron

Morrison Dam Exeter

Hike in Huron

Fresh Huron County air

Continued from page 9 recreational trail and travel along two kilometres of wide, accessible trails with an optional excursion down an additional two kilometres of more rugged trails. The main trail loops around a man-made reservoir that was built in 1959 to provide a consistent water supply to a canning factory in Exeter. 71108 Morrison Line, Exeter.

Lobb Trail Autumn is one of the most beautiful times on this trail.

The Lobb farm that hosts the trail is a heritage property and offers sweeping views of the river from both the upper and lower trails. A full hike measures in at seven kilometres, but there are five convenient cutoff points where you can adapt your hike to your time. The trail is very well maintained and can accommodate two hikers side by side in comfort and is smooth enough for a stroller for little ones. Once the snow flies, the owners ensure excellent grooming, making it a favourite for winter hiking, skiing and snowshoeing.

There are several inclines, including near the trailhead. An insider tip: taking the loop counterclockwise starting on the upper trail is a slightly easier trip, with low inclines for the most part and one steep hike at the end to get back to the parking lot.

There is much history on the

property if you watch for it. Signage points out the remnants of a pottery kiln at the parking lot and the pioneer log cabin along the trail. There are also remnants of a rusted out truck frame along the creek bed, which makes for some interesting speculation on its origin story.

This busy trail is generously shared with us by private landowners and we ask that you respect the trail. Note: trail is closed during deer hunting season (Nov. 7-13 and Dec. 5-11) Intersection of Maitland Line and Stone School Road, northeast of Holmesville.

Enjoy year-round day-use access to Falls Reserve (Benmiller) for 12 months from date of purchase. Your pass allows 6 family members (2 adults) entry to the park during day-light hours. Passes are $100 and can be purchased on-line. Info available at: maitlandvalley.goingtocamp.com/store/all

Lobb Trail Holmesville

Eachfall since the 1940s, the Goderich Little Theatre (GLT) has launched a season, making it one of the longest-running community theatre troupes in Ontario. In 1983, the GLT purchased a deteriorating 1840-era harness shop and renovated it into the historic venue, The Livery, which serves as a charming backdrop for its productions.

This winter’s playbill contains everything that the Goderich Little Theatre has become known for: a hilarious comedy, a sprawling Christmas show, a smart, modern drama and a Broadway-style musical.

Over the River and Through the Woods opens the season in October. The play is billed as “a warm-hearted, boisterously funny, and touching story about intergenerational relationships, deep familial love, and the inevitable little heartbreaks that occur as time passes and children grow”. The audience will roar as they follow Nick’s grandparents’ schemes to prevent him from moving across the country and out of their weekly Sunday dinners. Oct. 13-23.

Director Duncan McGregor is known for sprawling productions and engaging stories and this year he has adapted two stories for the Christmas show at The Livery. Mistletoes and Tales is two warm, funny Christmas

stories designed for kids from “four to 104” using elf and animal heroes, puppets, music and much more. This production will be a delightful way for the whole family to celebrate the festive season. Dec. 8-18.

When it’s cold and wintery outside, what better way to spend some time indoors than with a good puzzle, especially when the puzzle is wrapped inside a play? Proof by David Auburn won a Pulitzer and a Tony for the story of an enigmatic young woman, Catherine, her manipulative sister, their brilliant father, and an unexpected suitor. They are all pieces of the puzzle in the search for the truth behind a mysterious mathematical proof. Proof is a play

that explores family, truth, gender and mental health. What is the truth and who is telling it? A smart and entertaining riddle for us to try to solve! Feb. 23 to March 5, 2023.

The 2022-2023 season will close with The Addams Family - A New Musical a comical feast that embraces the wackiness in every family, features an original story and it’s every father’s nightmare: Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family– a man her parents have never met. And if that wasn’t upsetting enough, Wednesday confides in her father and begs him not to tell her mother. Now, Gomez Addams must do something he’s never done before– keep a secret from his beloved wife, Morticia. Everything will change for the whole family on the fateful night they host a dinner for Wednesday’s “normal” boyfriend and his parents. May 4-21, 2023. Visit the theatre online for more information. www.thelivery.ca

of successful corn mazes.

This year, Point Farms Market has partnered with the Huron Perth Junior Farmers, who have added a series of signs throughout the maze with fun facts about local agriculture. The Junior Farmers are hosting a Spooky Farm Maze at the site on Oct. 29.

The Carmichaels have also taken up an interest in heritage breeds of sheep, with several Soay sheep grazing in a field next to the miniature golf course. The sheep are kept company by a flock of rare breed chickens, including Rock Star, a rooster who spends most of his time mingling with the customers on the course.

