Stops Along the Way - Summer 2023

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

We hand roast in small batches, strictly fresh for order. Our goal is to discover incredible coffees, build trusted relationships with coffee producers and bring you an unparalleled Coastal Coffee experience.

BEAN STAND OPEN DAILY CAFE SUMMER HOURS THURS, FRI, SAT 9AM-3PM

www.coastalcoffeecompany.ca

Shawn Loughlin

Scott Stephenson

Brenda Nyveld

Shelley Kroes

In1991,acomprehensivebookonthe folkartofHuronCounty,alongwith aself-guideddrivingtour,wasput togetherbytheBlythFestivalArt GalleryCommitteeheadedupbyBev WalkerandJohnRutledgewholed themapportionofthebook. Lastfall,StopsaskedJohnRutledgeto headoutwithusonadrivingtourof thecountytoseehowmanypiecesof thefolkartremainedinplacemore than30yearslater.

folk art folk art folkart tour

Unfortunately,folkartisatransient concept.Itexistsinatimeandplace, importantprimarilytothecreator. Eventually,propertiesarepassed down,soldorrepurposedandin manyinstancesthenewholdersof thepropertyremovethetreasuresto bereplacedbytheirowntastesand interests.Sadly,fewofthefolkart piecesfromtheoriginalbook remain.

However,folkartand creativityremainoneof HuronCounty’shallmarks andaswedrovethe backroads,sideroads, villagestreetsandrural thoroughfares,wewere delightedtofindthatanew cropofdrive-byartexhibits hadcroppedupwithanew generationoffolksy creatorswhopaint,sculpt, gardenandgenerate whimsytoamuse themselvesandothers.

Asyoudrivethrough ourcreativecounty,we inviteyoutotakenotice ofalloftheartistic expressionsthatare displayedonlawns, farmyards,countrygates andsuburbanestatesfor noreasonotherthanto entertainyou.Rarelydo anyoftheseartists receiveastipendfor theirenterprise,their onlyrewardisyour appreciation.Tagusat #stopsalongthewayhuron whenyoufindone!

ALONG THE WAY, SUMMER 2023

The Downtown Goderich BIA has a lot of exciting things planned this Summer!

June 3rd The Launch returns with Circus performers, family friendly drag show, street Hockey and more

Victoria Day to Thanksgiving Farmer's Market every Saturday 8-2 PM and Sunday open air market 9-2 PM

Downtown Days July 19-22 with Night Maker's Markets, Movie under the Stars, Thursday Concert and Memories Now and Then Car Show

Night Maker's Markets June 21st, July 19th, August 23 and September 20th

Arts and Crafts Festival July 8th 10 AM to 7:00 PM

Downtown Goderich Goes Punk July 29th 7 - 11 PM

Shop, Dine Stay and Play

Thursday Evening Concerts starting at 7:00 Pm and Saturday Afternoon Concerts starting at 1:30 PM

Sunset Music Festival August 19th from 11 AM to 11 PM.

Follow us on Facebook @downtown goderich, Instagram @Goderich BIA to learn more

WILD BIRD SPECIALISTS

Goderich Little Theatre presents...

Directors: Jacqui Knap, Heather Dawe & David Armour

Production Sponsor: Melissa Daer Real Estate Team

WHERE TO GO THIS SUMMER

Journey through the past

BY KAREN WEBSTER

It may only be a storyboard and cement abutment along the side of a gravel road, but that memorial to the Ontario West Shore Railway is all that is left to represent a big dream of what might have been. It is located on the east side of Sheppardton Line, a small offshoot from Highway 21 about five miles north of Goderich.

Beginning in 1902, several companies, in succession, proposed that rail lines be created around Goderich that would give local producers access to markets through the railways already in place.

By 1908, guaranteed bonds and funds were lined up to construct a first line between Goderich and Kincardine. The president of the company was a man called J.W. Moyes. The Huron Construction Company, which was also owned by Moyes, was awarded the contract to build the line with local men providing much of the labour. First a rail bed was built, starting at Goderich and ended at Bethel in Huron Township, and then the ties and rails were laid. The farthest north the rails were laid was Kingsbridge. Several loads of grain were taken to Goderich and some coal was brought north but passenger service never occurred.

After construction ended for the winter of 1911, the Goderich office for the rail company closed. By

January of 1913, an investigation, by the Ontario Railway and Municipal Board, was launched and it was discovered that Moyes had organized the railway on fraudulent grounds, that he was involved with the construction company and that he had disappeared with assets of the company.

The cost to continue the project was too prohibitive for the municipalities involved (Ashfield West Division, Huron Township, Kincardine and Goderich) to bear so the assets of the company were sold. All the bonds guaranteed by the municipalities had

to be honoured and taxpayers footed that bill until the 1940s.

For many years, the rail bed was quite visible along the eastern side of Highway 21. In May of 2016, the Huron County Historical Society unveiled a plaque on the abutment where the rail line crossed a drainage ditch.

First there was hope of an economic mode of travel for the area, then a trail of “shifty evasion, infamous fabrication and deceit” and now there is only a quiet cement artifact with a replica of the original track along the highway to bear witness to the past.

David & Lesley

Summer in the square

Courthouse Square in Goderich has always been a centre of activity for residents and visitors alike, but the Goderich Downtown BIA has come out swinging with a full schedule of events.

David MacKechnie, BIA Manager has brought fresh energy and a whole host of new ideas for bringing the community together in the unique park that sits right in the middle of the downtown core. “It’s a phenomenal space to host events, and I want to keep it busy all summer long”, he says.

The long-running Saturday Farmer’s Market is a staple of its programming. As the market continued to grow, MacKechnie saw the opportunity to add an Afternoon Concert Series that would be the perfect companion piece to the market, adding an entertainment component most Saturdays (unless the Courthouse Square was already booked, such as during Canada Day or the Celtic Festival).

The Sunday Open Air Market has returned, with a reinvigorated focus on artisans and local crafts. The BIA has added buskers to the mix, and

will be hosting an eclectic mix of acts ranging from traditional singersongwriters to harpists to accordions.

Night Makers’ Markets are the latest addition after the first successful one was held in conjunction with Downtown Days a few years ago and was so popular that it was stretched to two events the next year, and will grow to four Wednesday nights this summer (June 21, July 19, August 23, Sept 20).

MacKechnie envisions a warm, relaxing atmosphere where the community can come together and visit with the artists and each other, while taking in the food trucks and buskers in an informal setting.

Thursday Evening Concerts have been a mid-week staple for many years, and 2023 will see the tradition continue with a full lineup of local musicians, and a couple of surprises coming in from further afield.

