For the best chocolates, gelato and gift baskets, drop by Sweets N’ Treats. With locations in Wingham and Blyth The name truly says it all!
• Homemade sponges and popcorns
• Made to order gift baskets
• Over 15 different barks We do Birthday Parties!
• Huge hand rolled truffles
• Wedding favours, toppers and extras
• Over 4000 moulds for every occasion
14 B-Line Rd., Wingham, ON. N0G 2W0
413 Queen St., Blyth, ON. N0M 1H0 (p) 519-357-3663
Email: info@sweetsntreatschocolates.ca Website: sweetsntreatschocolates.ca
“Come back to Blyth”
Huron County is a doubly lucky place - it is both a strong agricultural community and a popular tourist destination. The land is enriched by several rivers that wind their way through |the farmlands on their way to empty into magnificent Lake Huron.
When going to visit a foreign country, where they speak a different language and have a different way of life, it just makes sense to learn at least a bit about that place - if only to further your understanding, respect the culture, and enrich your experience of that place.
Visiting Lake Huron can seem like a trip to a place that is familiar, but for a long time, this lake was understood in a completely different context, by groups of Indigenous people who spoke different
languages. The lake and its watersheds have held cultural, spiritual, and economic importance for Indigenous peoples, including the Anishinaabe.
Whether you are are heading to the beach in Goderich, walking along the Maitland River, or going to the edge of Lake Huron in Bayfield, you’ll be walking in a place that has always
been of great significance to Indigenous society, and taking a little bit of time to learn about some of that history can, hopefully, create a deeper appreciation of the importance of these waters.
The Huron County Museum (www.huroncountymuseum.ca, 110 North St, Goderich) is a
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Encampment Among the Islands of Lake Huron by Paul Kane (1810–71). Royal Ontario Museum, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.
Continued from page 6
great place to start for people looking for a place to learn about the history of Indigenous water rights around Lake Huron, before heading down to the beach in Goderich, after taking in the stunning mural created by Anishnaabe artist Jeannette Ladd of Saugeen First Nation. The museum has information about the history of treaties, traditional practices, and the concept of the inherent sovereignty of Indigenous nations. These treaties often included provisions for fishing rights and access to waterways throughout what is now Huron County, which was understood to be essential for the sustenance and cultural practices of Indigenous communities. The place where the Maitland River joins Lake Huron was of particular importance to numerous Indigenous groups who shared a perspective that water
needed to be respected, and was deeply intertwined with various spiritual and cultural beliefs. Water is seen as a living entity with a sacred duty to protect it for future generations. This contrasts with the Western view of water as property.
Anishinaabe teachings stress maintaining the purity and health of water, essential for the well-being of
all life. The Goderich waters were one of the many resources protected by the ‘Dish with One Spoon’ philosophy. The ‘dish’ represented the resource to be shared, and the ‘spoon’ represented the individuals using that resource in
Continued on page 8
www.stopsalongtheway.ca
Continued from page 8 co-operation, so it would not be left empty.
When crossing the mighty Maitland River anywhere in Huron County, it is worth taking a moment to consider this impressive waterway as a transport route that would carry Indigenous people towards Lake Huron. The Anishinaabe and other Indigenous groups used waterways for transportation, with birch bark canoes enabling sustainable travel. They navigated rivers like the Bayfield and the Maitland and Lake Huron itself. This way of life was environmentally respectful and sustainable.
There are many places to stop in the county and reflect on the Maitland River, and the Maitland River Conservation Authority has much information on the importance of the history of these waters and the importance of stewarding them into the future.
When the Anishinaabe and other First Nations would travel from place to place, they were following a complex migratory pattern that settlers misinterpreted as nomadic wandering. In reality, their movements followed organized patterns over time. Over decades and centuries, these movements, influenced by factors like war, famine, and environmental changes, demonstrated the Anishinaabe's deep understanding of and connection to their land. The Bayfield River was also essential to Indigenous life, and the place where it meets Lake Huron
was an important gathering place. Bayfield Historical Society’s website and archives (which can be found at www.bayfieldhistorical.ca, 20 Main Street N, Bayfield) are both great sources of information on treaties and the history of the area. Jordan George of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation has partnered with the Bayfield Historical Society to create ‘10,000 Years in 20 Minutes’ - an incredible
resource and overview of the lesser known history of the area. It is available on the Bayfield Historical Society website, and will offer a greater sense of understanding to anybody who takes the time to check it out. George will also be taking people on a historical walk through the Bayfield River Valley Trails on Saturday, June 22, 2024 for National Indigenous Peoples Day.
A smile is the same in every language.
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
Ways to welcome new neighbours to your community:
Initiate conversation with newcomers and share information about your community
Take time to learn someone’s name, and the proper way to pronounce it
Connect new immigrants with your friends and colleagues with similar professional background
Challenge a racist joke, generalization or stereotype
Offer a new neighbour flowers or vegetables from your garden
Invite newcomers to community events, birthday parties, or potlucks
Be open to learning from others: everyone has something to offer
Canada Day Weekend in Goderich is always a party, but this year, there are activities taking place Thursday, June 26 right through to Monday July 1!
The Goderich BIA will kick off the long weekend with its Thursday Evening Concert Series on the Courthouse Square Performance Stage. On Thursday, June 27, catch crowd favourite, Lance Bedard, who will be bringing his blend of acoustic rock/pop/country to Downtown Goderich. The show starts at 7 p.m., if the weather is good. Be sure to bring a lawn chair, as these free
concerts tend to fill up quickly!
The Huron Multicultural Festival has expanded to two days of celebrations, kicking off summer with a party in the Square on Friday, June 28, with JUNO Award winning group Digging Roots and opener Drives the Common Man. This licensed, ticketed event will have you up and dancing into the long weekend. Tickets are on sale now.
The Huron Multicultural Festival continues in Courthouse Park on Saturday, June 29 with a free, fullday festival that’s fun for the whole family! A Huron County favourite for
years, this festival celebrates the customs and traditions of Canada’s diverse populations. Enjoy live music and dance from around the world, a global food court and marketplace, children’s activities, licensed beer garden, and more! For more information, visit: huroncounty.ca/multiculturalfestival
Rounding out (or octagoning out, if you will) your Saturday and Sunday mornings are the BIA Farmer’s
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Goderich Little Theatre presents... A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Writtenby William Shakespeare & Directed by David Armour
Production Sponsors: Melissa Daer Real Estate Team & IODE Act III Ages 13-18
TICKETS ON SALE:JUNE 4
Show Dates: June 20, 21 & 22 at 7:30 p.m. June 23 at 2 p.m.
To find out more information on Ordinary Magic Young Players, please follow our Facebook page.
First Time for Everything Festival ...this year is ABSURD! It’s FREE! Donations Welcomed July 12 – 15, 2023
No ticket prices here. No booking necessary. Festival seating. First-come, first-served. JULY 24, 25, 26 & 27
DOORS OPEN AT 7:30 PM
Arrive early and enjoy the artisan market, or join the line-up to get your seat!
519-524-6262 35 South St., Goderich cara@thelivery.ca www.thelivery.ca
After a brief hiatus due to COVID and a change in the host organization, the refreshed Goderich Kinette’s Festival of Arts & Crafts is ready to set up camp in the Courthouse Park once again July 5 through to the 7th.
According to Patti Lamb, President of the Goderich Kinette Club, the organization is excited to take on the reins of the iconic festival. The Festival of Arts & Crafts has been a downtown staple for decades, first envisioned by Goderich Tourism and then as a major fundraiser for the Huron Women’s Shelter for years. The Kinettes felt that it was important to continue the tradition that brings so many people to the town and gives so many unique vendors an opportunity to show off their skills. The Kinettes are growing as an organization, and were looking for a signature event, making this the perfect opportunity for both the club and the festival.
With close to 100 vendors already signed on, the Festival is back as big and bold as ever. With a requirement that everything be handmade, shoppers are in for a treat with a good mix of high quality arts and crafts, including (but not limited to) visual arts, pottery, clothing, jewellery and small batch food items.
The Courthouse Park in the centre
of The Square is an ideal venue for the festival with tents lining the sidewalk spokes in the octagonshaped greenspace. Your favourite
vendors are back, along with some new talent and the Rotary Club will have their traditional used book sale sharing the space on Saturday and Sunday. Watch for the addition of food trucks to the event, making it easy to spend the day hunting for the perfect piece.
Another new addition to the Festival is a 50/50 draw. The tickets went on sale at the end of May with a final push for sales at the Festival, ensuring a good pot for the lucky winner, with the draw happening at the Arts and Festival on Sunday afternoon. All proceeds from the draw are going to support the new pavilion at the Kinsmen Park on Keays Street in Goderich. The club is welcoming new members and you can e-mail goderichkinetteclub @gmail.com if you would like more information.
