The Name Says It All!
Sweets N’ Treats
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
Skating
A Canadian tradition to behold
Outdoor Rinks for Public Skating
John Cove Memorial Outdoor Rinks Goderich
A group of dedicated volunteers has made sure there are two outdoor skating rinks available in the lakeside town when weather allows. And now, the official name of the site has been changed to the John Cove Memorial Outdoor Rinks to commemorate the dedication of one very special volunteer who passed away.
Victoria Park, the current home of Goderich’s splash pad, is the place to be in the summer with playground equipment, water fun, green space and tennis courts.
In the winter, however, those tennis courts become the perfect place for a pair of outdoor rinks, one dedicated to free skating and the other for pickup hockey or ringette.
Once the weather cooperates, the rinks are open throughout the day and offer skating and hockey under the lights until 11 p.m.
Indoor Rinks for Public Skating
North Huron
Blyth and District Community Centre at 377 Gypsy Lane, Blyth Ages 0-5 Free, Ages 6+ Per Skate $5.00
Sundays from 1 to 2:50 p.m., Tuesdays from 1 to 3 p.m., Thursdays from 3:30 to 5 p.m., Fridays from 1 to 3 p.m.
North Huron Wescast Community Complex at 99 Kerr Drive, Wingham Ages 0 to 5 Free, Ages 6+ $5.00 per skate
Sundays from 12 to 1:50 p.m., Mondays from 6:30 to 8:20 a.m. for Morning Skate, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. for Public Skate, and 3 to 4:15 p.m. for Afternoon Skate, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 to 3 p.m., Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8:20 a.m. for Morning Skate and 3 to 4:15 p.m. for Afternoon Skate, Fridays from 6:30 to 8:20am for Morning Skate and
10 a.m. to 12 p.m. for Public Skate
South Huron
Public skating is free at South Huron arenas and will run until the end of March 2025.
South Huron Recreation Centre at 94 Victoria Street East, Exeter Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 to 11:50 a.m.
Steven Township Arena at 69625 Airport Line, Huron Park.
Mondays and Wednesdays from 4 to 4:50 p.m.
South Huron also has public skating on school PA Days as well as during the Christmas Break at both arenas. Visit southhuron.ca for dates and details!
Huron East Brussels, Morris and Grey
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Continued from page 6
Community Centre at 800 Sports Drive, Brussels
Starting October 13, 2024Sundays from 12 - 1:30 p.m.
Parent and Tot Skating - Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Huff and Puff Hockey (Age 55+)Tuesdays beginning November 5, 2024 from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m.
Seaforth and District Community Centre at 122 Duke Street, Seaforth
Until March 23, 2024 - Sundays from 1 to 2:30 p.m.
Parent and Tot Skating - Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Central Huron
Eastlink Arena at 239 Bill Fleming Drive, Clinton Free
Sundays from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Maitland Recreation Centre at 190 Suncoast Dr. East, Goderich
The Goderich-Huron offers several Adult Skate and Public Recreational Skate times throughout the week. Visit www.ymcaswo.ca for updated times.
Bluewater
Individual Rate: $2 per person
Family Rate (maximum 4 persons): $5
Kids, Caregivers and Seniors Skate: Free
Hensall Arena at 157 Oxford Street West, Hensall
Public Skating: Mondays and Thursdays from 3:30 to 5 p.m. and
Hitting the ice
Sundays from 12 to 1:20 p.m.
Kids, Caregivers and Seniors: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 to 11:20 a.m.
Zurich Arena at 15 East Street, Zurich
Public Skating: Sundays from 3:30 to 4:50 p.m. and Thursdays from 3:30 to 4:50 p.m.
Kids, Caregivers and Seniors:
Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 to 11:20 a.m.
Additional skating opportunities exist during holidays and P.A. Days, so be sure to check them out.
Bayfield
Bayfield Arena at 4 Jane Street, Bayfield Free
Sundays from 1 to 3 p.m.
120 Huckins Street
519-612-1612
restore.goderich@habitathuroncounty.ca
680 Josephine Street 519-912-2882
What a view
The bridge and the trail is spectacular in all seasons looking out over the Maitland River, the harbour and the town but winter gives the vista a wonderful elegance with layers of snow and ice covering the river and trees.
Who could have imagined, nearly 30 years ago, that one of the most spectacular views in Huron County
Celebrate
Weddings in Huron
would be from an abandoned railway bridge, rescued from the scrap heap. When CP Rail abandoned its line running from Goderich to Guelph, the company planned to demolish the trestle that had carried its trains high over the Maitland River. Some forward-thinking local residents, however, thought this bridge should be retained and citizens formed the Menesetung Bridge Association to purchase it and convert it into a walking bridge and trail. Hundreds of people rallied for the cause, donating money to help with the preservation and conversion. If you look down, you can see the names of donors on the planks that now carry pedestrians where heavy loads of road graders, salt and grain once chugged along.