Another recent addition is a popular fry truck that serves “Highway Fries”, “Point Farms Poutine” and sausages and hotdogs. Between the miniature golf, the corn maze and a break for lunch, there is enough to keep the family entertained for an afternoon.

Point Farms Market and Miniature Golf is open daily until Thanksgiving and weekends until Halloween. 82522 Bluewater Highway (just north of Point Farms Provincial Park).

www.pointfarmsmarket.com

Point Farms Market and Miniature Golf has been a longstanding tradition for many area families and campers from nearby Point Farms Provincial Park. In fact, the miniature golf course just celebrated its 50th anniversary.

Colin Carmichael and his family took over the reins in 2015 and have been adding to the fun ever since. When they first took over the business, it came with an almostthree-acre storage lot that the Carmichael family knew could be more fun than simply storing RVs and boats. When they realized that Huron County did not have a corn maze, they knew they were on to something.

Although Carmichael is not a farmer, he knew he would need to invest in some equipment for planting, as he couldn’t press his neighbours into service to plant for him for too many years!

Although they missed 2020 due to the pandemic raging at the time that the corn would need to be planted, they returned to planting in 2021 and are now in their fourth season

Looking for a challenge?

many people hike the Maitland Trail between Goderich and Auburn alone or in small groups, there’s one event each year that becomes a joyous gathering of those who love hiking.

While

The El Camino hike takes two days (Sept. 24- 25 in 2022) to cover the 52.6 kilometres from the head of the trail near Auburn, along the beautiful, winding route of the lower Maitland River to Goderich.

Hikers will traverse narrow trails, wide rambling trails, many hills, past farmland, river vistas, autumn meadows and towering forests. They may see wildlife: from toads, salamanders and snakes to ravens, robins and majestic bald eagles.

It is important to note that this is a challenging course, with many hills and stairs. Even the most seasoned hikers can find it difficult, so training

and conditioning is important. For a full-distance hike, you would be tackling 32.4 kilometres on Saturday (five to 10 hours) and 20.2 kilometres on Sunday (four to eight hours). There are different options for the length of trails hikers want to tackle and shuttles will take hikers to the starting points each day.

The hike usually sells out well in advance so you may want to start planning for 2023. If you’re interested, the full registration kit is available on the Maitland Trail Association’s website at www.maitlandtrail.ca.

Perhaps walking a 50-kilometre trail riddled with ravines, stairs and mud sounds too tame for you. The folks at The Bad Thing Trail Race have created an event with you in mind. On Oct. 22, there will be a point-to-point race from Goderich to

Auburn along the Maitland Trail, with either a 50-kilometre or a 25kilometre option. This is not for the faint of heart and is recommended for seasoned trail runners. The 2022 races are sold out, but to plan for 2023 visit www.racethebadthing.com

• 100s of Authors • 1,000s of Titles

New & Previously Read

• Everything from $1 Books to Signed/Collectible Editions.

• Local History/Authors

34 West St. • GODERICH (519) 524-5224

bkped@hurontel.on.ca

Trade in the books you’ve read

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Bayfield

A time-honoured tradition

30 years ago, merchants in Bayfield were trying to find a way to keep people coming to town after summer had faded and the winter was setting in. Diane Denomme, a Bayfield retailer, coined the event “Christmas in Bayfield” and the weekend became a huge tradition for the town and its visitors.

Over

The event was traditionally a single weekend (the first full weekend after Nov. 11), but during 2020 and 2021, it was changed to include several different events over six weekends to allow for social distancing and the limits on capacity due to the pandemic.

With capacity back to normal, the town is once again planning for a large kickoff weekend to the Christmas season on the weekend of Nov. 18-20. The hot ticket is always the “Lighting of the Lights”, complete with hot chocolate, treats, carolers and a visit with Santa in the

gazebo in Clan Gregor Square. The lights remain in the park for the entire winter and offer a festive atmosphere all season long.

The Santa Claus parade at 11 a.m. on Saturday kicks off a day full of events and surprises for children of all ages. Sunday will feature nostalgic carriage rides all day.

Businesses create a magical atmosphere, and many stay open all winter, making it a great place to get

special gifts for everyone on your Christmas list and then a great place to return later in the winter for a little shopping just for you.

The kickoff weekend is so popular that accommodations book up quickly, so be sure to get your reservations early to avoid disappointment.

Follow Christmas in Bayfield on Facebook to keep up with all the festivities.

Back in business

The restoration maintained the integrity of the original structure, including keeping the former village jail which still remains, uninhabited, in the basement.

Today, the Bayfield Town Hall Heritage Society, a non-profit corporation, is in charge of the building’s upkeep.

