“Respecting the Past while Embracing the Future!” ~ “Without our Past … we have nothing!” ~ History is the Original Recycler”!

We are concluding our Interview here with Jodie Easson, representing the Caledonia Agricultural Society in this fabulous, fun, interesting, educational (“Agri-cational”), entertaining Interview with “THE INSIDE SCOOP”.

Judi "Scoop" McWilliams ~ Ontario Visited
Great Interview with
Jodie Easson ~ Caledonia Agricultural Society ~ More than just a FAIR!

There is a lot of “SCOOP”, and Gary and I are excited to present this “INSIDE SCOOP” Blog via VIDEO. We had a sunny fabulous day to shot the Video at Collingwood ~ Blue Mountain Village. Jodie and her daughter had come the area for a dance competition (her daughter that is), and Jodie was able to carve in some time to share her insights, knowledge, and great sense of humour with us all.

We hope you enjoy this 7 Part Series of “THE INSIDE SCOOP” with Caledonia Agricultural Society ~ Great information for any Festival, Event, Organization, and Associations! Lots to learn!

PART 7 ~ “Respecting the Past while Embracing the Future!” ~ “Without our Past … we have nothing!” ~ History is the Original Recycler”!

You are welcome to check out the Caledonia Agricultural Society website for all their events and activities at the Fairgrounds. Check out at http://caledoniafair.ca/PHP/cashome.php.

You can also check out our Ontario Festivals Visited You Tube Channel for ongoing Videos: Tours of Ontario’s adventures and discoveries! Check out at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCz-JADna-sRdu9NQi18rymw.

Finally, have fun with our weekly “Oh Canada Eh! Game” ~ online interactive video with questions about Canada leading up to our 150^th Sesquicentennial in 2017! Enjoy! Please see at http://ontariofestivalsvisited.ca/oh-canada-eh-the-game.html. 

“Home for the Harvest” ~ “Traditions are our link to the Past!” ~ Scoop from President Jeff Dornan ~ Norwood Fall Fair ~ Rick Mercer YouTube Video

“Home for the Harvest” ~ “Traditions are our link to the Past!” ~ Scoop from President Jeff Dornan ~ Norwood Fall Fair ~ Rick Mercer YouTube Video

Norwood Fall Fair ~ Thanksgiving Weekend

“It is my privilege to invite you to come and enjoy a day or two or maybe even three at the 2015 Norwood Thanksgiving Weekend Fair.

The Fair has a long history in the township of Asphodel-Norwood and one that we as a community can be justifiably a bit proud of. Our fairground sign proudly displays the statement “A Tradition Since 1868”. The word tradition might conjure up memories of times past or of “old ways” of doing things, and many traditions will usually create a welcome sense of comfort and familiarity.

The first meeting of what would eventually become the Norwood Agricultural Society was held in the year 1868, however there are many stories and records that place  the fairs beginnings considerably earlier to a least the 1840’s. Organized by our community minded ancestors, these early exhibitions were large community events where area farmers could display their harvests and their livestock, the farmer’s wife and children could also display their handiwork, preserves and baking.

Essentially the Norwood Fair began as a community gathering, a place where family, friends and neighbours got together for some good-natured competition, to catch up on town gossip, share a few stories and I would imagine to share even more laughs. This homecoming family-like atmosphere is what we as directors of the fair work diligently to preserve and cultivate, and it is those humble beginnings that form the basis for many of the traditions that we strive to pass on to future generations of fair goers.

Traditions are our link to our past - it is where we came from and one of our earliest mandates was to stay faithful to our agricultural heritage; we strive to accomplish this by insisting that our shows and competitions stay agricultural in nature. This directive allows us to stay connected to our past and honour the efforts and aspirations of our forefathers, while still providing us the freedom to evolve and grow.

While the fair has its own customs that it adheres to, it is also responsible for creating many family traditions. For most people that grew up in Norwood or the surrounding area the Fair tends to become a Thanksgiving ritual for them and their family, the holiday weekend will include a pilgrimage to the fair as well as gathering to enjoy a holiday feast together. As time passes and families move and expand this annual ritual usually still continues; bringing extended family members back home for a trip to the Fair and the annual friendly fight over the stuffing.

Keeping and maintaining treasured and familiar customs is where traditions are born, they create a sense of belonging and a sense of comfort in knowing that certain things will stay the same for as long as possible.