The newly monikered Goderich Kinette’s Festival of Arts and Crafts will run on Friday from noon to 8 pm, Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm and finish off on Sunday from 9 am to 4 pm. Follow them on Facebook for updates. Courthouse Park, The Square, Goderich.
In March, the Huron County Museum launched a new mural in the museum created by Anishinaabe artist Jeannette Ladd.
Ladd is an Anishinaabe-kwe from Saugeen First Nation in the Saugeen Ojibway Territory. She graduated from the University of Toronto with a Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture. Throughout her life she has always been drawn to expressing her thoughts and experiences through art.
“I love creating pieces of art, it gives me an outlet to express myself and I love learning and working on pieces to honour my culture,” said Ladd. “Through the mural, I wanted to show that our love and respect for Mother Earth, Turtle Island, is necessary to ensure that we have a world for future generations. The piece shows that we are all connected to the sun, moon, stars, nature, and water, which need to work in harmony to provide a good life for everyone and everything.”
The mural was commissioned by the museum, which specifically
sought out an Indigenous artist for the project to build on the museum’s goal of providing space to share local Indigenous culture.
“Indigenous people have called this land home for millennia and the Huron County Museum is focused on growing our
understanding of local Indigenous cultures and histories by providing space to share their stories,” said Huron County Museum and Historic Gaol Senior Curator Elizabeth French-Gibson. huroncountymuseum.ca 110 North St. Goderich
Over 25 years, the Ruetz name (pronounced Ritz, like the cracker) has been synonymous with fresh produce on the Farmers Market circuit as Paul and Linda Ruetz trucked their goods to markets in Keady, St. Jacob’s and Kincardine.
Now, they’re looking forward to spending less time on the road and more time having the customers come to them, as they settle into their new property and new format with a permanent store and become the Ruetz Country Market, just north of Goderich on the beautiful Bluewater Highway.
They spent the winter renovating the roadside market building and getting the new property ready for planting, while still maintaining the existing farm and greenhouse at Teeswater. The market has new
floors, walls, lighting, walk-in coolers and a sorting/washing station for veggies like the high-demand pickling cucumbers.
The Market had a successful launch on the long weekend in May, with technology being the only hiccup (the debit machine went down). The store will carry their own radishes, cucumbers, sweet corn, pumpkins, beans, peas, strawberries and raspberries and more. What they can’t grow themselves, they bring in from their strong network of connections throughout southwestern Ontario. Some peaches and other fruits will be from the Niagara region, and all of the rest will be from within about 150 kilometres, ensuring the freshest produce possible for their clientele.
Local tried and true suppliers like Metzgers Meats, Springhill Fish,
Voisin’s Maple Products and Coastal Coffee are the perfect complement to their produce. The fridge and freezers are stocked with Shaw’s Ice Cream and Grassroots Woodfired Pizza.
Linda and Paul are looking forward to sharing this unique market with a whole new customer base, from locals looking for the freshest produce to cottagers stocking up on their way to the lake. Both of them are lifelong farmers and their passion and commitment to the local food movement is obvious. “Trust, honesty and integrity are what we promise to our customers,” says Linda.
They will be open on Fridays and Saturdays, but their hours are a little up in the air until they get into the rhythm of the region. Follow them on Facebook for updates on hours and to find out what’s in season weekly! 82818 Bluewater Highway, Goderich.
TBY KAREN WEBSTER
here is a gem that sparkles along the west coast of Huron County called Camp Kintail. Located 25 kilometres north of Goderich just off of Highway 21, this facility was created in 1929 by a group of ministers and lay people who felt that outdoor ministry was needed for the youth of the Synod of (now) Southwestern Ontario. Over the years many buildings, cabins and yurts have been added to the 24 acre property.
As well, in a setting of tall cedars, there is a unique amphitheatre-style chapel, built in 2010, that overlooks Lake Huron.
Not only does Camp Kintail
provide day- and week-long camping featuring Christian teachings and wholesome outdoor activities but it has also become a year-round venue for retreats, school outings and weddings.
In the fall of 2017, ground was broken for the newest year-round facility at Camp Kintail called The Nest. This facility includes washroom and shower facilities for the growing camper and guest population, kitchen and dining space for group rentals,
year-round staff accommodations and hotel-style guest rooms. In all, there are onsite accommodations for up to 250 people.
To facilitate physical activities, there is a high ropes course and an Adventure Tower, in addition to all the water-related opportunities. There is also a disc golf course and several fire pits that invite cosy evenings around them. Accessibility to all areas including the beach is provided by various ramps and wheelchair-friendly pathways.
The public is welcomed to Camp Kintail for their sumptuous Sunday suppers that occur seven times a year. No one leaves hungry from one of these feasts.
For more information, visit campkintail.ca or phone 519-5297317. 85153 Bluewater Highway, Goderich
Continued from page 9 Market and BIA Sunday Market. If the weather cooperates, vendors will be set-up around Courthouse Square from 8 a.m until 1 p.m.
On Sunday, June 30, head to Lions Harbour Park for the Annual Lions Beef BBQ starting at 1:30 p.m.. Tickets will be available for purchase at Goderich Tourism or from a Lions member. Following your feed of beef, the Goderich Laketown Band Concert Series will be taking the stage at 7 p.m. at the Lions Bandshell Stage.
On Sunday night, the crowds head down to the Goderich Waterfront for the Fireworks Display which will begin at dusk. This year, a food truck trail will stretch the length of the boardwalk, offering up a new food choice every 200 metres. This is always the busiest event in Goderich, so plan to arrive early to stake out a good spot.
And just when you thought you’d done all there was to be had in Goderich this Canada Day weekend, Goderich Tourism will host the 21st
Annual Goderich Children’s Festival starting at 10 a.m. on Monday, July 1 in Courthouse Square Park. This year’s event will feature inflatables, live entertainment, obstacle courses, STEAM and crafting workshops, and a craft supply swap!
Finally, we wrap up the weekend with the traditional Canada Day Parade around the Square starting at 2 p.m. on Monday, July 1. Registrations for the parade have opened and folks can register their float by visiting www.exploregoderich.ca
The Township of Howick, tucked in the northeast corner of Huron County, has created three walking trails that individually each make a great stop on a road trip, or when combined together make a great destination for an afternoon of exploring the Maitland River and three beautiful villages that adorn its banks. All three trails are wellmaintained and accessible with stonedust, level paths that are easy to walk. There are benches, garbage cans, picnic tables, activities and ample parking.
The Fordwich Trail is a 1.9 km loop with an inviting entrance complete with a map board for easy navigation. The first half of the trail meanders along the bank of the river, through a delightful forest with a shady canopy. Along the way, benches and picnic tables are well spaced out, inviting you to stop and enjoy the scenery. A “cozy cabin” gives an interesting focal point, as you turn from the river, through a cedar forest and then follow the trail through a meadow with flocks of
Continued from page 15 goldfinches to accompany you back.
3068 Louisa St E, Fordwich Just seven minutes away by car, is the next trailhead in Gorrie. This trail offers an exceptional view of the river for its entire 3 km length (1.5 km each way, on a straight out-and-back hike). The Maitland is not a deep river, but this doesn’t deter fishermen from trying their luck along the
length of the trail and you may catch a glimpse of a pair of bald eagles who also fish this section of the river. In addition to the benches and game boards along the path, the Trails End features a picturesque setting to sit and enjoy nature. 2068 George St., Gorrie
Last but not least, the Wroxeter Trail is a short trail at just .9 km but gives you a quiet walk in the village
along a spillway channel. This year, the bridge is under construction making the area a little less quiet than normal, but the parking area is accessible and the trail is open. Picnic areas along the trail would make a great place to stop and enjoy a sandwich, or let the toddlers and dogs stretch their legs if you are passing through the area. 1030 Water St, Wroxeter
The Little Inn has been an anchor on the Main Street of Bayfield since it was founded in 1847 as a stagecoach stop, making it one of the oldest operating inns in the province.
Jamie McDougall has deep roots in Huron County and when the opportunity to become a partner in one of its most iconic landmarks presented itself back in 2016, he jumped at the chance. Although his day job is owning and operating Lake Huron Chrysler, just up the highway in Goderich, he had always had a keen interest in the hospitality industry. Late last year, McDougall was presented with a further opportunity to become sole proprietor and has relished his role as owner ever since.
McDougall is committed to the
local community and has a strong vision for the future. He envisions the Inn as a place where people can enjoy an anniversary party in the Willow Room for a special occasion, or just a casual meet-up with friends in the Four-In-Hand taproom for a round after hitting the links.