The view is spectacular. You may look down and see seagulls actually flying beneath you. To the west you can see the harbour and Lake Huron and to the east the Maitland Golf and Curling Club. The noises of the town and the highway traffic are muffled and the loudest sounds are often the sighing wind and the cries of the gulls.
The Canadian Pacific Railway was
a relative latecomer to the area, arriving only in 1907. It carried passenger traffic until 1961 and 80 years after the first train was welcomed, the railway was seeking governmental permission to pull up the tracks.
Goderich
After you cross the bridge you can follow the threekilometre long trail east to the grave of Tiger Dunlop, who founded Goderich and helped open up the Huron Tract. The tomb is set in a small park with commemorative plaques, and some great photo ops of the Maitland River valley and the town of Goderich with its church spires marking the horizon. You can go all the way to Auburn on the Goderich to Auburn Rail Trail (GART), and for the adventurous you can carry on even further along the rest of the Goderich-to-Guelph (G2G) Rail Trail, a 127-kilometre trail through Huron, Perth, Waterloo and Wellington Counties all the way to Guelph.
To get to the Menesetung Bridge take the North Harbour Road in Goderich from Highway 21.
Winter at the museum
TGoderich
he Huron County Museum in Goderich is the perfect place to hide away from the icy winds and wet snow. In addition to the excellent collection of historical artifacts, temporary exhibits, and art collections, the staff have put together some engaging activities that will get you to experience the museum in a whole new way. Exercise your body and your mind this winter with the addition of Scrabble and social time to regular Museum Walkers. Don’t miss out on your walk just because of ice, snow, slush, rain or cold temperatures! Drop into the Museum for indoor walking Tuesday to Friday during the winter. Enjoy the exhibits on Huron County’s history while you get your steps in! Three museum laps equal about one kilometre. Routes are available with stairs or without.
Once a month, walkers interested in enjoying a social walk are invited to meet in the upper mezzanine for complimentary coffee and word games after walking. Before the Scrabble board is refreshed, scores will be counted and a prize will go to the highest scoring
walker from the previous month. Walkers don’t need to attend the monthly social to qualify.
Starting in January, Walking Scrabble can be enjoyed at any time during regular museum hours. Pick up a Museum Walkers map at the front desk and choose your desired route. At the completion of one loop as outlined on the map, pick up a Scrabble letter from the front desk. Collect letters to play your bestscoring word on the Scrabble board anytime you’re walking.
All activities included with regular admission or free with museum membership or a Huron County Library card. Walking is available when the museum is open, with recommended times Tuesday to
Friday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and Thursday from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Running the third Thursday evening of each month (until March), the museum hosts Multilingual Movie Nights to celebrate the different languages spoken across Huron County. All films are screened in their original languages and include refreshments. Movie nights are included with regular admission to the museum, free for museum members, or free/by-donation with your Huron County Library card. Preregistration is encouraged to ensure adequate refreshments are available. To find out more about these activities and more, visit the website at www.huroncountymuseum.ca 110 North St, Goderich
Sunday Evening Buffet
Reservations suggested
79867
• Catering services available
• Specializing in a beautifully displayed buffet meal
Parr Line Clinton
and great scientist Albert Einstein in a Parisian bar in 1904, just one year before Einstein’s seminal Special Theory of Relativity is published and three years before Picasso’s famed Les Demoiselles d’Avignon is painted. Picasso, representing art, and Einstein, representing science, have a lengthy debate over the value of genius and talent, while interacting with a cast of interesting and funny characters.
Martin has written Focusing on Einstein’s Special Theory of Relativity and Picasso’s master painting, Les Demoiselles d’Avignon , the play attempts to explain, in a lighthearted way, the similarity of the creative processes of art and science.
Funny, rich, absurd, silly, witty, and deeply
intelligent (exactly what you’d expect from Steve Martin), the Goderich Little Theatre is excited to present this incredible work from director Brian Cox, with a cast of community players, sponsored by 2nd Streetlight Estate Winery.
Picasso at the Lapin Agile previews on Feb. 26, 2025 at 8pm at the Livery Theatre in Goderich. It opens on Feb. 27 at 8pm with evening performances on February 28, March 1, 6, 7 and 8 at 8pm, and matinee performances on March 2 and 9 at 2pm. To purchase tickets or learn more, visit thelivery.ca or call 519-524-6262.