To learn more about the hall or to check out the coming events, visit www.bayfieldtownhall.com

Bayfield Concert Series is an organization dedicated to bringing marquee artists to this intimate venue. Although sidelined by the pandemic, the first concert back in the venue is scheduled for Dec. 3. An Evening with Hayden promises to be the perfect segue back to the series, long prized by music lovers from throughout the county and beyond. To keep up with upcoming concerts, follow Bayfield Concert Series on Facebook. 11 The Square, Bayfield.

Bayfield

Town Hall has a long history and, thanks to energetic local residents, has once again become a vital place for community and cultural events.

The hall was built in 1882, then moved to its present location on Clan Gregor Square in 1920. It was the seat of village government from that date until 1927 and again from 1965 to 1984. When the village was disincorporated, the hall was used for community events. In 1989, a committee was formed to restore the Town Hall, which by then had fallen into disrepair. Many of the residents of Bayfield had fond memories of the Town Hall as the centre of village life and were reluctant to see it disappear. The committee, then known as “The Friends of the Town Hall” reenergized community interest in the building and after several years of volunteer work, fundraising events, private donations and grants, sufficient monies were raised to restore and maintain this historic building as a meeting and performance venue for the village.

history

to be Cantin’s centrepiece for his resort. However, the splendor of the Balmoral was never experienced. For more than 10 years, Cantin predicted the opening of a rail line from Hensall west. When that did not happen, the major means of travel for his intended clients vanished.

Today, a park that recalls the history of St. Joseph and Cantin’s dream stands at the intersection, next to the site where the majestic Balmoral once stood. Corner of Bluewater Highway 21 and ZurichHensall Road (County Rd 84).

St.

Joseph was the home of an incredible dreamer and a small park on the west side of Highway 21 west of Zurich tells the story of an extraordinary visionary.

Narcisse Cantin grew up in the little community of St. Joseph, settled by French Canadian farmers who moved there from Quebec and made St. Joseph the centre of French Canadian Catholic culture in the region.

Narcisse, a grandson of one of these settlers, showed an entrepreneurial spirit by the time he was 17. He started buying cattle from local farmers and shipping them by rail from the Hensall station to Buffalo.

After living for a time in Buffalo, he returned home in 1896, and began to promote his idea of St. Joseph as the main port for a deepwater canal to run from the Lake Huron community to Lake Erie, the first leg in a system that would extend to the Atlantic. As well as cutting travel time between the lakes, Cantin envisioned hydro electric plants to supply power for communities and an electric train system.

His plan for St. Joseph was equally

as grand, with a port with docks and warehouses and a summer resort area. When his proposal for the canal met with political opposition, Cantin began erecting his vision in 1897.

The infrastructure came first, with the building of a sawmill, a tile and brick yard, a novelty factory, organ factory and winery. Next, Cantin created a spectacular building, the New Balmoral Hotel, a block-long, three-storey structure which sat at what is now the corner of Hwy. 21 and Huron County Road 84. Completed in 1907, the Balmoral is said to have cost $250,000, and was

overlooks Lake Huron. The Cedar Trail is another loop that offers a one-kilometre side trail to view the lake, as well as a shorter side trail that takes you to a viewing stand that brings you up close and personal to the Old Ausable Channel and the abundance of flora and fauna that live there.

While the beaches might not entice you to swim or sunbathe in the cooler fall months, the dunes are a fascinating place to observe the natural beauty of the area and Lake Huron sunsets will not disappoint in any season.

Expanding the season

Camping

season doesn’t have to end on Labour Day. In fact, many campers are discovering that the fall season can be the best time to enjoy our provincial parks. Pinery Provincial Park just south of Grand Bend is one of the parks that offers an extended season. In fact, Riverside Campground Area 1 is open year-round for those who would like to enjoy the park in all four seasons. The fall season can offer a quieter experience, with fewer visitors once the cooler weather sets in.

The park is large enough to offer many activities. The Savannah bike trail is a great way to move around the park, as it travels 14 kilometres around the park and is an excellent way to get from the campground to the trails and beaches. It is a combination of well-graveled trails through the forest and a dedicated paved lane on a one-way section of the park’s road system.

Bikes are available to rent, along with canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. The Old Ausable Channel is a relaxing paddle and a two-hour rental is just the right length of time to explore the navigable portion of the channel from the rental dock to the bridge upstream and back.

One of the highlights of the Pinery is the extensive hiking trail system.

With 10 trails, covering nearly 17 kilometres, there is sure to be a favourite hike. For fall excursions, the Wilderness trail offers an easy loop that includes a scenic stop that

Once the snow flies, for the hardiest of campers, the park has 38 kilometres of packed and groomed cross-country ski trails, and snowshoeing is welcome on the ungroomed roadways and trails. Skating and tobogganing are popular throughout the winter, once Mother Nature co-operates. Reservations and event schedules are available at www.ontarioparks.com/park/pinery 9526 Lakeshore Rd, Grand Bend

Stop by this fall for a taste of our latest craft beer, cider and hard seltzers. Enjoy a tasting flight or pint in our taproom or beer garden. Picnic in the orchard, come apple picking & peruse the gift shop. Watch our social media for upcoming events with food trucks and live music!

