TASTE OF HURON CULINARY FESTIVAL NOW UNDERWAY

STORY BY MELODY FALCONER-POUNDER

During the first Taste of Huron event in 2009, the Hessenland Country Inn offered samples of Hessenland’s German Cheesecake, a house specialty since 1984, at the Village Marketplace held at the Bayfield Town Hall. This year's marketplace will be held at the Goderich Farmer's Market on Aug. 21 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Photo by Melody Falconer-Pounder)

The 2010 Taste of Huron culinary festival is now underway but several local events are still anticipated. The festival highlights the sustainable, locally produced food and culinary excellence found in Huron County.

 Throughout the 12-day festival, which runs from now until Aug. 27, event participants will join up-and-coming chefs, award-winning cookbook authors and food writers as they savor the best of Huron County's local harvest! They will enjoy hands-on culinary workshops, special restaurant and gala events, farm tours, and markets.

“We’ve tried to vary out events so that they appeal to everyone,” said Brittany Fry, Taste of Huron event coordinator. “We want everyone to join in on the celebration of food grown and produced in Huron County.”

Complete festival information is available online at www.tasteofhuron.ca. For tickets, please call the Blyth Festival Box Office at 1-877-862-5984.

“We’re urging people to buy their tickets before the events,” said Jenna Ujiye, tourism marketer for the County of Huron. “We can’t guarantee tickets will be available at the door.

LOCAL TASTES

Over the last three weeks we have highlighted what aspects of the festival are happening in Bayfield and area. Now here in its entirety are the local offerings.

Two of the six county restaurants participating in the Food for Thought dinners are in Bayfield. Diners will enjoy presentations and lively discussions on various food-related topics. Special menus will be presented to complement the specific topics. Full menu details can be found at the Taste of Huron website.

The Little Inn of Bayfield will host “U R What U Eat” on Aug. 19 at 7 p.m. The topic for the evening will feature an unbiased discussion on modern methods of agricultural production, food distribution systems and more. The menu will highlight a variety of locally grown and produced products. The cost per person is $40. This does not include beverages, taxes or service. To make a reservation for this dinner please call The Little Inn at 1-800-565-1832 or visit www.littleinn.com

Then on Aug. 23, The Black Dog Pub and Bistro will host “A Perfect Pairing: Niagara & Huron” starting at 7 p.m. Those who attend will sample the best from two Ontario regions, Niagara and Huron. A locally-produced menu will be paired with the critically acclaimed wines from Niagara’s Lailey Vineyard. The evening will feature special guest Derek Barnett, renowned winemaker of Lailey Vineyard. He will discuss his award-winning wines. Participants will enjoy a four-course dinner drawn from the restaurant’s co-owner Kathleen Sloan-McIntosh's award-winning book, A Year in Niagara. Each course will be paired with one of the exceptional wines from family-run Lailey Vineyard.

The cost for the dinner is $50 per person. This does not include taxes or service; but does include a surcharge for wine served. Couples will also receive an autographed copy of A Year in Niagara by Sloan-McIntosh. For reservations call The Black Dog Pub and Bistro 519-565-2326 or visit www.blackdogpubbistro.ca.

Food enthusiasts will have an opportunity to learn unique culinary techniques at spots around the county with local chefs and food specialists. Three of the workshops are taking place in Bayfield and area. The cost is $20 per workshop.

Preserving Guru, Marlene O’Brien, of Bayfield Berry Farm will be the instructor for Old Fashioned Preserving to be held on Aug. 21 starting at 3 p.m. Learn the step-by-step process of old fashioned preserving at this workshop to be held at the Bayfield Berry Farm, 77721 Orchard Line. She will instruct you on how to make sweet homemade freezer jam from seasonal fruits. On the salty side, you’ll be taught how to make fresh salsa from ripe August tomatoes. The workshop will discuss helpful tips for multi-uses of preserves. And participants can take home the finished products!