Extra SNEAK PEEK: As part of its 2024-2025 season, The Goderich Little Theatre will be presenting the Broadway smash hit comedy The Play That Goes Wrong from June 4 to 15, 2025. This hilarious play, which won Best New Comedy at the 2015 Laurence Olivier Awards, follows the fictional inept Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society as they attempt to stage a murder mystery show, with disastrous and hilarious results. Be sure to snag your tickets early!
Picasso and Einstein walk into a bar.
It’s not the set-up to a joke. It’s the set-up for the absurdist comedy play Picasso at the Lapin Agile, written in 1993 by famed comedian, actor, writer and musician Steve Martin (yes, THAT Steve Martin). Martin imagines a meeting of the minds between great artist Pablo Picasso
Anything you need
For more than a dozen years, Shanahan’s Quality Meats has been dedicated to the local food movement from its storefront on The Square in Goderich.
Founder Chad Shanahan, was raised in the grocery business. He learned the trade in his family’s
grocery store that, for years, was located just down the street from his current location.
As a butcher, Shanahan is committed to bringing his customers the best quality available, and chooses only 100 per cent Ontario meat, and strives to keep it as local as
possible. All meat is custom cut on site, allowing Shanahan to cater to the clientele. The meat packs on offer are popular, but Shanahan points out that though there are four main templates available, each one can be customized to your individual needs.
In addition to the meat and deli counters, the bakery has become a huge hit with the customers with the aroma of the freshly-baked breads, cookies and pies wafting through the store. Make sure you pick up a garlic cheese pull-apart bread, or the cherry version, if sweet is your preference.
With so many great local products to choose from, your basket is sure to fill quickly. Springback Cheese in Woodstock is a line of artisanal cheese that includes the ever-popular carmelized onion cheese and cheese curds.
Produce from famed local grower Firmly Rooted rounds out the store when in season. Shanahan says he doesn’t carry a lot of produce, but when you have something so good that is also hyper-local, you can’t go wrong adding it to the inventory.
The shelves are also packed with coffee from local roasters, honey products, maple syrup, sauces, snacks - everything you need to stock your pantry with the best the region has to offer.
Seasonal favourites like Hayter’s Turkey Rolls are popular at Thanksgiving and Christmas. In fact, Shanahan says that they are so hot that you would be wise to pre-order to guarantee selection. The hot item for the upcoming Easter holiday meal will be the Metzger Hickory Ham. Watch the Facebook page for ordering information! 104 Courthouse Square, Goderich
The cool, crisp Huron County air
Winter hiking may seem daunting, but with a little preparation and some local knowledge, hikers will find that winter is one of the best seasons to experience Huron County. We have chosen these hikes because of the great scenery and because the trails are easy to use in snowy weather. As with any outdoor adventure, be sure to dress for the weather, know the forecast and be aware of the trail conditions. Snow can pack into ice quickly and slippery sections are common. Hike with a partner and carry a cell phone.
We’ve found some apps that have
become indispensable when we’re out on the trail. Alltrails is a handy app that will find trails close to you and help you navigate those that are less travelled in the winter. The paid version of the app allows you to download maps, which is a great option if you are hiking in remote areas or anywhere with less than reliable cell service. What3words is recommended by emergency responders so that if they need to find a lost or injured hiker they can get to them quickly. The app pinpoints your location using a global grid system. Merlin Bird ID is a delightful app to help you identify birds. We’ve
discovered a whole range of birds that we knew little about by using the app while hiking, camping and even in our own backyard.
Point Farms - Old Farms Trail: In the height of winter, the gate is closed to the Point Farms Provincial Park, but the trails are open for hiking and cross-country skiing. The Old Farms Trail is 6.3 kilometres long, and is aptly named. The path travels through areas that were once farm fields and orchards that have since been rehabilitated back to natural areas. The trail is well marked for the most
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Hike in Huron
Hiking through the seasons
Continued from page 13 part, but can get a bit tricky if you take the branch that passes through the hibernating campsites.
Redmond Tract: The Redmond Tract is a Huron County-managed forest with a 2.1-kilometre-long loop trail that features a stream and small lake. Occasionally, the section just past the bridge that crosses the stream can be quite wet, so make sure you have proper footwear if you are hoping to do the full loop. If the section is impassable, there are other options to stick to the forest area. This is a quiet trail that is off the beaten path, but well worth the extra effort.
Hiking Etiquette
• Pack in, pack out: Carry everything out that you carried in.