Find us on Highway 21 near the village of St. Joseph’s between Grand Bend and Bayfield. We’re open year round. Come for a taste, leave with an experience.

Exeter’s

Spook-tacular!

Jack O’Lantern

Jamboree began as a stop-gap measure to try to squeeze out some fun for the children out of a pandemic-plagued Halloween in 2020, and has quickly become an annual event for the downtown Business Improvement Association.

BIA Manager Laura Connolly was looking for a simple way to give the kids a way to celebrate the spooky holiday in a safe way when trick-ortreating was largely not practised in 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 lockdowns. She rallied the local businesses to donate treat bags that could be given to the kids instead, and invited individuals, families and businesses to show off their pumpkin designs by bringing them downtown. She was able to

convince a local woodlot operator to lend her stumps, which she kept at least six feet apart throughout the business area. The kids, and often their parents, came in droves in costume to take in the spectacle and a new tradition was born.

Last year, a local pumpkin grower generously donated pumpkins so that families could pick up a free pumpkin to carve and enter in the jamboree.

With more than 60 pumpkins entered last year, Connolly is sure the event will continue to grow.

Kids love any excuse to dress up and the Jack O’Lantern Jamboree gives them another opportunity to go out in their Halloween costumes!

This year’s event will take place on Oct. 28 from 6-9 p.m. in the downtown core. There will be prizes

for the best pumpkins and treat bags for the kids.

Be sure to dress up and experience Exeter for this spook-tacular event happening all along Main Street. Follow the Exeter BIA on Facebook details.

137 Garafraxa St. S. Durham......519-369-5494

1 Rattenbury St., Clinton..............519-482-7200

47 Ontario St., Mitchell.................519-348-8600

4 Colborne St., Walkerton............519-881-3093

518 Main St. S., Exeter................519-235-4235

Fall & Christmas Craft Shows

October 15 & 16 ~ 10 am - 4 pm

Lambton Fall Colour & Craft Show Hosted by the Lambton Museum Lambton Museum, Grand Bend

November 5 ~ 9 am - 4 pm

A Country Christmas Craft Show Hosted by GDCI-OSAID GDCI, Goderich

November 5 ~ 9 am - 3 pm

Christmas Shopping Event 2022 Hosted by Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Huron South Huron Recreation Centre, Exeter

November 5 & 6 ~ Sat. 10 am - 5 pm; Sun. 12 pm - 4 pm

Guild Show & Sale

Hosted by Huron Tract Spinners & Weavers & Goderich Quilters Guild Huron County Museum, Goderich

November 12 ~ 9 am - 4 pm

Homemade Market

Hosted by Zurich Ag Society Zurich Arena Hall, Zurich

November 13 ~ 10:00 am - 4 pm

4th Annual Holiday Market

Hosted by Brussels Four Winds Barn Brussels Four Winds Barn, Brussels

November 19 & December 10

Christmas Markets

Hosted by BIA McKay Centre, Goderich

November 26 & 27 ~ 9:30 am - 4 pm

Seaforth Toy, Craft & Collectibles

Hosted by Seaforth Ag Society Seaforth Agriplex, Seaforth

December 3 ~ 9 am - 1 pm

Christmas In The Country

Hosted by Dungannon Ag Society Dungannon Ag Hall & Dungannon Community Centre

December 3 ~ 10 am - 4 pm

Christmas Bazaar & Bake Sale

Hosted by St. John’s by-the-lake Anglican Church St. John’s by-the-lake Anglican Church, Grand Bend

The most beautiful time of the year

Forover 20 years, Huron Ridge Acres near Zurich has been holding its annual Poinsettia Festival each November.

The open houses have become a family tradition for many to enjoy the thousands of poinsettias set under hundreds of twinkling lights and dozens of candles with a background of Christmas music, which is sometimes performed live. Weeks of planning and preparation go into creating the festive shopping experience.

The entire greenhouse is such a lovely setting, the festival has become

a popular “selfie” spot with many backgrounds from which to choose.

With one of the largest selections of poinsettia varieties in the region, Huron Ridge has become a Christmas destination. You can find poinsettias here to fit into almost any decorative scheme. They range from creamy white to pink to the traditional bright red. Some varieties have bracts with patterns in red and white, pink and white, or green and white and even unique ones in white and soft purple.

Don’t forget to choose a Christmas

wrap for the pot, and decide whether you want glitter spray added.