For our theme this year we have incorporated both family and Fair traditions together and I hope you will make or continue to make, the Norwood Fair a part of your own Thanksgiving weekend traditions as I invite you to come “Home for the Harvest”.

Have an enjoyable and fun filled time with your family and friends at the Norwood Fair”.

Judi "Scoop" McWilliams
Ontario Visited enjoys Norwood Fair

Norwood Fall Fair fun for all generations!

Rick Mercer with Norwood Fall Fair
 President, Jeff Dornan

 ENJOY THIS GREAT YOU TUBE VIDEO ~ RICK MERCER at NORWOOD FALL FAIR

“SIGNAGE!” ~ “Embrace New Technology” ~ “TAG & BRAG”

We welcome you to join along with our Interview with Jodie Easson, representing the Caledonia Agricultural Society to this fabulous, fun, interesting, educational (“Agri-cational”), entertaining Interview with “THE INSIDE SCOOP”.

Judi "Scoop" McWilliams ~ Ontario Festivals Visited 
Great Interview with
Jodie Easson ~ Caledonia Agricultural Society

There is a lot of “SCOOP”, and Gary and I are excited to present this “INSIDE SCOOP” Blog via VIDEO. We had a sunny fabulous day to shot the Video at Collingwood ~ Blue Mountain Village. Jodie and her daughter had come the area for a dance competition (her daughter that is), and Jodie was able to carve in some time to share her insights, knowledge, and great sense of humour with us all.

We hope you enjoy this 7 Part Series of “THE INSIDE SCOOP” with Caledonia Agricultural Society ~ Great information for any Festival, Event, Organization, and Associations! Lots to learn!

PART 6 ~ “SIGNAGE!” ~ “Embrace New Technology” ~ “TAG & BRAG”

Stay tuned for Part 7 ~ “Respecting the Past while Embracing the Future!” ~ “Without our Past … we have nothing!” ~ History is the Original Recycler”!

In the meantime, you are welcome to check out the Caledonia Agricultural Society website for all their events and activities at the Fairgrounds. Check out at http://caledoniafair.ca/PHP/cashome.php.

You can also check out our Ontario Festivals Visited You Tube Channel for ongoing Videos: Tours of Ontario’s adventures and discoveries! Check out at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCz-JADna-sRdu9NQi18rymw.

Finally, have fun with our weekly “Oh Canada Eh! Game” ~ online interactive video with questions about Canada leading up to our 150^th Sesquicentennial in 2017! Enjoy! Please see at http://ontariofestivalsvisited.ca/oh-canada-eh-the-game.html. 

“Classic Country Fair with a bit of an Edge”! ~ “Change is Scary” ~ “Keep it Fresh!” ~ “Banks of the Grand River”

We welcome you to join along with our Interview with Jodie Easson, representing the Caledonia Agricultural Society to this fabulous, fun, interesting, educational (“Agri-cational”), entertaining Interview with “THE INSIDE SCOOP”.

Jodie Easson ~ Caledonia Agricultural Society

Judi "Scoop" McWilliams
interview with Jodie Easson
Enjoying a Beautiful Day!
There is a lot of “SCOOP”, and Gary and I are excited to present this “INSIDE SCOOP” Blog via VIDEO. We had a sunny fabulous day to shot the Video at Collingwood ~ Blue Mountain Village. Jodie and her daughter had come the area for a dance competition (her daughter that is), and Jodie was able to carve in some time to share her insights, knowledge, and great sense of humour with us all.

We hope you enjoy this 7 Part Series of “THE INSIDE SCOOP” with Caledonia Agricultural Society ~ Great information for any Festival, Event, Organization, and Associations! Lots to learn!

PART #5 ~ “Classic Country Fair with a bit of an Edge”! ~ “Change is Scary” ~ “Keep it Fresh!” ~ “Banks of the Grand River”

Stay tuned for Part 6 ~ “SIGNAGE!” ~ “Embrace New Technology” ~ “TAG & BRAG”

In the meantime, you are welcome to check out the Caledonia Agricultural Society website for all their events and activities at the Fairgrounds. Check out at http://caledoniafair.ca/PHP/cashome.php.