Avant-Garde Salad Preparations is the title of the cooking demonstration to be given by Joseph Petrinac, executive chef of the Little Inn of Bayfield on Aug. 22. The workshop will explore avenues in turning the everyday salad into an extraordinary treat for the palette. Using locally sourced ingredients, Petrinac will illustrate the concepts and creation of the salad course. The preparation, assembly and garnishes for the salad dish will be enhanced using modern gastronomic methods and techniques. The workshop will begin at 2 p.m. and will be held at The Little Inn of Bayfield, 26 Main Street N.

Carving 101 is a carving workshop for the home chef! Led by the Head Butcher from Olliffe, one of the finest butcher shops in Toronto, the workshop will reveal how to complete simple carving tasks without destroying favorite meats. The workshop will highlight a few hands-on techniques including how to tie like a pro, cutting a whole chicken into parts, and general knife skills such as how to French a rack of pork or lamb. This hands-on demonstration will be hosted by Sam Gundy of Forager Foods starting at 7 p.m. on Aug. 24. The workshop will be held at Forager Foods, 27 Main St. N.

After learning a variety of culinary techniques people are invited to sample the bounty of the Huron County harvests at a variety of events, one of which is being held in the village at the Bayfield Town Hall.

The Huron Gala Dinner will be held on Aug. 21 at 7:30 p.m. and tickets are available now for $100 per person.  The evening is being sponsored by Pelee Island Winery. This elegant five-course dinner emphasizes the quality and taste of ingredients produced within Huron County; with each course a different locally produced ingredient will be highlighted. The meal will be prepared by a team of the best chefs found in the county.

Bayfield isn't the only place to celebrate a Taste of Huron, if you would like to learn more about the other workshops or dinners being hosted around the county please visit the Taste of Huron website at www.tasteofhuron.ca.

FAIR TO COMBINE OLD FAVORITES WITH CONTEMPORARY TOUCHES

The King-Lyn Stables Precision Team put on a colorful show at the 153rd Bayfield Fall Fair. This year a variety of different entertainment is planned including a dog agility demonstration. (Photo by Melody Falconer-Pounder)

“Bring All Your Friends in 2010” to the Bayfield Fall Fair and experience a reinvented tradition. The 154^th fair will have a new look this year – gone is the midway replaced by a variety of unique amusements by Checkers Fun Factory of Hamilton.

Amusements such as the Bungee Run Extreme, Dunk Tank, Soccer Kick Extreme, a 9 Hole Mini Golf, Rock Climbing Extreme and Toddlers Paradise should keep all ages thoroughly entertained. And the fun costs a mere toonie a turn.

The traditional aspects of the fair that will never change are the chance to exhibit handicrafts, the harvest’s bounty and culinary delights. The Bayfield Fall Fair Prize Book can be downloaded off the fair board’s website at www.bayfieldfallfair.ca

Exhibitors may bring their entries to the Bayfield Arena on Aug. 19 from 6-9 p.m. and on Aug. 20 from 9-11:45 a.m. Exhibit judging will take place throughout the afternoon with the gates to the fair opening to the general public at 5:30 p.m.

Local dignitaries will be on hand to open the 154^th fair at 7 p.m. and then several talented youth will take to the stage for Bayfield’s Youth Talent Search, all competing for a chance to move on to the Western Fair competition held in London in September. 

Youth from far and wide come to participate in the show in the Junior and Youth categories in hopes of going on to that next level of competition. Bayfield has a proud tradition of sending on some stellar talent and organizers hope to continue that tradition this year. The show is scheduled for Aug. 20 and will start at approx. 7:15 p.m. in the Bayfield Community Centre. For more information on the talent show please contact this year’s organizer, Charles Kalbfleisch at 519 565-2244.

Aug. 21^st will dawn with agriculture stepping to the forefront at the fair. The Western (Light) Horse Show will take to the Main Ring starting at 9 a.m. A miniature horse show will be held in the side ring at noon. The 4-H Dairy Achievement day shall begin at noon followed by the 4-H Sheep Club Competition at 1 p.m. Then on Sunday, Aug. 22, the Heavy Horses will command attention in the Main Ring starting at noon.