His commitment to the local farm to table movement is evident in the seasonal menu, which has a strong emphasis on quality ingredients, sourced locally and prepared by Red Seal Chef Jim Welsh. McDougall is proud of the Inn’s designation as a
Feast On certified establishment, which recognizes the commitment to sourcing Ontario grown food and drinks.
The breakfast menu, which is served seven days a week, has become a particularly popular item, with house made bread and vegan options available. Who can resist savoury French toast served with asparagus, prosciutto and house made hollandaise sauce, especially when served with a mimosa or perhaps a breakfast Caesar?
The Little Inn has also spent a lot of time and resources ensuring that all renovations honour the history of the building. Much of the window glass is evidently the original hand blown panes, and the facade features commissioned replicas of the original woodwork. This year, the upper verandah was lovingly restored to its original splendour, so that guests can now enjoy a unique vantage point to order a beverage and take in the hustle and bustle of Main Street.
From special events like a unique viewing party for the annual Kentucky Derby (complete with horses tied to the original hitching posts outside) to the year-round happy hour, The Little Inn continues to be a charming historical venue, with the ability to provide a modern twist on everything from the menu to the accommodations. 26 Main Street N, Bayfield www.littleinn.com
Of all the communal events that have contributed to our national identity over the years, the agricultural fair is undoubtedly one of Canada’s longest running and most cherished traditions. While the idea of a fair celebrating regional food and farms was originally brought to Canada by European settlers, the concept resonated right away in Ontario’s many agricultural communities. When settlers began to move westward, they brought the spirit of the fair with them. Fairs even predate the formation of Canada in 1867 - the first one happened way back in 1765! Long before this disparate collection of territories officially congealed into one great, unwieldy nation, the local fair had already been woven into the seasonal social fabric of many small agrarian communities. A number of those early, preconfederation fairs are still being put on, including the Bayfield Comm-
unity Fair, which turns 168 this year. While most agricultural fairs happen either in the spring, to celebrate the end of winter, or in the fall, to celebrate the harvest, Bayfield’s fest will be happening from Aug 16 to 18 - a wise move for Huron County’s cutest summertime tourist destination. This year’s fair theme is “Farms, Food & Family” - a welcome reminder of what these fairs are all about. While Bayfield’s fair
will certainly be offering up an excellent and exciting weekend full of family friendly games, music, and other enjoyable bits of entertainment, the true purpose of any agricultural fair is to take a moment to celebrate our hard working farmers, and to appreciate the fertile land that feeds us all.
Another essential element of any agricultural fair is the Homecraft Competition. If you’re a fan of a little friendly competition, or just feel like showing off some of your skills, you’ll probably enjoy entering something in the Homecraft Competition. There are so many categories to choose from that you’re basically guaranteed to find one that appeals to your competitive spirit. There are prizes for the winners, but the real prize is knowing that your tomato has officially been declared ‘Best in Show’. Physical copies of the 2024 Bayfield Fair Book can be found around town, and there’s also a digital version on Bayfield’s Fair’s website, so get your hands on a copy and get started on your entry! www.bayfieldfair.ca 1 Fry St, Bayfield
This August, the Huron County Plowmen’s Association will mark a significant milestone as 2024 will be the 100th anniversary of the first-ever Huron County Plowing Match.
The match is set to go ahead at Vermue Farms on Bayfield River Road, Bayfield in Central Huron on Thursday, Aug. 15 and Friday, Aug. 16, culminating in the gala dinner and awards ceremony that night. It will be the 96th annual match, but mark the 100th anniversary of the first match, as several matches were lost to World Wars and the COVID-19 pandemic.
The first day of the match will be all about the youngsters, as it will be Junior Day at the Huron County Plowing Match. The Huron County Sodbusters 4-H Club will host its achievement day on the first day of the match and the Huron County Princess competition will move ahead, first with speeches and a question-and-answer period and then a winner will be crowned to succeed Rachel Wilts from the Blyth area, last year’s winner.
The next day of the historic and storied match, the senior competitive
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Continued from page 20 plowers will be in the fields in search of Huron County greatness. Names like Dodds, McGavin and Townsend are sure to show up in pursuit of the title as part of what always delivers as an exciting day to celebrate agriculture on one of Huron County’s most beautiful farms.
In the afternoon, while the competitors are in the fields, the year’s Queen of the Furrow contestants will take to the stage for their speeches and question-andanswer session. The crowning of the winner will take place that night during the gala.
And, of course, throughout the day there will be food, agricultural exhibits and more for everyone to see.
And this year, for the first time, the association will be hosting a junior plow day the Sunday after the match. This is an initiative being taken on by the Ontario Plowmen’s Association local zone in an effort to introduce competitive plowing to more young people. No experience or equipment will be necessary and youngsters can come out to Vermue Farms and learn a thing or two about the rural pastime that has captured the hearts of so many Huron County residents over the years.
For more information or to keep up with the group, follow the Huron County Plowmen’s Association on Facebook.
If you are a big fan of beans, it’s pretty obvious that you should be heading to Zurich’s Bean Festival, the number one event of the summer. But if you’re not a fan of beans, you should still probably be heading to Zurich’s Bean Festival, the number one event of the summer, because the Bean Festival has so much more to offer beyond beans. But it also definitely has beans. Lots of beans.
The Bean Festival was started in 1966 as a way to celebrate what Zurich does best - grow beans! The bean business has always been booming in Zurich - they even received the very official title of “White Bean Capital of Canada” recognition of the truly tremendous amount of beans it was producing each year.
After so many years of leaning on its beans for employment and nourishment, the people of Zurich finally decided to give something back to these little heroes, and Beanfest was born, as “a tribute to the local economy and the spirit of the community.” An article in the Zurich Citizen News announcing the first
ever Beanfest taking place in 1966 went with the headline “Bean Festival Will Provide Fun” - which pretty much says it all. The first Bean Festival featured musical entertainment, and a big pot of beans intended to feed all the people of Zurich. Communal bean pots were once common at agricultural fairs and public gatherings all over Huron County, but now they can only be found at historical or bean-themed events, which is a shame, because there are few things in life that feed as many people for very little money as a big pot of beans.
This year’s 57th Annual Bean Festival program includes music from local bands Tasty Newz and Pillowheads, food trucks, local vendors, classic cars, and, of course, beans! The Bean Festival is always held on the fourth Saturday of August, so come on out to Zurich on August 23 and 24. www.beanfest.ca Downtown Zurich
(If you don’t know what white beans are, it’s probably because you know them as navy beans, a nickname that this humble but mighty legume received after becoming one of the staple foods on U.S Naval Ships.)
One of the many great things about being part of the Stops Along the Way team is the way that the seasonal search for sweet Huron County stops to recommend is the way that, sometimes, one stop leads to another. Which is exactly how we ended up with Grand Bend’s The Tipsy Pelican at the top of our list for the 2024 Summer Issue. While investigating a hot tip about a funky new hotel in Grand Bend that was allegedly putting gummy bears on their pizza, (they were!), we got a new tip from the hotel’s manager, who couldn’t say enough nice things about the overall vibe of Grand Bend and more specifically, a restaurant on Main Street that she asserted had a butternut squash ravioli that was not
good, not great, but the single best thing she’d ever eaten at a restaurant. That’s the kind of high praise that is unwise to ignore, and The Tipsy Pelican got added to the ‘Must Check It!’ list.
Despite being right on Grand Bend’s Main Street, enroute to the beach, The Tipsy Pelican’s low key exterior makes it easy to overlook. This beloved local haunt lacks the trademark neon hullabaloo that is all things Grand Bend at the height of the summer season.
Once you get inside, the subtle clashing of this restaurant’s inventive menu and classy-punk decor makes for an enjoyable eating escapade, you won’t soon forget. From classic club sandwiches to the aforementioned
and much acclaimed butternut squash ravioli, this all-over-the-map menu is going to have something on it that catches your eye, and there is certainly going to be a signature cocktail (or two) that perfectly compliments your choice.
The Tipsy Pelican is open for lunch and dinner, but where they really cut loose is their Sunday brunch specials, but be warned - not everybody can handle the hardcore deliciousness of spanakopita eggs benedict in the early morning. And just so you know before you go, The Tipsy Pelican does have a cute little patio, but they do not take reservations - this spot is strictly “stop in and see”. www.thetipsypelican.com 83 Main St W, Grand Bend
There’s something special about summer theatre in a rural setting near a resort beach town that is unlike any other.