Between its retail sales and fundraising sales of groups and schools, Huron Ridge Acres will sell around 12,000 poinsettias of more than 25 different varieties, and the poinsettias will travel as far as Tobermory in the north to Kingsville in the south.

Huron Ridge Acres will be open Wednesdays to Saturdays, from Nov. 16-19, Nov. 23-26 and Nov. 30 and Dec 1-3, 2022. For more information, visit www.huronridge.ca or find them on Facebook.

STOPS ALONG THE WAY, FALL

Patchy in Clinton

TheLayton’s Pumpkins near Clinton is a truly family-run enterprise with everyone chipping in. Dad Denim does the planting and watering and Mom Karen is the decorator and marketing whiz, while daughter Ellis has become the resident pollinator expert and son Wes is quickly becoming a customer service expert, helping carry pumpkins to customers’ cars.

The side business for the family has really taken off, so it’s hard to believe that this is only their fifth season of growing and selling pumpkins. It was only a few years ago when Denim and Karen realized that they were getting a lot of traffic turning in their driveway in late summer due to their neighbours’ sweet corn stand. They decided to put their heads together and come up with a crop that would take advantage of that traffic and landed on pumpkins.

In just five years, they have increased their own production to over three acres, including rented patches nearby. Even with this additional crop, they will need to supplement their inventory with pumpkins purchased from other local growers, but by buying traditional pumpkins from other farms, Karen is able to focus on unique and decorative varieties of pumpkins that make their stand unique.

Along with their pumpkins, they grow squash and giant pumpkins for competition and have taken over the

sweet corn now that their neighbours have retired. Everything you need for your fall decorating season is available right here, including straw, gourds, corn and baskets.

The farm will be busy from September until Thanksgiving. In fact, the weekends are so busy that patience will be necessary to find a

parking spot or to take a turn having a picnic at one of the tables beside the field of goats and alpacas that are a popular attraction for visitors. Midweek visits offer all of the selection and a much more leisurely shopping experience. Follow them on Facebook at The Layton’s Pumpkins. 41051 Huron Rd., Clinton.

Search and destroy

Ona quiet, one-way street just steps from the main intersection of Clinton, sits a small storefront with an intriguing sign - Anger Management Destruction Therapy Clinic - the brainchild of Jesse Lambert. Lambert had a lease on the building and once his other business, a photography studio, had outgrown the space, he needed to find another use for the room. Before he returned to Clinton to be closer to family, he had lived in Las Vegas where rage rooms were a big attraction and he discovered that not only were there none in Huron County, there were only a few in all of Ontario.

Lambert credits his first year of success to pent-up rage associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Anger Management bills itself as a therapy clinic, and while it is classified as entertainment, smashing things is a great way to release stress.

The clinic offers up an assortment of items to smash, from plates and dishware to lamps and TVs to windshields. The selection will vary based on inventory and Anger Management supplies the therapeutic tools to resolve your rage, including

sledgehammers, crowbars, hammers and baseball bats.

What is the appeal? “Anyone can break stuff. Here, someone finds the stuff and someone cleans up after you!” says Lambert.

Anger Management supplies personal safety gear, which includes full-face shields and non-cut gloves. Clients are required to wear closedtoe shoes and sign a waiver before being given rules and a tour of the facility. No violence towards any people is tolerated, but shouting, screaming and swearing is encouraged as part of the therapy.

Walk-ins are available by chance, but it’s best to skip the wait and book

online at the company’s website at www.angermanagementdtc.com. 6 Isaac St., Clinton

Your hosts: Bob & Janice Clark

71 Kirk Street, Clinton 519-482-1163

Email: inquiries@kildonanhouse.com

Website: www.kildonanhouse.com 5.0 Google rating

Ann Anderson

519-482-3469

519-482-9545

us fill your freezer’

Arthur St., Wingham (519) 357-2912

Campbell St., Lucknow (519) 528-2242

Sip, sample, savour

Sample, Savour will be the theme of the day in Seaforth on October 2, 2022. After a successful couple of years, this annual fundraiser was sidelined for 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic, but organizers are back to support the local food and beverage industry and raise money for charity.

Sip,

The showcase is spearheaded by the Seaforth Lions, but is a fully collaborative effort between the Seaforth Agricultural Society, the Seaforth Legion, Seaforth Curling Club and the Seaforth Optimists. Lions representative Michael Ash said that they had seen a similar initiative conducted in another area and thought that if they could pull in all the community service groups they could raise a significant amount of money for the Huron Residential Hospice. In the first two years the event raised over $6000 in support of the Hospice and sold between 350 and 400 tickets each year.

The return to an in-person event has not been without challenges. Labour shortages, increased costs and two years of business disruptions have been very hard on the local food and beverage producers, so the organizers are extremely grateful for the participation of so many local vendors.

