“Outstanding Team” Behind Notch Hill’s Fall Festival
By Celia Dyer
Event Coordinator and Notch Hill Town Hall Association Vice President Carol Mowers (R) gives out candy. (Photo credit: Celia Dyer)
The folks at Notch Hill Hall knocked it out of the park in October with their fourth annual Fall Harvest Market.
As coordinator Carol Mowers says, the fun-filled family event just keeps getting better and better. Even the rain couldn’t dampen the spirit of the day; the countless hours of preparation and the enthusiasm of the organizing committee easily outshone the grey skies.
Visitors enjoyed a variety of delicious treats including Carol’s famous soups (reason enough to attend any Notch Hill event), a haunted basement, a paint-your-pumpkin station, several raffles and the handiwork and local produce of over 30 vendors. More than enough entertainment to perk up a cloudy day!
Chatting with Carol the evening before, it is clear that an event like this is like an iceberg - the fun and games are what you see; what you don’t see is the massive effort that brings it to life.
“It takes a village. We have an outstanding team of over 20 volunteers and amazing support from local businesses and individuals.”
The committee sends out special thanks to Destiny Acres for bringing the pumpkin patch to the Hall, Village Grocer and Tappen Co-op for food donations and all the locals who donated decorations.
Maple Midan and one of her sheep at the fall festival. (Photo credit Celia Dyer).
Many of the activities at the Market are fundraisers for the Notch Hill Town Hall Association. The big project on the horizon is accessible washrooms. So far, they have raised nearly $20,000 of a $33,500 goal. Donations are gratefully accepted by e-transfer to notchhilltownhall1910@gmail.com.
The ‘family friendly’ element is at the heart of the Fall Harvest Market. “We make a conscious effort to create a tradition for the younger generation”, says Carol. “It is rewarding to see families enjoying themselves together.”
It’s also rewarding to observe the commitment of someone like Carol who is very tied to her community. She recalls attending Notch Hill School for grade one and the Haunted Basement her teacher created that year for Halloween. “I was too chicken to go down there and I’ve always regretted that. I guess that’s partly why I enjoy recreating the fun for the kids.”
The setting for the Market couldn’t be more perfect. “Look at these beautiful maple trees. The beauty of this place is what inspired this event.” On the eve of the Market, Carol is about to finish her last job; decorating the old farm wagon. It’s her favourite task and she saves it for the end. “It’s so peaceful here”. Other volunteers check in before they head home; it’s been a long day at the end of many long days of preparation. “We have such an awesome team; everyone pulls their weight. It’s so worth it, that sense of accomplishment when we’re ready to go.”
The next day is not the perfect bluebird day Carol says they have always had for the event but kids’ laughter and the joyful vibe eclipse any gloominess in the weather.
There’s something timeless about Notch Hill. The decades have flown by but the community spirit is constant; thanks to the dedicated people who work so hard to keep it alive.
Pumpkin painter Shiloh Wrenko-Quispicusi. (Photo credit: Celia Dyer)
Don’t miss the CPKC Holiday Train on December 17th at Notch Hill; truly one of the most worthwhile events of the season. Great entertainment, more Christmas spirit than a sleigh full of elves and a super fundraiser for our local Sorrento Food Bank.
See you there!
