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The Citizen, 2017-10-26, Page 8PAGE 8. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2017. BIA fully supportive of Festival of Wizardry remount Living the dream The Festival of Wizardry saw thousands of visitors descend on Blyth earlier this month and featured activities such as the wizarding sport of quidditch and an entire park of backdrops and props dedicated to taking the best selfies. Above, people lined up to have their chance to hop on a broom and live out their flying fantasies. (File photo) By Denny Scott The Citizen The Festival of Wizardry brought rave reviews from the village's downtown businesses during the Oct. 18 meeting of the Blyth Business Improvement Area (BIA). BIA Chair Karen Stewart explained that, while the experience was fantastic, she wanted to think of ways the BIA could better support the event next year, including constructive criticism. While everyone did preface their comments with what a great event the meeting was, member business representatives did have some suggestions for Transfigured Town, the festival's parent company, for next year's event. Another kind of magic Music was a big part of the Festival of Wizardry as "w -rock" or wizard rock groups and other performers took to the stage to sing about their favourite fictional spell flingers. Above, Girl Pow -R took the stage early on Saturday, providing entertainment for families looking for a place to sit and take in some young talent. The event found fans with members of the Blyth Business Improvement Area due to the number of appreciative visitors it brought to the village's downtown core. (File photo) IPM shirt costs raises questions Continued from page 7 hand-outs," Chief Administrator Clerk -Treasurer Nancy Michie explained. "Don't get me wrong, the booth looked awesome, but I think it was out of line for the municipality to spend that much on the IPM," Zinn said. Councillor Jim Nelemans debated the issue, saying that the $8,600 wasn't part of a budget but was staff hours that would be balanced out by time -off this year. Mayor Paul Gowing felt the money was worthwhile, especially with the feedback he had received. "I had a discussion with Huron County staff and visitors to the Huron County pavilion and much of the traffic at the county tent was towards our booth," he said. "We have to remember that half of Walton is in Morris-Turnberry and it was important for us to be present there... I never received a single negative comment back." Zinn stuck to her guns, saying she was still "shocked" by the amount, but none of her fellow councillors shared her frustration. "You can't put on a show without spending a few dollars," Gowing said. Councillor Dorothy Kelly said that Morris-Turnberry's focus on using local producers in their give- aways and booth prizes was recognized and respected by the municipality's ratepayers. Zinn was also concerned with the cost of shirts provided to Public Works staff that were part of the project. The cost of the shirts was part of the municipality's September accounts and cost $912.81 for 11 shirts. The overall price had Zinn questioning the vendor chosen. Administrator Clerk -Treasurer Nancy Michie explained that the final bill for the shirts, which cost $50 prior to customization for the event, was split over the three municipalities, however Zinn still felt the price was overly expensive. Council received the report detailing the total cost of the IPM and approved the accounts for September, including its share of the $912.81 bill. Irene Kellins of Stitches with a Twist said she would have liked more information presented to the businesses and more communication from the group as to what to expect. Queens Bakery representative Les Cook agreed, saying that, with a little more information and the experience of this year under their belts, the retailer and service locations in the community will be more prepared and put on an even better event than they did this year. Cook said he hopes Transfigured Town repeats the event saying that, for the day the event ran, his restaurant could not have done better business. He also said the people attending the event were "beautiful people" who came looking to spend money. "I have never seen so many people come to a place to have a good time and stand in line like that without complaining," he said. "They were having fun while they waited doing other things and, whatever other issues happened outside the shop, we are very happy." Stewart said Blyth Memorial Hall, which doubled as the Borealis School of Wizardry for the event, welcomed 3,000 people in one day. She agreed with Cook's assessment of the group as well. "There was no one crying, shoving or pushing," she said. BIA Vice -Chair Gary van Leeuwen, who sits on the BIA executive representing the local clergy, asked what brought so many guests downtown. Stewart explained there were the events at Memorial Hall as well as two scavenger hunts set for the day. "[The annual reunion of the Huron Pioneer Thresher and Hobby Association] doesn't bring people downtown like that," van Leeuwen said. BIA Treasurer Deb Sholdice said the group was a younger crowd and that might explain some of the increase in traffic in the village's downtown core. "These people came looking for an event," she said. "They were really looking for a Transfigured Town." Several BIA members said Blyth didn't disappoint those looking for a made -over town, with Cook saying he heard at least 20 people comment on how impressive the village was. Cook wanted the BIA to focus itself and its retail and restaurant members on making a Wizard Month in the village to help support the event and keep it going. "Why not make it a whole month?," he said "If the event is going to be annual, in September instead of October and in the village, let's invite the local community to help get everyone into the spirit. Start the celebration two weeks before the festival and run it two weeks after. There is no reason we can't have that kind of buy -in." Van Leeuwen said any kind of events have to complement the Festival, pointing to the yard sales that pop up throughout Blyth during the annual Thresher's Reunion. "They love them," he said. "We have to look at what we can do in people's homes and backyards to make it work." The BIA vowed no specific action in regards to the Festival, however there was some discussion regarding the Festival of Thrones, a medieval - themed event set to be hosted at Blyth Cowbell Brewing Company next June. Stewart explained the event will be held at the same time as the Alice Munro Festival of the Short Story and stated she hoped there wasn't a problem with lack of facilities due to the events being held concurrently. Bainton's Old Mill Downtown Blyth 519-523-4740 RECYCLE PRINTED PAPERS & PACKAGING CANS Aluminum and Steel Cans empty and rinse CARTONS Food and Beverage empty and replace cap PAPER GLASS Bottles and Jars empty and rinse Printed Paper, Boxes, and Cardboard flatten PLASTICS Kitchen, Laundry, Bathroom: Bottles and Containers empty and replace cap CALL us at 800-265-9799 or email at info@bra.org Space provided through a partnership between industry and Ontario municipalities to support waste diversion programs.