Patrons will receive a tasting glass and six sample tickets with their paid admission and can buy additional tickets to sample the wares from vendors including Maria's Wok n Dine, Grassroots Woodfired Pizza, The Hub Truck, Bayfield Brewing Company, Square Brew, Heritage Hops Brewery, Grand Valley Brewing, Cornerfield Estate Winery, Maelstrom Winery and Junction 56 Distillery. The Seaforth Optimist Club will be presenting a lineup of mocktails for those who wish something lighter and the Seaforth Lions will be serving up some delicious food as well.

Enjoy musical entertainment

throughout the afternoon provided by the Janna Leduc Band, a local singersongwriter.

Advance tickets are available at www.eventbrite.com for just $30. If it’s not sold out in advance, tickets at the door will be $33. Only 500 tickets will be sold.

For more information, visit the Seaforth Huron Harvest webpage at www.huronharvest.ca or their Facebook page, Huron Harvest.

Follow

Rural talking to rural

Whenthe Rural Talks to Rural Conference (R2R) rolls into the Brussels Four Winds Barn Oct. 17-20, 2022, it will be the fourth biennial conference that the Canadian Centre for Rural Creativity (CCRC) has hosted.

Peter Smith, CCRC Executive Director, says that this year’s theme, “Rural Today/Rural Tomorrow”, recognizes the fact there isn’t enough future-oriented thinking happening for rural concerns and that bringing together rural-based participants and partnering with leading rural organizations will create a network to facilitate those discussions.

Smith, who is known for bringing together creative thinkers from across the globe and setting conversations in motion, says that each day will focus on a different area where global issues will be looked at through a rural perspective.

The first day will examine

“Wellbeing” and how health and wellbeing are addressed in rural communities. The CCRC has partnered with the Gateway Center for Excellence in Rural Health to invite speakers who will highlight research and best practices for rural health centres.

Day two is addressing a topic that is at the forefront of many headlines in the media today. Conversations around “Attainable, affordable, accessible housing” will seek to address a crisis that, while universal, is especially difficult in rural communities that might not have access to shelters and resources that their urban counterparts have. Smith has lined up speakers who have been homeless, and are now heading up organizations that are developing “attainable” housing projects and speak to the issue in a no-nonsense manner.

Since the third day is focusing on

“Climate and Community”, many speakers from across Canada and the United States will join the conference virtually to avoid air travel.

Conversations around “Future Considerations, Art and the Market” will close out the final day with reflections on scenario-building sessions that will have been conducted each morning of the conference.

Each day of the conference will be jam-packed with discussions, speakers and activities to provoke discussion. Smith has also arranged for meals from a diverse range of local eateries to highlight all that Huron County has to offer.

For the final agenda and tickets, head to the website www.ruralcreativity.org . Senior and student ticket packages are available, as well as a limited number of early bird tickets. Brussels Four Winds Barn, 60 Orchard Ln, Brussels.

Four Winds Barn

Brussels

A historic stay

Cooper was raised in nearby Belgrave and when she was looking to relocate back to Huron County after 25 years in Alberta, she knew she was looking for a property with character. She was delighted to find that one of the most historic buildings in Blyth was for sale and she jumped at the chance to own a piece of history. The property consisted of the former railway station of the Grand Trunk Railway that remains on its original site.

Jennifer

The station was built in 1875, rebuilt after a fire in the early part of the 20th century and then decommissioned in the 1940s after the railway ended its passenger service between Clinton and Wingham. The station eventually became a home and various owners have renovated the building with additions and outbuildings that are very sympathetic to the original architecture.

A bricklayer who owned the property in the 1980s built a garage that was first used as a storage shed and stained glass studio and was later converted to guest suites.

Cooper moved in during the fall of 2020 and spent the first few months

refurbishing the two suites, and has been operating the site as an Airbnb rental since the summer of 2021.

The suites are a popular stop for cyclists on the Goderich-to-Guelph Rail Trail, as there is a dedicated bike storage unit that is available to both units. Each suite has a queen-sized bed, and comes equipped with a barbeque, dishes, microwave fridge and coffee maker. Guests have their own private outdoor table and chairs, and access to shared green space with a firepit. Cooper has a small garden and encourages guests to help themselves to lettuce, cucumbers and tomatoes.

Cooper discovered a copy of the original 1875 railway schedule when cleaning out a house that belonged to an uncle. She added copies of the schedule and old photos of the property in the suites to help guests connect to the history of the property. She is excited to maintain a connection with the past by repurposing a heritage property so that it remains a part of the community.

Find the location on Facebook by search Carriage House Suites or look it up on www.airbnb.ca

Sweet Tooth!

For a sample of best chocolate and gelato in the area, drop by Sweets N’ Treats. The name truly says it all!

