“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.