The place to be on Saturday at 11 a.m. is on Main or John Streets ready to applaud all of the participants in the annual Bayfield Fall Fair Parade. Two of the bands participating in the parade will perform on the fairgrounds starting at noon. People will not want to miss either the Stratford Police Band or the OPP Commissioner’s Own Pipes and Drums performances.

Such activities as wiggle cars, a petting zoo, mini tractor pull, face painting, balloon animals, and a pet parade will keep folks busy all afternoon on Saturday. Be sure to catch the professional juggler’s act scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Johnny Toronto will not disappoint. The crowd will also be entertained by some four-legged friends, when Pawsitive Effects Training Solutions put on a dog agility demonstration at 3 p.m. on Saturday and again at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday. At 3:30 p.m. on Saturday a draw for a bicycle donated by Outside Projects on Main Street will be held and the winner must be present to claim their prize. Tickets on the bicycle will be sold for $1 each.

Saturday turns to Saturday night at 4 p.m. with a Beef Barbecue in the community centre and entertainment starting in the refreshment tent. Three groups will take turns on the stage from 4 p.m. to midnight. Howzat, The Cheap Shirts and Different Stages along with fire dancer – Diana Trzok are all scheduled to entertain. Cost to attend the evening show is $5 or free with the purchase of a $10 weekend pass.

On Aug. 22, a Jamboree will be held in the community centre. People can delight in this old time music from 1-5 p.m. Please note there is an additional admission of $4.

There is still plenty to do at the fair on a Sunday. There will be square dancing, round dancing and belly dancing demonstrations between 1-2:30 p.m. Magician, Daniel Steep will astound the crowds starting at 2:30 p.m.  The wiggle cars, face painting and balloon animals will be offered throughout the afternoon. And some of the animals on display in Old MacDonald’s Farm will give an encore pet parade at 3 p.m.

And then at 4 p.m. on Sunday exhibitors will be allowed to take home their displays as the 154^th fair winds down – but it sure does sound like a weekend to bring all your friends to, doesn’t it?

Fair goers can enjoy all the fair has to offer (with a few additional charges noted above) for $5 per day or $10 for a weekend pass, plus children under 12 are free! 

YESTERDAY'S BAYFIELD WILL BE A SOLD OUT PERFORMANCE

Have you ever wanted to go back in time and see what Bayfield was like in years gone by? For one hour on Aug. 29^th people will have an opportunity to take a walk back in time and meet some of this village's most interesting pioneers.  

This special guided heritage walk will start and end at Clan Gregor Square and the street theatre will start at 2 p.m. More than a dozen costumed characters will be strategically situated at significant locations on Main Street where they will tell their stories. These local actors will be dramatically portraying those men and women who were so important in making Bayfield the wonderful place it is today.

The cast has memorized their lines. At rehearsals, the actors have been carefully following the suggestions of director Judy Keightley, and all of the tickets have been sold.

This walk will be carefully orchestrated so that each group gets to enjoy the complete performance. Timing is tight and the tour guides will be making certain their groups of 15 don’t interfere with other groups and that each audience member can hear and see each performance. Ticket holders should be at Clan Gregor Square and prepared to start at 2 p.m. The walk should take about an hour and it will end at a Victorian Tea Party at the Bayfield Town Hall hosted by Gail Grant and Gayle Waters.

The principle characters will be stationed at locations around Main Street that are pertinent to their stories. In last week’s issue we were introduced to a few integral members of the cast including: Jane Rowat, as Mrs. Elliott; Clare Soper, as Charlotte Gairdner; Dave Gillians, as Tudor Marks; and Gwen Patterson, as Mrs. Erwin. The supporting cast are Pat Graham, as Admiral Bayfield; Philip Keightley, as Dr. Ninian M. Woods; Judith Gooding, who portrays a Charles Dickens loving school teacher; and Helen Latimer, who will be acting as fortune teller.

As promised in last week’s Bayfield Breeze here is a glimpse at some of the other main characters in the production.

Phil Gemeinhardt takes on the role of Johann Gemeinhardt. Some of Johann’s work is in the Ottawa Museum of Science and Technology. What did he do to deserve such recognition?

