With summer officially over this weekend, Dysart et al
staff has moved quickly to keep the good times rolling in
Haliburton County into the fall.
Andrea Mueller, the township’s programs and events
manager, encouraged locals to circle Sept. 28 on their
calendar as one of the community’s most popular seasonal
celebrations returns.
ColourFest will take over Head Lake Park in Haliburton
from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for a day filled with fun,
entertainment, and community spirit, Mueller said.
“ColourFest is truly a highlight of our fall season. It’s
a wonderful opportunity for families to come together
and enjoy the beauty of autumn in our community,” she
said. “Whether you’re a local resident or visiting the area,
ColourFest is the perfect way to embrace the season.”
There will be inflatable games, including axe throwing
and basketball, available for people to try, alongside classic
carnival-type games like cornhole. Pockets the Clown will
be on hand offering complementary face painting, with
activities presented by the Haliburton School of Art +
Design and Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.
The Haliburton Highlands Museum has organized a
scarecrow mask craft, with the Haliburton County Public
Library hosting storytime sessions for children. The
Haliburton Highlands Time Travellers will run a classic car
show, with Rails End Gallery showing an exhibit of plein air
art.
Haliburton Rotary will be selling hot dogs and drinks and
will also have cotton candy available. The group will again
host the crowd-favourite pumpkin rolling contest, Mueller
confirmed. Participants are required to register and pick their
pumpkin between 11 a.m. and 2:15 p.m. The roll starts at
2:30 p.m. on York Street.
Just before, or after, enjoying time in the park, John
Watson, Dysart’s environmental manager, said people should
stop by the Haliburton School of Art + Design (HSAD) and
check out the Great Haliburton Clothing Swap, running from
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event is being run in partnership with
Fleming College.
Visitors will have the opportunity to pick up clean and
gently used clothing at no cost on a first come, first served
basis. There will also be sewing repair demonstrations from
volunteer fixers from SIRCH Community Services’ repair
café, visible mending with Sandi Luck, and a thrift fashion
show by students of the HSAD fibre arts program.
Watson said the event is designed to save clothing still in
good condition from the landfill.
“In Dysart, textiles make up 2.49 per cent of our household
garbage,” he said.
Anyone looking to get rid of clothing and accessories that
still have some life are encouraged to donate items at HSAD
between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Sept. 23 to 27. Acceptable items
include shirts, pants, sweaters, shoes, jewelry, bags and
hats. Underwear, bed linens, household goods, and sports
equipment will not be accepted.
“If you wouldn’t be excited to give the item to a friend, it
probably shouldn’t be swapped,” Watson said.
For more information, visit dysartetal.ca/clothingswap.
