“It’s like it’s been here forever,” says Centre Wellington Mayor Joanne Ross-Zuj.
Last Sunday’s first annual Horse and Hound Parade took place in Elora as a fundraiser for Groves Memorial Community Hospital.
Riders and their hounds from the Eglinton and Caledon Hunt (ECH) club mustered at south side of the Metcalfe bridge, and then promenaded across it to Mill Street West in front of the Shepherd’s Pub.
According to the ECH website, the event raised $3,000 and local tourism coordinator Deb Dalziel said almost $700 was raised just from on-street donations and cider sales.
After official greetings from the mayor, and prerequisite photo opportunities, the group toured the village, taking in the sights and colours of the Grand River and the gorge.
“Even though it was the first time, it felt like we’d been doing it for years and years and years,” said Ross-Zuij. “People came up to me and said that it was a great two hours.”
She said there were lots of smiles and the kids couldn’t believe how accessible the dogs were to them. “They could just walk through the pack and they thought it was amazing.”
The ECH website credits members Paul Hinder and Briony Wilson with organizing the event.