Kate Lloyd Reese will become Maud Stirling. She was one of the most decorated Canadian nurses during World War One. What did she do?

Bill Rowat portrays Hugh MacLeod. He was one of the most famous Lake Huron Fishermen and boat builders. How did he achieve such a great reputation?

Bill Higgs assumes the part of W.W. Connor. He was one of Bayfield’s first settlers. Why was he called the “heart and soul” of the village?

Bayfield Historical Society President, Dave Gillians said, ”We are delighted with the response to this fun event and it will be a tremendous relief when we use the proceeds to purchase a fireproof cabinet at the Bayfield Archives to protect our village’s most precious documents and pictures. I think we can call this the first annual Yesterday’s Bayfield!”

BAYFIELD NORTH WATERSHED ENHANCEMENT PROJECT RECEIVES FEDERAL FUNDING

Hope Brock, Healthy Watersheds Technician, for ABCA, and Jim Ginn, chair, ABCA Board of Directors, were present on Aug. 13 at Bayfield's Pioneer Park to hear a funding announcement made by Ben Lobb, Member of Parliament for Huron-Bruce (centre). (Submitted photo)

Ben Lobb, Member of Parliament for Huron-Bruce, stood by the bank of Pioneer Park in the village on the morning of Aug. 13th to announce $40,000 in federal funding to support the Bayfield North Watershed Enhancement Project implementation.

Lobb made the announcement on behalf of Canada’s Environment Minister, the Honorable Jim Prentice. The money will come from the federal EcoAction Community Funding Program (EACFP). It will support local action to reduce pollution, improve air and water quality, protect wildlife and natural habitat. It will also provide education on the importance of water quality and habitat restoration and residents will be encouraged to implement stewardship projects, including water quality assessments.

“Work in our local watershed is critical to ensuring the overall goal of protecting and improving the natural environment,” said Hope Brock, Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority Healthy Watersheds Technician. “With the commitment of landowners and funding support, everyone is able to take part in and learn about the importance of habitat restoration and water quality improvements to achieve this goal.”

The EACFP is a Government of Canada initiative that supports projects that rehabilitate, protect or enhance the natural environment, and builds the capacity of communities and individuals in support of a more sustainable nation.

“As part of the International Year of Biodiversity and with the support of the EcoAction Community Funding Program, local community groups here in Ontario and across Canada are taking forward action to improve our environment upon which our culture, economy and society depend,” said MP Lobb. “Each one of us has a role to play. The enhancement of our local Huron County watersheds is a demonstration of real action that is helping achieve this goal.”

“This government is committed to addressing the environmental priorities of Canadians,” said Minister Jim Prentice. “We are proud to support community groups across the country willing to take concrete action through on-the-ground environmental projects that will achieve a more sustainable Canada. Your actions, large or small, will help to protect the abundance and variety of life that is part of our natural heritage.”

This funding will assist locally-based, non-profit organizations in initiating actions that result in cleaner air, reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, cleaner water, and the protection of nature at the local community level.

 More information about the EACFP is available on Environment Canada’s website..

UNITED CHURCH

Karen and Bill Butt, United Church Overseas Personnel, who are currently home from Mozambique, will be the guest speakers at the St. Andrew’s United Church Anniversary Service to be held on Aug. 29 at 11 a.m.

Special music for the service will be provided by Sarah Hahn, singer and pianist.

In addition, there will be an opportunity to visit with the Butts at a luncheon to be held following the service. 

MARCHING BAND

In the past many Bayfield and area girls have been proud members of The Seaforth and District All Girls Marching Band. The band is currently looking for girls between the ages of 11 to 19 for their color party.

Girls would be part of the color party or be part of the flag waving corp. A trip to Disney World is being planned for March Break 2011 that these girls could also be a part of.

For more information please contact Charlie Kalbfleisch at 519 565-2244.

HISTORICAL SOCIETY

On Aug. 23, the Bayfield Historical Society will host one of its most significant “Speaker’s Series “ meetings ever at the Huron County Museum in Goderich starting at 7:30 p.m. The meeting will focus on the Johann Gemeinhardt Exhibit which is currently on display at the museum.