Waiting outside the barn on a warm summer night at the Huron Country Playhouse for a show to go in, or looking out across the fields while eating an ice cream at intermission is a great way to make memories with friends and family.
Drayton Entertainment which operates the theatre is renowned for big musicals on the Mainstage and delightful comedies in the smaller South Huron Stage (formerly Playhouse II), and this year is no exception.
The 2024 season on Ontario’s West Coast will open with a time-honoured favourite. Fiddler on the Roof has touched audiences around the world with its winning combination of humour, warmth, and honesty. The production features a magnificent score full of classic songs like “Matchmaker, Matchmaker”, “If I Were A Rich Man” and “Tradition,” making it one of the most acclaimed musicals in North American theatre history. Fiddler on the Roof runs June 12 to June 30.
Next up is the Tony, Grammy, and Olivier Award-winning musical, Jersey Boys. This international phenomenon takes you behind the scenes, and behind the music, of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons as they work their way to the heights of stardom, thrilling audiences with electrifying performances of charttopping hits like “Big Girls Don’t Cry”, “Sherry”, “Walk Like A Man”, “Too Good To Be True” and more. Don’t miss this worldwide phenomenon that will leave you exclaiming, “Oh, What a Night!” This Broadway blockbuster runs from July 10 to August 3.
The feel-good blockbuster Priscilla Queen of the Desert the Musical will end the 2024 season with a bang, running August 15 to September 1. With a spectacular array of outrageous costumes, flamboyant choreography, and a hit parade of dancefloor favourites, including “It’s
Raining Men”, “I Will Survive” and many more, this wildly fresh and funny musical is a journey to the heart of FABULOUS!
South Huron Stage
Take a joyous jive down memory lane with Sh-Boom! Life Could Be a Dream. This jukebox musical features 25 chart-topping vintage doo-wop standards in heavenly harmony, such as “Fools Fall in Love”, “Tears on my Pillow”, “Runaround Sue”, “Earth Angel”, “Stay”, “Unchained Melody”, “Lonely Teardrops”, “The Glory of Love” and more. This feelgood musical is on stage June 12-30.
Next up is the ageless comedy Doris and Ivy in the Home, a riotous tale that will shatter your preconceived notions of what “senior living” ought to be. When retired prison guard Doris Mooney moves into a retirement home and quickly befriends Ivy Hoffbauer, what follows is a testament to living each day to the fullest. Canadian playwright Norm Foster tackles retirement living with his typical wit
and wisdom in this comedy about love and friendship among those in their twilight years. This mirthful production is on stage from July 11-28.
Finish the season with Drayton Entertainment’s perennially popular family panto. Next year’s offering is Peter Pan: The Panto. In the grand British tradition where audiences cheer the hero and boo the villain, Peter Pan boasts a winning combination of incredible musical numbers, slapstick comedy, outrageous costumes, audience participation, and of course, a dash of theatrical magic. So bring your children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and join us this summer as the beloved tale about the boy who never grew up becomes awash in swash and buckle. Float through the clouds to Never Land and be reunited with all your favourite characters. You’ll be hooked! Recommended for children ages five and up. www.draytonentertainment.com
70689 B Line, Grand Bend
In the 57 years since Pinery Market first opened, it has slowly evolved from a small open air antique market into Grand Bend’s most unique shopping experience. Stately oak trees that have been maturing alongside the market offer a shady oasis for both shoppers and the rotating coterie of 250 vendors, and a
variety of family-friendly events will be happening on Sundays throughout the summer.
There’s already so much going on at this historic shopping spot on a standard Sunday afternoon that just browsing around for a few hours feels like a special event. After all, Pinery is more than just some market - it’s all kinds of markets, all rolled into one! a classic flea market, an antique market, a farmers market, and an artisan market featuring local makers. There’s even fun food and beverage options for when all that browsing has left you peckish and dehydrated.
Every Sunday this summer, people can do some light time travel with a trip to the Market’s retro watering hole, Tuck’s Gas Bar, where you can watch classic cars cruise around and listen to some music from local talent like Grand Bend’s favourite crooner, Brian Dale.
On June 16, the Father’s Day Food Truck BBQ will have dad-approved food, local beer and cider, live music, and lots of vendors with gift ideas for those hard to shop for fathers.
Street Food Sundays in July and August will be bringing in some of
Ontario’s most interesting food trucks to Pinery Market that will showcase culinary culture on wheels.
End your summer on a sweet note with The Ice Cream Festival on September 15! From plain vanilla cones to ice cream spaghettithere’s so much variety, and it’s all ice cream!
The 6th Annual Barktoberfest is a Craft Beer and Dog Festival. If you LOVE Dogs, Local Craft Beer, Cider, Wine or Shopping you will LOVE this event! Don’t miss the Golden Kissing booth with donations going towards Golden Rescue. Over 150 vendors will be open from 9 am to 4 pm. Local craft beers, ciders, wine and distillers will be available in the licensed area which will be serving 10am to 5pm www.instagram.com/barktoberfestgra ndbend/
The Pinery Market is open Sundays from May to Thanksgiving with only a $2 (cash) entry fee. Follow them on Facebook for all the market news. 10163 Lakeshore Rd, Grand Bend
There is something about the Grand Bend Mini Golf that feels special. It’s not just a fun, affordable, well-shaded respite from the sensory overload of a beach town in summer, although it is all those things. It’s not just that it’s full of miniature versions of iconic Grand Bend buildings and landmarks, although that is a big part of it.
When you’re just about to play a round of mini golf at a course you’ve never been to before, the most exciting thing is experiencing the peculiar geometry of the course. The first mental measures of each of the fundamental angles, the assessment of playability.
Unlike big golf, which always relies at least somewhat on nature, mini golf courses are almost entirely manmade structures, a carefully designed combination of angles and artifice, put before you by unseen hands as the ultimate test of your core self. The unknown geometry of a new mini golf course is such a wild blend of mathematical precision and design choices, and the delicate interplay of angles and curves - even on a rundown, rusty course, it’s magical, and it’s mathematical! Grand Bend Mini Golf is a great little course - it makes sense that so many families love coming here!
The other most exciting thing about traversing a new mini golf course is the way it reveals its personality through all the non-essential parts of
the course: all the fanciful obstacles, kitschy decorations, and odd totems that find themselves grouped together in such a silly artificial environment. Grand Bend Mini Putt is an extra special example of how to bring the spirit of a community into a Mini Putt course.
Each one of the Grand Bend
buildings that are represented either was or still is an important part of the community - the most interesting ones are the miniatures of buildings that have since been demolishedthese shrunk down versions must now carry the story. https://grandbendminigolf.com 72 Main St W, Grand Bend
It’s a Grand Bend Tradition!
Denny’s classics plus authentic Thai cuisine. 86 Ontario Street South Grand Bend, ON Debit, Visa & Mastercard accepted Summer Hours: Late June to Labour Day 7 days/week 11:30 am - 9:00 pm
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Grandpa Joe takes his grandson Timmy back to the site of his family’s farm, where the old house and a ramshackle barn still stand. The visit stirs up memories for Grandpa Joe—in particular, the majesty of his own father's shiny red tractor, now rusting in the forgotten fields. $23.99
Making a farmers market successful is a bit of a chicken and the egg situation - you need foot traffic to attract more vendors and you’ll attract more vendors if you have more foot traffic. It’s a tricky balance to strike.
Exeter’s bi-monthly Farmers Market, now located on Baldwin St. has been working hard to bring the people of Exeter a great selection of food, drinks, arts and crafts for a while now, and have really started picking up speed going into the crazy summer months. They’ve already got the sweet tooth vote locked-in with baked goods from Cream Beanery out of St. Thomas, and fans of any fruit imaginable will certainly find something that appeals to them at Bayfield Berry Farm’s booth, which boasts a wide range of products they make on their own farm.
There are also several artisans bringing their craft to the party, as well as performances from local musicians setting the mood for shoppers and vendors alike.
Farmers market circuit mainstays Uncle Dad’s will be joining the crew with their fabulous homemade frozen pizzas and meat pies, which are sure to bring in the crowds. After that, who knows what intrepid new vendors will join forces with the Exeter Farmers Market?
Anybody who has never tried to start a farmers market would, perhaps, think that having a local
market in an agriculture rich rural community would be a fairly simple process. After all, there is such bountiful farmland all around, producing a vast amount of food for the rest of Ontario and beyond - how hard could it be to set up a few folding tables in a park somewhere, put a bunch of vegetables on it, and watch the money roll in? As it turns
out, running a farmers market takes a tremendous amount of planning, effort, and cooperation. Exeter BIA, which hosts the market, has figured out all the secrets to success, so head on over to Baldwin St (beside Trivitt Memorial Church) and show them the support they deserve! Follow them on Facebook for updates on performances, vendors and events.