The beverage containers you brought are even lighter after you drank the contents during the hike, so there is absolutely no reason to leave your water bottle or Tim Hortons cup behind. Take care that wrappers and tissues from your pockets don’t fall out as you are rummaging through your pockets. This can’t be stressed enough, no littering. If you are scooping up your dog poop, please take the plastic bag with you. Plastic bags of poop left on the trail are just as bad as leaving it.
• Make yourself known: When you encounter other hikers and trail users, offer a friendly “hello” or a simple head nod. This helps create a friendly atmosphere on the trail. If you approach another trail user from behind, announce yourself in a
friendly, calm tone and let him/her know you want to pass.
• Stay on the trail: Don’t step off the trail unless you absolutely must when yielding. Going off-trail can damage or kill certain plant or animal species, and can hurt the ecosystems that surround the trail. Always practice the “Leave No Trace” principles: Leave rocks, vegetation, and artifacts where you find them for others to enjoy.
• Leashed dogs are the best dogs: Even in areas where off-leash pets are permitted, keep your leash handy for when you encounter other hikers, and for your pet’s safety. Remember that some people are afraid of dogs and may not appreciate an encounter with your pup.
The bars of Bayfield
“Cheers” your way across the village of Bayfield by stopping off for a refreshment at these beloved local establishments. Please crawl responsibly.
Albion Hotel and Pub
1 Main Street, Bayfield
This charming historic hotel and pub has a fantastic selection of wine, craft beer and cocktails, with a great menu to start out the night including classic pub fare, chef’s specials and their famous Thursday night Wing Night. Happy hour every day from 3 to 5 p.m.
Black Dog Pub and Bistro
5 Main Street, Bayfield
This local watering hole offers a hip vibe, an upscale menu and a fine
selection of whiskey, craft beer, wine and cocktails - both classic and featured. Happy hour every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 3 to 5 p.m
Captain Harry’s Bar and Grill
9 Main Street, Bayfield
If you’re looking for a fun, beach bar atmosphere, Captain Harry’s is your spot. A margarita or daiquiri pairs well with some of Harry’s tacos when the pub crawl squad is in full Jimmy Buffett mode.
Bayfield Brewing Co.
14 Main Street, Bayfield
This local craft brewery and brewpub provides an excellent relaxed atmosphere with a beer list that’s sure to please the craft beer
aficionados and a menu full of savoury favourites done right.
Olio Pizza, Pasta and Wine Bar
19b Main Street, Bayfield
If your style is more margherita than margarita, make a stop at Olio for some mouth-watering Italian fare and fine wine. They also offer a non-alcoholic drink menu of specialty mocktails.
1851 Bayfield Landing
21 Main Street, Bayfield
Soak up a little history on your wander down Main Street. Bayfield Landing celebrates all that is Bayfield, from heritage prints and tributes to famous village residents. Enjoy a quiet table in the bistro or hang out in the friendly taproom.
The Four-in-Hand Taproom at the Little Inn
26 Main Street North, Bayfield
This landmark bar inside the historic 1847 inn offers small batch craft beer on tap, as well as a variety of signature cocktails and regional wines.
Enjoy the old world charm of historic downtown Bayfield while warming yourself up with their hearty local menu and specialty hot beverages. Happy hour every Wednesday to Saturday from 3 to 5 p.m
When it comes to fine food and drinks, Main Street Bayfield has you covered. Why not round up the usual suspects, starting at 3 p.m. for Happy Hour (and ending at last call, for the party animals or back in bed by 9 p.m. for mortals)? For those about to Crawl: we salute you.
Bayfield
The best of both worlds
Market 29, located at 29 Main Street in Bayfield, is one of the treasures of historic downtown Bayfield. Conveniently located on the main street, the interesting and charmingly aged exterior, with some eye-catching art, decor or artisan-made goods on display, seems to covertly announce that what awaits you inside is a collection of unique items that beg to be explored and discovered.
Although the outside can give off the appearance of a folk art flea market, the sort of place where you may uncover a first edition of something under a pallet of dusty vintage fur stoles, once inside you’ll be pleased to discover a nicely arranged assortment of artisan creations in an almost boutique atmosphere.
Upon entering, there are two rooms that break off from the entrance lobby. One side leads to a curated variety of unique, handmade and oneof-a-kind items, including (but not limited to) children’s clothing, toys, and accessories, adult fashions,
jewelry, candles, bath products, home decor, art and much more. (I chose the Idle & Wood Candle Co. 8oz soy candle in “Iced Latte”.) Being just a short walk from the beach, there is plenty of coastal decor for your cottage or beach house.
The other side hosts a selection of kitchen goods, gourmet foods, condiments, spices, snacks, with fresh and frozen take-home meals. While this section is an absolute delight for foodies and gourmands, there is plenty of temptation and offerings for even the least skilled cooks in the
house. With the chef-inspired gourmet take-home meals, or everything you need for a perfect charcuterie, you’ll be sure to up your culinary game with one visit.
