Festival grateful
Dear Editor:
Marlene Ottens, Dale Franklin, Rachel Eschlboeck, Carolyn Luymes, Tate Driscoll and Leona Ottens would like to say a big thank-you to all who came out or supported this year’s Mapleton Sunflower Festival on Aug. 17.
Even with some rain the music played on, and the runners ran!
Way to keep moving no matter what you have going on in your life and even if it’s a bit rainy.
Mulch donated from Mapleton Contracting kept the little train able to give rides through the field all day.
Special thanks to our wagon drivers and “muscley” friends for helping with set up and pulling weeds in the field throughout the summer. It’s a small army of neighbours that make this day possible.
Our fundraising goal was $8,000. We have raised $6,000 so far to go towards purchasing an electric stretcher for Palmerston and District Hospital. We are very grateful the community raised this money and made lasting memories, even with parts of the day being rather rainy.
Attendance was lower this year due to the weather but we would like to thank those that still supported even though they couldn’t make it.
We huddled together in the market tent while the rain passed.
Thank you to the talented musicians that shared their gifts all day. The music truly makes this day shine.
Cara Smith, The Moore band and their cousin Tiff Shaw, Poppy Flobby Miers (Mama Pops) Bernie Hale, Elaine Luymes, Helen Rooyakkers and Randy Smart. They kept the day full of energy and guests could dance while they shopped.
Thank you to all the vendors.
Thank you to the Kinsmen and Mapleton Organics and Lady Glazed and our bartenders for keeping the people fed and watered.
In just five years’ time the community has raised over $100,000 for hospital equipment. Every little bit helps to keep the doctors working in this little but very important hospital.
Thank you for the memories made this year. Shine your light!
See you next year on Aug. 16.
Sunflower Festival committee,
Mapleton
Centre celebrates
Dear Editor:
Over 25 years ago, a group of community-minded, caring people saw the need for a safe place for youth to hang out in town.
There was very little to do in the evenings if you were not involved in team sports. After over a year of meetings and approvals, a location was found on Spring Street in the basement of the former Drayton Pentecostal Tabernacle.
Attendance boomed which proved the need was valid and a new larger, more visible location was secured on Wellington Street near the lights.
Many people, service clubs, churches and dignitaries became involved in the establishment of this much-valued centre for community youth.
We took the opportunity during COVID-19 closures to renovate the centre and purchase new activities.
Today we are open two evenings per week (Wed./Fri., opens 7pm) and have 17 vetted volunteers working in pairs once or twice a month.
Please come to downtown Drayton on Friday the 13th (6 to 9pm in September) to help us celebrate our 25 years and tour our facilities.
We will have an escape room tent, Chuckles Balloons, “minute to win it” games with prizes, Waddies game, barbecue, fire truck show, etc.
Everyone is welcome!
Dahl Atin,
Drayton