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Annual events include: Farmers and Community Market, Ladies Night, Sidewalk Sales, Jack O’ Lantern Jamboree, the Lighting of the Park, the Santa Claus Parade and so much more!
BY MARK NONKES
Margi and Abhishek Shrestha are sharing their love for delicious food and warm hospitality with visitors to their restaurant in Exeter. The couple, in their 30s, are the owners of the thriving Curry Corner in Exeter. Opened in December 2022, Curry Corner serves a traditional northern Indian cuisine.
“When we opened, I asked customers if it’s okay to use the regular spices that we use in India. They agreed and loved it. We kept our food the way we have it in India without modifications. We wanted it to taste authentic,” Margi says.
The restaurant features a broad menu that includes the popular butter chicken, chicken tikka masala, goat
and lamb curry, along with vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and nut-free options. Spice levels can be tailored to each individual.
“The response has been really good so far,” says 38-year-old Abhishek. “The community has been really good to us; we have a lot of loyal customers.”
Abhishek arrived in Canada in 2014 as an international post-secondary student, completing a diploma in business management from Humber College in Toronto.“I wanted to be an entrepreneur from the time I came to Canada,” Abhishek says. He says that part-time jobs in both Mexican and Indian restaurants in Toronto, and then eventually restaurant supervisory and management positions, helped him get the skills to
start his own business.
Margi, who remained in India when Abhishek moved to the country as a student, joined him with their son in Canada in 2017. She, too, soon found work in an urban restaurant.
“We came to see the beach in Grand Bend and as we were passing through Exeter we saw a for lease sign in the window,” Abhishek recounts.
When Abhishek and Margi learned there was no other nearby Indian restaurant, they realized the opportunity to add to the community’s culinary palette. After viewing the building, a former sushi restaurant on the south end of Exeter, they began pursuing their dream.
Abhishek now serves as Curry Corner’s manager while Margi leads the kitchen.
Margi says the secret to the cooking is all about understanding the spices and how they create flavour. Pinches of salt, chili, turmeric, coriander, cumin, ginger and dried fenugreek leaves are routinely added. “It’s all a game of spices,” Margi says.
After sampling several dishes, it’s safe to report that whether you're a connoisseur of Indian cuisine or a newcomer eager to explore new flavors, Curry Corner’s menu tantalizes the taste buds and warms the soul.
Curry Corner is open seven days a week with dine-in and take-out options, along with offering catering for various sized events. The business can be found at 472 Main Street South in Exeter.
Huron County’s once budding craft beer scene is now officially in full bloom, and you can find a cool little brewery pretty much anywhere you look. But long before the big rural beer boom, Mike Corrie, owner of Stone House Brewing Company in Varna, started brewing his own beer, in the traditional German style he learned from a German brewmaster. The first beer he ever made, a Czech Pilsner, eventually developed into Stone House’s infinitely quaffable flagship beer. They’ve since expanded their offerings to include a dark lager, a Bavarian lager, and a cream lager. While there are many countries that have proud brewing traditions, what makes German beer making stand out is their focus on high quality ingredients, brewed with an exacting focus on purity. Corrie has carried on that ethic with all of his beers, using only premium, noble hops for all his beers, and you can taste that attention to detail when you drink one of his beers.
Stone House Brewing Company, which now bills itself as Huron County’s Original Brewery, may have been the inspiration for Huron County’s craft beer boom, but they aren’t one to sit on their laurels. Their location in Varna, which is east of Bayfield and west of Clinton, is surrounded by countryside, which not only gives patio patrons a perfectly pastoral view, but has allowed the
brewery to continually expand the entertainment they offer, without worrying about annoying the neighbours. While it’s unlikely that you’d be able to snag a spot in their brand new but already incredibly popular corn hole tournament, there’s still live, local music there every weekend. This summer, you can expect to find Huron County favourites like Graham Bedard, Brian
Dale, Geoff Masse Band, Hwy 21, and many more!
While a can of Stone House from the LCBO is still an excellent option for a refreshing summertime drink, a great German style beer is always best experienced fresh from the draft tap, so make Stone House one of your summertime destinations to try it for yourself! www.stonehousebrewing.ca 76050 Parr Line, Varna
Harness racing has long been a Sunday tradition at the Clinton Raceway. After years of racing, the Clinton Kinsmen introduced pari-mutuel wagering in 1970 and they were off to the races. In 1983, the Raceway formed its own board and became an independent, not-for-profit organization dedicated to 15 races each summer from May to September, with the exception of the weekend of the Clinton Spring Fair. As a not-for-profit, all profits are injected back into the industry, through fundraising, wages, promotions, purses and infrastructure. Parking and admission are free, and although programs are available for just $2.50, you can also download and print your own from the website. Food and wagering are optional, making a Sunday at the races one of the most affordable adventures that the whole family can take in.
Kids Day & Open House is one of
Email: inquiries@kildonanhouse.com Website: www.kildonanhouse.com 5.0 Google rating
the most popular events of the season. On July 14, the public has a chance to get familiar with harness racing behind the scenes. Enjoy paddock tours and watching the horses get ready for race day. The blacksmiths and drivers will be on hand for a question and answer session. Even the most loyal fans will appreciate the opportunity to get interactive and see a whole new side of the sport.
Each Sunday throughout the summer, local organizations are invited to host a “Day at the Races” to raise money, which gives the Raceway a chance to give back to the community and introduce new people to racing.
On closing weekend (Sept 1), the Charity Driver Challenge is a huge draw as local drivers go up against drivers from tracks as far as Woodbine and Mohawk, with all drivers donating their fees to the local Legions.
One of the other most popular events of the summer is the Weiner Dog Races on July 28. The Daschund Dash is “the fastest 20 seconds in sport”, according to Jessica Carnochan, Marketing and Promotions. This will be the 5th annual running, and will feature local pooches. Carnochan says that the event was the brainchild of the Grand River Raceway and has become such a hit that it is now featured at several tracks on the circuit. This year the Adoptapet Petrescue Lucknow will benefit from the day’s fundraising.
The Clinton Raceway is fully licensed and is close to the park and splash pad, with a grandstand that is one of the closest to the track for great views. For the full schedule of races and events, check out the website www.clintonraceway.com. 129 Beech Street, Clinton
In 2020, Elizabeth van den Broeck finally found her dream property.
After a 20-year search for the ideal riverfront property somewhere in the vicinity of the Little Lakes the Maitland Block, the perfect stone farmhouse on 14 acres of reclaimed cedar forest adjacent to the historic Ball’s Bridge came on the market. Elizabeth and husband, Scott Profit, jumped at the chance but before they even had a chance to move in, word came that an aggregates company had applied to expand a nearby gravel pit and the gauntlet was down. Elizabeth and a group of local property owners formed the Friends of Ball’s Bridge and the Little Lakes and dug in oppose the threat to the historical bridge and ecologically sensitive natural area around it.
After moving in, van den Broeck was adamant that she was going enjoy the property, and while the fight to preserve the neighborhood was a major component of her time, she also settled in to the farmhouse and began work on a little bunkie near the river that would become her refuge and a little nook in nature inspire her creative soul.
As a local artist and art gallery owner, Ball’s Bridge and the natural beauty that surrounds it has expressed itself in a variety of painting and creative outlets, including unique fundraisers along the banks like last
Continued on page 33
Continued from page 32 year’s Art Hikes Light Open Mic or this year’s Light Up the Bridge. Visit her store on The Square in Goderich to see her beautiful creations inspired by the bridge and the river landscape, or purchase a Ball’s Bridge souvenir.
The little bunkie eventually became an opportunity for Elizabeth to share the property with others and the Bridge End Bunkie rental was opened for business. Now you can enjoy a rustic experience on the Maitland River right next to the beautiful bridge.
The bunkie is dog-friendly with a firepit, where you can sit and enjoy
the river slowly glide past you as orioles cavort in the woods.
At the edge of the property, a small wooden footbridge leads into the forested area beside the Little Lakes Road with a quiet “No Trespassing Sign”, along with a phone number. The municipality has created a picnic area beside the bridge, and it has caused confusion as to where public boundaries lie. The municipal park ends just at the treeline and private property surrounds the entire area. While Elizabeth is happy to share the property, like anyone, she would like to know who is on her land and what they are doing and asks that anyone
coming to enjoy the bridge, please respect the privacy of all adjacent landowners. While Ball’s Bridge is a municipally-owned bridge and roadway, the land around it is privately owned and trespassing is not permitted. If you would like to explore the forest, please call and get permission, or better yet, rent the bunkie and experience the property to its fullest.