The exhibit features artifacts crafted by pioneer artisan Johann Gemeinhardt. All Bayfield Historical Society members and their guests are encouraged to meet at the Bayfield Lions Club Community Building at 6:30 p.m. so that car pooling can be arranged.

Gemeinhardt’s work is recognized internationally and samples of his craftmanship are at Ottawa’s Museum of Science and Technology. The Huron County Museum has managed to gather hundreds of artifacts from all over America in what has been called the definitive presentation of Gemeinhardt’s work.

Two of his many descendents, Tracey Saunders and Phil Gemeinhardt, will augment the event with family anecdotes and well researched facts about this very early Bayfield craftsman.

This is the most important display of Bayfield historical artifacts that has ever been held and if you enjoy exploring Bayfield’s heritage, it is sure to be a “once in a lifetime opportunity”.

BRVTA

Terry Fox began his Marathon of Hope on Apr. 12, 1980.

Thirty years have passed and to mark this anniversary the Bayfield River Valley Trail Association will host their second annual Terry Fox Run in Bayfield on Sept. 19th.  

To date over $500 million has been raised for cancer research in Canada and around the world. Last year, Bayfield contributed to Terry's dream of raising funds for finding a cure for cancer, a little over $2,400 was collected during the village's first ever run.

Pledge sheets and posters promoting this year's run will be out and around the town shortly.

Special 30th anniversary t-shirts are also for sale through the Terry Fox Foundation. If you are interested in ordering a t-shirt email Heidi Martin at outsideprojects@tcc.on.ca.  

All proceeds from the sale of the T-Shirts go directly to the Terry Fox Foundation. Adult t-shirts in sizes small to extra large are $17; child t-shirts (32 in.) are $15.

 PIONEER PARK

Pioneer Park will be the place to be toward the end of August when two musical groups will be the opening acts for the park's world famous sunsets.

On Aug. 21st, the London-based a cappella group Six Vocal Ensemble will be performing. The group recently launched their new album "Swept Away" at the Grand Theatre. The group was formed in 2005 and to learn more about them please visit their website, sixvocalensemble.com

Then on Aug. 28th the always popular Goderich-based group, The Pastels will take concert goers on a trip down memory lane with their unique take on the classics.

Both concerts shall begin at 7 p.m. 

 BAYFIELD CONCERT SERIES

The fall line up of top tier entertainment has been established for the autumn months in the ongoing Bayfield Concert Series. The concerts feature big town Canadian singers going small town and highlights opening acts of local Huron County talent.

The concert schedule is as follows: Sept. 25, Jason Collett; Oct. 30, Oh Susanna; Nov. 13, Danny Michel; and Dec. 10, Good Lovelies. 

Ticket prices range from $25 to $35. Tickets are available at the Black Dog Pub and Bistro, Ernie King (Goderich) and at www.ticketscene.ca

The concerts are being presented by Meades Bros. Productions and The Little Inn of Bayfield. Overnight packages are now available at The Little Inn; to learn more please call 1-800-565-1832.

CHAMBER NEWS

The membership of the Bayfield and Area Chamber of Commerce (BACC) will hold their annual general meeting (AGM) at 7 p.m. on Aug. 23 in the Bayfield Town Hall.

Following the AGM a public meeting unveiling the now completed Business Retention and Expansion Report 2010 (BR&E) will take place starting at 8 p.m.

The BR&E project was started in June of 2009 and used the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs BR&E tools to identify the business climate in Bayfield.

The project occurred under the leadership of the BACC in conjunction with the Municipality of Bluewater and representatives of the six groups comprising the Bayfield Revitalization Committee.

PUBLIC FORUM

A group calling themselves, Concerned Citizens of Bluewater, is extending an invitation to all ratepayers in the municipality to attend a public meeting on Aug. 26.

Those who attend will have the opportunity to share, and present on, ongoing concerns within the Municipality of Bluewater in anticipation of the Oct. 25 municipal elections. All members of Bluewater Council have been invited to attend.

The meeting will be held in the auditorium of the Stanley Complex in Varna starting at 7 p.m.