You can also check out our Ontario Festivals Visited You Tube Channel for ongoing Videos: Tours of Ontario’s adventures and discoveries! Check out at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCz-JADna-sRdu9NQi18rymw.

Finally, have fun with our weekly “Oh Canada Eh! Game” ~ online interactive video with questions about Canada leading up to our 150^th Sesquicentennial in 2017! Enjoy! Please see at http://ontariofestivalsvisited.ca/oh-canada-eh-the-game.html. 

“Agri-cation” ~ “Community Growth” ~ “Engaging Youth” ~ “Best Way to Ensure the Future!”

We welcome you to join along with our Interview with Jodie Easson, representing the Caledonia Agricultural Society to this fabulous, fun, interesting, educational (“Agri-cational”), entertaining Interview with “THE INSIDE SCOOP”.

Judi "Scoop" McWilliams ~ Ontario Visited
interviews
Jodie Easson ~ Caledonia Agricultural Society

There is a lot of “SCOOP”, and Gary and I are excited to present this “INSIDE SCOOP” Blog via VIDEO. We had a sunny fabulous day to shot the Video at Collingwood ~ Blue Mountain Village. Jodie and her daughter had come the area for a dance competition (her daughter that is), and Jodie was able to carve in some time to share her insights, knowledge, and great sense of humour with us all.

We hope you enjoy this 7 Part Series of “THE INSIDE SCOOP” with Caledonia Agricultural Society ~ Great information for any Festival, Event, Organization, and Associations! Lots to learn!

PART 4 ~ “Agri-cation” ~ “Community Growth” ~ “Engaging Youth” ~ “Best Way to Ensure the Future!”

Ontario Festivals Visited YouTube Video ~ Interview

Stay tuned for Part 5 ~ “Classic Country Fair with a bit of an Edge”! ~ “Change is Scary” ~ “Keep it Fresh!” ~ “Banks of the Grand River”

In the meantime, you are welcome to check out the Caledonia Agricultural Society website for all their events and activities at the Fairgrounds. Check out at http://caledoniafair.ca/PHP/cashome.php.

You can also check out our Ontario Festivals Visited You Tube Channel for ongoing Videos: Tours of Ontario’s adventures and discoveries! Check out at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCz-JADna-sRdu9NQi18rymw.

Finally, have fun with our weekly “Oh Canada Eh! Game” ~ online interactive video with questions about Canada leading up to our 150^th Sesquicentennial in 2017! Enjoy! Please see at http://ontariofestivalsvisited.ca/oh-canada-eh-the-game.html. 

“Caledonia Fair Memories” ~ “1987 Fair Queen” ~ “Breaking the Barriers” ~ “Growth & Change”

We welcome you to join along with our Interview with Jodie Easson, representing the Caledonia Agricultural Society to this fabulous, fun, interesting, educational (“Agri-cational”), entertaining Interview with “THE INSIDE SCOOP”.

Judi "Scoop" McWilliams ~ Ontario Visited
interview with
Jodie Easson, Caledonia Agricultural Society

There is a lot of “SCOOP”, and Gary and I are excited to present this “INSIDE SCOOP” Blog via VIDEO. We had a sunny fabulous day to shot the Video at Collingwood ~ Blue Mountain Village. Jodie and her daughter had come the area for a dance competition (her daughter that is), and Jodie was able to carve in some time to share her insights, knowledge, and great sense of humour with us all.

We hope you enjoy this 7 Part Series of “THE INSIDE SCOOP” with Caledonia Agricultural Society ~ Great information for any Festival, Event, Organization, and Associations! Lots to learn!

Ontario Festivals Visited You Tube Interview 

PART 3 ~ “Caledonia Fair Memories” ~ “1987 Fair Queen” ~ “Breaking the Barriers” ~ “Growth & Change”

Stay tuned for Part 4 ~ “Agri-cation” ~ “Community Growth” ~ “Engaging Youth” ~ “Best Way to Ensure the Future!”

In the meantime, you are welcome to check out the Caledonia Agricultural Society website for all their events and activities at the Fairgrounds. Check out at http://caledoniafair.ca/PHP/cashome.php.

You can also check out our Ontario Festivals Visited You Tube Channel for ongoing Videos: Tours of Ontario’s adventures and discoveries! Check out at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCz-JADna-sRdu9NQi18rymw.

