Uxbridge Fall Fair determined to plow ahead
by Roger Varley
Members of the Uxbridge Fall Fair board appeared before council Monday to confirm that this year’s fair is happening, but that it will likely be greatly modified from past events.
Dave Dickie, fair manager, said the board’s biggest concern is what capacity limits will be in place for Elgin Park come September. He said if capacity is limited, some events such as the antique car show and antique farm equipment show could be held at the museum grounds.
This year’s fair, to be held the weekend after Labour Day, will have no Friday evening events, and hours for Saturday and Sunday will be reduced to eight hours each, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Fair president Bev Latva said the board does not even know at this point whether spectators will be allowed into the fair. She noted that if spectators are allowed, attendees would likely have to register online ahead of time. She also said that, if spectators are allowed, there will be no admission fee, but donations will be sought.
No Demolition Derby, Tractor Pull or Midway
Other changes for the 2021 edition would see the elimination of the Demolition Derby, the Tractor Pull and the midway. Also, there will be no vendors except food vendors. The homecraft and horticulture exhibits will be held online, and events like the Baby Show will be virtual competitions. Online registration will be available for entrants.
Dickie said that, because of a shortage of manpower due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the fair would need an extension on the time it is given to clean up the park after the fair.
Mayor Dave Barton said the township will do all it can to help the fair board, noting that “part of normal in Uxbridge is the fall fair.”
TOWN HALL – Notes from the June 14 Council Meeting
by Roger Varley
Council passed a bylaw designating Chief Administrative Officer Kristi Honey, the most senior non-elected official at the township, as a deputy clerk.
Honey explained the move gives her authority to act when both clerk Debbie Leroux and deputy clerk Josh Machesney are unavailable.
Reacting to news that the 7-Eleven corporation has applied for licences to add bars to some of its convenience stores, council passed a resolution opposing all such applications.
The resolution said allowing bars in stores frequented by unsupervised children “is a grave concern” and it is in the best interests of the township to prevent stores adding bars. As such, council opposes all applications for a license to allow the drinking of alcohol in convenience stores.
There are currently no 7-Eleven convenience stores in the township.
Chocolate, cider brings dads together
Submitted by Jane Kiyonaga
A father who is currently living with his family in a Syrian refugee camp in Lebanon will celebrate Father’s Day this weekend far from the rest of his family, which lives in Uxbridge. A few local businesses, partnering with the North Durham Refugee Reunification, are working to help bring this family together with – wait for it – chocolate.
A creative collaboration between Blue Heron Books, The Passionate Cook’s Essentials, Banjo Cider and volunteers from North Durham Refugee Reunification has inspired the “Sweet Syrian Story” event, which melds together the story of the above-mentioned family with that of the Hadhads, the well-known “Peace by Chocolate” family in Antigonish, Nova Scotia. The Hadhad family was also forced to live as Syrian refugees in Lebanon, before coming to Canada.
The “Sweet Syrian Story” event will share the book “Peace by Chocolate,” written by CBC journalist and award- winning author, Jon Tattrie. Chocolate is the backdrop for this fast-paced, informative and real-life page turner about how the Hadhad family journeyed from Syria to Canada.
Participants in the virtual event have two options. They can, for $89.95, enjoy the full package, which includes the book “Peace by Chocolate,” the virtual interview, chocolate samples from Peace by Chocolate, non-alcoholic cider from Banjo Cider, and a Sweet and Savoury Syrian Sampler plate, prepared at The Passionate Cook’s Essentials. Those interested in just the book and the Zoom interview can join in for $29.95.
All profits from the event go to reuniting the family that is currently in Lebanon with their relatives in Uxbridge.
The deadline to purchase tickets is this Friday, June 18, at noon. Tickets can be purchased online at blueheronbooks.com
Spoiler alert … one of the fathers may make a virtual appearance.
Beautiful grazing boxes found North of 48
by Justyne Edgell
Patios may be open and the urge to go out may be strong, but what’s better than grazing on a platter of fabulous cheese, crackers, cured meats and fruit, right at home, in the garden, perhaps? Akshanaa Rathakrishnan reckons not much!
Rathakrishnan, a Goodwood resident and first year political science student at the University of Toronto, has a passion and an appreciation for good food and aesthetic presentation. After thinking about it for over a year, the 18-year-old decided to launch her business venture, North of 48 Grazing.
Rathakrishnan makes beautifully crafted charcuterie boxes, perfect for any occasion, that can be adapted to a variety of dietary restrictions. They can contain sliced meats that are crafted to resemble a flower, various hard and/or soft cheeses, nuts, fresh fruits like strawberries, figs, or pomegranates, raw vegetables, artisan crackers and breadsticks, pickles, and brightly coloured macarons. The options and combinations are seemingly endless.
“Each of my grazing boxes are thoughtfully hand-styled and customized with a personal touch, and I deliver for free within Uxbridge,” says Rathakrishnan.
Starting a business at only 18 years old, in the midst of a global pandemic, hasn’t been easy, but Rathakrishnan says this journey has taught her so much. “You don’t need to have all the answers to start. You just have to be willing to take the first step,” she says.
“I constantly thought, “Am I doing the right thing? Where do I start? How would I manage my first year of university, work, extracurriculars/volunteering AND start this new venture?”
But Rathakrishnan says she has had a great support team behind her as she develops this project. “As I end my first year of university, I’m so blessed to have had my parents and little sister encourage me to take that first step. The support over the past few weeks has been a blessing.”
To order one of Rathakrishnan snack boxes, email sales@northof48grazing.com or find her on Instagram at @northof48grazing.
Upcoming webinar discusses Oak Ridges Moraine, Greenbelt challenges
Ontario’s Greenbelt, including the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan, plays an integral role in conserving Durham Region’s rich natural heritage and biodiversity. Next Tuesday, June 22, at 7 p.m., “architect” of the Greenbelt, Victor Doyle will provide historical and factual insights into the creation of these plans as they apply to the regional landscape. During the webinar he will also identify ongoing challenges and opportunities.
From 1988 to 2017, Doyle was at the epicenter of designing and implementing provincial plans in the Greater Golden Horseshoe. Known as the “architect” of the Greenbelt, Doyle was also instrumental in developing the Oak Ridge Moraine Conservation Plan, Growth Plan and Lake Simcoe Protection Plan.
To register, become a member at northdurhamnature.com (memberships are only $10 and you will be receive the link). Or email northdurhamnature@gmail.com if interested in attending.
