The Legion golf tournament was fantastic with a good number of golfers out to enjoy a well organized event. Then the Legion steps up to the plate to host the Toy Run dinner. Considering the cool and rainy weather this was a good thing to happen. Progressive changes are happening at Barriere Legion Branch #242. Plus the membership is growing by leaps and bounds. I can honestly say that about the leaping and bounding now that there are younger members.
There is a long list of people to say thanks to for helping with the Toy Run. Once again Barb and Paul Morris put the event together and worked as hard as ever to make it happen. Everyone did a great job of organizing and participating. There were even visitors from New Zealand this year that braved the weather to come out and support the Barriere Food Bank. I want to give a very special thanks to Cpl Underhill for arranging traffic control and other support despite a shortage of staff and other pressing matters. It is critical that the RCMP be on board whenever events like the Toy Run happen and once again they have been there for us.
Speaking of being there for us, I stopped in to check on the team that was making pies as part of the fund raising efforts for the splash pad. The production of apple pies was in full swing. District CAO Ms. Hannigan was at one end of the production line peeling and coring apples and Ms. Barb MacManus was at the other end bagging and tagging the results. I should have taken notes as to the rest of the team but I did notice a good number of the Heritage and Community in Bloom committee members and always helpful residents such as Lindsay Arcand, Tasha Buchanan, Lynn Wright, Nora Johnson and Elsie Doering. I apologize to those that I have missed.
Former councillor Kathy Cooper and current councillor Virginia Smith were also there doing duty rolling pastry and putting the pies together. I mentioned to councillor Smith that her ride in the Toy Run was waiting but she said that apple pie making was her task for the day. I am told the total was around 250 pies made and sold. Small wonder there was no time for a ride in the rain on the back of a Harley.
The Provincial Winter Fair was held over the weekend as well. Lots of hopeful 4-H members doing their best to show off the results of the labours over the past many months. There were just as many proud parents, grandparents and friends there to cheer them on. This event allows each of the 4-H clubs and their members to get together and catch up on best practices, the latest news and renew friendships that can last a lifetime.
Barriere is very fortunate to host the Provincial Winter Fair. As one of the premier agricultural events in the province it helps showcase the District of Barriere and surrounding area to a large audience what a great place to live and raise a family this is. Attracting new residents is just as, if not more important, than attracting industry. As our population grows so does the need for services and the businesses that provide those services will relocate here bringing additional employment opportunities with them.
It was time go out explore and experience once again the beauty of where we live. We decided to spend a few nights up at Johnson Lake Resort. Barb and Jim Lewko do a wonderful job of making their guests feel welcome and provide an atmosphere that just makes you feel like you want to be there. Our cabin was well equipped including beds that were comfortable and a Blue Jay to act as an alarm clock. It was a great holiday and good value. Plus we caught some tasty fish to add to the overall experience.
In addition to small local businesses, agriculture ventures and resource based industries, tourism provides our area with much needed economic diversification. Please support our local operators as much as you can and help promote their efforts by recommending them to others.