Pick, Feed and Train a 4-H Calf
Written By: Tyler Phillips Vice President and Press Reporter, May 8, 2025
The Elmvale 4-H Dairy Club had our first meeting on April 29, 2025 at Shady Glen Farms. We introduced ourselves and played a “Get To Know You” game. Jay Robertson provided tips and advice on how to pick, feed and train a 4-H calf. We had three heifer calves to choose from, where we gave reasons on what we liked about the calf. We moved the meeting to North Simcoe Vet Clinic and Dr. Elri Oosthuizen provided important information about calf health, and how to keep our calves healthy during the show season. We concluded our meeting with voting for President, Vice President and Secretary positions. We would like to thank Shady Glen Farms, Jay Robertson and Dr. Elri Oosthuizen for a great first meeting.
Light the Ballpark Celebration Event at the Elmvale Baseball Diamond
By Adrianna McGinnis
Elmvale/May 19, 2025 – The Elmvale Ball Park Committee is thrilled to announce the grand opening of the newly illuminated Elmvale Baseball Diamond on Saturday June 21, starting at 7:00 PM. This exciting event promises fun for all ages and celebrates the incredible efforts of our dedicated community members.
Event Highlights:
- Local Celebrity Game: Join us for a thrilling game featuring local hometown baseball talent of all ages, sure to entertain and delight all attendees.
- Food and Refreshments: Enjoy socializing with one another over delicious food options.
- Donor Recognition: Be ready to be extremely proud at the support and participation by local businesses, community groups, and individuals.
- Community Celebration: Come together to celebrate the excellent work and dedication of our community in making this project a reality.
Cheque Presentations: Donors wishing to present cheques with a photo opportunity can do so in the evening of Wednesday June 18. Please email Carey Coram at carey.coram@gmail.com for more details and to confirm your attendance.
A full schedule of events will be available closer to, please visit the “Elmvale Ball Park” facebook page.
About the Elmvale Baseball Diamond Lights Project
The lighting project at the Elmvale Baseball Diamond, located at 14 George Street, is a community-driven project aimed at enhancing local recreational facilities, fostering community spirit and improving the overall health and well-being of all. The new lighting system marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to improve and maintain the beloved ballpark, which serves over 400 participants weekly.
Elmvale Farmers’ Market prioritizing ‘Made in Simcoe County’
By: Wayne Doyle, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Source: BarrieToday.com, May 06, 2025
If you’re among the ever-growing number of folks who have opted to “buy Canadian” in the face of the shifting global economy, you may want to consider adding a farmers’ market to your regular shopping mix.
The Elmvale Farmers’ Market, set to start its 15th season on June 12, brings the concept of “made in Canada” closer than most would imagine — virtually everything that’s offered at the market is made in Simcoe County, including flowers, honey, fresh produce and a wide variety of handmade crafts.
“Most people have no idea of how many flowers and plants are imported to this country,” said Katie Goulbourne, owner of Bunker Hill Flower Farm, based in Tiny Township. “I think it’s fantastic that everything in the Elmvale Farmers’ Market is local and I think it’s making an impact on how people buy.”
According to Goulbourne, who’s committed to being a part of the market again this season, the “buy Canadian” movement in the flower sector is almost as strong as it is in the food sector.
She said she’s noticed more and more brides looking for local flowers for their weddings and they’ve adopted the same attitude as those who got behind the “100-mile diet,” a philosophy that championed consuming products that were grown within a 100-mile radius … or 160 kilometres.
“It’s called the Slow Flower Movement and it shares the same belief as the slow food or 100-mile diet,” Goulbourne said. “People are looking for products that are local, sustainable and seasonal.”
Beamish Honey producer Kevin Beamish agreed and offered another reason why locally produced foods are gaining traction with consumers — they can get face-to-face with the person who made it.
“When you buy something that’s imported, you don’t really know where it came from or how it was made or, for that matter, who made it,” he said. “When you buy local and deal with a local producer, you get to know them, know their product — how it’s grown and cared for — and can deal with them one-on-one.
“I know it’s important to me and I’ve seen an increase in its importance to others,” Beamish added.
Henri Linde, of Valley Farm Market just outside of Elmvale, has been a vendor at the market since Day 1 and he’s committed to being a part of it this season. He said the market has changed over the years, but the one constant is the personal relationships the market facilitates.
“The market gives us the opportunity to directly sell some of our produce and baking to the local community,” he said, adding he’s growing crops specifically for the Elmvale market because folks have been asking for them.
“It’s a great addition to our own farm market and a great way to promote our business to folks who can’t come out to our farm,” Linde said.
In an effort to increase the breadth of its offering and add value to the market and increase its appeal, market organizers are always looking to add new vendors.
A booth at the market costs $300 for the season — June 12 to Sept. 18 — or $25 for a week and the vendor must live in Simcoe County. All fruits and vegetables must be produced, grown, and processed within Simcoe County or within a 100-kilometre radius of Elmvale and Springwater Township producers will be given priority.
All food vendors (packaged, made on-site, produce, etc.) must follow the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit regulations and all arts and crafts items must be 100 per cent original and hand-produced.
Last year, organizers moved the Farmers’ Market to Thursday nights. This year, the hours are being tweaked, a move organizers hope will increase traffic.
“This year, we’re moving to a brand-new time — Thursdays from 3 to 7 p.m.,” Crystal Graveson, president of the Elmvale Business Improvement Area, which organizes the Elmvale Farmers’ Market, said in a news release announcing the launch of the farmers’ market.
“We believe this change will provide more families and visitors with the chance to enjoy and experience all that our community has to offer.”
According to Springwater Coun. Matt Garwood, who sits as the township representative on the Elmvale BIA, the market has become the village’s social hub.
“Through countless conversations with local business owners, it’s clear that the farmers’ market plays a key role in attracting visitors to our downtown core and driving economic growth within Elmvale,” Garwood said in a news release. “It serves as a lively gathering space for artisans, musicians and community groups.”