If you’re looking for unique, quality gifts, or for handmade, artisanal pieces instead of something massproduced, or you’d rather support small businesses and artisans, definitely make Market 29 your next stop.
Visit them in person or check out www.market29.ca for hours of operation and more information.
A second chance
Apart of the community of Clinton, Of Rack & Room’s store serves as a place to shop for and drop off gently-used clothing, furniture, home decor, small appliances, books, linens, toys, sporting goods and more. Of Rack & Room originally was a smaller store, on Isaac Street in Clinton, previously known as Catch Penny Corner. Catch Penny Corner offered mainly clothing for sale, and moved to its current location, of Rack & Room, near the main lights of Clinton on Albert Street in 2004. The proceeds of the store contribute to tuition relief at Huron Christian School.
The store is large inside, with items organized for sale in sections and themed corners. The five window displays of the storefront draw attention to donated items in a boutique fashion. Brenda Sjaarda & Karin Veenstra, co-managers of the store, plan themes for the window displays a year in advance. Some of the window themes in the past have included western, black & white,
Your hosts: Bob & Janice Clark
71 Kirk Street, Clinton 519-482-1163
Email: inquiries@kildonanhouse.com Website: www.kildonanhouse.com
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hockey, hunting, and Canada Day. Donated items are collected throughout the year and combined to create new window displays each month. Displays are lit up at night further enhancing the storefront appeal.
Of Rack & Room is blessed by over 50 volunteers who run the cash register, perform customer service, and sort the items that are donated. It
wouldn’t be what it is today without the support of the community through volunteers, donations and sales. Donations are received during operating hours and sorted for sale daily, offering visiting customers a shopping experience that is unique from the previous day.
Clinton
Special events during the year include a spring and fall bag sale for clothing. Other specials scattered throughout the year help to keep the inventory fresh. Some featured sale items are posted on the store's Facebook page. The items for purchase keep current with the change of the seasons and holidays. Donations are received year round during the retail hours with Wednesday’s having more hands in the store for sorting and pricing the items.
Visit in person or phone the store at 519-482-5061 to clarify any questions about donations and volunteering opportunities at Of Rack & Room. Hours to shop are Tuesdays to Fridays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 12 Albert St., Clinton.
• Local Pork and Beef
• Homestyle Baking
• In-season Fruits and Vegetables
• Maple Syrup, Honey and Preserves
75073 Bluewater Hwy., Bayfield, ON N0M 1G0 bayfield@zehrscountrymarket.ca
70963 Bronson Line, Dashwood, ON N0M 1N0 dashwood@zehrscountrymarket.ca •Fresh & Smoked Meats •Smoked
While away the day in Seaforth
The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines to while away as “to cause to pass especially without boredom or in a pleasant manner”. We can think of no better place to while away a winter day than in the quintessential Ontario town of Seaforth.
After grabbing a double double at the local Tim Hortons, you can mosey down Main Street where the local retail scene is flourishing. The Seaforth downtown core has managed to stay bustling, with many unique stores and services. A stop in Seaforth is not over until you have visited Blooms n’ Rooms for the perfect floral accent piece or picked out an exquisite one-of-a-kind gift at Seaforth Artisan Emporium. Whether you are an avid quilter or just a lover of fine fabrics, The Cotton Harvest will surprise you with its array of wools, threads, notions and kits.
Not far from The Cotton Harvest, housed in a century-old factory that was once a creamery, the Sprouted Mill & Bakery specializes in sprouted grain flours that it uses in its
authentic sourdough breads and other sprouted baked goods. You can also buy the flour and mixes, as well as a host of local products, including preserves, honey and maple syrup.
A well-deserved lunch break can be spent at one of the lovely downtown restaurants. Maria’s Wok N Dine features an Asian fusion menu and, for something completely different, Juncti8n has a unique mix of Canadian and Dutch cuisine.
To dig in to the history of the area, you can download a self-guided brochure for the Seaforth Historical Walking Tour (winter tip - you can do this as a slow-roll in your car, if the weather is not co-operating) or an audio version is available through the Driftscape app. Both tours are available on the Municipality of Huron East’s website at www.huroneast.com
Why not enjoy the afternoon sun (or pretty snowfall, as the case may be) with a little nature break? Tucked away at the northwest corner of the village (literally, at the corner of North and West Streets!) is a gem of
wooded trail. Munn’s Grove Walking Trail is a half-kilometre trail that loops through a forest that buffers the town from the neighbouring farms, with a whimsical entrance that invites walkers with a display of bird houses and folk art.
