Mapleton is working on a cultural plan for the municipality and the township is hosting a forum to provide local citizens with an opportunity for input.
The forum will be held at the Drayton Festival Theatre on Feb. 19 from 6:30 to 8pm. The goal is to raise awareness of the economic and social value of Mapleton’s cultural businesses and assets, including community organizations, heritage buildings and sites, festivals and events and to stimulate community support for the municipal cultural plan.
When culture is referenced, many envision a community’s theatres, libraries, archives and museums as the primary venues for included activities. In reality, a community’s culture is broad based and also includes activities that take place in rinks, on playing fields, in community halls and the homes of volunteers – pretty much anywhere people gather.
In Mapleton, theatre is certainly part of the cultural landscape, as is a modern and well-equipped library. But local culture is also shared at the PMD arena, the Maryborough Community Centre and the outdoor rink in Alma, and includes local hockey teams and skating groups, suppers hosted by service groups and the ever-popular tongue-in-cheek competition of the annual Plunger Toss.
Purveyors and supporters of local culture include everything from the business and school communities, to service groups who host and fund so many of the events and that bring local residents together.
Given the diverse nature of cultural activity, it’s safe to say that everyone has a role to play in shaping Mapleton’s cultural plan, which will hopefully result in a well-attended forum and some good discussion on Feb. 19.
Patrick Raftis
