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Country Market a community landmalk Last week it was announced that one of Whitchurchj Stouffville’s best known landmarks, the Stouffvillc Country Market,willbecloeing its doors for good at the lendof 2007. . The market has undergone many changes since its inception in 1952 as Stouffville Stockyards. lt evolved to become an incredi- bly popular flea market, selling everything from electronics to clothing at rock bottom prices. People came from miles around to buy Oktoberfest sausages, delicious baked goods and fresh produce. Althou traffic through town was always heavily congested on Satur ay morning: with cars en route to the market, the car- nival atmosphere, punctuated by motorists' plaintive cries of 'Can you tell me how to get to the flea market?’ became an inte- gral part of life for urban residents in the community. During the market’s heyday, the downtown core was a desti- nation in itself, with clothing stores, one of the best book shops anywhere and Card's Hardware, which was always choc-a-bloc full of guys, happily hanging out in their second home. And while the market's popularity waned in the latter part of the century, it continues to draw visitors and still defines Stouffville for many out-of-towne'rs. I- I .l 441;- -E _ -_â€"II Stouffville Country Market embodied the spirit of a small community and many residents will mourn its passing. As er s fill Main St. for our fabulous Strawberry Festival at the of this month, the carnival atmosphere will return to town. And as we grow bigger and more urban, let’s not lose sight of the unique attributes that help us maintain our identity as a small, close-knit community. Without a suitable venue for live performances, the York Durham Academy of Athei’erforining Arts is facing the possibili- u “nu...- - _..____7 ty it may have to fold. Ironically, it has never been more suc- cessful than in its current season, when it moved back into town from Vaughan. Audiences are up by 40 to 50 per cent and the cal- ibre of productions is truly impressive. I (__ ‘L- ‘1ut0Irn "an lvl‘v UL Ivyâ€"vu-v--â€" .' -â€" _Vl , I On June 20, council will review a proposal for the future use of 19 Civic Ave. WhateVer i onclusions, the town is at the point where it needs a proper venue for live performances, and those who believe arts andtulture, are an integral part of a well- rounded community are urged to attend this meeting and make their voices heard; - " How do you feel about thecountry Market closing? animus-l Oahu-huh.- wen-IIMU 15-mi- I tan-Inuit ““4 ”W “h n.â€" nuuma-um, "c3: N huh-m ”(mu-non mug-pushi- d It’s sad to no It go. It’s a real Stouflvlllo Institution. I remember going up to my cottage when I mu m Ind flopping than. of a small I will be 54)an It close. It's a shame to lose the market bacausa It's a Stouffvllla landmark. To the Editor: . On behalf of Music Mania and the Oouples+ Club, we would like to thank the Stouffville Free Press for the coverage you ran regarding Music Mania. The publicity support you provide is of great assistance to the production's success. Congratulations to director Dave Baxter and producers Gayle Dunn and Jean Buchan for such a successful year with their production, '1 Second That Emotion'. This amazing show takes the help of many people beyond the talented, hard-work- .-- .... “A rmu A hio thank van to evervone that helped in any way, including ‘rng east and crew. A big thank you to everyone that helped in any way, including local restaurants that generoualy donated to our ‘Out to Dinner' program. This year the proceed! are being donated to the Whitchurch-Stouffville Public Library towards furniture for the children's area, to Parkview Home, and to a high school scholarship award for the performing arts. Plans are beginning for next year 'a ahow - the 47th annual production. The door Is open to any adult in Whitchurcb-Stouffville who would enjoy taking part. Cap and Betty Cowan Presidents, Couples+ Club Stouffville United Church ' Readers Write Amazing show benefits from community support The imminent lasso? {kc Sfmfiv'Me‘Cwntry ~ Market to resideniid devdopment may u leave {lea magic} fans sang-Lat in shock..- huh W It's an unfonufie "suit of change. The market was once sig- nificant to the hmlnggcommunhy and local toudsmn pecl shape dehwwfln WWMMMIpI-Mdlom m..- lummwm-Mlmmmonn Mudflmuh-mInm-muWa our communl It‘ushmfi'nhlmflclmdm hmln'l'own. autumn-Mob. --|buslnmdcclslon.an‘ltlm (hing: happen.