Bridge End Bunkie, Auburn. https://elizabethsartgallery.ca/pages/b ridge-end-bunkie or find the property on AirBnb or email elizabethsartgallery@outlook.com for more information.
The Van Egmond House Museum in Seaforth serves its community in many different ways. It is an excellent example of a 19th century heritage building that is well preserved in a rural community, by members of a rural communitythe Van Egmond Foundation. It also remains a well tended museum at a time when so many of our other museums have closed. It was built in 1846 by Constant Van Egmond, eldest son of Col. Anthony Van Egmond, a leader of rebel military forces in the Rebellion of 1837. While it is true that the Van Egmond House no longer has opening hours, tours of the museum are still available to the public - interested parties can
just have to make arrangements in advance. The story of the Van Egmond family is also a fascinating Canadian saga of wealth, power, corruption, commerce, and failure. If you find yourself in Seaforth and want to hear a historical cautionary tale, book a tour of the Van Egmond House, and learn how nothing gold can stay.
The Van Egmond House also puts on engaging community events at the
historic property. This summer, they will be holding two outdoor musical events, and a not-to-be-missed country breakfast.
On July 8, Goderich’s Laketown Band will be bringing their community band to the Van Egmond House for an outdoor show. The Laketown Band has been a part of Goderich since the 1960s, are always willing to take on new members, have marched in countless parades, and always put on an energizing show!
The Van Egmond Foundation is putting on their popular Country Breakfast on July 21, one of the many great community meals that people keep coming back to the Van Egmond House. Country breakfasts are just a little bit heartier than the standard urban breakfast. Beans will likely make an appearance as well as pancakes.
August 11 will see the committee bringing the Sax Party back to the Van Egmond House! Always a rollicking good time, the Van Egmond Family Sax Party is exactly what it sounds like - a party with saxophones! How many saxophones? You’ll need to come out to find out!
And don’t miss the perennially popular Ciderfest on Sept 29. The fall celebration happens every year featuring craft demonstrations, a flea market, tours of Van Egmond House Museum, and a delectable array of apple fritters, and, of course, cider! www.facebook.com/ vanegmondhouse
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During the golden age of rail travel, Seaforth was a rural town that had it all. It was one of the busiest, bustling hubs around, and all the most interesting business happened on Main St. Seaforth was bringing in mail by the sackful, sending out grain by the trainful, building up infrastructure, and investing in architecture, and just generally making it happen.
Seaforth may be less busy these days, and less bustling, but downtown Main St is still one of the most beautiful streets in the whole county. And on July 27, Seaforth
SummerFest 2024 is going to be making that historic, gorgeous stretch of street car-free for the day, so the whole town can get together for their annual summer celebration. There will be a variety of family friendly events going on all day, and at night, there will be a concert at the Agriplex. The highlight of this fest, though, just be the Youth Stage - a performance space that The Tanner Steffler Foundation hopes will attract young local acts looking to showcase their musical talent for their community. The Youth Stage will be located at SummerFest, and it is also
part of the Six String Music Fest, which is going to be at the Seaforth Agriplex at 4pm, right after SummerFest. Last year, Owen Riegling of Mildmay performed at Six Strings, and last week, his song ‘Old Dirt Roads’ went Platinum. Who knows what hidden talents might be uncovered at SummerFest?
Summerfest is volunteer-driven and with the great support of local businesses and service groups the event features live music, inflatables (bouncy castles, climbing wall, big slides), ax throwing, a petting zoo, face painting, food trucks, and sidewalk sales.
Seaforth certainly has one of the most important building blocks for creating a stronger, more vibrant communityyoung families. Seaforth SummerFest and Six String Music Fest are certainly going to be a fun time, but they also show that Seaforth makes space for young people to be creative. So come out to SummerFest, hear some music, meet your neighbours in the street, and say hello!
When The Brussels Lions decided to start having an annual Fiddle Jamboree, they were hoping to not only have a fun time, but to further the legacy of an important part of Huron County’s musical heritage. That’s why the Jamboree’s organizer, Jim Lee, wants to make sure that people know that the Jamboree isn’t just for skilled musicians.
“It’s open to people of all skill sets,” he explained. “We just want to preserve our culture.” Even if you’ve never picked up a fiddle before, the Fiddle Jamboree is a great place to start your musical journey - there will almost certainly be a highly skilled local fiddler who would be happy to
give you a few pointers. The more people looking to learn, the better. Of course, the Jamboree is also going to draw out a lot of fine local talent looking to show off their skills and connect with other enthusiasts. The idea to start their own jamboree in Brussels came from the annual Barn Dance Jamboree Weekend in Blyth, which was put on each year by the Barn Dance Historical Society. Wingham’s Barn Dance, of course, saw its fair share of talented fiddlers over the years, including Wingham inventor and CKNX founder W.T. Cruikshank, who was a great champion of rural music and art.
Back in the day when ‘Good Old Music’ was just called ‘music’, Huron County was full of fiddlers. A person who could play well would often be sought out to add a little ambiance to all kinds of occasions, and those who were truly talented would perhaps tour the country for a spell to share their talents. In fact, the man known across the country as “Canada’s Only Singing Violinist” came from Brussels - Jack Thynne, also known as The Kansas Farmer. There were other fiddlers out there in
the world that were better known than Thynne, but none of them could play and sing at the same time.
This year will be the 10th annual Fiddle Jamboree in Brussels, which is a historic milestone for the organizers and a great time to find new talent! There will also be another great Huron County tradition there - beef on a bun! The Brussels Fiddle Jamboree will take place at the BMG Community Centre in Brussels on July 21. Registration is from 11:20 to 1:30, and the Jamboree starts at 1 p.m. $12 admission, with no charge for performers.
While every season of the Blyth Festival brings its own unique energy to the village, there’s just a feeling in the air that this year’s 50th anniversary season is going to be bringing something extra to the table. This year, the Festival will be debuting four new Canadian plays, which is both wildly ambitious and perfectly in line with the simple mandate that has guided the Festival through a half-century of rural art. And balancing out all those new works is the seminal play that inspired it all.
Back in 1975, director James Roy, playwright Anne Chislett, and publisher Keith Roulston came together and founded the Blyth Festival, having been inspired by Theatre Passe Muraille’s production of The Farm Show near Clinton a few years earlier.
That first season led the trio to the now well-known Festival mandate of producing new, Canadian plays. However, that mandate was lucked into by way of a story that is now local lore. They programmed the sure
thing - Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap - and the gamble - Mostly in Clover , an adaptation of some of local author Henry J. Boyle’s stories. Mostly in Clover outsold The Mousetrap several times over, completely subverting expectations, and the Festival’s mandate was born.
As for where they would perform these new works, the choice was obvious: Blyth’s Memorial Hall on the village’s main street. The hall, which had fallen into a state of disrepair, was originally constructed as a living monument to those who
lost their lives in Europe during the Great War. The project was initiated by the Women’s Institute, and funded through donations from the whole community, with the intent of creating a space for the town’s spirit to flourish.
Over half a century later, when the Blyth Festival was looking for a place to call home, the people of Blyth once again rallied to the cause, working together to restore the hall to its former glory.
The Festival gained a reputation for
Continued on page 40
Continued from page 39 taking risks, supporting emerging artists, and bringing a phenomenal level of talent to Blyth every summer.
Things have changed a lot at the Blyth Festival over the years, expanding to include a rehearsal hall, an art gallery, and a second, outdoor stage. One thing that hasn’t changed, is the belief that rural stories deserve to be told.
The Farm Show: Then and Now
June 12 - Aug. 4
The creation of The Farm Show was a seminal moment in Canadian theatre and its success inspired the creation of the Blyth Festival. The Farm Show is going to be produced on Blyth’s outdoor Harvest Stagewhich is a match made in rural theatre heaven!
Saving Graceland
June 19 to Aug. 3
Blyth Festival Artistic Director, Gil Garratt is contributing this Elvisoriented original work to the landmark season. Saving Graceland promises to warm hearts and bring the laughs.
It stars Blyth Festival veterans Caroline Gillis, and J.D Nicholsen, with a debut performance by Garratt family scion, Goldie Garratt.
The Golden Anniversaries
July 4 to Aug. 4
Mark Crawford’s plays never fail to entertain the audiences in Blyth, and it’s just too perfect that The Golden Anniversaries is debuting as part of the Blyth Festival’s golden anniversary season. Director Miles Potter was part of the collective that created The Farm Show and has been involved with the Blyth Festival since some of its earliest seasons.