CHAP

Village residents may be surprised to learn that they don't have to drive to a larger centre for heart healthy care.

Blood pressure measurement and monitoring sessions are being held right here in Bayfield as part of the Cardiovascular Health Awareness Program (CHAP).

The goal of CHAP is to promote cardiovascular health in the local community and to raise awareness about the importance of blood pressure monitoring.

Trained volunteers will help participants measure their blood pressure and complete a heart and stroke risk profile. A copy of these results will be given to the participant and, with their permission, sent to their family physician and regular pharmacist.

The sessions are run from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., on the third Thursday of every month, at Pharmasave Michael's Pharmacy.

To learn more please call local CHAP Coordinator, Kelly Webster, at 519-236-4373 ex 632

FITNESS FUN

According to Pat Lewington, of Bayfield, people in the area have expressed an interest in learning how to play Bridge and she recently discovered that lessons are available in Goderich.

Anyone with an interest should contact Tom at 519 524-6374. Lessons in Bridge and Duplicate Bridge will be offered at the Goderich Legion starting on Aug. 23 at 1 p.m.

Pickleball continues at the Middleton's Orchard tennis courts on Mondays and Tuesdays starting at 9 a.m. and on Wednesdays from 2-4 p.m. The sport has been described as slower paced tennis.

And, of course, Pole Walking remains a popular part of many fitness regimes. If you are an early bird the Tuesday 8 a.m. sessions of Pole Walking may be perfect for you. There is also a Pole Walking session held on Thursdays at 3:30 p.m. All groups depart from 6 Main Street. The session incorporates an hour of walking with an ending cool down stretch.    

Anyone interested in Pickleball or new to Pole Walking can contact Livingston at 519 565-2202 for more information.

Plus, exercise classes will continue through the summer months.

Dancefit and Toning classes are held Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 9 a.m. The Sit and Get Fit Classes take place on Mondays and Wednesdays at 10:15 a.m. Both classes are held in the Bayfield Community Centre.

 ARCHIVES ROOM

The Bayfield Historic Walking Tour booklets are now available to guide both residents and visitors about our fair village.

The booklet, is based on notes of a Guided Walking Tour composed by Elaine Sturgeon, volunteer archivist from 2001-08. These notes were revised and expanded by Dianne Smith and produced by the Bayfield Historical Society,

Ralph Laviolette current volunteer archivist and Dave Gillians, historical society president. Its production was funded by memberships, donations and a grant from the Huron Heritage Fund.

The Historic Walking Tour booklets are now available for $5 each at the Bayfield Archives Room on Main Street or by calling 519 565-2454. The booklet is in a 5.5 X 8 inch format and includes a map at its centre. The booklet was created to compliment the Bayfield Historical Society guided walking tours that depart from the Bayfield Archives Room every Saturday morning at 10 a.m. during August.   

BRIDGE CLUB

Please be advised that the Wednesday Evening Bridge Club will meet at the Bayfield Lions' Community Building on Aug. 18. The decks will be shuffled starting at 7 p.m

CAMP KINTAIL DAY CAMPS COMING TO A CLOSE

Both local children and summer visitors can look forward to the Camp Kintail Day Camps held on Wednesdays until Aug. 25.

Knox Presbyterian Church in Bayfield has partnered with Camp Kintail, the area Presbyterian Church camp, to offer a Christian based Day Camp every Wednesday at the church this summer.

To date 50 children have registered for the Day Camps held every Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

“The staff counselors from Camp Kintail have gifted the children who live or are visiting in or nearby our village with a wonderful program of crafts, swimming at the lake, nature experiences over in the park, games, singing and Christian stories and teachings,” said Rev. Susan Moore, minister at Knox, Bayfield. “We are also so thankful for all those from our church community here in Bayfield who volunteered time to supervise the children and bring and/or serve snacks and lunch each week.”

Next Wednesday marks the last week for children to enjoy this camping experience. Anyone interested in taking part should come to the church by 9 a.m. For further information call the church at 519 565-2913 or Rev. Moore at 519 238-8272.