MacKechnie had put out a call for bands a couple of years ago, to make sure that he knew of all the local talent who may be interested in the BIA events. A couple of punk rock bands responded and giving them their own night just made sense and the Downtown Punk Show was born.

This year local musicians Animal Mother will be kicking it up a notch along with London punk bands Full Throttle and 63 Monroe on July 29. The night will be sure to be a high energy event for a fresh audience.

And last but not least, the full day Sunset Music Festival is set to take over the park from 11 am to 11 pm on August 19. The concert will be designed to focus on the music, with local and regional acts performing throughout the day. The headliner, Tell It To Sweeney, is a fun, fresh take on dance music with swing and funk influences. The eight-piece band features a brass section and will delight a crowd of all ages with their infectious brand of dance music mixed with retro nostalgia.

It is an ambitious summer of fun that is provided free of charge by the Downtown BIA so that everyone can enjoy all that the Town of Goderich has to offer.

For full information on each of the events, including dates, times and lineups, visit www.goderichbia.ca or follow them on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. Courthouse Square, Goderich.

A bit of heritage

The intersection of Highway 21 and County Road 25 for oldtimers, or Bluewater Highway and Blyth Road as the new actual names now read on maps, is known colloquially as Dunlop Corner and the century barn that stands there is known to locals as Steep’s Antique Barn but is now home to Great Blue Heron Antiques.

Now, don’t pay attention to the fact that we are now three owners past Steep - the takeaway is that the barn at Dunlop Corners is an antique barn of some local repute, and the owners since the Steeps have maintained the quality that keeps it known as the place to go for good treasure hunting.

In fact, this year marks the 50th anniversary of the antique barn and current owner, Lesley Heritage remembers antiquing here with her dad when she was just a child. Fast forward a few decades, and those childhood adventures turned into a lifelong passion for antiques that resulted in her and husband Dave finally having the opportunity to purchase the iconic business from Bob Calhoun who had bought the business from Dennis and Diane Steep in 1999.

The building began its life as a livery in 1899, was bumped up to a bank-style barn around 1930 and converted into an antique store in 1973.

The history permeates the place and Lesley and Dave Heritage have spent the last year adding to the ambience. Lesley has converted the second floor to an artisan vendor space with tables

in the centre for artist workshops. She also features her own line of curated retail items, and some of her own hand-crafted items. In addition, she is also the regional dealer for Fusion mineral paints, a high-end craft paint that is popular with upcyclers.

Popular workshops such as wreathmaking, epoxy pouring, acrylic painting are held throughout the spring, summer and fall. The building

is unheated, and closed from January to March for the coldest months. With no central heating or airconditioning, everyone is reminded to dress appropriately!

Dave has been responsible for stocking the main floor. While a long-time collector, starting out with hockey and baseball cards, Lesley introduced him to Lake Huron and his collecting started to expand. When asked about what they specialize in, the list grew but almost every genre started with the word Canadian, giving away their true passion. From railroad, farm, foundries, and dairy, any industry that helped Canada get on its feet over the past several centuries is well-represented and hyper-local items are their most popular items.

Summer hours are Thursday through Sunday, 11 am to 4 pm with other hours by appointment. An outdoor market on the lawn is planned for Saturdays in the summer with a variety of other vendors joining them. 34002 Blyth Road, Goderich. Find them on Facebook.

The salt of the earth

If you have travelled from Port Albert to Goderich via Highway 21, you will have driven past an over eight-foot-tall salt cairn which guards the entrance to North Harbour Road. This beacon signals the entrance to the largest salt mine in the world. This unique world wonder sits 1,800 feet below your feet, sprawling out under Lake Huron, creating a massive network that is physically larger than the Town of Goderich. This is an engineering feat which goes widely unnoticed above ground. This year, Goderich Tourism has big plans to celebrate the world’s largest naturally occurring “salted” tourist attraction over the weekend of Sept. 15-17.

The Goderich Salt Festival is a weekend full of activities taking place all over town. Above-ground tours of the Salt Mine will take place by land and water, with hop on and off bus tours showcasing the Town of Goderich and our salted past. The next question on everyone’s mind is, “will there be tours below the surface?” and the answer is, sadly, no. Because this is the world’s largest operational salt mine, taking tourists below the surface is not an option. It was with this in mind that the 360⁰ Tour of the Mine has been developed. This will allow people of all abilities to journey below the surface to experience the world beneath our feet from the safety of the Tourism Centre. This was developed in partnership with Compass Minerals Canada Corp., the owner of the mine. The focal point of the weekend will

be Saturday, Sept. 17 with concerts, food and fun all taking place in the Courthouse Square. Local businesses and restaurants will be highlighting the area’s “salted” roots, including a “salted” signature beverage brewed by a local micro-brewery, Square Brew. Safety demonstrations, interactive games and activities will keep both young and old entertained. The fun continues into the evening,

with a concert and beverage garden. For one weekend a year, Lake Huron and Goderich are no longer freshwater destinations but instead “Salted” to taste! The Goderich Salt Festival promises a weekend of fun, education, and salted pleasure –without worrying about blood pressure! For more information visit www.exploregoderich.ca or follow Goderich Tourism on Instagram and Facebook.

Vette down to Bayfield

Brian Coombs and his sister Elaine Coombs have been organizing an annual event for Corvette lovers since the inaugural Bayfield Vette Fest in 2007. After having the show cancelled in 2020 and 2021, the pair are ready to celebrate their 15th year on July 7 and 8!

The festival attracts more than 300 cars of all years - from vintage to new - and from as far away as Ottawa, Michigan, Ohio and Illinois.

Brian began his passion for muscle cars pumping gas in Seaforth while still in high school, but his true love is all things Corvette.

The original idea for the event was just to combine that love of Corvettes into a fun thing that brings people into the village of Bayfield. Volunteers are the key to the event, and Brian says that Bayfield has the best. From the local skating club that helps out as a fundraiser to his tried and true group that keeps everything running like clockwork, he couldn’t do this without them, he says.

One of the most popular features is the Friday night cruise where around 100 cars will meet up at the park

around 6:30 pm and then depart for a rolling tour of Huron County. Brian hadn’t confirmed the route as of press time, but be sure to keep an eye on their social media channels for updates. A parade of Corvettes touring the area will be an impressive sight to see.

The main event will be on Saturday when the park will be jam-packed, with Corvette owners paying just $20 to show off their baby, and spectators can take in the whole thing for free.

To make sure everyone has lots of energy to get through the full day (8 am to 4 pm), there is a Firefighters’ Breakfast hosted by the local fire

department and the Town Hall will have a food court set up with BBQs running throughout the day.