Finally, have fun with our weekly “Oh Canada Eh! Game” ~ online interactive video with questions about Canada leading up to our 150^th Sesquicentennial in 2017! Enjoy! Please see at http://ontariofestivalsvisited.ca/oh-canada-eh-the-game.html. 

“Appreciating Volunteers” ~ “Keeping Promises” ~ Caledonia Agricultural Society ~ Interview ~ Jodie Easson

We welcome you to join along with our Interview with Jodie Easson, representing the Caledonia Agricultural Society to this fabulous, fun, interesting, educational (“Agri-cational”), entertaining Interview with “THE INSIDE SCOOP”.

Judi "Scoop" McWilliams ~ Ontario Visited
"Jodie Easson" ~ Caledonia Agricultural Society
Interview ~ Blue Mountain Village, Collingwood

There is a lot of “SCOOP”, and Gary and I are excited to present this “INSIDE SCOOP” Blog via VIDEO. We had a sunny fabulous day to shot the Video at Collingwood ~ Blue Mountain Village. Jodie and her daughter had come the area for a dance competition (her daughter that is), and Jodie was able to carve in some time to share her insights, knowledge, and great sense of humour with us all.

We hope you enjoy this 7 Part Series of “THE INSIDE SCOOP” with Caledonia Agricultural Society ~ Great information for any Festival, Event, Organization, and Associations! Lots to learn!

PART #2 ~ “Appreciating Volunteers” ~ “Keeping Promises”

Stay tuned for Part 3 ~ “Caledonia Fair Memories” ~ “1987 Fair Queen” ~ “Breaking the Barriers” ~ “Growth & Change”.

In the meantime, you are welcome to check out the Caledonia Agricultural Society website for all their events and activities at the Fairgrounds. Check out at http://caledoniafair.ca/PHP/cashome.php.

You can also check out our Ontario Festivals Visited You Tube Channel for ongoing Videos: Tours of Ontario’s adventures and discoveries! Check out at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCz-JADna-sRdu9NQi18rymw.

Finally, have fun with our weekly “Oh Canada Eh! Game” ~ online interactive video with questions about Canada leading up to our 150^th Sesquicentennial in 2017! Enjoy! Please see at http://ontariofestivalsvisited.ca/oh-canada-eh-the-game.html. 

#TGIGT" ~ Thank Goodness It's Fair Time ~ "Importance of Volunteers" ~ Caledonia Agricultural Society ~ Interview ~ Jodie Easson

Introducing some GREAT SCOOP! 

We welcome you to join along with our Interview with Jodie Easson, representing the Caledonia Agricultural Society to this fabulous, fun, interesting, educational (“Agri-cational”), entertaining Interview with “THE INSIDE SCOOP”.

Judi "Scoop" McWilliams ~ Ontario Visited
"Jodie Easson" ~ Caledonia Agricultural Society
Collingwood ~ Blue Mountain Village ~ Interview

This is a lot of GREAT “SCOOP”, and Gary and I are excited to present this “INSIDE SCOOP” Blog via VIDEO. 
We had a sunny fabulous day to shoot the Video at Collingwood ~ Blue Mountain Village. Jodie and her daughter had come the area for a dance competition (her daughter that is), and Jodie was able to carve in some time to share her insights, knowledge, and great sense of humor with us all, along with some fun Video from the Caledonia Fair itself!

We hope you enjoy this 7 Part Series of “THE INSIDE SCOOP” with Caledonia Agricultural Society ~ Great information for any Festival, Event, Organization, and Associations! Lots to learn!

PART # 1 #TGIGT" ~ Thank Goodness It's Fair Time ~ "Importance of Volunteers" ~ Caledonia Agricultural Society ~ Interview ~ Jodie Easson

Stay tuned for Part 2 ~ “Appreciating Volunteers” ~ “Keeping Promises”.

In the meantime, you are welcome to check out the Caledonia Agricultural Society website for all their events and activities at the Fairgrounds. Check out at http://caledoniafair.ca/PHP/cashome.php.

You can also check out our Ontario Festivals Visited You Tube Channel for ongoing Videos: Tours of Ontario’s adventures and discoveries! Check out at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCz-JADna-sRdu9NQi18rymw.

