We have been blessed by the incredible summer-like weather that we have experienced over the past several weeks. The weather leading up to our Anten Mills Celebrating 150 Years was very summer-like and then since the Craft and Food Fair the stretch has continued. It will certainly come to an end and conditions turn to more fall like but for now let’s all enjoy what we can of late summer weather.
Saturday, September 27 saw many attendees at the annual Craft and Food Fair. A variety of products were available and shoppers were able to snag some items perhaps for Thanksgiving or early Christmas presents. The crew serving the 2 Tonnie Pancake Breakfast were busy throughout the morning and then at lunch time it was time for the Chilli Cookoff. A selection of chilli recipes prepared by local enthusiasts were available and votes were taken to determine which one was the best. There were three judges and the public as well offered their opinions. The winners were Justin Elzner who took first place and Cassandra Wilson and Alden Fotherby who tied for second. Alden also took the People’s Choice award. Combined the pancake breakfast and chilli cookoff raised just under $700 which went to the Elmvale and District Food Bank. Congratulations to all who volunteered and made it a wonderful day in our community.
With Thanksgiving this weekend, thoughts will be turning to the spooky season of Halloween. Community volunteers are busy making it another memorable time for the village. First off is the Witches Walk and Live Band on Friday, October 24. This is an adult event that starts off with the Witches Walk through the village starting at 6:45. Those who like to dress up are encouraged to wear their best witch’s clothes and join in the walk. If not getting dressed up is your preference that isn’t an issue. Come as you are and either join the walk or just come and join in the fun as the band Bombshell performs. The band will be playing from 7 until 10:30. There is no admission fee for this event however cash donations will be accepted to defray the cost of the band. Hot dogs and soft drinks will be available for purchase that evening. If history repeats itself, it will be a fun evening.
Then on Sunday, October 26 it will be the kids turn. Starting at 11 and running until 1 there will be crafts, a scavenger hunt, pumpkin carving, a photo booth and much more. Pizza slices will also be available for purchase. The team is making this a fun day for the younger ones to get dressed up and have some early Halloween vibes. Of course there will be a trick or treat bag at the conclusion and in order for there to be sufficient supplies, you are asked to preregister and details for this and the Friday night event are on the Anten Mills Community Bulletin Facebook page. As in the past there is no charge for the kids event on Sunday and all participants are requested to bring a generous donation as we continue our community support for the Elmvale and District Food Bank.
For those wondering we will return to Standard Time on Sunday, November 2 at 2AM. That’s the day when we roll our clocks back and get one more hour of sleep until Daylight Saving Time returns on Sunday, March 8.
The Knotty Knitters continue to meet on Tuesday afternoons from 1:30 until 3:30 at the community centre. This is open to all regardless of your knitting or crocheting experience. In fact you don’t require any experience to attend. If you are interested in learning there are experienced knitters who are willing to assist. Or if you want a couple of hours of just social time then this is the place to get it. The group supports women and girls who are clients of the food bank by donating items that are required by them and that is your entrance fee. Go see what they are about and no doubt you will return.
There are two other events that you should mark on your calendar. The first is that there will be a Remembrance Day Service at Springwater Provincial Park on Tuesday, November 11 commencing at 10:45. The second is the annual Anten Mills Tree Lighting and Santa Claus parade. This will occur on the weekend of December 13. More details will be posted closer to the date but it’s not too early to think about entering the parade.
A requirement of the Anten Mills Community Recreation Association is that an annual general meeting be held. With the 150 celebration being a major event for the year, the meeting was delayed from the spring until now. The events the CRA holds throughout the year cannot be done without the support and participation of community members. The meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 21 at 7:30PM in the community centre. Please consider attending and lending your time and talents to continue the CRA as they move into their 55th year of community service.
This weekend is Thanksgiving. It is a time when families gather together and celebrate our accomplishments and wellbeing for the year. We are all so grateful and fortunate to live in a small community that is very giving. We need only to remember our late winter ice storm and how we rallied to help each other. Our Easter Eggstravaganza is another example of the community getting together and having fun.Then of course there was our 150 celebration. To see so many people celebrating our past and the support that the committee received to put on the day was amazing. Thank you Anten Mills for being a community that participates and gives. May this thanksgiving bring you a time to celebrate and reflect on all that we have and all that we can contribute to this wonderful community that we have. From my family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving!
That’s all for this week. Remember that the Elmvale Fall Fair is this Friday and Saturday. THANKS for READING, BE WELL and STAY SAFE!