Brian says the best part of the day is seeing all the happy people and the friends that he has made getting to know all of the other drivers.

The Corvette clubs from across the province have set Bayfield as a favourite destination with the beautiful park and all the amenities that the village has to offer.

Don’t miss the chance to see North America’s favourite sports car, set against the beautiful backdrop of Clan Gregor Square and downtown Bayfield. July 7-8, 2023

Gone sailing

After almost two years in the making from concept to installation, the Bayfield Sails Project by the Bayfield Centre for the Arts (BCA) was unveiled earlier this summer with a launch party in May. Six iron sculptures with bright, bold

scenes from Bayfield’s past pay homage to the marine heritage of the area.

Leslee Squirrell, BCA President, says that fostering public art projects is an important component of the organization’s mission. Outdoor art

installations are experiencing a resurgence in popularity partly due to the pandemic where people were unable to experience art indoors. Murals and outdoor sculptures are accessible and free and a great way for a community to resonate with visitors and residents alike.

The Sails project began with meetings with Jim Wallace of Sharp’s Creek Forge to come up with the six structure designs, which represent the Helen MacLeod, a locally-famous schooner and other sailing sloops, all built in Bayfield.

Once the iron and powdercoated frames were decided on, an open call was sent out to artists for submissions to paint the lexan sails.

The artists were asked to explore themes that included the natural heritage of the area; stories of Lake Huron, the marina, the village or residents; or the activities available in Bayfield.

With a list of about 25 artists to choose from, the BCA put together a committee to work on the final selection of six artists to each create a sail, ensuring that the community was well-represented in the decisionmaking process.

The BCA also worked with the Municipality of Bluewater to find the six perfect spots to place the sails so that the public had the best access to them: the end of Howard Street, beside Pioneer Park, on Bayfield Terrace, and three along Long Hill Road.

A map is located on the website, and QR codes at each sculpture will take you to a page with information about the ship, the painting and the artist. www.bayfieldarts.ca/bayfieldsailboats

About five years ago, Mark Johnston and Bec Kearns decided to turn their love of adventure and river paddling into a business. They had fallen in love with paddling on the Ausable River in Grand Bend, and opened an ecofriendly, solo sport that thrived through the COVID physical distancing phase. Even during the pandemic, groups of paddling enthusiasts could easily keep the twometer recommended distance, and enjoy the sport safely.

Eventually, the Grand Bend location that they rented was sold and the new owners had other plans for the riverfront property, allowing Johnston and Kearns to discover the Bayfield River. The Harbour Lights Marina has welcomed them into the new home base, and the business is now located near the bridge.

They offer kayaks (single and tandem) and canoes, as well as the ever-popular stand-up paddleboard, but the coolest adventure is their unique glow-in-the-dark kayak experience. The kayaks feature a proprietary LED lighting system that they have developed that lights the water from beneath a clear vessel. While all excursions have an instructor and support vessel, some paddling experience is recommended for the night time kayaking.

Guiding lights

Summer glow excursions are running Friday and Saturday nights from 8:30 to 10:30 pm.

Daytime group excursions are available for two hour time slots for parties of 10 to 40 people. All the equipment is supplied, including the instructor and support vessel. The experience includes more training and is ideal for new or experienced paddlers. (Pre-booking required, but available seven days a week.)

Participants are always impressed with how peaceful and tranquil the

river paddling is and the groups may even venture out into Lake Huron, depending on weather conditions. River Adventures will be running excursions on the Bayfield River right through to mid-October (weather permitting).

River Adventures is still hunting for an additional location so that they can resume the popular kids’ camps and offer accessible paddling. Watch their website and social media for more.

www.riveradventuresgrandbend.ca Harbour Lights Marina, Bayfield

Bayfield

On display

BY SHELLEY KROES

We’ve found a unique experience just beyond the border of Huron County that we couldn’t resist sharing.

Crystal Ridge Farm and Artisan Gallery is a creative outdoor space and gallery that, when combined, provides a person visiting the farm both blueberries for picking in season (season is expected to start by the first of July this year, check Facebook or website for exact hours) and the opportunity to shop the on-site gallery. Crystal Ridge Farm and Artisan Gallery is owned by Mike and Charlene Hamilton. The name Crystal Ridge is due to the farm sitting on a gravel ridge with crystal clear water filtering through it. The acreage is like a gem to the couple so the word crystal also seemed fitting for the Farm.

The gallery includes wood turned items created by Mike. Mike mentioned that he always liked working with wood, so when his wife Charlene stopped using the current gallery space for her work in

upholstery and canvas, where she made boat and car tops for 23 years, it led to the development of the studio as a place to exhibit the wood-turning work. There are also locally sourced quilts there, as well as stained glass, pottery, paintings, jewellery and knitting; all crafted raw or handmade within a one-hour distance.

The blueberry orchard. growing early, mid-season, and late varieties, is nestled among beautifully landscaped shrubs, trees and a nearby

Grand Bend

pond. Charlene explained that this pond is a thriving ecosystem, providing natural fertility to the blueberries, in addition to the water. The blueberries were first planted in 2014 and according to Charlene, pests and fungus are reduced by the farm’s natural approaches to management of the blueberry orchard, eliminating the need for any sprays. For example, the distance they planted the blueberries apart in the row reduces the growth of fungus. Adding to the natural ecosystem are wild bees, and hives on the Farm are home to honey bees. The bees are a welcome sight as their pollination is the key to producing a bountiful blueberry crop. The Farm is open to visitors from June till Thanksgiving this year. Stay tuned on their websites as well, since Crystal Ridge Farm and Artisan Gallery plan to host an Art Day, Fibre Day and Christmas Shopping Days at the Farm in the future. www.crystalridgefarm.ca or www.crystalridgeartisangallery.ca 7557 Lakeshore Rd, Lambton Shores

Fast times in Grand Bend

In 2019, Tabitha Van Bruwaene and her partner Gord Bennett, added the Grand Bend Speedway to their racing empire. They had been operating the Varney International Speedway for several years at the time and saw a lot of potential in the quarter-mile oval track at Grand Bend. They have since sold Varney so that they could focus full-time on Grand Bend.

It had been in use as a junior track for many years, but the couple were sure that they could bring full-size NASCAR-style racing to Grand Bend on Thursday and Saturday nights.

Despite the scaled-down seasons of 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic, they have been able to expand the program.

Grand Bend’s newest adventure began last summer with the Around the Bend Driving Experience. Thrillseekers can choose to ride or drive. Get behind the wheel and drive one of the 400-plus-horsepower latemodel race cars or get one of the professional drivers to take you for the ride. They even have a modified two-seater car that has a passenger door that opens to make the experience as accessible as possible. (Typically race-car drivers climb in through the window as the doors are sealed shut.) The experience is available by appointment only on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturday mornings, or stay after the Saturday night race and get a driver to take you along (first-come first-serve).