Finally, have fun with our weekly “Oh Canada Eh! Game” ~ online interactive video with questions about Canada leading up to our 150^th Sesquicentennial in 2017! Enjoy! Please see at http://ontariofestivalsvisited.ca/oh-canada-eh-the-game.html. 

Why am I not Peacefully Retired????

Our “THE INSIDE SCOOP” interview with Cyndee Barrette, Sole Proprietor Crazy Bitch BBQ Sauce concludes with this anecdote.

Over the course of the year, the “Scoop” collects anecdotes to publish. Cyndee Barrette, Sole Proprietor Crazy Bitch BBQ Sauce shares with our THE INSIDE SCOOP this “anecdote”…

Why am I not Peacefully Retired????

(An anecdotal account of a so-called-not-so-part-time-unplanned-business!)

Let me begin by saying The Tale of the Crazy Bitch is a factual account of how I arrived at this point and the names HAVE NOT been changed to protect the innocent (see www.crazybitch.ca). Let me ALSO say that I am not 20 years old and spent my life in a less-than-satisfying job that thankfully had great perks and I am more thankfully retired from! I say this because I was no doubt a petri dish waiting to grow!

Being a ‘child of the north’ born and raised in Timmins area (South Porcupine, specifically) I have done my time with the cold and snow so living in Barrie makes me feel like I am in Florida and driving to Parry Sound in November is not an unfamiliar feat for me. I attend a great juried artisan event there every year at the Stockey Centre (Home of Bobby Orr memorabilia).

Things were going just too well this year and I entered the parking lot in preparation for a good unload and set up when BANG!!! I thought I was being attacked by snipers….I then realized that I was ‘lowering’! When I saw a look of horror come across a witness to all this, I really knew I was in trouble! It seems that something (still don’t know what) was protruding from a snow laden cement median and punctured my driver front tire – yes, the very tire that my husband had said “Cyndee – you KNOW you NEED to replace those winter tires soon”! I proceeded to ‘melt down’ & wail (an art form I have perfected) but, luckily the nice witness had CAA and in an effort to calm me down, called them. As luck would also have it, SHE KNEW A MECHANIC!!! (double big YAY!)

Within two hours, little men from CAA arrived and put my ‘doughnut spare’ on….I didn’t even know where it was but after digging through a lifetime supply of ‘green grocery bags’ and old running shoes (in case I saw something nice in the forest while driving and needed to take off my pumps to retrieve it), there it was! I will say at this point that to this day, I never paid a dime for this service and I assume the nice witness lady had credit in that area so she was handsomely paid in all gluten free CRAZY BITCH BBQ SAUCES!  She was thrilled and so was I.

Well as it turned out the mechanic friend lived a distance out of town and couldn’t come and get the car and I needed to stop freaking out and set up for the masses waiting to attend this awesome event. That meant I had to go to the Canadian Tire in Parry Sound at quitting time and beg, plead, cry and yes, eat (an entire box of licorice all sorts – my drug of choice). They too were paid handsomely with CRAZY BITCH BBQ SAUCES! They no doubt thought I was the Crazy Bitch despite my telling them all about Ginger, the poster girl!

The happy ending here was that only $130 later, all was well by 6:30 p.m. and I was so worn out from the stress of it all, I slowly went to the hotel and collapsed until the second day of this event….I am firmly of the belief that I will NEVER die of a heart attack because if ever it was going to happen, then that would have been the time.

I don’t know a soul in Parry Sound and was alone for the event. The entire day looked like a re-run of The Bugs Bunny Show featuring the Roadrunner, the Tasmanian Devil (me) and Foghorn Leghorn!  I was exhausted!  And yes, I DO keep asking myself, ‘why am I not peacefully retired?!’

Cyndee Barrette, Sole Proprietor Crazy Bitch BBQ Sauce
"on the road"

P.S.  To this day, my ‘observant husband’ STILL doesn’t realize that I have one BRAND NEW WINTER TIRE on that red 2008 Toyota Prius Hybrid that ‘needed’ new winter tires! My cover will, however, be blown come the Spring when he arranges to have the ‘snows’ removed and the summer ones installed. I will then puff out my chest and advise him that he doesn’t notice EVERYTHING about a car that he THINKS he does!  He is too preoccupied with the ‘car that ruined my life’ outside in the driveway which is HIS….an UNPAID FOR 2014 Limited Edition Jeep Cherokee that I DID NOT WANT!  (BUT that is another story…….).

