FERGUS – The social scene in Fergus has grown a lot in the past several years, thanks in part to BIA members like Debb Greer.
Downtown Fergus has become a hub for community celebrations.
Greer, the owner of two stores – The Bookery and Echoes, both on St. Andrew Street – has been at the forefront of many of those celebrations, including the Fergus Medieval Faire, Fergus Ghost Walks and Witches Night Out.
Greer is BIA treasurer and actively involved in Halloween Haunt, Late Night Sip and Shop, Tartan Day and Monster Month.
Greer hosts a Psychic Faire at the shop several times a year. She carefully curates the guest psychics and is diligent in offering private opportunities for readings.
Before opening The Bookery, Greer, who has three university degrees, spent most of her adult life as a business consultant and planner.
“I worked with the provincial government, I helped people start businesses, and I mentored them,” she said.
When her mother-in-law retired from her career in oncology, Greer asked her, “Is there anything you’ve ever wanted to do in your life that you didn’t get a chance to do?
“She said, ‘I always wanted to work in a used bookstore.’ I said, well, let’s look into that.”
The Bookery opened at its first location in Palmerston a few decades ago, and Greer is still eager to discover new challenges and invest in not only her businesses, but in events that bring joy and connection to the community.
Behind the scenes
Held in July, the Fergus Medieval Faire has been a rousing success.
“It is absolutely critical to me that the medieval faire is a free event. There’s just not enough free events for families,” Greer said.
Without an entry fee, she said parents may not have to say no to “buying their kids fries or an ice cream as part of their family outing.”
Vendor Karyn Phan of Reflections Vintage described her first experience at the event last year.
“I was overwhelmed with how well organized this event was and the attendees were so amazing with their support, their creative outfits and how well they treated us. We have been accepted to return again this year,” said Phan.
But putting on events like the Medieval Faire takes a lot of time and effort.
The planning begins in January.
“When I’m really close to that event, and the date of the event, I’m so relieved, because then all the work is done. And I just get to enjoy the day,” Greer said.
She and other BIA members work together on several celebrations.
“It takes up a lot of your time. There are never enough volunteers, and it ends up burning people out,” she said.
“I really try hard to find opportunities to do things with my family.”
Greer describes her husband, two sons, daughter-in-laws and her grandchildren as her core, noting, “They keep me grounded.”
Downtown events and festivals “keep the town animated,” Greer said.
“I do get satisfaction out of helping. I feel that it helps to build community and I think that’s important. Your customers are not just your customers, they’re part of your community. And we want to make things fun for them.”
Finding purpose
It used to be that older women were expected to retire, take care of their families and cut their hair short.
“I guess I’m not part of that stereotype. I don’t see the limitations or worry about the outcome so much,” Greer said.
“My father used to say, ‘If you’re going to retire, make sure you have something to retire to.’”
She noted recent studies on seniors suggest “you have to have a purpose in life. Whatever it is. You’re more than just the family babysitter – you have a purpose. Tap into what that is.
“Usually, your purpose is tied to something that you love doing, something that you are passionate about.”
Greer’s passion has been adding to the vibrancy of downtown Fergus for several years now.
“I encourage other women – you’ve worked all your life; you’ve worked so hard to get where you are today and you’re still alive,” She said.
“Enjoy it and embrace it and do what you want to do.”