New this year are go-karts for the whole family. Kids as young as five are able to get the thrill of racing on the oval (with a modified and limitedspeed kart, of course). Eventually, Van Bruwaene plans to add movable

chicanes to the course to give the gokarts more of a road course feel.

Adult karts take turns in sevenminute sessions with the juniors so that everyone can experience the course at the right speed. There are even a few two-seater cars so that Dad (or Mom) can ride along for junior’s first drive.

The whole site has a festival feel and the Landshark sponsored stage has been added. They even have their own house band, “The Creekie Beaver Boys” that plays a great mix of music, leaning heavily on country.

Don’t miss the traditional track fare (hamburgers, hotdogs, fries and nachos) whipped up in their own kitchen.

The second annual Lights Fest is scheduled for September 23. The daylong event begins with music and food vendors on the track infield in the afternoon, as the sun sinks the tiki lights are lit. Eventually, the host company will show everyone how to light their light-weight, biodegradable lantern and send it off in the sky creating a memorable light-show with a musical backdrop. The lanterns have a speciallydesigned light plate that allows the light to burn only for a minute and it is safely extinguished before it floats back to the ground. The company then picks up all the lanterns. The Lights Fest is hosted all across the United States and Canada, and is a truly spectacular sight to see.

For a full schedule of racing, or to book your driving experience visit www.grandbendspeedway.ca 70114D Grand Bend Line, Parkhill (Just three minutes from Grand Bend!)

Grand Bend

New digs for Schatz

When the Ihrigs expanded and added a winery to their large estate that already held a popular restaurant, event venue and inn, they may have picked the perfect name. The term Schatz is a term of affection in German that roughly translates to honey or dear, and this winery is quickly becoming one of the darlings of the burgeoning Huron Shores wine region.

The Schatz Winery at Hessenland Inn specializes in cool climate varietals and strives to educate its customers about the versatility of grapes grown in this region and to highlight the terroir of the unique microclimate that they have nestled on the shores of Lake Huron.

They began with a test plot and soon expanded to five acres. While they have been selling their wines from a boutique within the main building, they have been working on renovating a former horse barn on the property since 2020. Finally, this summer they are ready to launch the new winery building to the public.

The space is filled with barrels fermenting their wine and is the perfect complementary piece to the whole Huron Shores region, says winery manager Brandon Chaffe. The light airy space that celebrates the white oak that remains from the original barn is the perfect space to further engage the public with their unique wine offerings. Wine flights are served on authentic white oak

boards made from salvaged wood from the renovations, and served to comfortable settees or interesting tables made from farm gear by the current owner’s father and grandfather.

The space was opened on June 4 and will be open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 am to 6 pm daily, with a regular bar service and offering charcuteries on the menu to

accompany the wine tastings.

Come discover Huron County’s distinct wine flavours. You may find that the wines grown in the lee of Lake Huron are the perfect complement to a summer evening and pair perfectly with a sunset. 72981 Bluewater Highway, Zurich (just north of St. Josephs). www.hessenland.com

Church Service

Every Sunday at 10:30 am Rector: Reverend Jim Innes

We are a welcoming community of faith. We care about the physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of its members, and the community in which we have so long been established.

An Exeter for all

While many businesses and organizations throughout the county are working towards accessibility, the South Huron Trail Mobile is taking the concept to a whole new level thanks to a dedicated team of volunteers, community donors, and through the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation and the Municipality of South Huron.

People with limited mobility can still enjoy all that nature has to offer on the South Huron Trail system thanks to a distinctive modified and enhanced electric cart. Hundreds of people have been able to appreciate the experience since 2006 thanks to the volunteer drivers who donate their time. The original sturdy golf cart

was donated by the Strang family and was retired in 2018 to be replaced by a new Trail Mobile that had the latest

capabilities including a little more speed and better navigation in tight spaces.

The wildflower season in spring and the fall colour change are two popular times for the Trail Mobile. The addition of the Jones Bridge, a new pedestrian bridge that can accommodate the cart, also gives passengers a whole new view of the Morrison Dam.

The length of the ride depends on the interests of the passengers, ranging from a half hour to enjoy MacNaughton Park to the Stirling Bridge and back to town, to spending more than an hour to also take in the entire loop around Morrison Dam Conservation Area. The electric motor makes it a quiet ride, allowing everyone to catch glimpses of the abundant wildlife in the two parks, including the famous white squirrels. To book a ride on the cart, please contact Ausable Bayfield Conservation at 519-235-2610, and staff will link the public with the volunteer drivers. There is no fee but donations are always welcome.

A new beginning on the water

For eight seasons, Andy Oke operated a wakeboard and ecopark at Windmill Lake near Bayfield, and when it was time to move on and relocate the business he was thrilled to be able to find a new lake nearby that was super deep, crystal clear and weed free.

As a result he was able to open Bluestone Wake Park near Clinton in 2022 with the same concept, just a new name and location and with the opportunity to grow the business.

With the deeper water, the first order of business was expanding the obstacle course that he had been offering since 2018. This year the obstacle course will double in size, and the capacity will grow from 20 people to 40, with higher obstacles and a more challenging course in the deeper water.

The wakeboard cable continues to accommodate everyone from beginner to intermediate to advanced. One of Oke’s passions is watching kids grow from their first lessons on the beginner cable and seeing them fall in love with the sport until they are doing the difficult tricks and jumps on the advanced course.

Being able to offer this world-class wakeboard park right in Huron County’s backyard is a dream come true for Oke. Wakeboarding behind the cable is an environmentally friendly sport, and without the need

of an expensive powerboat makes it affordable for far more families. In fact, Oke says that he has customers from age three to 81 who are learning the sport at his facility!

In addition to the beach and wakeboarding, there is the opportunity to paddle the vivid, teal blue lake using rented canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddle boards or bring your own for a modest day-use fee. Lifeguards are on duty at all times to ensure the safety of everyone enjoying Bluestone Wake Park.

The new location is ideal for expanding the amenities, with picnic tables and lounge chairs for people to enjoy watching all the activities. The second season has some big plans to add a big sand beach with beach volleyball nets, allowing people to skip the crowds at the nearby Lake Huron beaches and enjoy the sand

and sun right at Bluestone.

