The 2nd Highland Creek Scouts served up the s’mores by the campfire that was set up behind the community centre. From left to right around the campfire: Kyrian, Ryhs, Arie, Bruce (leader), Delyla and Angus
By John Murphy
The 27th Port Union Community Winterfest has come and gone. It was chilly but the bright sun encouraged many to come out and enjoy the activities, entertainment and bargains to be had. I talked with families and their friends from our neck of the woods and Pickering, and all enjoyed the coming together of our great community!
As I approached the centre, I could see families enjoying the colourful outdoor hockey, basketball and throwing games, and visitors browsing the vendors’ beanies, clothing and baked goods. Once inside, the smell of homemade mac and cheese and samosas was in the air as people wandered by handmade jewelry and community booths to talk about the Rouge Butterflyway, the Toronto Zoo or the CCRA.
Bookending the indoor activities were artists creating caricature faces and wolf masks. It was fun to watch Selina and Chelsea from Toon Goons create the delightful images of attendees. It only took minutes to draw and watch the joyful expression forming as kids viewed their exaggerated image and exclaimed, “That’s me?”
For those who didn’t want to see their faces on paper, they could hide it behind a self-coloured wolf mask at the other end of the hall. As they worked away, Ann and Kara from Coyote Watch Canada talked about wild animal awareness, which is important information for all of us living so close to wilderness areas. If that wasn’t enough, the library made it fun to colour or create with Lego.
From either end of the hall I was easily drawn back outside to where the Scouts were making s’mores. It was bright and sunny out back where one could roast a marshmallow and make a personalized sweet treat. I am always impressed with the good-natured character of Scouts and their leaders. It was easy to jump into conversations around the campfire they had ready for all.
I got a bit chilly and went back inside for a bargain-priced BBQ lunch. I chose samosas and could have had a free hot chocolate from Heather Lemieux, but the apple cider from Councillor Neethan Shan was my pick. It is good that local politicians and businesses are interested in supporting their communities.
From there, I was drawn into the big hall by the sounds of music. It was a great place to have a bite to eat, rest your feet or just relax and enjoy the varied entertainment of the choir, local musicians, and the return of The Precious Kupuna Hawaiian Dance Troupe. They calmed your heart and reminded me of warmer times with their bright colours, rhythmic movements and lyrical melodies. Other entertainers like Shayne Ireland, Neil Bennet and Tyler Forkes rounded out the day with their solo routines of original and traditional songs that all could hum along to.
As much fun as Winterfest was, it would not have been possible without the volunteers who set up tables and microphones, served lunch, and ensured the festivities ran smoothly. Thank you to all those who made this year’s celebration a wonderful community experience!