Must Pull Together
If there’s one positive outcome of the pandemic we’re facing, it’s that communities are pulling together to support their local businesses. One small example comes from the town of Warkworth. When local residents realized that their hometown bakery might not make it through to the other side of COVID-19, they stepped in, stepped up and fundraised to bring the “We’re Open for Business” sign back to that familiar red door. It took a GoFundMe campaign and a whole lot of community support to keep a local favourite in business, but they did it.
The Warkworth Bakery has changed their name to Pizza, By the Bakery – and you can visit them in person at 2 Mill Street, Warkworth or on their Facebook page.
MUST SHARE
Why not find your way in the dark at Cricklewood Farm’s evening corn maze this fall? Test your skill as you wander through some of the four kilometres of pathways and two sets of corn mazes with just a flashlight and the night stars to guide you. Solve puzzles along the way and perhaps claim victory and a prize at the finish line. Night mazes are held the last three Saturdays before Halloween. Admittance ends at 8:30 p.m.
Cricklewood Farm, Brighton
cricklewood.ca
Discover other corn mazes throughout Watershed country.
Campbell’s Orchards, Prince Edward County
campbellsorchards.com
Grill’s Orchards, Belleville
grillsorchards.com
MUST EXPLORE
Take a walk on the wild side. The Nature Conservancy of Canada has just announced the creation of a new 55-hectare nature reserve along a piece of Prince Edward County’s undeveloped south shore: the MapleCross Coastline Reserve. Another piece of the natural mosaic is in place. The reserve encompasses multiple habitats, including coastal wetlands and shoreline as well as grasslands and forests. The area is a vital stop over habitat for migratory birds, turtles, frogs and many rare species of bats.
The MapleCross Coastline Reserve is the latest in a series of new protected areas ranging along the length of the south coast. Not always easy to get to but always worth the walk.
natureconservancy.ca
photograph of MapleCross Coastline Reserve, Eastern Lake Ontario, by Nature Conservancy of Canada
MUST PLAY TO LEARN
Sixteen-year-old entrepreneur Myles Ramsey seized an opportunity during the summer of COVID-19 to provide a fun, resourceful, home delivery solution to kids looking for a creative outlet. Buzz Box Fun Kits are just that – kits designed to spark creativity, fun and active play for youth aged 4-10. Kids can choose from a variety of themed options from Magic Mania and Mindful Moments to Space Explorers. Myles, who is Founder and CFO (Chief Fun Officer), has plans to expand the kits and themes to highlight back-to-school learning.
MUST GO DIGITAL
Westben presents Digital Concerts at The Barn, a series of monthly live performances, without the audiences. You can virtually wander through Westben’s interactive Digital Venue, watch the concerts from the beautiful and serene atmosphere of The Barn, hear before-concert chats, and join the artists after the show. On premiere days Westben is partnering with local restaurants and food businesses, so you can dine at home while enjoying the show. Concerts are free but donations are always welcome!
Premieres: October 17, November 21, December 12
westben.ca/digital-concerts-at-the-barn
MUST HONOUR
Walk through the quiet parkland of Glenwood Cemetery in Picton this Remembrance Day and you’ll encounter the striking new wire sculpture of a World War II soldier, permanently on display as a tribute to the over 300 veterans buried there. Danielle Reddick, an award-winning multimedia artist who has called Prince Edward County home since 1984, worked for a year to complete the project.
glenwoodcemetery.ca
photograph by Sharon Harrison
