Coldwater Communique
—by Lois Rooney-Giurin
Breaking News! The Coldwater Steam Punk Festival will return to Coldwater! STEAMPUNK RETURNS TO COLDWATER IN 2025. This is a quote from the “Coldwater Steampunk and Oddity Days” Facebook page:
“Volunteers Energized to Revive Spirit of Well-Loved Festival
On the 13th day of September 2025, the Village on the River will once again host Steampunk. COLDWATER STEAMPUNK and ODDITY DAYS will build on the proven previous success to revive the spirit of the well-loved past festivals.”
If you would like to volunteer, please go to the Facebook page and find out how!
Coldwater had a very busy summer. Lots of cyclists and motorbikes stopped to enjoy refreshments and bio-breaks. A Bike Night Barbecue fundraiser was held every Tuesday at Coldwater Bowling Centre, which sponsored the event. It was also sponsored by local businesses and private donations, as well as contributions from bikers, and raised over $13,000 which helped Coldwater School, Warminster School, the Benny’s Club in Waubaushene, Breakfast for Kids Coldwater, and the Coldwater Youth group, as well as two women’s shelters. There was also a contribution to the Salvation Army Toy Drive.
The Fairy Garden cast its spell over all who visited. Thank you, Sylvia Harrigan Cameron. This enchanting place requires incredible vision, and is an unbelievable amount of work for one person. It is magical and beloved by all who see it.
The Wonderful World of Witchcraft & Wizardry, August 17, was as popular as always and attended by many happy children of all ages. All the houses were represented as costumed Hogwarts Students visited the Sorting Hat to confirm their house. There was lots to do including games and crafts.
The TD Summer Reading Program at the Library had 20 children participating this year. They read an amazing number of books and enjoyed a visit from Scales Park (with 100 other Coldwater residents!), 3-D printing, Astro-Olympics, Storyteller Bob, and the grand finale with the Severn Fire and EMT giving tours of their trucks and answering questions. Thank you so much to all the merchants who donated prizes and cash to support the program. 2025 will be even bigger and better!
Santa came to the Library on July 20, to thrill the children with his tales of the summer shenanigans of Santa and Mrs. Santa. Thanks so much to our Santa, Nick Hodson, who lived up to his name!
“Every bear that there ever was, was gathered there together because, August 10 was the day the Teddy Bears had their picnic!”. A small group enjoyed eating, singing and playing games with their stuffed friends.
The Library is hopping!
A new Fibre Arts Club now meets every Tuesday from 3 to 5 pm. Come on out and bring your knitting, crocheting, needlepoint, or whatever your current project is.
Storytime is back, Fridays at 11 am. Bring your pre-schooler for a story, some singing and a craft.
The Coldwater Writers’ Group meets at 7 pm, on the first Tuesday of each month. This group includes beginning authors as well as those who have published. All are welcome to come and “polish their gems”.
The Readers’ Club meets on the last Sunday of each month at 2 pm. This is the library’s version of a Book Club with a difference.
The Biggest Small-Town Fall Fair will be happening on September 27 to 29, before this goes to press. There is no doubt that this exuberant event will be a smash success as it is every year! An old-style Fall Fair with 21st Century Flair.
October events at the Library:
- Laura Adams will conduct a workshop about food preservation, October 3 at 6:30 pm
- Tanya Deschambault, a local author, will talk about her book “The Love Bracelet”, October 5 at 1 pm – a great Christmas gift for the children in your life.
- Pat Michener, local author of “Emma Madison, Master Meddler” will tell us about her writing journey on October 19 at 1 pm
- October 26 will feature an informational talk by Aubrey Hawton about exchange programs.
- October 26 is “Superhero Saturday”. Come dressed as your favourite superhero!
And on December 7, local author Lynn Holden will talk about her gorgeous picture book entitled
“Voyage of the Vikings”. This would make a fantastic Christmas gift.
The Annual Witch’s Walk will be held on October 18, 2024. Paint the town dark with your costumes and join in the fun events! Remember – this is for WOMEN ONLY, 19+. Not suitable for kids or men… Fun events for ladies, and lots of vendors. Buy something spooky!
Trick or Treat Main Street is an extra-special opportunity for children to dress up in costume and do some fun Halloween-ey things!. October 19, 2024, Coldwater Road, 10 am to 2 pm.
Get a takeout Roast Beef Dinner at Eady United Church, October 26, 2024, 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm. This is a fundraiser to assist the local community. For more information, contact Wesley United Church, Eady.
Watch for the Veterans’ Banner Display from November 1-11, 2024 and join the Remembrance Day Observance at the Coldwater Legion on November 11 at 11 am. Lest we Forget. We will Remember.
Christmas is coming up quickly – join in the Children’s Christmas Market at the Coldwater Mill on November 2, 11 am – 2 pm.
Interested in learning to Curl? Curling registration is November 3 from 11 – 1. Check out the Coldwater Curling Club’s Facebook page for more information.
Want more Mill shopping? Come on out on November 16 and 23 from 10 am to 3 pm. Find that one-of-a-kind thing for that special person.
Light it Up! The Village Tree Lighting will be on November 23. That is a full day as there will be a Scavenger Hunt for the Children, Merchant Madness, and Wonderland at the Mill. If you miss Wonderland at the Mill, you get another opportunity on November 30.
Craft Sales in and around town will be held at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church on November 16, from 10 am – 2 pm, and at Coldwater Legion on November 30.
Save the date! December 7, 2024 Santa Claus and his parade, sponsored by the Lions, will arrive in Coldwater. Stick around for photos with Santa at the Mill following the parade.
This is a fully packed fall in Coldwater. As this column was written well in advance of these events, I recommend that you confirm details, as well as possible new events, by checking the Facebook pages or websites of these organizations. Or, you can give them a good old-fashioned phone call!
Enjoy your Fall and stay busy – but not too busy!