The height of the summer season will see the hours running seven days a week from 10 am to 8 pm until Labour Day and then scaling back to weekends only until Thanksgiving. 37524 Telephone Road, Clinton www.bluestonewake.com

Your hosts: Bob & Janice Clark

71 Kirk Street, Clinton 519-482-1163

Email: inquiries@kildonanhouse.com

Website: www.kildonanhouse.com

5.0 Google rating

Sunday Evening Buffet

available

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

Fabrics, Quilts & Much More 519-392-6046

Over 2,000 bolts to choose from

murhilfarm@wightman.ca

Check Facebook for store updates or visit our website sanityhill.ca

A fall tradition in Seaforth

The Seaforth Agricultural Society is planning to “Party Till the Cows Come Home” from Sept. 15-17 and, with that theme in mind, they have booked Canada’s premier high-energy Celtic rock band, The Mudmen. The group’s signature style will get the house rocking on Saturday night at 8 pm as the concert headliner. Known as characters both on and off stage, The Mudmen have built a loyal following and are always winning new friends.

The fair kicks off on Friday September 15, and will host all of the best features of a fall fair, including a

comprehensive homecraft section where all of the locals compete for the title of best in show in growing, canning, baking, crafting and a host of other specialties. Bragging rights and a cool grand ($1,000) is the sought-after Tomato Trio Prize for the grower of the top three slicing tomatoes.

The stage will see local talent performing throughout the weekend, along with the Ambassador of the Fair competition and the Little King and Little Queen contests.

No fall fair would be complete without the livestock shows and the

Seaforth Fall Fair will host all of the local farms bringing their prize sheep, goats, dairy and swine out to try to claim top prizes.

The Ag Society is inviting you to gather up your bricks and show off your building skills at its first ever LEGO Display Competition in the Roundhouse from September 15-17. Entry is free but you need to book a table by Aug. 1.

Up-to-date information is available as events are finalized for the fair at seaforthagriculturalsociety.on.ca.

Seaforth Agriplex, 140 Duke St, Seaforth

160 years of history

The Brussels Agricultural is busy planning the 160th Brussels Fall Fair slated to take place on September 19 and 20 at the Brussels, Morris & Grey Community Centre. The committee is excited that not only is it the 160th anniversary, but finally the event will return to normal after the years of pandemic cancellations and modified events, and a major renovation to the arena which displaced the fair last year to the downtown core.

The Brussels Fair is a historical event after running for more than a century and a half, and unique in that it is one of the few weekday fairs to run in the province. Reg Vinnicombe, president of the Ag Society, says that the shift to a weekday happened many years ago to be able to book a midway, but that over the years the schedule worked great for farm exhibits and allowed schools to participate and became a tradition.

This year’s theme is “Bank Barns & Spinning Yarns” and promises to be a jam-packed two days of rural fun. Judging takes place on Tuesday with competitions ranging from commercial grains and crops, to eggs, fruits and vegetables to baking and canning to needlework and flower arranging. Local businesses have donated prizes, but the real award is the bragging rights that the winners have for the next year.

On Tuesday evening from 5:30 pm to 7 pm Cardiff Catering will be providing a BBQ beef dinner with all the fixings, while outdoor

amusements for the family range from face painting and balloon animals to a travelling escape room, and the ever-popular inflatables filling the parking lot. The ambassador competition gets started on Tuesday as well, with a friendly cake-decorating competition.

On Wednesday, the kids program will feature the Eyrie Birds of Prey show.

No proper fall fair would be complete without livestock and the sheep show runs at noon on Wednesday, with the Brussels Belgrave Beef Club running their Achievement Day starting at 1 pm.

For all the details and full schedule, visit the Brussels Agricultural Society at www.brusselsfallfair.ca Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre, 800 Sports Dr., Brussels

After lying dormant for more than a decade, new life has been breathed into a track long favoured by riders and fans alike. The previous owner was holding on to the property in the hopes that a buyer would come along that wanted to continue the long tradition of motocross riding on the 100-acre property when Tyson Hawkins and his brother Tom came along in 2021 with just that dream in mind.

Hawkins spent a year rehabilitating the track, and with the help of track designer Barry Hetherington, was able to get up and running in 2022 with four weekends of Amateur Motocross Ontario (AMO)sanctioned races.

The beautiful rolling hills just off of Donnybrook Line north of Auburn provide a sweeping vista of the Maitland River valley and

Back on track

neighbouring farm fields. The terrain only needed a little help from Hetherington and Hawkins to make the course one of the top tracks in Ontario.

Prep for the 2023 season began as soon as the snow melted, and included four days of intense preparation prior to the first race of the season on May 5.

The schedule includes two AM0sanctioned events (May 5-6 and August 26-27, with open practices on the Saturday and up to 18 classes of races on Saturday and Sunday), and two Thames Valley Riders local events on May 20-21 and August 2021).

Competitors and their families have access to dry camping right on site, and with age classes from age 4 and up it is a real family-oriented sport.

Auburn Hills offers great access to the track for spectators with viewing

areas so close to the action your adrenaline will make you feel like you’re part of the action. Tickets are available at the gate and there is a food truck on site!

Follow them on instagram @auburnhillsmotocross 38622 Glens Hill Road Auburn.

A steamy six decades in Blyth

Alittle more than 60 years ago, a group of people interested in steam engines and threshing machines met at a home in Blyth to organize a club that became the Huron Pioneer Thresher & Hobby Association.

Over the next six decades, that club has held an annual reunion at the Blyth Community Centre and Campground that has grown to an almost-week long event held every September that attracts attendees from across the province and beyond.

The event in 2023 will run from September 8 to 10, but campers will begin to arrive on September 5. Some are volunteers who work hard to get the grounds ready for the crowds, but all are here for the atmosphere.

The campground will be full of music and reminiscing about childhoods spent in the fields, and long-past harvests with parents, grandparents and extended families and neighbours. The event is about celebrating our rural heritage and

reminding present generations of the traditions of the past, the importance of agriculture and the hard work that our ancestors took on to bring us to our modern way of life.

The highlight of the show will be Saturday, when thousands of visitors will descend on the grounds to take in the music, food and the sights and sounds of the steam engines, antique tractors and cars. Vendors will hawk wares from painted saws to local books and more, while the Lifestyle tent will give demonstrations on a variety of items. Threshing and other demonstrations will be running throughout the weekend, and a parade of tractors and antique cars each day is a must-see.

The popular fiddle and step dance competition takes place over Saturday and Sunday. The kids’ pedal tractor pull is a big hit with all ages.

The residents of Blyth jump in with a village-wide yard sale held on September 9 (and many running all week), all set to the joyous sound of

steam whistles echoing through the village.

With 30 committees of volunteers overseeing every aspect of the event, this is truly a community-led event.

