The Rural Voice, 2006-08, Page 63RAINY RIVER
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RR 1, STRATTON, ON POW 1NO
807-487-2387
Federation of A riculture NEWSLETTER RAINY RIVER VALLEY RTheiver Fede
uritionnVmembers
is provided to Rainy
9 by the RRFA.
It is currently so dry in the Rainy
River District that toads have been
seen doing a rain dance. We can only
hope they get results.
Ken and Lorraine McDonald have
turned the keys to the Stratton
Community Store over to new
owners, Stan and Teresa Martin who
took possession on July 6. Ken says
that he has enjoyed his time behind
the counter of the 100 -plus -years -old
former store, and he has seen a lot of
changes.
When he thinks back, he
remembers the old-timers who are no
longer with us. The store has long
been the place where everyone
contributed money for flowers
whenever there was a death in the
community.
They are both justifiably proud of
their role in sustaining the economic
and social life of the Stratton area,
and are grateful for the support that
the community has shown them over
the years. Ken says that Stratton is a
small town that has done well and he
hopes that people continue to support
the local services so they remain
strong.
In spite of rumours to the contrary,
Lorraine insists that Ken is not
running for council this fall. She says
there is still plenty of work to be done
on the farm.
The antiques will continue to
decorate the high walls of the store
but the Martins have been busy
putting their own touch to the
business. They are excited about
acquiring the ability to accept
electronic payment. They have
become an independent, Fine Foods
outlet and, along with groceries and
household needs, will continue to
carry hardware, feed, and farm
supplies. Unifeed is their feed
supplier. Stan and Teresa are
encouraged by the good wishes of the
community and invite everyone to
drop in and become acquainted.
The Rainy River Valley
Agricultural Society is gearing up for
How dry is it?
its 105th Annual Fall Fair to be held
August 17, 18 and 19. Secretary Janet
Judson says they are expecting about
7,000 people to walk through the
gates. With new events, some new
food vendors and lots of
entertainment lined up, they are
expecting this to be a great fair.
Watch for the 15 volunteer farm
animal students who will be
entertaining children of all ages.
With the wonderful gardens this year,
the board is hoping for an abundance
of produce in the exhibit hall.
Whether in the beer gardens, the
grandstand, the farm Progress
Building, at the 4-H auction or on a
bench in a shady spot, the fair is a
great place to see all those old
familiar faces and catch up on what
has happened over the past year.
To learn more about the fair and to
view the schedule of events, go to
their most informative website at
www.twspemo.on.ca/rrvas
The Rainy River Regional
Abattoir will hold an informational
meeting on August 10 to present a
draft constitution, an update on
incorporation and to look at abattoir
design options. Plan to attend this
meeting. The board is still hoping for
more members, and producers who
have not yet paid their membership
fee are reminded to do so as soon as
possible.
Dr. Heather and Jarrod Gunn-
McQuillon are leaving the area.
Heather has accepted a position at a
veterinary clinic in the Sechelt area of
BC. Although their stay has been
brief, their departure will leave a gap
in many aspects of life in RRD. They
are supporters of all things local and
became vendors at the farmers'
market this spring: Heather creating
her beautiful beadwork and Jarrod
selling Nature's Candy organic
compost. We wish Jarrod and
Heather all the best.
Watch for your copy of the, "Buy
Local! Buy Fresh!" brochure, coming
out in early August, and plan to
attend the, "Taste Local! Taste
Fresh!" event at Clover Valley
Farmers' Market on the evening of
Thursday September 14. Local chefs
will team up with local food
producers to create a wide range of
local culinary delights. The food
Council is a diverse group of
individuals interested in food, local
agriculture, community health and
the environment whose purpose is to
improve the awareness of the
economic, community and
environmental health benefits of
locally produced foods.
A handful of producers who
regularly attend Clover Valley
Farmers' Market are having a busier
summer than usual with markets now
running regularly in Kenora, Sioux
Lookout, and recently, Atikokan.
These producers are helping the
Rainy River Valley become
recognized as Northwestern Ontario's
food basket.0
— Submitted by Rick Neilson
For Your
Calendar:
August 10
Rainy River Regional
Abattoir, informational
meeting
August 17, 18 & 19
Emo and District Fall Fair
August 24, 25 & 26
Dryden Fair
Stratton Sales Dates:
September 9 - Yearling Sale
October 7 - Calf Sale
October 28 - Final Sale
AUGUST 2006 59