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Friday, May 24, 2019 3 Brooklin Town Crier Less than half the picture: By Richard Bercuson In praise of carnival "food" and smells Once upon a time, north of where I grew up in Montreal, there was an amusement park, Parc Belmont. It reeked of popcorn, cotton candy (wait, does cotton candy even have a smell?), and hot dogs which were a pale imitation of Montreal Forum ones. I don't recall Belmont's foodies toasting the buns, so they weren't entirely satisfying. Better to go to a Habs game and feast on some real meat. Even though I was a chicken for daring rides, Belmont Park, which finally met its maker around 1983, provided just enough cheap entertainment and unhealthy nourishment to fill an evening. I believe as well I took a couple of dates to Belmont. Memories are razor thin and we'll likely need to await the unauthorized biography, but the chance of winning a crummy stuffed toy for a girl was nearly too much to bear. I don't know where kids go these days on "dates." However, you just can't go wrong at the Fair. Everything's in one spot: food, games, rides, quiet spots - and it's about as safe as it can get. The carnival part of our Spring Fair is such a strong link to a bygone time. While this will be my fourth, there are Brooklinites who've attended for decades. I almost envy the memories they're creating now as many return with their own kids and kids' kids. True, the rides and eats are a darn sight more expensive than eons ago. So what? Sometimes you need to ignore the guilt about society's mantra to always eat well. I'm all for less meat, more veggies and fruit, better seeds and protein, fewer calories, minimal sugar, and absolutely nothing that comes in a package. What you're left with are the joys of popcorn, ice cream and, my Spring Fair favourite, corn on the cob roasted before my very eyes. Shucks (oh man, that's terrible), they're good! The place is noisy, the ground often wet, even muddy if it's rained, and everywhere you turn, kids are whining about wanting this ride or that and when will it be time to get something to eat. Everyone's wired. The lineups for ride tickets are often lengthy and panicky parents search for the booth with the shortest line as children tug, impatient with the 30-second wait. Meanwhile, the "carnies" - and I use the word in a general descriptive sense, not as a derogatory one - are uniformly friendly and accomodating. You chat them up, they'll chat right back, obviously a lovely respite from the tedium of running rides or games. It's a wonderful smelly assault-on-my-senses-and-wallet experience with my 3 and 5 year old grandgirls. I'm hoping neither develops the bravado I've long lacked to go on scarier rides. Their mom or dad can then take them. I'll go search for yummy carnival nourishment. Our Brooklin Kids By Leanne Brown Everyoneloves a parade Spring is in the air and one thing that screams spring in Brooklin - more than baseball, biking and sunshine - is the Spring Fair. Arriving the first weekend in June, it's much more than just a local event; it's an event not to be missed. One of the best events is the parade. It begins on Carnwith, heads down Baldwin then goes east on Winchester on Saturday, June 1, starting at 10:30 am. The B.A.M. Lions Club proudly backs its organization. The parade is definitely one of the fair's highlights of the fair and it continues to grow each year. It still reflects the many long standing traditions of years past yet incorporates today's local businesses. When I first moved to Brooklin, I remember thinking how charming it was. As I stood watching the local dance schools, karate groups and floats pass by, I felt a deep sense of community. A year later, my daughter and I walked in the parade, or rather, I walked and she cruised in her stroller. For many, the parade is a place to gather as each year we get together with friends and neighbours to watch it. The strollers lining the route or blankets crowded with little kids strategically positioned on the sidewalk are examples of how the procession holds a special place for our town. You never know who you'll meet there. It might be a new neighbour or a great new community group you've been wanting to learn more about. If you haven't seen the parade, this is the year to do it. Grab the kids and gather together a some friends. You'll be delighted. Every time I go, I run into old friends I don't see often. As the kids cheer on the floats and collect candy, we adults catch up on our lives. The parade is also a great way to support local schools and businesses participating in it. I love how our kids cheer and wave at friends, displaying a pride in their community that warms the heart. It's also fun to get to know local businesses along the route. Grab an ice cream or coffee to enjoy. And when the parade wraps up, join the crowd as everyone heads to the fairgrounds. After all, the parade is generally regarded as the start of their day at the fair. The theme this year is "Show us your dairy-eh". Break out your cow-themed attire and show your spirit. See you at the parade! "Proud to be a Brooklinite" Founded in 2000 and published 24 times per year. Editor, Richard Bercuson 613-769-8629 • editorofbtc@gmail.com The Brooklin Town Crier is locally owned and operated and is a publication of Appletree Graphic Design Inc. We accept advertising in good faith but do not endorse advertisers nor advertisements. All editorial submissions are subject to editing. For advertising information, contact: 905.655.7642 Email: brooklintowncrier@gmail.com Next Issue: Friday, June 7, 2019 Deadline: Friday, May 31, 2019 Group 74 Spearheads New Art Event Fundraiser This old bench in Grass Park is soon to be replaced. A new "Brooklin Creates" event and Group 74 are partnering with the Optimists Club Brooklin which has commissioned a new bench to replace the one that's crumbling. The new one is currently being made. Funds from Brooklin Creates will help the Optimists pay for half of the bench. "Brooklin Creates" will take place in Grass Park on June 22, 10 am - 3 pm. Free for the community, vendors will sell their handmade items and/or offer a craft to attendees. Sponsorship dollars will cover the sound equipment cost for entertainment in the Gazebo while vendor money will pay for the new Bear Bench. Group 74 will host a raffle table with items donated by local businesses and vendors, Prima Dance Academy will perform in the Gazebo along with local bands, Myrtle Station and a jazz band. Whitby Farmers Market Now Open The Whitby Farmers' Market is open for its 2019 season, every Wednesday until October 16. The market will offer residents and visitors the opportunity to shop for local produce, baked goods, one-of-a-kind handmade products and more. From fragrant flowers to fresh fruit, the market provides a unique shopping experience, with plenty of vendors to choose from. The Whitby Farmers' Market runs Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Celebration Square in front of the Whitby Public Library. For more information, visit whitby. ca/farmersmarket.