Sweets N' Treats

413 Queen St Blyth, ON. N0M 1H0 226-523-6336

14 B-Line Rd Wingham, ON. N0G 2W0 519-357-3663

info@sweetsntreatschocolates.ca sweetsntreatschocolates.ca

The Goderich-to-Guelph (G2G)

Rail Trail is a hiking and biking trail that runs 132 kilometres along the former CPR railway line. The trail’s operations are almost entirely maintained and funded by volunteers and donations as a non-profit charitable organization with one paid employee.

Since the project in 2020 that saw an end-to-end refurbishment, including brush clearing, grading and surfacing with stone dust, the trail is attracting users from all ages and abilities to hike and bike portions or to complete an end-to-end trip.

The G2G is working with a number of partner organizations this fall on projects designed to enhance the safety and accessibility of the trail. Dead tree removal, trail surfacing and improving access point signage and accessibility are scheduled to be completed before December.

In Huron County, there are several major projects on the horizon. The first is a new culvert at Sandhill Line to improve accessibility for riders and walkers and to protect the small stream that cuts through the trail, and should be installed sometime this fall.

A new bridge across the Maitland River has been a dream since work

began on the trail over 10 years ago. The current detour adds 10 kilometres

to the route. A design concept and quote have now been prepared and the project is just waiting for funding.

A big hurdle to overcome in making the trail accessible for all is the Blyth Road crossing just west of the village. Years ago, the County of Huron filled in the tunnel under the roadway to limit any potential liability, resulting in a steep hill on either side for users to continue on the trail. The county and the G2G Rail Trail committee have reached an agreement to open the tunnel once the G2G has raised the funds. The organization has raised twothirds of the $500,000 needed to accomplish the project and is almost ready to tender the project. With a final fundraising drive this fall, the tunnel could be completed in the spring of 2023. This will be an important milestone in creating a safe, barrier-free trail. Help the group by visiting their website and helping them achieve the goal of a continuous and inclusive trail experience! Learn more at www.g2grailtrail.com/hwy25-tunnelproject

We have one of Ontario’s Largest Selection of Sheepskins, cowhide rugs, Canadian-made wool socks, Canadian-made leather jackets, leather bags, wallets & more at tannery outlet prices!

Come see us at Bainton’s Old Mill.

Growing for the season

Feed and Seed has been selling Christmas trees for nearly 50 years, so when Elliott Miller built a big new retail store five years ago, expanding its Christmas offerings seemed like a natural progression. Generations of families have made picking out their tree at Edgar’s part of their tradition and now they can get the whole house ready and pick up some local treats for their holiday table.

Edgar’s

When the pandemic hit, Miller was looking for a safe way for kids and families to still enjoy a visit with Santa. They added an Amish-built insulated cabin for Santa and each year they have been adding more

detail and more props. The photos with Santa happen over two Saturdays (this year the dates will be Nov. 26 and Dec. 3) and over 150 families and more than 300 children attend, so be sure to book your time slot early. There is no cost to participate, but donations to the local food bank are gratefully accepted, and they’ll e-mail your photo to you.

The Christmas trees are available from about the third week in November until Christmas (or until supplies run out). Edgar’s has always complemented the trees with garland and wreaths, but in recent years they have focused on even more Christmas decor, and their product line is

constantly evolving with local artisans and vendors. Christmas gift baskets that feature local meat, cheeses and other products have become extremely popular.

Edgar’s Feed and Seed is a traditional feed and farm supply that has grown to include a lot more retail for consumers and they are proud to feature local products, like maple syrup and honey. This is a stop that is sure to surprise and delight you, especially in its full holiday splendor.

Watch the website or follow them on Facebook for more information or to book your session with Santa.

www.edgarsfeedandseed.ca 222 Bruce Road 86, Wingham.

province’s

at destinations that have made Ontario famous. If you’re looking for a day trip or a weekend getaway, this book

BACKROADS

to

Something sweet in the air

County is full of families quietly producing food just off the beaten path, and sometimes you just need a little tip to find them, like Meadowview Farm and Apiary just north of Wingham on Holmes Line.

Huron

Here, Clare and Gwen Gerber and their two adult sons have built a solid reputation for farm-raised pork, beef and chicken, as well as a growing honey business. In fact, their commercial honey production had increased and they needed a new building to house the extraction equipment, so it seemed a natural fit

to add a small retail room at the front.

A tidy display of their honey and homemade beeswax candles invites the consumer in, and they have freezers full of cuts of drug- and hormone-free meat. Braided garlic strands and their own maple syrup complement the offering.