Resort to Murder
July 24 - Aug. 31
The world premiere of Birgitte Solem’s modern murder mystery will be directed by none other than Blyth Festival favourite Randy Hughson, who is promising to pull out all the stops and keep audiences guessing right to the end of this modern take on the murder mystery.
The Trials of Maggie Pollock
July 31 - Aug. 29
The world premiere of Beverley Cooper’s The Trials of Maggie Pollock will bring audiences face to face with a different kind of rural story as she probes a dark chapter of Canadian history.
Onion Skins and Peach Fuzz: The Farmerettes
Aug. 14 - Sept. 7
The true tale of the Farmerettes is a vibrant, fascinating piece of Canadian history that could have been lost forever, if not for the efforts of local preservationists.
Whether you’re a long-time fan of the Blyth Festival or this is the first time you’ve heard about it, this season is the season to come to Blyth.
Here’s to 50 more years!
The proprietors of Hotel Lux in the heart of Blyth hope that their chic approach to boutique accommodations will come as a bit of a surprise to its visitors. They want to give guests the best of both worldsan elegant experience set in the pastoral beauty of rural Ontario. From the artisanal welcoming snack to the properly perfect, fitted bathrobes - no touch is small enough to be left out from a superlative stay. These luxurious lodgings are located on Dinsley St, just steps from Memorial Hall Theatre, which is going to make it a popular summertime choice for theatre fans looking to make their trip to town for the Blyth Festival’s 50th anniversary season even more memorable.
When co-owner Colleen Jordan and her partner Shane Yerema decided to get out of the home renovation business in 2017, that didn’t mean they were finished with creating beautiful spaces capable of making people feel special. Their search for that next project brought them to the historic Industry Hall on Queen Street, where they were inspired to add another chapter to the building’s already lengthy story.
Since it was constructed in 1888, Industry Hall has been many things to the town of Blyth. Over the years, it has been a place where people went to shop, a hot spot to take in a show, a meeting place where citizens could voice their opinions on how to improve the community, and so much more. According to the Feb 6, 1908
issue of The Blyth Standard , the upcoming week’s events at Industry Hall included a musical tribute to Scotland as sung by Miss Nannie Strachan and Gavin Spence, with cello by Miss Enid Newcombe, some interesting Division Court cases coming before Judge Doyle, and moving pictures on Friday night. The weekly moving pictures, presented by W.H. Spears, became a well-attended event in Blyth, and it was said that his machine was one of the steadiest around.
Much has changed since 1908, and Blyth’s Industry Hall now holds Hotel Lux - an oasis of tranquility in a bustling theatre town. Each one of the hotel’s three unique rooms pays homage to the storied history with locally sourced antiques and inspired design touches, all brought together with cosmopolitan style. Hotel Lux opened its doors in 2018, 130 years after the hall was built.
It may be Jordan and Yerma’s first outing as hoteliers, but they know what matters most to them when it comes to choosing a home away from home - cleanliness and comfort. They prioritize using environmentally friendly, Ontario-made personal care products that reduce waste and eschew chemicals, and employ a diligent cleaning crew that emphasizes thoroughness. “We want each guest to feel like they’re the first person to ever step into the room,” Jordan explained. The perfect bed is also a top priority. “People are always asking where we get
our mattresses,” she confided. So whether you’re coming into town to catch a performance of The Farm Show or a local looking to spend a romantic night out of the house, look to Hotel Lux - they’ve thought of everything you need to feel more than right at home. www.hotellux.ca 197 Dinsley St, Blyth
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It’s an enduring tradition of the annual reunion of the Huron Pioneer Thresher and Hobby Association that happens off-site and doesn’t involve any tractors or steam engines, but is no less important: the Blyth Firefighters Association’s weekend breakfasts.
For decades, the association has been cooking up eggs, bacon, potatoes and more for hungry reunion-goers and locals alike, all in the name of raising money for the association, which then is reinvested into the community
through a number of initiatives.
Robb Finch, a long-time member of the Blyth division of the Fire Department of North Huron and a representative of the association, says he has helped with the association’s breakfast for every year that he’s been a firefighter. He says that, for the most part, it tends to be all hands on deck for the fundraiser, which is surely the association’s biggest.
Finch says the event caters to many of the people visiting the area for the reunion, and it brings in plenty of locals from Blyth and beyond who
mark it on their calendars as the last firefighter breakfast of the year in Huron County.
What happens to all that money once the firefighters have collected and counted it up? Finch says the association has made many donations over the years, some more public than others.
Last year, the association donated to the Huron Residential Hospice, to the Huron County Food Bank Distribution Centre and to the Dave Mounsey Memorial Fund to place in public buildings across the province. The association is also in regular dialogue with local public schools to aid children who lack the financial means to take part in certain activities or lack certain tools to help them succeed at the school.
Earlier this year, the association made its biggest-ever donation, working together with the Blyth Lions to the tune of $10,000 to build a new sports pad at Lions Park.
The breakfasts run from 7:30-11 a.m. on both Saturday, Sept 7 and Sunday, Sept 8 at the Fire Department of North Huron hall and public works shed. 685 Queen St, Blyth
With just one stop on Wingham’s main street, quite a number of interesting sites are available to be perused.
Hanna’s Cannon
On the east side of the street, between St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church and 273 Josephine Street stands a cannon facing south that never saw military service in Wingham. Then why is it there on Wingham’s main street?
In 1894, then town mayor, John Hanna, petitioned the Dominion Government to receive a cannon for display. When it arrived, collect, at the Canadian Pacific Railroad station, council refused to pay for something they had not previously approved. Fortunately, a number of local citizens contributed to the cost and the cannon was then placed on the lawn of the town hall. Its next resting place for 75 years was in a park but time was taking its toll and the cannon was dumped in the works yard fated to rust away. Some believe that the cannon may date back to the 1700s.
In 1979, the Wingham and District Historical Society had the 6,500 pound cannon cleaned, painted and
restored. It was then moved to beside the former Wingham (North Huron) Museum where it still stands today and is a magnet for youngsters to climb on.
Clock Tower
The red brick building at 273 Josephine Street was opened as the town’s post office in the spring of 1907 during the reign of Edward VII which accounts for the initials E R above one of the windows. The building is an imposing red brick structure on the main street of Wingham with its two storeys, attic and clock tower that stretches the building to six storeys. When approaching Wingham from the south on Highway 4 (London Road), motorists can see the clock tower and the bell tower opposite it which makes for a memorable impression. The clock was imported from England but when it arrived, it was found that the tower structure was not tall enough to accommodate the clock and its workings. The roof of the tower was removed and placed on the flat roof of the post office so that the tower could be built up.
The 3,000 lbs. clock boasts four dial faces that indicate the time with hour hands that are two feet long and minute hands that are eight inches
longer. The mechanism must be wound once a week in order that the clock can chime out the hour with its bell.
Although this building has had several other uses in its past including as a day care centre and as a museum, its future is undecided at this time.
Just a few steps to the south of the clock tower is the Alice Munro Literary Garden, a delightful “secret” place where the paver stones reveal both the names of Alice’s books and of her various awards. The garden is tastefully decorated with seasonal flowers and plants making this a lovely spot to sit and relax.
Across Josephine Street on the west side sits the town hall which houses the municipal offices of North Huron as well as the Town Hall Theatre. Atop this building is a companion sentinel to the town clock that houses a large bell. At one time this bell was rung to alert firefighters of an emergency. The first person to reach the bell and send out the alarm was rewarded financially. The bell was no longer needed for emergencies when, in 1902, the Bell Company installed telephones in the firefighters’
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Continued from page 43 homes. Today, the bell still remains high above the town, seemingly keeping watch.
North of the town hall is a mural that depicts the Grand Trunk Railway station as it may have looked in 1911. This mural, erected by the Wingham Business Improvement Association, notes some of the businesses that would have been served by the railway. The actual former train
station is located further north on Josephine Street.
A short walk to the west brings one to the Alice Munro branch of the Huron County Public Library. This unique structure, built in 1863 on a nearby location, was Wingham’s first public school. In turn, the building was used as a Temperance Hall, by a produce company and by a packing company. After being vacant for almost 30 years, the building was
purchased by the town of Wingham in 1985 and then in the following year, it was designated as a heritage property. A complete renovation took place and today, its modern interior belies its past iterations. Drop in and see the lovely premises that honour Alice Munro’s Wingham roots.
A nod to the future
And to tie history with modern times, all these attractions are located near the town’s E V charger station.
Wingham’s 2024 Homecoming promises to be a massive one this year! The sprawling townwide party is going down from June 27 to July 1. Businesses and individuals from all over town were invited to participate in whichever way they see fit, which has led to some delightfully weird details that you’re not going to find at any other homecoming.
