Museum hosts vendor fair

By Fred Groves

The Essex County Steam and Gas Engine Museum in McGregor hosted a pop-up vendors market last Saturday and for at least one local artist, it was a chance to show off her talent.

“Through My Eyes” is the name of the company that Cindy VanDyk of Amherstburg has and she processes a remarkable sense of beauty when it comes to photography.

“I’ve always taken pictures. When Covid hit I took pictures and posted them on my Facebook page to brighten up people’s day,” said VanDyk. “Someone said I should be selling them.”

A regular at vendors’ markets like the recent event at the Canadian Transportation Museum and Heritage Village in Essex, VanDyk surprisingly takes her photos with her cell phone.

While some of her works are pictures from local spots like the Navy Yard Park in Amherstburg, she has also travelled to Northern Manitoba and as far away as Poland to capture images. The ice storm a few months ago was a great opportunity to get some rare photos.

VanDyk is anticipating going to the upcoming Sportsmen Club market this weekend.

The market on Saturday in McGregor also included some interesting nail polish stickers by Jennifer Brownlie, personalized items from Kelly Riberdy and Brett Basmiel had some interesting crystals in his booth, “Happy Hippie Crystals.”

The Essex County Steam and Gas Museum is located adjacent to the Co-An Park and according to club president Gary Strubar, plans are underway for the big annual show, which will be the 37th

“The parade is at 9 a.m. on Saturday and starts in McGregor and comes here,” he explained.

From Aug. 11-13, everyone who comes will have a chance to see livethreshing, and log-cutting from an oldstyle sawmill.

Tractor pulls along with an International Harvester collectors’ group and antique trucks are also planned. Entertainment on the weekend includes Gary Best and Crystal (Gage) St. Dennis.