For a full schedule of events, visit www.blythsteamshow.com Blyth Community Centre and Campground, 377 Gypsy Lane, Blyth

Vintage, classic and custom clothing, accessories and jewellery.

345 Queen Street, Blyth

www.pickaposie.ca

Along the trailside

Nestled in a small forest retreat between Blyth Road and the Goderich to Guelph Rail Trail (G2G), is a grouping of three new chalet-style cabins that began as a design using Becky Bosma’s children’s lego. While the Bosmas have owned the property for a number of years, the cabins were just built last year and officially opened in September 2022.

Each of the cabins has its own theme, but all have been designed with the trail user in mind. From the electric-vehicle charging station in the parking lot to the well-appointed accommodations, Blyth Trailway Cabins is the perfect midway rest stop or starting point for a G2G adventure. Electricity, showers, wifi - what more could a weary bicyclist ask for?!

All three cabins feature a kitchenette, three piece bath, bbq, fireplace and heat and airconditioning to make it a four-season retreat! The Greenlet has a “bikes & forest” theme; the Blythe focuses on all of the super local attractions, especially the Blyth Festival just a short ride from the property, and the Westia pays homage to the agricultural roots of Huron County.

Both the indoor and outdoor spaces are light and airy, giving weary bikers and hikers a welcome rest from the

trail. A central firepit with comfy adirondack chairs is an inviting place to share stories from the trip. Bosma often stocks a welcome stash of firewood for guests, and there are roadside stands nearby as well.

The cabins have beautiful little touches supplied by local artisans like the “guitarcuterie” board made by Hans at the Wild Goose Studio or a sweet pottery bowl thrown on a wheel by Cat at Wonky Frog Studio, both just down the road in Blyth.

While called cabins, the guests are all raving about the beautiful design and modern amenities incorporated into all three buildings. Bosma says that it's like having three dollhouses to play with and shop for!

Bookings are available on the website, at trailwaycabinsblyth.com and you can find them on Facebook or Instagram. 39709 Blyth Rd, Auburn (but it is really just outside of Blyth. Oh, Canada Post and Google maps - you amuse us!)

A studio space dedicated to releasing creativity and building community through art and workshops

Tart-y to the party

Occasionally (very occasionally) you might be driving down a country road, minding your own business when a roadside stand at the end of a driveway catches your attention with just five cut-out letters - T.A.R.T.S. Just west of Belgrave on Belgrave Road, sits the adorable Tart Shack, brainchild and weekend business of Kerri Coxon. When the pandemic struck, Coxon’s family lost one of their favourite weekend pastimes. They loved to travel the area to different bakeries on a Saturday morning to pick up pastries and goodies, from Bayfield to Goderich and beyond. Once the lockdowns hindered these sweet adventures, she decided to start baking at home. Eventually her husband Andy was so impressed with her creations, he suggested that she should sell them. He helped her get the building ready and she

Continued on page 34

•

A tasty stop

Continued from page 33 researched the necessary bureaucracy like Health Unit approvals, etc. Finally, in late spring of 2021 she put out her first batches of tarts and hasn’t looked back.

The best thing about being her own boss is the flexibility. She opens most Saturdays from 9 am and typically sells out by 2 pm, but occasionally life gets in

the way, so follow her Facebook page. She specializes in a variety of butter tarts and danishes, and has added mini cheesecakes, cookies and occasionally muffins and cupcakes.

She begins by making the dough and fillings on Friday. All of the dough and fillings are made from scratch, and, whenever possible, from ingredients grown right on the farm, like strawberries and rhubarb, making the menu very seasonal. Baking begins by 5 a.m. on Saturday and by

9 a.m. she is ready to open.

With a little extra space in the shack, Coxon invited her cousin Wanda to display crafts from her business, Lee’s Cabin. The handmade gift and greeting cards, paintings, barn quilts, coaster and doggie bibs are a beautiful addition to the space and give customers an added distraction if there is a line up.

While the pecan butter tarts are always the first to sell out, Coxon says the mini New York-style cheesecakes with homemade toppings are her favourite. 38557 Belgrave Road, Wingham

technician the flexibility to raise three young children and turn her passion into a career.

forms that favour bowls, vases and planters.

Getting creative Wingham

Sometimes a collision of circumstances results in a dream being realized. In Marleen Vloet’s case, a life-long love of crafting, a recently purchased pottery wheel, a move back to the area and the needs of her young family were brewing away in the back of her mind when her parents bought a picturesque property out in the country near Wingham that had a surplus commercial building that needed a purpose.

Suddenly, operating a pottery studio gave this former x-ray

Country Clay Cafe opened in September 2022 and offers twovisit, one-on-one pottery classes by appointment, as well as being open for drop-ins on Fridays and Saturdays for painting ready-topaint pottery. The two-day classes pottery classes are by appointment and can be worked by hand-molding or with the wheel. The first day is for creating your pieces and on the second day you paint and decorate

Vloet also offers a wide range of pre-cast forms that you can purchase and paint in the shop, or buy a takehome kit to paint at your leisure and bring back to have fired in the kiln. The premade items are available in either playful bisque ware like mermaids, mushrooms and trinket boxes, or the more earthy stoneware

Stay... Play... Experience...

The cafe in the name is thanks to a well-stocked coffee station in the form of an espresso machine nestled on top of an antique stove, with a range of beverages on offer, including local favourite Coastal Coffee.

Birthday parties are popular at the Country Clay Cafe, and hosts can either bring the party to the studio or pick up kits for everyone and enjoy the craft in comfort of your own home, and just bring the painted pieces back to be fired to bring out the colour in the glazes.

Future plans include adding more and more crafts, and increasing the events on offer. March Break pinchpots were a huge hit with the kids, and painting nights are always popular. Of course, clay and painting will always be Vloet’s first loves. “Who doesn’t love getting their hands dirty”, she says!

To book a class, or see more about the kits, coffee and clay, visit ww.countryclaycafe.ca 42363 Huron Bruce Rd, Wingham

North Huron offers something for everyone. A talented community that offers activities throughout the year.

Camping at the Blyth Campground will allow you to experience local live theatre, explore the unique shops, discover our trails and gardens and savour our fresh, delicious local cuisine, all within walking distance.

Leave your cares behind and spend some time in beautiful North Huron!

If you’ve been to Lucknow this spring, you may have noticed a grand opening banner over a storefront on Campbell Street. The new shop, Farmacia Health Bar, is Lucknow’s brand new health and wellness spot, and it has already attracted a lot of positive energy from locals.