Don’t forget to check out Crazy Bitch BBQ Sauce at www.crazybitch.ca. I’m sure Cyndee will be glad you checked out her website to laugh along and enjoy!

WORLD CLASS 360 VIEW ~ Special Interview ~ Joe Corrigan ~ Lang Pioneer Village Museum ~ Jacquard Loom

Lang Pioneer Village Museum

We are excited to share this great Interview with Mr. Joe Corrigan, Lang Pioneer Village Museum who took some time to share with us the amazing insight and "Behind the Scenes" knowledge about their "WORLD CLASS" Jacquard Loom.

It is exciting to know that everyone has an opportunity to view in a 360 degree view the Jacquard Loom and learn about this very important part of Canadian History, World History. Join Lang Pioneer Village Museum in Keene during their Textile Traditions Days event. It all starts Thursday, August 13th - Sunday, August 16th ~ 10:00 am - 4:00 pm.

Discover the history of textiles at Textile Traditions Days! How did the earliest settlers clothe themselves when they didn’t have access to commercial fabrics? What did they learn from the First Nations that provided them with more practical footwear for the new terrain of the Canadian bush? Find out the answers to these questions and more at Textile Traditions Days. See demonstrations in carding, spinning, weaving, knitting, embroidery, rug-hooking, and other textile traditions. Attend the Festival of Textiles on Saturday, August 15* to see demonstrations and displays from local guilds working in textile traditions today and witness a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Jacquard Loom.

Their Special Event ~ Festival of Textiles happens on Saturday, August 15th ~ 10:00 am - 4:00 pm. Join in to celebrate textile traditions!
This event Features:
* A ribbon-cutting ceremony for Lang’s replica Jacquard Loom
* Fibre demonstrations from local guilds and artisans including rug hooking, lace-making, embroidery, quilting, weaving, knitting and more.
* 19th century fashion and undergarments with Charlene Roberts from A Stitch in Time
* Natural dyeing and sheep shearing demonstrations
* Horse-drawn wagon rides
* The Kawartha Truth and Reconciliation Support Group quilt on display with interpretation on process and meaning
* Fibre Artist Marketplace (Note: The Fibre Artist Marketplace will be located in front of the Visitor Centre. Interested shoppers are not required to pay admission to peruse the Marketplace)
* Dorothy Caldwell, internationally acclaimed textile artist- Meet Dorothy and purchase a limited edition Art Gallery of Peterborough exhibit catalogue Silent Ice/Deep Patience to have signed by the artist (11 am to 1 pm only).
* Book reading and signing by local author Joanne Findon author of Seeking our Eden: The * Dreams and Migrations of Sarah Jameson Craig, a story about dress reform in Canada.

Our friend Julia ~ Lang Pioneer Village Museum
Ontario Festivals Visited photograph

"Running FREE at Festival of Textiles"!
Ontario Festivals Visited photograph

Music affects culture! ~ The Next Generation Leahy

Music affects culture!

Our interview continues with The Next Generation Leahy …

We asked if they felt their “type of music” was a dying art. We wondered if their audience was that of an “older generation”, living from the momentum of The Leahy Family … They tell me they do not feel they have a “target audience”. Anyone who loves enthusiasm, upbeat tempos, Celtic music, foot tapping rhythms, fantastic dance, song, joyous music, will love The Next Generation Leahy! Doug and Jennifer try to provide access for all visitors, to make their performances affordable for all, in particular, children.

The Next Generation Leahy
Ontario Festivals Visited ~ Interview at
Home in Lakefield

Music affects culture!

The root of their music is Irish, Scottish, mainly inspired from Cape Breton. We asked how they felt their music fit into the society and music of today. Their type of music roots are based from dances, waltz, rigs and more. On a smaller scale, Jennifer says the culture starts with small parties and family gatherings. “Music starts the party!”

On our way out, we discovered that this was the first interview the children had done, and Mom tells us truthfully they were nervous. While the Leahy Family welcomed us into their home, I had to confess to the kids that I was nervous. They are so talented, I was inspired and in “awe” seeing them at the Westben Arts Festival Theatre, I felt privledge to have their time, insight and share an experience of learning from their experiences.