Since it is a small family-run operation, Gwen recommends that you call ahead to avoid disappointment, as they are currently open by chance or appointment. 519357-4347. 91104 Holmes Line, Wingham

or

farm

Whole

(Drumsticks, wings,

By the summer of 2020, the couple was selling coffee at their home/business, creating kitchen gardens, adding chickens and homeschooling their three children. Coastal Coffee continues to sell to restaurants, cafés and retailers while selling direct from the business and opening the cafe on Fridays and Saturdays. Light pastries and coffeerelated gifts are also available for sale and they get about 300 people per week over eight hours in the summer months.

“This church was a community building for so long. If people can meet here and have coffee with a friend, then it is still a community space and that’s important to us,” says Bri.

West Coast vibes

BY LISA BOONSTOPPEL-POT

There’s

a good vibe going on at Coastal Coffee near Kintail. It’s a kind of hippy, West Coast, vibe, which is what owners Ben and Bri Gingerich are trying to cultivate.

There are two Volkswagon vans outside the former Presbyterian church, now home to the Gingerich family of five. Ducks, chickens and Guinea hens wander through the heirloom vegetable and flower gardens.

“We are seeing more people come to the café than we ever dreamed,” says Ben. “We have become known as a culinary experience destination.”

Ben grew up on his parents’ organic mixed farm in Huron County and then headed to British Columbia for university and while there, fell in love with both his wife Bri and the specialty coffee that seemed to be available everywhere.

The couple returned to Huron County and missed the coffee scene so, as a hobby, Ben started roasting his own coffee in their home and eventually developed and scaled up the coffee roasting business into a commercial operation, supplying restaurants and retail businesses.

During this time, they travelled to countries like Colombia and Costa Rica to search for premium, fair-trade coffees. Ben said they looked for

coffee beans that were sustainably produced, sweet, well-processed and with a good body. “People artificially sweeten their coffee to make it enjoyable but our coffees do not need sugar,” explains Ben.

Ben and Bri started selling coffee and brew out of the back of their Volkswagen Westfalia at local farmers’ markets. They opened a roastery in Zurich in 2014 and a few years later, decided to sell their property and search for a unique home to house Coastal Coffee and their three children: Avery, Maeva and Boden.

When the Presbyterian church came on the market, the family fell in love with it on sight and were able to submit a successful real estate offer. Then the work began.

Once work began, Ben and Bri wanted the renovations to align with their health-focused, organic lifestyle. Natural products were chosen, including sheep wool for attic insulation and hemp batts for wall insulation. All the while they rode the balance between functionality and honouring the church’s heritage features, such as the stained glass windows and interior lights. “This is a building that was open to the public for over 100 years,” says Ben. “We wanted to be considerate of the affinity the community has for the building.”

It’s meeting and having fun with their customers that reminds them how this all got started in the first place: wanting to create a West Coast vibe in Huron County by serving excellent coffee. 86252 Kintail Line, Just 10 minutes from Lucknow and 20 minutes from Goderich.

www.coastalcoffeecompany.ca

Firmly Rooted Belgrave

Ag. Tours

Getting to know your producers

EatLocal Huron began as a nonprofit organization that created an online market to connect local producers to local customers.

Katrina McQuail of Meeting Place Organic Farm, who is also a board member for the organization, had a dream to connect those customers to the farms in an even more meaningful way by inviting them to visit the farms and meet the farmers. The organization applied for some tourism grant money to start the project and Huron County came on board with some support through its SLED (Supporting Local Economic Development) program.

The Farm Crawl program for 2022 consists of five crawls, each focusing on different producers and moving people around the county. The summer crawls had visitors meeting piglets at Meeting Place, tasting delicious coffee at Coastal Coffee,

learning about market gardening at Firmly Rooted and stocking up on tasty strawberries at Morrison Berries. All of the producers are passionate about local foods and telling their stories.

Amy Thomasson, board member and the Farm Crawl Co-ordinator, has organized two more crawls to finish up the season. The October Crawl is scheduled for Oct. 15 and Trick’s Creek Farm and Farm Little have confirmed their participation as of press time, with each of the producers planning on different activities to introduce you to their products.

The final 2022 Farm Crawl is planning something a little different. With colder weather setting in, Thomasson is planning a Christmas market on Nov. 12 with many of Eat Local Huron’s producers participating in a pop-up store. Depending on the number of vendors,

the market will take place in a barn at Meeting Place or move to a bigger facility, like the Regional Equine and Agricultural Centre of Huron (REACH) in Clinton. There likely will be a property walk-through with a nearby farm, but with winter setting in, the focus will be on the indoor market.

Thanks to the support of the county and the tourism grant, the tours have been kept affordable, adopting a paywhat-you-can strategy with a suggested ticket price of $17.50 per person.

If you have never been to a local farm or connected with a farmer who grows your food, then these tours are an excellent way to get to know how your food gets from the field to your table!

Tickets are available at their website, along with their online store www.eatlocalhuron.ca

Postcards from Huron