Be sure to finish off the day with an iconic Huron County eatery. “The Boot” is the sister restaurant to the famous Blyth Inn, with a comprehensive selection of comfort pub grub to warm you up after a busy winter day.
Brussels
Finding peace near Brussels
By Mel Luymes, Rural Voice editor
If you take a trip to Malette Family Farm near Brussels, you’ll likely discover the same peace that drew the family to the property in the first place. It would also be hard to miss the few dozen alpacas that live there. Like giant teddy bears, with their shiny black eyes, soft fleece and fluffy mops on their heads, they are gentle and curious.
In the last few years, the Malette family has opened their farm to visitors and, if you call ahead, there’s a good chance you can tour the farm to see the alpacas, along with chickens, goats (with a fainting goat named Charlie) and Roger the rooster. All the animals have names, in fact.
“This one is Cece,” says Jacques Malette, pointing to the alpaca standing tall on its hind legs, leaning over the fence expectantly. And then there is Tribble, another (much calmer) male that Jacques brings along when the alpacas are invited to various events, school functions and even weddings.
Lucy is a sheep from a nearby farm, but she was born with rickets and developed a limp. The Malettes took her in, and she has become one of the family.
Jacques moved to the property from Cambridge with his parents, Jack and Cheryl, only seven years ago, when it
was just a house, a workshop and two hay fields on a 50-acre forested property. Down a quiet gravel road north of Brussels and with the gorgeous Maitland river running along one corner of it, they knew right away that this was home. Originally from Mississauga, Jack and Cheryl moved their family to Cambridge in 1998. They all worked jobs in the city, but as the city got busier, both Jacques and his parents sold their houses to move somewhere with more peace and quiet. Jack had recently retired, while Cheryl still works as a nurse in Kitchener, and Jacques found work in Listowel.
“We can see the stars here,” says Jacques. He loves the area and the tight-knit community.
When they first moved, they didn’t initially have plans for livestock, but Cheryl had mentioned they could get a couple alpacas after they had driven by a small hobby farm one day.
“What’s an alpaca?” replied Jack.
And if you don’t know, alpacas are a domesticated South American camelid, closely related to llamas. They are known for their soft fleece, prized for being light and warm, hypoallergenic and sustainable. Like llamas, they will spit when they feel threatened, and perhaps most likely to happen while being shorn.
The Malette family began with two alpacas, which led to a few more and
now they have over 40 alpacas. They are shorn once a year in the late spring and their naturally coloured black, brown or white fleece is made into yarns, socks and other products that are now sold in the Malette Family Farm gift shop or at local fairs.
Jacques keeps busy when he isn’t working his day job. He graciously hosts farm visitors, keeps bees and does custom shearing. He and his father are clearing walking trails through the property, processing trees with a small mill for lumber to use around the farm. He hopes to soon create campsites for rent on the property, giving visitors the chance to stay a little longer and soak it all in.
If you’re interested in seeing the farm, reach out to Jacques in advance to schedule. Information is at www.malettefamilyfarm.com
Country Quilting
Piece a quilt you love, we can quilt it! ** Custom Machine Quilting **
For the quilting enthusiasts, we have everything you need. Cottons, flannels, fleece, wools, books, patterns 84849 Ethel Line, Brussels, ON 519-887-9456 www.countryquilting.ca
As Canadian as (Blyth) maple syrup
Blyth Creek Maple Farm has made it its mission to bring the farm to people and provide a full experience for visitors. Val and Steve Bachert have designed a tour that walks you through the history of maple syrup production in Ontario, from an authentic Indigenous display using hot rocks to bring the sap to a boil to pioneer times introducing cast iron pots over open fires to the modern sugar shack with collecting tanks, vacuum pumps and an evaporator. Each station has activities for a hands-on learning experience. Tours are available in March and April and can be booked online, and include a wagon ride through the trails, fun activities like the crosscut saw challenge and maple leaf branding, a visit to the farm to see the animals and the sweet shop to
purchase and enjoy maple treats and baked goods!
Val brings a passion for food to their on-farm store. Sweet products are all homemade (except fudge) and available year-round. The Bacherts are continually developing unique recipes. Val says their maple hot sauce (a sriracha-based sauce) is a fan favourite and particularly good on chicken wings. Blyth Creek maple butter is unique, having no dairy in it. It is pure maple syrup boiled to a taffy stage and then stirred until crystalized into butter. You’ll have even more reasons to look forward to the holidays once you try the maple cranberry sauce. The Blyth Creek online store makes ordering easy for farm pick-up or convenient delivery. www.blythcreekmaplefarm.com 42232 Moncrieff Rd., Blyth.