We stopped to enjoy the cattle grazing in the field by the house and the Gary shot some footage for the boys as they performed "their famous golf swings"!

The Next Generation Leahy
Ontario Festivals Visited ~ Interview at
Home in Lakefield

We hope you have enjoyed this series of “THE INSIDE SCOOP” with The Next Generation Leahy. In the meantime, we welcome you to follow Doug Leahy and The Next Generation Leahy at http://www.dougleahy.com/home.html. Their 2015 Tour Schedule is available as they journey across North America.

The Way of the Future! ~ Why is it critical to promote your Business and create exposure!

The Way of the Future! ~ Why is it critical to promote your Business and create exposure! ~ “Tips”, “Experiences”, “Advice” …

"Great Exposure"
Cyndee Barrette, Sole Proprietor Crazy Bitch BBQ Sauce

Cyndee Barrette, Sole Proprietor shares with our readers … “Website exposure is critical as that is the way of the future to shop online. I don’t venture out anywhere unless I know where I am going and what I am after because I don’t want to waste time and the internet provides that luxury. 

I often have heard new businesses say that they don’t have a website yet….that is one of the first things you should do because while you are building the rest, people are surfing and can find you. As well, a great graphic artist and printer are your best friends as they create your branding when you are not present. 

I have wonderful business cards and brochures that give great info into what I do and how I do it. Business is very competitive and I look through the eyes of ‘why do they want to buy this’? I am a critical shopper and make my product line to attract a critical shopper – competition is HUGE!

“Tips”, “Experiences”, “Advice” …

Cyndee Barrette, Sole Proprietor Crazy Bitch BBQ Sauce shares with us … “In addition to much listed above, I will repeat that ‘knowing what brains to pick’ is a real critical piece along with knowing where your strong points lie and what components of business you need to hire out for (generally, that would be the website and graphics, in my view).

I do believe that people need to keep revisiting the question “what is it that I really really really want”. That is a very tough one and the answer can vary from time to time. I ask myself that question constantly because it is very easy to be caught up in hype about your business and suggestion to do something that may not be timely or appropriate and it is easy to become swayed. It is very complimentary to hear such things but at the end of the day, it may not be what is in your best interest. 

Always really examine what it is you want and stick with that. I really do listen to my gut and it has never steered me wrong.

Not all business means having to pay a mortgage ….sometimes it can be a happy retirement project, a satisfying flexible career while being a stay-at-home parent etc. etc. 

Find out what you want to do and why – it’s a tougher question than you realize. Every year, I check in with myself to see ‘what worked and what didn’t last year’. In January of each year, I start the planning line for the upcoming season and stick with that plan because nothing good is gained when you are flying around at the last minute trying to get into events that should have been dealt with earlier. 

A word of warning is this….if an event is looking for vendors ‘at the eleventh hour’ then that is your clue to stay away from it because anything worthwhile attending is booked up early!

Stay tuned for more “SCOOP” … “Why am I not Peacefully Retired???? (An anecdotal account of a so-called-not-so-part-time-unplanned-business!). If in the meantime you would like to check our Ms Barrette’s website, I’m sure she’d love your visit … www.crazybitch.ca.

Diversity! ~ In education and Life! ~ The Next Generation Leahy

Diversity! ~ In education and Life!

SHARING KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCES ~ GIVING BACK

Our interview continues with The Next Generation Leahy …

"Sharing Knowledge"
"Having Fun"
The Next Generation Leahy with
Ontario Festivals Visited

The children do enjoy “Skype” and other Social Media outlets. We were able to ask the kids if they felt, given all their talent, if they ever shared some of their experiences with other children from around their community, Region, Nation, World. The children told us they love “family gatherings”. The parents believe that most people need and will get attention in life, positive or negative. They hope that the positive attention their children receive will allow them to share with others, who in turn, will learn to experience life a positive.

As parents, both Doug and Jennifer believe it is their responsibility to help the children build confidence and share the happiness and joy with others. They realize that it is their job to provide the tools and opportunities for their children. Some School Boards today have been de-emphasizing the arts and music programs and the Leahy Family feels this is very detrimental.

Diversity! ~ In education and Life!