Of course, Homecoming basics like a beer tent outside the Legion will still be there, as well as musical acts like The Lucky Charms from Blyth and Kincardine’s Boiler Beach, among others. The organizers of Wingham’s beloved Musical Muskrat Festival have decided that this year, instead of holding their own standalone event, that they would incorporate their family friendly activities into Homecoming by holding a mini-Muskrat celebration in Cruickshank Park.
Restaurant owners are also getting in on the fun. The Riverview Local
Eatery will be hosting the opening ceremonies, and Castings Public House owner Danielle Sutton has decided to put on a lip-sync contest.
Local experts will be giving educational talks about topics near and dear to the town, from the history of rural train travel to Nobel Prize winner Alice Munro. The Wingham Golf and Curling Club will be hosting a golf tournament for all of the Wescast employees, former and current. There will also be a Pokemon-themed parade put on by the Lions Club, an inflatable obstacle course, and on Saturday the Belgrave Kinsmen are hosting a dance.
There are kids activities, parades, teen dances, car shows and so much more! In fact, as of press time, the schedule of events is three pages long and growing.
Community groups and businesses have joined forces with co-chairs Joe and Heidi Carter to create a memorable weekend that will be talked about for generations to come.
Also featured at this year’s Homecoming will be the return of Wingham’s longtime unofficial mascot - the flying pig, or winged ham, if you will. Wingham’s winged ham has become something of an endangered species in recent times, but if Wingham’s Homecoming is a hit, 2024 might just be the Year of the Pig. For the full schedule of events, or to find out where to find the popular flying pig merchandise, follow them at www.facebook.com/ WinghamHomecoming
One of the best brunches that you can get in Huron County is also one of its best kept secrets. Until now, of course.
The Albatross Lounge,located inside The Wingham Golf & Country Club offers an unfussy, All-You-CanEat Brunch every Sunday, and, at $20 a head ($15 for seniors/youth, kids under 7 eat free) you can take the whole family and it’s not going to break the bank.
The club is just a little bit off the beaten track, but that is all part of its rustic charm. The first great thing that makes The Albatross Lounge brunch excellent - self serve coffee and juice. If you are a person who likes to be waited on at brunch, this might seem like a negative, not a positive, but I would argue that it is better to have a
coffee the moment you want one, and then probably another one immediately after that. Getting your own juice means you can drink a glass of juice with the confidence of a person who knows that juice will not be a surprise on your bill later. Juice is delicious, but it adds up. Not having servers delivering juice and coffee means they can focus on making Canada’s official brunch cocktail - the Caesar. The Albatross Lounge has several variations on the Caesar, and they are all unique.
The buffet itself has clearly been put together with care and experience. Rather than the standard scrambled eggs, the eggs come as delightfully cheesy, well- seasoned discs, which you can eat as is, or make DIY breakfast sandwiches. It’s brunch,
Explore this year’s inventory of potted trees and larger trees in wire baskets. Stock will become available in April.
Designing, Planting and Tree Spading Available
baby! You’ll find typical locallysourced breakfast meats, but you are also going to find some wild cards in there. If you’ve never considered breaking your fast with barbeque ribs and eggs, you should start considering it. For vegetarian brunch fans out there, you can definitely create a hearty, tasty plate. The salad bar has crisp, local vegetables, and the salad dressings, though storebought, are varied and delicious. It can be difficult sometimes for a chef to convey their love and respect for their ingredients through a buffet, but that message comes across, loud and clear, at The Albatross Lounge.
All-You-Can-Eat Brunch runs on Sundays, 8 am to 1 pm. www.thealbatrosslounge.com 40292 Jamestown Rd, Wingham
Tim & Christine Diebel 5290 Line 86, R.R. #3 Listowel, ON N4W 3G8
www.outbacktreefarm.com
Email tcdiebel@outbacktreefarm.com
Phone 519-291-4754
Fax 519-291-3968
No summer trip to Huron County would be complete without taking in at least one Lake Huron sunset - it’s the best free show around, and there’s certainly no shortage of spots along the shoreline to sit and soak in the vibrant display.
Now, there’s nothing wrong with heading on over to one of the County’s many popular, wellpopulated beaches to join the crowds of smiley summer folk as they snap sundown photos that, while lovely, inevitably pale in comparison to the real McCoy. After all, the road more traveled is more traveled for a reason - the glorious beaches of Goderich and Bayfield never fail to impress, and they are conveniently located within walking distance of a plethora of great shops, bars, and restaurants.
But there are other places where one can go to witness the splendor of nature’s nightly light show - Lake Huron’s shoreline is long, and holds many secrets. For every wellpublicized beach, there are at least three secluded, sandy sites largely
known only to locals. While the exact location of most of these places must remain a Huron County secret, it’s time to spill the beans on at least one of these underrated viewing venuesAshfield Park, right at the edge of Lucknow.
The easiest way to get there is to just drive all the way to the end of Zion Road. The park itself is a perfect place to sit and have an impromptu picnic with friends, or gather with family under the park's pavilion. Recently, the Township of AshfieldColborne-Wawanosh obtained a grant
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• Assorted
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• Cookies and squares
from the Ontario Trillium Foundation in order to undertake major upgrades to the park’s restrooms, making them accessible to all visitors.
When it’s time to head to the beach, it may seem at first that this simple, 15 acre park has no waterfront access, but all you need to do is head to the far end of the park, where you’ll see a road that winds its way through the forest. Take that road all the way down to the lake, find a secluded spot on the white sand beach, and settle in for a sunset that’s not to be missed.
33739 Zion Rd, Goderich
Bulk Food Store
• Baking supplies
• Gluten-free products
• Candy
• Popcorn
• Soups and sandwiches
• Pies
• Cakes made-to-order
• Gluten-free goods
• Scooped ice cream
Take home or eat here in our dining area
Rural Ontario was built by people coming together to make their communities better. That spirit lives on in the lakeshore hamlet of Kingsbridge where the community organized to save St. Joseph’s Catholic Church when it was closed in 2012. They formed a charitable
organization, the St. Joseph’s Kingsbridge Community, bought the church from the diocese for $1 and set about renovating the building and bringing it up to current code, creating the Kingsbridge Centre.
The Kingsbridge community has
become an example to other church communities looking to repurpose and revitalize these important hubs.
Since those renovations were complete, the building has gained a reputation as a sought after event
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Continued from page 50 venue, playing host to everything from sold-out community plays like Kingsbridge the Musical, 1 through VI to legendary Scottish-Canadian tenor and Juno Award nominee John McDermott.
This summer’s lineup looks to cover everything from rural theatre to celebrating Celtic heritage to some of the best and brightest musicians in the region.
On June 22, Lite N Easy with Evie Shand - Enjoy an evening of wonderful jazz standards, swing, Latin, country and rock and roll! Admission by donation.
Letters from Wingfield Farm arrives on June 27. The first in a series of hilarious plays about big city stockbroker Walt Wingfield, who quits the rat race and buys a hundred acre farm in fictional Persephone Township about an hour north of Toronto. The play, written by Dan Needles and performed by Rod Beattie, has delighted capacity audiences across Canada.
In July, there are musical evenings every week. Taking to the stage are Strings ‘n Traps (6th), Hearthstone (13th), an Open Mic/Pub and Wings Night on July 19 and the musical stylings of Upside of Maybe is on offer on July 27.
The renowned Goderich Celtic Roots Festival brings its Rural Roots Concert to Kingsbridge to kick off the 2024 festival on August 4. Local favourites, The Teeds and Friends are sure to delight audiences on the 16th. Don’t miss local celebrity Phil Main and Friends with a concert on August
30. September sees musical trio Reynolds, Robinson & Lodge back on stage on the 4th. On September 14, The Next Generation Leahy takes to the stage - A talented group of siblings who perform high-energy, infectious music. They explore many genres and pull influences from far and wide. Their live performances are filled with fiddle, cello, French accordion, singing, piano, and French-Canadian step-dancing.
‘With Love, Toni’, by Brian Dalton and Marcie Reigling on September 28 will be a twoact play by local playwrights celebrating family stories and history.
For tickets or more information on this unique community centre at kingsbridgecentre.ca. 84675A Bluewater Highway RR 3, Goderich
hanging baskets, annuals, perennials, bedding plants, vegetables, tropicals, trees and shrubs.
Everything you may need from the preparation of your culinary delights to presentation
Cuisipro
Le Creuset
Staub
Wellness Mats
All Clad
Royal Doulton
Waterford Crystal
Portmeirion
The Culinary Boutique in the heart of Downtown Goderich. 34 Courthouse Square, Goderich 519-612-1919
