ERIN – The Erin Rotary Club will erect a Peace Pole in McMillan Park on Sunday, July 16 at 12:30pm, just as Rotary Summerfest gets underway at noon.
“This is what the Rotary Club does,” said Steve Schafer, a member of Erin Rotary’s peace committee.
“Rotary International has seven areas of focus and they all centre on peace.”
So, what’s a Peace Pole?
It’s a 4×4 post with the words “May peace prevail on Earth” painted or engraved on the sides, often in multiple languages.
The first Peace Pole was erected in Hiroshima, Japan in 1955 – a prayer for peace in a country ravaged by war.
And the movement has since been picked up around the world, including by Rotary International.
Numerous Rotary Clubs have erected their own Peace Poles but this will be a first for Erin.
The Erin club also intends to unveil a second Peace Pole in Hillsburgh during Family Fun Day events in Victoria Park on Aug. 19.
Peace Poles are often erected in a community after an act of violence or hate.
Schafer said that is not the impetus for the poles here.
“It’s a message everyine can get behind, I think. Who doesn’t want peace?” he said.
This will be the second year for Summerfest, a free, family-friendly event that will feature live music by Settlers Creek, a Beer & Cider Garden, and several events for kids and families, including a photo booth.
New for 2023 will be the BBQ hosted with the support of the Optimists Club of Erin.
Some of the proceeds from Summerfest will go toward improving the EWCS Seniors’ Transportation Service, improving access to their Adult Day Program and local Medical Appointments, and other Rotary projects in our community.
For further event details visit erinrotary.com/summerfest.