"Festival Nomad" Gary McWilliams ~ Ontario Festivals Visited
Doug Leahy ~ The Next Generation Leahy
"Sharing Knowledge ~ Having Fun"

Jennifer feels schools today need diversity! Children should be allowed to express themselves, through arts, music, theatre and more. She tells us that a lot of emphasis is on sports and “competition”, and “financial gain” through “winning sports competitions”. It is true we hear some people believe “as long as you participated, had fun, that’s all that matters”. Yet, we all know there are those in society who say “win at any cost”. Jennifer said that some children are encouraged to “knock someone down and beat them at the game”. The Leahy family loves sports, they couldn’t live without sports, and it is a large component of their lives, not to misinterpret what they are sharing with us. They feel you should not “put all your eggs in one basket”.

Stay tuned for great insights and more “INSIDE SCOOP” with The Next Generation Leahy ~ Music affects culture! In the meantime, we welcome you to follow Doug Leahy and The Next Generation Leahy at http://www.dougleahy.com/home.html. Their 2015 Tour Schedule is available as they journey across North America.

“Volunteers are the Key to Success”! Lombardy Agricultural Society ~ 10 year old Anthony!

 “Volunteers are the Key to Success”! Lombardy Agricultural Society ~ 10 year old Anthony!

Over the past couple of years, Ontario Visited has been working with the Lombardy Agricultural Society. Jackie Bencic has been wonderful in sharing her news about all the wonderful and exciting activities and events the Agricultural Society hosts.

During that time, we talked about “Volunteers” and the “Importance of Volunteers”. I was surprised to learn about Jackie’s own young son, Anthony. I could go on and on about the stories and amazing accomplishments young Anthony has accomplished already so early in life.

This amazing young man, Anthony is now a contributor to our Ontario Fairs Visited website. We welcome you to read Anthony’s contribution about some of his experiences with the Lombardy Agricultural Society at our Ontario Fairs Visited website, LINK.

In Brockville on June 24, 2014 at the Ontario Volunteer Service Awards, Anthony received a Junior Volunteer Service Award! It turns out this award was presented on his 10^th birthday! Proud “Momma” and Anthony’s photograph shows just how proud they both are … and should be!

Steve Clark, MPP Leeds Grenville & Anthony (Anthony receiving a Junior Volunteer Service Award)

“One proud momma & her boy” Jackie Bencic and Anthony (it was actually his 10th birthday that day!)

Without “Volunteers”, Festivals, Events, Fairs, Shows, and Communities across Ontario would not be the success they are today. “Volunteers are the Key to Success”! Anthony is a “Key to Success”!

If you are ever at the Fairgrounds, and run into Anthony, be sure to congratulate him … Anthony is a wonderful example of the “Key to Success” for our future! We are proud to know that Anthony, and other Youth and our Young Children of today, with the encouragement of their parents, families and friends, can continue to be a vital part of our society, community and our successful future!

PS: The Lombardy Agricultural Society is having a Logo Contest.

In 2016, the Lombardy Agricultural Society will be celebrating its 150th year. To commemorate this milestone, we will be having a logo design contest to update the look of our society logo.

This contest is now open to the public, with all submissions due by November 20th, 2015 where all submissions will be brought before the board of directors for anonymous judging.

The winner of the logo design contest will be notified and announced at the Lombardy Agricultural Society General Meeting in January 2016. The selected winning logo will be used in all materials relating to the Lombardy Agricultural Society from that date forward.

“149th Lombardy Fair – July 30 to August 3, 2015”

At the Fair enjoy Produce, Home Craft, and Handcraft displays. Take in the Agricultural Showcase. For the western horse enthusiast there is New Ranch Competitions and Extreme Cowboy Races (Sat. and Sun.). Kids’ Day (Sun.) features games and activities. Simply charming is the Junior Fair Ambassador Contest Show (Fri.), Baby Show (Sun.),

For lots of excitement, take in the Demolition Derby (Friday evening), the Antique and Farm Stock Tractor Pull with a Lawn and Garden Tractor Pull on Saturday, and the 4×4 Truck Pull on Sunday. A Horse and Pony Pulls on Monday rounds out the four day fair.

Like it a little quieter? Sit and enjoy yourself in our tree-shaded park complete with picnic tables. Every afternoon there is on- going entertainment of a wide variety on the park stage.

You can check out their website at http://www.lombardyfair.ca/.

Don't forget to stop and say "Hello and Congratulations to Anthony"!