But what does a health bar do? Farmacia’s mission is a simple one: to help the community live a healthier, longer life. How do they do that? By selling healthy drinks, dried herbs used in traditional medicines and pantry items, as well as offering

detoxification programs. There’s coffee enriched with ginger and turmeric, smoothies loaded with energy-boosting ingredients, and a fridge full of technicolor juices, elixirs and sodas. Detoxification programs are tailored to suit each person’s individual health needs.

Owner and Toronto transplant Steve Sanna took some time out from blending smoothies to chat about the new venture. Sanna said he has always had a keen interest in helping people, and considers Farmacia to be a “new age pharmacy”. Lucknow’s store is actually the second Farmacia,

the first being located in Toronto’s Beaches neighbourhood.

Sanna got his start foraging when he was just six years old. He went on to study biochemistry at Seneca College, then worked as a wilderness canoe guide and personal trainer. When training clients, he began to use his knowledge of traditional medicines and nutrition to aid them on their fitness journeys. The natural next step? Opening his first "health bar" at a hot yoga studio in Toronto.

Farmacia in the Beaches opened in 2014, and quickly became a neighbourhood staple.

He met his partner Krysteen Perkins 10 years ago, bonding over an enthusiasm for healthy living. They bought a property in Bervie four years ago, and since then they’ve been looking for a single location where they could respectively open a health bar and a Kundalini Dance and Yoga studio. The studio is currently under construction, but should be up and running soon.

Currently, Farmacia Health Bar is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Stay healthy, Lucknow!

Grassroots flavours

The Morrison family of Lucknow is wringing every drop of farm goodness they can out of their property to share their dream of farm life with others. The Grassroots Farm & Woodfired Pizza is known across the region for their well-travelled pizza oven, but the business has much deeper roots than that.

The operation is a deeply-rooted five-generation century farm. The current incarnation on the farm consists of two generations (Vicky and Roger, along with son Blair and daughter-in-law and Courtney), along with the next generation (and future pizza-maker) keeping everyone on their toes.

The woodfired pizza side business began just over a decade ago. The CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) garden would occasionally leave them with leftover produce, which they began cooking up on pizza crusts for their clients to enjoy when picking up their CSA shares. This led to the original mudbuilt oven created by Roger, which was eventually replaced with the current concrete and fire-bricks built on an open-air trailer. This oven was eventually parked permanently at the farm when Roger designed a mobile stainless-steel oven that was taken out

on the road and has become a hit at events across the region.

The Morrison’s still grow certain ingredients for their pizzas, and source the rest from local, organic farms along with meat from nearby Green’s Meat Market.

Fired-up Fridays happen on the farm every Friday from 5 pm to 9 pm from July to September when the public is invited over for a different “farm feature” each week, and new this summer will be ice cream features, as well as partnering with local breweries and musicians to liven things up. The goal is to grow more business on the farm, to reduce the amount of travel for the family.

With that in mind, the family has expanded the on-farm offerings to include a well-stocked self-serve

store that is open daily offering their famous frozen woodfired pizza, local beef and local coffee from Coastal Coffee. In addition to their own store, their line of frozen pizzas can be found at retailers across the county who specialize in local foods.

The farm is becoming a destination as an event venue as well, with the perfect country-chic location for a wedding or a fundraiser. The Morrisons are planning to venture into the world of farm-stays with some unique accommodations in the future, so keep tuned to their website and social media channels for updates!

This is one busy family, living their best farm life and inspiring everyone who visits. grassrootsfarmlife.com

760 Bruce Rd 86, Lucknow

Art from town to town

Huron County has a long history of public art pieces to commemorate events and complement downtown cores, from cairns and statuary throughout the region to the famed Allan Hilgendorf murals that graced many of the downtown cores.

Public art allows the community the opportunity to tell its story to both residents and visitors in a striking format. Whether the story is an event or a theme, a bold

and emblazoned artistic representation in a high traffic area is a great way to engage and inform the public about the best elements of the community. The best pieces will surprise and delight the viewer, while engaging them with stories that the community wants to share.

With all of this in mind, Rick Sickinger, Huron County’s Economic Development Officer, Tourism Sector Support, began a project to revitalize the appreciation of public art in the county. Once some federal tourism funding had been secured, and five

communities identified, the project began to gain some momentum. An expression of interest call was sent out, which resulted in a list of approximately 30 mural artists in the region.

Exeter, Clinton, Seaforth, Wingham and Bayfield all formed local committees to begin their journey to a new mural. Although the County of Huron was contracting the final murals from the artists, the local communities held the decision making power to ensure that the art

Continued on page 39

Artisan Gallery & Blueberry Farm Mike & Charlene Hamilton

Mural art all about town

Continued from page 38 that was being commissioned was representative of the town. The municipalities involved could select the final placement as well, as they would be responsible for the art beyond the creation.

Mural Trail

Bayfield’s mural is located on the side of the Bayfield arena and depicts Bayfield life in full colour - sunsets, sailboats, sweet peas and blue skies!

Wingham has unveiled a mural made up of painted panels on the side of the Wescast Community Complex that pays tribute to CKNX, Alice Munro, the Maitland River and agriculture in bold strokes.

Clinton’s mural is a fantastical representation of life in the centre of the county and comes with an animation app. It’s being installed on the Partners Paint & Paper store, visible to the main intersection in town.

Seaforth and Exeter were still in the process of finalizing their murals at the time of press, but all of the murals will be incorporated into a mural trail in Huron County. Watch www.ontarioswestcoast.ca for the final map and digital tour!

THINGS TO SEE AND DO

COMMUNITY EVENTS

REACH Centre

Check out events at www.reachhuron.ca

169 Beech Street, Clinton

Night Makers’ Markets

June 21, July 19, August 23, September 20

Courthouse Square Park, Goderich

Circle City Cruizers’ - Cruize Nights

Wednesdays June 21, July 5, August 2, 16, 30, September 6

Lions Harbour Park, Goderich & July 19 at the Waterfront

Wing Night

June 23

Fordwich Ball Park

22 Until None Veteran’s March

Saturday, June 24

Courthouse Square Park (North), Goderich

Children’s Festival

Saturday, June 24

Courthouse Square Park, Goderich

Beachfest

June 24

Main Beach, Grand Bend

Huron Multicultural Festival

Sunday, June 25

Courthouse Park, Goderich

Walk for Autism

Sunday, June 25

Goderich Waterfront

Huron Multicultural Festival

Sunday, June 25

Courthouse Square Park, Goderich

Goderich Canada Day

Fireworks

Friday, June 30

Goderich Waterfront

Grand Bend Canada Day

Fireworks

Saturday, July 1

Main Beach, Grand Bend

Goderich Canada Day Parade

Saturday, July 1

Courthouse Square, Goderich

Cruise-In Night (Huron County Cruisers)