Come make your own Candles in our new Laboratory! Workshops happen Friday evenings and Saturday mornings Getting married soon? Create a signature scent with Custom Labels
439 Queen St. ~ Blyth 416-819-5539
Blyth
Food, beer at the barn
From the launch of their first beer and through the construction of the massive brewery shaped like a barn at the corner of County Roads 4 and 25, Cowbell Brewing set out to shake things up in the craft brewing industry and they have done just that.
Cowbell Brewing Co. opened its doors back in the summer of 2017 and had barely got their feet under them when a worldwide pandemic rocked the world. The restaurant and brewery, or “the farm” as the staff lovingly refer to it, weathered the storm. Once again, guests can experience the full experience with tours that highlight the grand old barn architecture, state-of-the-art brewing and packaging facility, familyfriendly restaurant, brewhouse bar, and fully-equipped games room. When visiting, try to take time to call in advance and book a private tour. The story behind the building and the attention to the smallest details during the construction
process is fascinating. The entire company’s commitment to sustainability and minimizing its environmental impact is reflected throughout the brewing process, and is even more engaging with their knowledgeable and entertaining guides.
The menu has evolved over the years and has developed into a fare of moderately priced pub food with an eye to pairing the food menu with the beverage menu. The bar menu focuses on what Cowbell does best -
craft beer, seltzers and ciders. In fact, the best part of this stop might be the curated flights of four six-ounce glasses of beer for $10.
While the farm is a destination for many in the summer, including arriving in style by helicopter, Cowbell is ramping up the winter events schedule. The plan is to begin to use the beautiful space more in the shoulder seasons, and Cowbell is hoping to showcase local bands. The company already partners with many local organizations, and it is also looking to ramp up those partnerships. The games room is a beautiful space and available for group rentals for anything from a business meeting to an intimate bespoke wedding.
In the shoulder seasons, reservations are available online or by phone, but in the height of the summer season all tables are firstcome first-serve, in order to accommodate as many guests as possible.
The gift shop carries a full line of Cowbell-themed merchandise, because, really, who doesn’t need more Cowbell? In addition to the usual shirts, hoodies, mugs and actual cowbells, the shop carries some beautiful commissioned prints of the Cowbell farm and the Blyth Memorial Hall by a local artist. The inventory changes regularly, so stop in at your next visit to see what’s new.
Right now, the big mover is the Winter Mixer Pack - a six pack of your favourite flavours: Hazy Days, Absent Landlord, Cencerro Cerveza, Smooth Sailing, Chocolate Mint Stout and Citrus IPA. www.cowbellbrewing.com 40035 Blyth Rd, Blyth
Winter family fun in North Huron
The Family-Fun-ApaloozaWinter-Luge-athon is coming back to North Huron for its 16th year!
Started back in 2009, the Family Day weekend festivities have often included community breakfasts, face painting, carnival games and activities, ice skating and a Wingham Ironmen Junior Hockey game, with events in Wingham, Belgrave and Blyth throughout the long weekend, which runs February 15 to 17.
While any luge-ing you may do during this weekend is strictly at your own discretion, the mouthful of a name was designed to be fun and engage with the community, with a local radio station once even having a “Say Family-Fun-Apalooza-Winter-
Luge-athon As Fast As You Can” contest.
Many of the weekend’s offerings are free thanks to the generosity of the sponsors, while the community breakfast is a fundraiser for the North Huron Community Food Share, with the goal of “families helping families”, according to the event’s original architect, Denise Lockie, the Community Engagement Coordinator for the Township of North Huron.
Lockie also hopes that families and community members enjoy the outdoors and some of the fun winter activities that North Huron has to offer, like snowshoeing on the local trails or in Wawanosh Park Conservation Area. To make the holiday even more fun and get people
connected, this year the Township will be including a Selfie Contest for participants to post their Family Day activities to the Township’s Facebook page to enter a draw.
The event culminates on Monday with the much-beloved new tradition: a Wingham Ironmen Junior Hockey game at the North Huron Wescast Community Complex! Get there early, these highly anticipated games are a highlight of the Family Day weekend for the surrounding communities.
While many of the event details have yet to be released, stay tuned to the Township of North Huron’s website and social media for all the updates! Visit www.northhuron.ca for the details.
Crafty in Lucknow
Forty years ago, Cathy started making crafts to make some extra money for her family for Christmas. Eventually, she started renting empty storefronts in Lucknow during the holiday season. She was able to retire from her career after 34 years and open a store year-round on the main street in Lucknow. The store now offers her crafted goods, home decor and antiques.
