Notes from The Farmer’s Daughter – Creativity & Community on Display at Spring Celebration
WOW! This past Sunday was perfect spring weather with the sun shining bright and birds happily chirping.
Our feathered friends weren’t the only ones sharing their voices for us to enjoy; talented local musicians Tao Hipwell and Pat Johnson also made an appearance at Furnace Falls Farm’s Spring Celebration, delighting those in attendance.
The lively event included a fun family scavenger hunt with ice cream and plants for prizes. Wendy, the owner of Furnace Falls Farm and Wendy’s Country Market, also opened one of her greenhouses to the public, permitting those interested in getting their plant fix to be surrounded by the lush greens.
Local vendors displayed their wares and visited with a steady flow of customers enjoying the warm day.
With so much to see, Wendy’s events attract those from far and near. The skilled artisans, dedicated producers and caring organizations provide an eclectic mix which allows for interesting discoveries and a deeper connection to the community.
I, for one, was pleased to discover vendor and Lyndhurst resident Barbara Bajema, a proud Canadian Armed Forces Veteran who has just introduced a new line of handmade jewellery. Barbara’s business Patriot Acres Silver features products she makes from Fine Silver Clay. Shaping, firing, and polishing, she turns out creative nature and Celtic inspired pieces that are 99.9% pure silver.
I encourage you to check out Patriot Acres Silver on Facebook or Instagram @patriotacressilver and www.etsy.com/shop/patriotacressilver or email patriotacressilver@gmail.com. Barbara’s love and commitment to her country are apparent in her Canadian military-themed items, clearly taking pride in every piece created, including her custom work.
Barbara’s table was one of many that intrigued me. While there isn’t space enough to tell you about each one, I will say that upcoming community events like The Rural Small Business and Agricultural Expo on June 5th in Lyndhurst, Elgin Days on July 7th to 10th, Athens Cornfest on August 20th and the Lyndhurst Turkey Fair September 17th all provide opportunities to discover the talented makers, bakers, and producers right in our own backyard.
Business owner Kathi Antoine of Antoine Maple Syrup said it best when she commented that “events such as these are great for the community and area businesses.”
The ladies at the Leeds County Federation of Agriculture table agreed wholeheartedly. They made their presence known at the event, handing out wildflower seed packets and black-eyed susans to encourage people to plant perennials for our pollinators. The active farm group had ample information for those looking for additional agricultural resources.
The Lyndhurst Turkey Fair committee members were also present doing some active fundraising with their Turkey Fair Quilt ticket sales. Frontenac Arch Biosphere’s Farm and Forest School were onsite, welcoming, hands-on fun for those who wanted to help construct raised garden beds.
Building community through creativity and engagement could have easily been the day’s theme for the Spring Celebration. I’m sure this theme will continue with all the promising events we have to look forward to in the surrounding area.