July 7

Harriston Rd. 87, Howick Community Centre

Bayfield Vette Fest

July 7-July 8

Clan Gregor Square, Bayfield

Festival of Arts and Crafts

July 8

Courthouse Square Park, Goderich

Kinsmen Summerfest

July 13-15

Memorial Arena, Goderich

Kinsmen Summerfest

Slo-Pitch Tournament

July 14-15

Bannister Park, Goderich

Grand Bend Ribfest

July 14-16

Grand Bend Speedway & Festival Centre

Kinsmen Summerfect

Beach Volleyball Tournament

July 14-July 15

Goderich District Collegiate Institute Beach Volleyball

Courts, Goderich

Carriage Driving Horse Show

July 14-16

Steenbeek Friesians - 74280

Parr Line, Varna

BIA Evening Movie

Friday, July 21

Courthouse Square Plaza, Goderich

Seaforth Summerfest

July 22

Seaforth

BIA Downtown Days

Wednesday July 19 - Saturday, July 22

BIA Downtown Days Courthouse Square Park, Goderich

Memories Then & Now Car Show

Saturday, July 22 Courthouse Square Park, Goderich

Goderich Celtic College & Kid’s Day Camp

August 7-10

Goderich District Collegiate Institute, Goderich

Goderich Celtic Roots Festival

Friday, August 11-13

Lions Harbour Park, Goderich

Exeter Ram Rodeo

August 12-13

South Huron Recreation Centre Rodeo Area

Bayfield Fair

August 18-20

Bayfield Agricultural Society Grounds

AGMH Long Table Dinner

Sunday, August 20 Courthouse Square Plaza, Goderich

Zurich Beanfest

August 25-26

Zurich

Huron Pioneer Thresher & Hobby Association Reunion

September 8-10

Blyth Arena and Campground

Cornhole Tournament

September 9

Fordwich Parks Board

Goderich Salt Festival

September 9-10

Various Locations, Goderich

THINGS TO SEE AND DO COMMUNITY EVENTS

The New Canadian Curling Club

August 3-20

Theatre

Feng Shui Two-Day Workshop

September 21-22

Historic Bayfield Town Hall www.huronhspice.ca

Farmers’ / Flea Markets

Bayfield - Fri. afternoons

May 19-Oct. 6

Bayfield Sunday Market

May 21-Sept 3

Brussels - every other Friday

May 26 - Sept. 8

Exeter Community Market

Fridays, May 19, June 16, July 21, August 18, September 15,

October 20

406 Main St. S., Exeter

Dungannon - Friday evenings

May - September

Goderich BIA Markets

Saturdays & Sundays

June 10/11 - October 7/8

Courthouse Square Park, Goderich

Grand Bend - Wednesdays

May 24 - Oct. 4

Pinery Antique Flea Market -

Sundays, May 7 - Oct. 8

Hannah Dickie Photography

June 9 to July 15

Bainton Gallery

Blyth Festival Art Gallery

Kelly Stevenson:

Aug 18-Sep 9

Bainton Gallery

Blyth Festival Art Gallery

The Donnellys: A Trilogy

June 22-September 3

Blyth Festival

Blyth Memorial Community Hall

For tickets: blythfestival.com

Wizard of Oz: The Panto

June 7-25

Huron Country Playhouse: South Huron Stage - Visit draytonentertainment.com for full schedule and tickets.

Liars At A Funeral

June 14 - July 8

Blyth Festival

Blyth Memorial Community Hall

For tickets: blythfestival.com

The Crooner

July 5-22

Huron Country Playhouse: Visit draytonentertainment.com for full schedule and tickets.

Beautiful: The Carole King Musical

June 15-July 1

Huron Country Playhouse: South Huron Stage - Visit draytonentertainment.com for full schedule and tickets.

First Time For Everything

Theatre Festival

July 12-July 15

The Livery Theatre, Goderich

The Waltz

July 12-29

Blyth Festival

Blyth Memorial Community Hall

For tickets: blythfestival.com

Kinky Boots

July 12-29

Huron Country Playhouse: Visit draytonentertainment.com for full schedule and tickets.

Huron Country Playhouse: South Huron Stage - Visit draytonentertainment.com for full schedule and tickets.

Sponsored by Drayton Entertainment.

Rock of Ages

August 9-September 3

Huron Country Playhouse: South Huron Stage - Visit draytonentertainment.com for full schedule and tickets.

Sponsored by Drayton Entertainment.

Chronicles Of Sarnia

August 3-18

Blyth Festival

Blyth Memorial Community Hall

For tickets: blythfestival.com

The Real McCoy

August 24-September 9

Blyth Festival

Blyth Memorial Community Hall For tickets: blythfestival.com

Firefighters’ Breakfasts

Brussels Firefighters’ Breakfast

Saturday, June 18

Seaforth Firefighters’ Breakfast

Saturday, July 1

Bayfield Firefighters’ Breakfast

Saturday, July 8

Goderich Firefighters’ Breakfast

Sunday, August 6

Blyth Firefighters’ Breakfast

September 9 & 10

Music & Comedy

BIA Evening Concert Series

Thursday June 15, 22, 29, July

6, 13, 20, 27, Aug. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31

Courthouse Square Performance

Stage, 7 PM, Goderich

BIA Afternoon Concert Series

Saturday June 17, 24, July 22, August 26, September 9

Courthouse Performance

Stage, Goderich

Neil Diamond Tribute Concert

June 23

Wingham Town Hall Theatre

Evening Concert Series

Sunday, July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, August 6, 20, 27

Lions Harbour Park, Goderich

Downtown Punk Show

Saturday, July 29

Courthouse Performance

Stage, Goderich

BIA Downtown Music Festival

Saturday, August 19

Courthouse Performance

Stage, Goderich

Music in the Fields

August 24-26

Graceland, Lucknow

West Coast Blues Festival

September 1-2

Courthouse Square Park, Goderich

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

Zurich - August 12

Blyth - September 9

A smile is the same in every language.

PostcardsfromHuron

PostcardsfromHuron

TOP

Ron Brown’s new edition reveals even more odd and unusual, rare and offbeat sitesand sounds - close to Ontarian’s very own backyards. $29.95

This beautifully illustrated guide celebrates 100 of the destinations and events that make Ontario an unforgettable place to travel. $29.95

Explore your country, if only in print with this beautifully illustrated tour to 100 destinations across the country from Signal Hill, Newfoundland to the killer whales off the west coast to the Yukon’s Top of the World highway. $29.95

See these and other books at...

The Culinary Boutique in the heart of Downtown Goderich.