Cathy, who has had the store since 2018, specializes in making wreaths and garlands, and even offers custom orders when she finds the time. The store is a feast for the eyes, with attractive full-to-bursting displays that are reminiscent of the “I SPY” books. Offering both seasonal and everyday decor pieces, from wall, mantle or table, to indoor and outdoor, both real and faux foliage and plants, from soft furnishings to furniture pieces, either antique and modern, in a variety of styles and aesthetics, you’re sure to find something that has to come home with you.
Cathy says she has felt the warmth
from her community, and enjoys the downtown environment of main street Lucknow, and says she has enjoyed meeting her customers over the past seven years, including local residents and those just passing through.
Enjoy spending a blustery winter day by exploring the vast collection, getting inspired with your own home decor projects, finding the perfect piece for that empty space, or finally getting your hands on the perfect “WELCOME” sign for your front porch. Maybe your Christmas decorations are already packed away for next year (or you’re about to… soon… any day now…), but spring is coming - eventuallyand you’ll have to swap the red Buffalo Plaid for the florals before you know it.
Cathy’s Crafts is located at 603 Campbell St. in Lucknow. Open Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10:00am to 5:00pm. Visit Cathy’s Crafts Lucknow on Facebook or www.cathyscraftlucknow.com for more information or to get in contact.
Back to the trails
Huron County has miles of groomed trails that link up to the larger network of trails monitored by the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) thanks to the efforts of all of the local clubs and their volunteers.
Travelling long distances in winter has been made even more fun with advances in technology. Now that everyone has a portable GPS system in their pockets, apps have been created that will enhance your trip. Before you head out, download the Go Snowmobiling Ontario app at the Google Play or iTunes stores and access all the OFSC trail information. It’s like having your own personal mobile trail guide along for the ride!
For safety, downloading the “what3words” app will ensure that rescuers can find you, should you have a breakdown, an accident or get lost.
The OFSC is divided into districts that oversee the operations of the volunteer clubs that maintain the trails. Huron is part of District 9, which has put together a number of “Snow Tours”, self-guided rides. The Huron Gateway tour travels over 177 kilometres through the county, exploring open fields and forest tracks, with suggestions for interesting stops for food, fuel and lodging.
Permits for the 2024-2025 season are still available online at a cost of $294, plus a processing fee. (Each year early bird discounts are available before Dec. 1.) Special “classic” permit prices are set for owners of antique snowmobiles (1999 or older) at a rate of $$201.20, plus a processing fee. Multi-day permits are also available, starting at $45 per day, with a two-consecutive-day minimum.
Snowmobiling
The permits are mandatory to access any of the OFSC trails. They are the property of the Ministry of Transportation, however, the money from the sale of permits goes to the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC), not the ministry. The OFSC and member clubs take the funds from the sale of permits and use them for maintaining the morethan 40,000 kilometres of trails in Ontario.
Drivers from ages 12 to 16 can obtain a motorized snow vehicle licence by taking online classes that are available throughout the winter to help teach the skills and etiquette necessary on the trail. Visit the OFSC website for more information at www.ofsc.on.ca
In addition to safety, trail etiquette is an important element to your ride. Snowmobiling is
Continued on page 28
Snowmobiling
A classic Huron County pastime
Continued from page 27 a community activity and, in addition to the hard-working volunteers who keep the trails in great condition, there are also innumerable relationships with landowners who generously allow the trails to cross their land. In order to keep these trails available, a few common sense items should be reviewed with your group before you head out.
ALWAYS
Stay on the marked trails. Keep to the right side of the trail. Operate in a safe and courteous manner.
Give trail groomers the right of way.
Reduce your speed when there is oncoming traffic. Give uphill riders right of way when you are traveling downhill.
Slow down and give the right of way to any skiers, hikers, persons on snowshoes or dogsleds you might encounter.
Always report illegal operations out on the trails.
Slow down when passing a parked snowmobile on the trail.
NEVER
Ignore the posted speed limits for an area, as well as all other trail signs.
Pull over on a turn or curve. If you need to stop along a trail, pull over to the right side of the trail and only do
so on straight stretches.
Leave your engine running if you need to stop for any length.
Ride on private property without explicit permission.
Staying on the trails cannot be stressed enough. Venturing off the trail is not only dangerous for the snowmobiler, it is extremely tough on the land under it. You may be riding over just enough snow to disguise a crop of winter wheat or a newly sodded yard. In addition, soft banks of snow may hide rocks, fences or barbed wire. Please keep to the trail that the snowmobile clubs have negotiated for in good faith with landowners for your enjoyment.
PostcardsfromHuron
PostcardsfromHuron
