Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2002-07-31, Page 1Getting things ship shape It was plenty hot for outdoor work, but that didn't stop Blyth people, like Jim Henry. The village was humming on Saturday with the whir of hedgetrimmers and buzz of lawnmowers as residents tidied up for the visit of the Communities in Bloom judges on Monday. Chosen as National champion in the competition last year, Blyth was entered this summer in the Canadian Classic, with its North Huron sister ward, Wingham. The judges were scheduled to tour the latter on Tuesday after which they would be entertained at a garden party that evening. (Vicky Bremner photo) Blyth gears up for 125th .1111ini• I NOR- —URON PUBLISHING COMPANY INC I Inside this week Family hosts Pg. 6 exchange student Pg. 8 Pg. 9 125thcommfttee Pg. 10 wraps up n 65 Airstreams rg. 17 rendezvous in Blyth Girls perform well at provincial meet Heart and Soul gets $1,000 e Citizen Serving the communities of Blyth and Brussels and northern Huron County Volume 18 No. 30 Wednesday, July 31, 2002 75 Cents (70c + 5c GST) It was a million dollar rain to farmers By Janice Becker - , • Citizen staff The recent rains which have gently doused the area may have been worth a couple million dollars to Ontario farmers. Brian Hall, crop production systems specialist with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food, said the rains came at the perfect time. "It really stimulated the crops. That rain was worth a lot of money," he said. "It was an immense boost for the corn as it is just tasseling and pollinating." Other crops have benefited from the moisture. The earlier dry spell left the second cut of many hay crops short, particularly if the first cut was done late in the season. However, the rain should help the regrowth and increase the potential yield from a third cutting. The soya and edible beans, though better able to withstand moisture stress longer than corn because of the longer flowering period, have also received a boost, said Hall. For fruit and vegetable crops which required a great deal of moisture due to their high water content, Hall said the rainfall should result in "upsizing" of the products, particularly where there is no irrigation. While most farmers would have benefited from the precipitation, Hall said there are some who could have suffered due to the timing. "It was not good where the winter wheat was coming off," he said. "The humidity and moisture also make it slow to dry." Continued high humidity and Continued on page 11 It promises to he a weekend of recounting memories, greeting old friends and having a whole lot of fun when Blyth welcomes everyone to join in celebrating its 125th anniversary. This weekend will be packed with activities and displays for visitors to view, beginning with the opening ceremonies Friday evening. After being welcomed by local dignitaries in downtown Blyth, guests are invited to register at the public school as well as check out the souvenirs, photo display and craft show while there. The hole-in-one competition begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Blyth ball diamond and when the duffers are done, they can gathq with the rest of the celebrants at the Lions Park for karaoke from 9 p.m. to midnight. Saturday morning starts early with the firefighters serving breakfast from 7 a.m. to -10 a.m. at the firchall. This will also be an opportunity to have a look at the new thermal imaging camera being purchased by the Blyth and District Fire Department. Registration will once again be taken at the public school, starting at 8 a.m. The school also houses the craft show and sale along with the spinners and weavers guild. Beginning at I p.m. and running through 4 p.m. the photo contest entries will be on display. At II a.m., visitors are invited to gather along Dinsley and Queen Streets for the parade. There will be music by Jam Session at Lions Park at 1 p.m. The afternoon will feature the antique and classic car show at the fairgrounds, a dunk tank at Lions park from 1 p.m. to *p.m., bed races and water barrel games along gypsy Lane from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. and a continuation of the hole-in-one challenge. For those interested in perusing some of Blyth's most beautiful spots, an historic walk and garden tour will be held from 2 p.m. to 4 p,m., To -feed the hungry, the Lions will fire up the barbecue Saturday evening from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. The day will close with a dance at Thresher Shed 3. beginning at 8 p.m. The band Shroom Jaw plays 50s and 60 tunes. The Londesboro Lions breakfast will tempt the palates Sunday morning from 7 p.m. to 11 a.m., at the Lions Park. A non-denominational church service, at 10:30' a.m., led by Don Vair, will be held at the fairgroimds. The service will feature Men of Note. The stock tractor pull will run- from noon until 4 p.m. There is a charge of $5 per family. A reunion baseball game at 2 p.m. will see the Marnock Maroons take on the Blyth Inn. The hole-in-one continues at the ball diamond with the finals at 3 p.m. The craft show and spinners and weavers display at the school remains until 4 p.m. The Legion will host a beef barbecue from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. with closing ceremonies to follow at the west side of the arena. There are individual costs .for both barbecue suppers ($10).. the Saturday evening dance ($10), the historic walk and garden tour ($8) and the tractor pull ($5 per family). Bloom judges arrived Monday By Janice Becker Citizen staff Monday, July 29 was the day the Village of Blyth was put on display. showing off the finery and community effort. Communities in Bloom judges Margaret Howe, a master gardener from Brantford and Dave Hilton, a parks manager from Kamloops, B.C., were in town visiting homes. commercial and industrial sites as well as recreation and park areas. After spend the morning hours touring in the comfort of an air- conditioned car, the judges stopped at the Lions Park for lunch and further discussion of the projects undertaken by residents. Though Blyth is .the first on their list of 10 communities to visit, Howe, a seven-year veteran of the competition, said she was impressed with Blyth. "1 have travelled across Canada and have seen communities with larger populations that do not have the facilities or level of involvement shown here," she said. Hilton, in his second year of judging, agreed that he is very impressed with the community, particularly with the interest of involvement by residents. "There is a lot of pride here. There are a lot of good things," he said, adding it is evident there are a many movers and shakers and forward thinkers in the village. "For a town this size, it is incredible what you are doing, " he said. Though the judging is basically the same as in the regular categories with the judges looking at overall tidiness, urban forestry, landscapes, floral displays, turf areas, environmental effort, heritage conservation and community involvement, there is an additional component to the classic division. The partnership between the previous winner, Blyth, and the first time contestant, Wingham, is an important factor. Hilton said that from a dinner held Sunday evening, it was evident the two communities had worked well together. "They worked as though they represented one community." "This is one of the best partnerships I have ever seen," added Howe. The judges continued their tour of Blyth then travelled to Wingham on Tuesday for the second half of the entry. Blyth-Wingham will be competing against Meaford-Blue Mountain. Williams Lake-Langley, B.C., Viking-Tolield. AB and Birtle- Gimli. MB. The winner will be announced during the national awards ceremonies held in Kelowna, B.C.. Oct. 4-5.