Area Fall Fairs

August 25, 2009

This time of the year brings us the beginning of Fall Fair Season. There are many towns in the Grey Bruce area that host fall fairs. It’s a time of year for many to show off their crops, their livestock, crafts… you name it. Some communities have already had their fair for this year, but there is many upcoming ones. Take a look.

Markdale Fall Fair – Fri – Aug 28 – Sun – Aug 30, 2009
151st traditional fall fair features homecraft competition, heavy horse pull, gymkhana, 4-H shows, baby contest, pet show, children’s activities, goat show and fun for the whole family.

Kincardine Fair (Kincardine Agricultural Society)
August 28 –29, 2009

Durham Central Fair (Durham Central Agricultural)
September 4-6, 2009

Paisley Fall Fair (Paisley Agricultural Society) September 12-13, 2009

Mildmay-Carrick Fall Fair (Mildmay Agricultural Society)
September 11-13, 2009

Chesley Fair (Chesley Agricultural Society)
September 11-12, 2009

157th Owen Sound Fall Fair
Thursday, September 10, 2009 to Saturday, September 12, 2009

Beaver Valley Fair (Beaver Valley Agricultural Society)
September 11-12, 2009

The 152th Arran-Tara Fall Fair.
Tuesday Evening September 15 & Wednesday 16 all day, 2009

Feversham Fair
September 18-20, 2009

Wiarton Fair
September 18-19, 2009

Ripley – Huron Fall Fair
September 23-26, 2009

Walkerton Little Royal (Walkerton Agricultural Society)
October 16-18, 2009

Fun, games, exhibits, visiting with friends and neighbours… fall fairs are great. Try to get out to one this year.

Written by Deb · Filed Under Events, Food, Get Out, The Area, Youth, fun

United Way Backpack Campaign

August 20, 2009

The United Way’s backpack program is falling short of goal.

In light of a demand that represents an increase in over 400 more children in 2009 than in 2008, the United Way is struggling to keep up.

The United Way raised over $21 000 in 2009 to provide 1240 backpacks; to date the United Way has raised just over $14 000 in 2009 with requests topping 1600.

“Some of our larger donors from 2008 are simply not able to give this year” explains United Way Executive Director Francesca Dobbyn, “we’ve had amazing support from the community, the challenge is that due to the increase in need, we need even more.”

One hundred percent of the proceeds go to purchasing supplies and backpacks.

“Parents are calling and asking when they can pick up the backpacks for their children…I just don’t know what to tell them” Dobbyn laments. Both Counties have seen an increase in welfare cases as laid off workers run out of EI. “Poverty is new for a lot of middle class families in our region, we’re trying to help them cope as best as possible”

Donations can be made at any TD Bank, Meridian Credit Union or Staples Business Depot in Owen Sound. Donations of supplies and funds can be made at the United Way office 380 9th Street East Owen Sound or by calling 519 376 1560 during regular business hours.

Below is the story that we originally ran on the Backpack Campaign…

It’s back to school time again… well, in a couple weeks… We had the opportunity to talk to Francesca Dobbyn, Executive Director of the United Way of Bruce Grey about their annual Backpack campaign. It gives all kids a great beginning to the new school year by starting on a even playing field.

If you’d like to get involved or make a donation, here’s how to get in touch.
United Way of Bruce Grey
380 9th St. E, Owen Sound, ON, N4K 1P1
Phone:519 376 1560 Fax:519 376 5458
unitedwaybg@bmts.com

Written by Deb · Filed Under Owen Sound, Participation, The Area, Video

Owen Sound Salmon Spectacular

August 13, 2009

Although it coincides with back to school and the end of summer, many look forward to it each and every year… It’s the Sydenham Sportsmen Association’s annual Owen Sound Salmon Spectacular. This year’s event runs from Friday, August 28 to Sunday, September 6.

You don’t have to fish to enjoy the derby. Each day brings loads of entertainment and things to do for everyone of all ages. Lots of fun, food, prizes and entertainment. Check the schedule on the website. The entertainment starts on Friday afternoon and just keeps going for the duration of the derby… kids night, kids day, daily and nightly entertainment, a giant fish fry on each of the Saturday evenings of the event, seniors day and a ladies afternoon.

The derby is run by hundred of volunteers, working each day to help it run smoothly. It has grown over the years and seems to be bigger each year, with many local and national sponsors to help make it such a success.

So, if you fish, buy your ticket and get in on some great fishing. If you’re not… come on down to the big white tent at the marina and have a great time… you may just come back more than once.

Written by Deb · Filed Under Events, Feature Video, Get Out, Music, Owen Sound, The Area, Video, fun

The United Way of Bruce Grey is 100 backpacks away from its 2008 total!

August 6, 2009

The United Way of Bruce Grey is 100 backpacks away from its 2008 total!

The United Way of Bruce Grey is once again seeing an unprecedented increase in need in the community due to economic pressures.

This will be the 5th year that the United Way has sought to provide back to school supplies to low income families throughout the region. In 2008 the United Way saw a tripling of the need, when the back to school allowance was removed from families on government assistance.

At that time, it was hoped that the peak had been reached and the need would stabilize.

But the economy is challenging and jobs paying living wages are difficult to find, so the need is increasing.

The number of requests is already at 1105, in 2008 a total of 1240 backpacks were required to meet the need. The United Way anticipates a need of at least 1500 with the possibility of reaching 2000.

“The agencies in the region provide us with a list of what they need for their clients, we know these families are in need,” Francesca Dobbyn Executive Director of the United Way of Bruce Grey states. “We’ve been also fortunate to have the two county social services departments communicate to their clients that this is a service they can access.”

The United Way has heard directly from teachers that the program is significant in reducing bullying and the marginalization of poor students. “The kids show up on the first day of school with all the tools they need, no one stands out as poor” Dobbyn asserts, “our goal is to have a backpack in these kids’ hands prior to the Labour Day weekend.”

The United Way is looking for support from the community for this project. “We were fortunate this year to get a summer student grant and Michael Hay is running the project for us. It’s very labour intensive, but it also means that all the donations go directly to providing the supplies, not to administration,” Dobbyn adds.

Donations can be made at Staples in Owen Sound, any TD Bank or Meridian Credit Union in Bruce and Grey Counties, or at by visiting the United Way at 380 9th Street East Owen Sound. Mastercard and VISA donations can be made by calling 519 376 1560 during regular business hours.

For more information please call Francesca at 519 376 1560

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United Way of Bruce Grey
380 9th St. East
Owen Sound, Ontario, N4K 1P1
ph: 519-376-1560 fax: 519-376-5458
www.unitedwayofbrucegrey.com
www.informationbrucegrey.ca
www.volunteerconnection.ca
www.211brucecounty.ca
www.211greycounty.ca

Written by Deb · Filed Under Community, Participation, Press Release, The Area

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